What does the term "mucogingival surgery" refer to?

The term "mucogingival surgery" specifically refers to surgical procedures aimed at correcting soft tissue defects in the gingiva and surrounding mucosal areas. This type of surgery addresses issues such as gingival recessions, lack of attached gingiva, and other aesthetic or functional concerns that involve the gums and mucosa.

By focusing on soft tissue, mucogingival surgery can enhance the gingival contour, improve aesthetics, and increase the amount of keratinized tissue around teeth. It may involve techniques such as grafting to restore or reposition gum tissue. This procedure is integral to periodontal treatment as it not only helps in restoring the contours or esthetics but also contributes to periodontal health by minimizing areas prone to plaque accumulation.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of dental surgery. Bone restructuring would pertain more to surgical procedures aimed at the underlying bone, which does not directly involve the mucosa or soft tissue. Removing diseased gum tissue targets infection rather than the reconstruction or correction of defects, while surgery for teeth alignment is unrelated to mucogingival corrections, as it primarily pertains to orthodontics rather than periodontal health.