Effectiveness of Plasma-Rich Fibrin and De-Epithelialized Free Gingival Graft in the Treatment of Gingival Recessions.

Introduction/Aim: Soft tissue dehiscences such as gingival recessions are a very common problem that we face in modern periodontics. This clinical study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of surgical procedures using a de-epithelialized gingival graft (DGG) combined with a coronally advanced flap and to evaluate the application of plasma-rich fibrin (PRF). Methods: The study included 40 teeth (20 patients) with Miller class I and II gingival recessions. Twenty recessions (20 patients) were treated utilizing the de-epithelialized gingival graft in combination with the coronally advanced flap, and on the opposite side of the jaw, the same number of recessions were treated utilizing plasma-rich fibrin combined with the coronally advanced flap. To evaluate tissue condition and the clinical parameters before and after the surgical procedure, the following parameters were used: the degree of epithelial attachment (DEA), the width of keratinized gingiva (WKG), and the vertical depth of recession (VDR). Results: based on the achieved results and the analysis of clinical parameters, a statistically significant reduction in the vertical depth of recession was proven in both groups, with very similar mean percentages of root coverage, with the difference being that the stability of the soft tissues of the treated region was more visible in the DGG. Conclusion: using modern surgical procedures allows the regeneration of not only the soft tissues but also deeper periodontal tissues.

Soft tissue-related complications and management around dental implants.

Implant installation for replacing missing teeth is a frequent treatment procedure with high long-term survival and success rates. However, the success of implant therapy may be jeopardized by several complications related to mistakes in treatment planning, surgical procedure, management of hard and soft tissues, and infections. Increasing evidence suggests that the stability of the soft tissues surrounding osseointegrated dental implants may substantially influence long-term clinical stability and esthetics. Therefore, when implant therapy is planned, the clinician must not only be able to perform the appropriate steps to maintain/create a stable soft tissue, but also needs to be aware of the potential sources for complications and possess the adequate knowledge for their appropriate management. The present paper provides an overview of the most important aspects related to the prevention and management of soft tissue-related complications in conjunction with implant therapy. The current literature indicates that the presence of an adequate width of keratinized attached mucosa around dental implants may lead to better soft and hard tissue stability, less plaque accumulation, limited soft tissue recession, and lower incidence of peri-implant mucositis. Proper implant positioning by carefully considering appropriate mesio-distal and bucco-lingual dimensions and implant angulation may prevent the loss of interdental soft tissues and development of soft tissue recessions. To optimize the width of keratinized attached mucosa, the appropriate soft tissue augmentation protocol should be selected for each particular indication. When the use of autogenous soft tissue grafts is planned, a thorough knowledge of the anatomical structures is mandatory in order to harvest soft tissue grafts of an appropriate quality and quantity and to avoid/minimize postoperative complications. Finally, the clinician needs to master the necessary steps in order to manage complications related to extensive bleeding and tissue necrosis that may occur in conjunction with soft tissue augmentation procedures.

High-load preconditioning of soft tissue grafts: an in vitro biomechanical bovine tendon model.

PURPOSE: No consensus exists regarding the optimal preconditioning protocol that will minimize postoperative elongation while creating a graft that is biomechanically equivalent to the native anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). It was hypothesized that a preconditioning protocol of specific mode and magnitude would create a graft with equivalent stiffness to the native ACL. METHODS: Thirty-six bovine extensor tendon grafts were randomly allocated among six preconditioning groups (n = 6 per group) including three cyclic (10 cycles at 0.5 Hz between 10-80, 100-300, and 300-600 N) and three static loading protocols (20 s at 80, 300, and 600 N). Grafts were then cyclically loaded between 50 and 250 N at 0.5 Hz for 500 cycles to simulate an early rehabilitation protocol. RESULTS: Cyclic 300-600 N and static 600 N loading protocols both demonstrated significantly less elongation during simulated rehabilitation when compared to lower, current clinical standard preconditioning levels of 10-80 N (-62% Δ) and 80 N (-69% Δ). The same high-load preconditioning protocols demonstrated statistical equivalence in stiffness when compared to the previously reported stiffness of the native ACL. CONCLUSIONS: In this experimental model, increased force applied to soft tissue grafts during preconditioning significantly decreased the subsequent elongation experienced during simulated early rehabilitation. A static load of 600 N removed the most graft elongation during preconditioning, had the least amount of cyclic displacement during simulated early rehabilitation, and was statistically equivalent to the native ACL stiffness. Implementation of high-load preconditioning of soft tissue grafts may help improve outcomes following ACL reconstruction by reducing residual knee laxity resulting from postoperative graft elongation and the intrinsic viscoelastic properties of the graft tissue while imparting biomechanical characteristics (e.g. stiffness) equivalent to the native ACL.

Lack of consensus regarding pretensioning and preconditioning protocols for soft tissue graft reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament.

PURPOSE: Pretensioning and preconditioning of soft tissue grafts are often performed to obviate graft stress relaxation and elongation due to viscoelastic graft properties following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. It was hypothesized that a consensus could be identified in the current literature regarding the biomechanical effects and clinical benefits of an optimal protocol. METHODS: A systematic electronic literature search was performed by two independent reviewers to identify relevant publications. Only studies describing and/or comparing pretensioning or preconditioning protocols of soft tissue grafts or equivalent animal research models were eligible for inclusion. Study design, graft type, and protocol, including method, magnitude, mode (cyclic and/or static loading), and duration of load application, were compared. Research results and clinical conclusions were also evaluated for each study. RESULTS: Five studies, including four in vitro biomechanical investigations and one histological analysis of patient tissue, met the predefined criteria for inclusion. Studies described numerous pretensioning and/or preconditioning protocols with varying force, time, and application modalities for multiple soft tissue graft types and animal models. The majority of studies (80 %) utilized at least one pretensioning or preconditioning protocol between 80 and 89 N, while only one study investigated substantially higher loads (500 N). CONCLUSIONS: Despite common trends demonstrating the effects of pretensioning and preconditioning, no clear consensus regarding an optimal protocol, magnitude, or modality could be identified within the currently available relevant literature. Further multidisciplinary research is required before an optimal or consensus protocol can be established for soft tissue ACL reconstruction. Regardless, the current biomechanical literature demonstrates the potential clinically beneficial effects of pretensioning and preconditioning, including reduced graft elongation and greater preservation of graft tension and stiffness following fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Systematic review, Level II.

Evaluation of Soft-Tissue Grafting in Peri-implantitis - An Original Research.

Introduction: With the increased application of the implants for the restoration of the lost teeth, the peri-implantitis cases are seen on a rise. Hence, we conducted a study retrospectively to evaluate, among the peri-implantitis cases, the success of the soft-tissue grafting. Material and Methods: We piloted a retrospective study among 50 subjects of both genders who underwent the soft-tissue grafting for the treatment of the peri-implantitis of a total of 69 implants. The clinical parameters noted were at the baseline and at various years of follow-ups. The data of the clinical parameters were noted, and the data thus noted were compared deliberating P < 0.05 as significant. Results: Thin soft-tissue biotype was noted among all the subjects, with the increased width of the keratinized mucosa. Significant lowering of the probing depth, bleeding on probing, and the mobility of the tissue were noted. Conclusions: We can conclude that soft-tissue grafting Is a benificial method for the peri-implantitis treatment.

The Posterior Extension of the Palatal Rugae as an Anatomical Constraint for Soft Tissue Grafts in a Saudi Arabian Population.

Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the distal extension of the palatal rugae area as an anatomical constraint on the harvesting of palatal soft tissue grafts in a Saudi Arabian population. Additionally, factors that could affect or predict the extension were considered. Methods Three hundred seventy-four (374) dental casts from Saudi nationals currently residing in Riyadh (170 males and 204 females) were included. Two independent observers used a standardized probe to measure the posterior extent of the rugae on each stone cast bilaterally on a horizontal base. A sharp graphite pencil was used to mark the measurements from the origin of the rugae to their terminal ends on the cast, and a magnification lens was used to identify them. Using this technique, the most posterior extension of the rugae was marked and then analyzed. The normal approximation test for binomial distribution was used to determine the proportion of the subjects with rugael extensions beyond the mesial end of the upper second premolar, and logistic regression was used to see the association of this extension with other factors. Results The asymptotic chi-squared (p = 0.0002) McNemar tests revealed that the posterior distal extension of the rugae was not the same on both sides. A normal approximation test for the left side with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) with the "rugael extension proximal to the mesial end of the upper second premolar" category considered "success" found that the proportion of upper second premolars with rugael extensions proximal to the mesial end was not significantly different to the proportion of rugael extensions beyond the mesial end of the upper second premolars (95% CI: 48.69%-58.79%, p = 0.147). Conversely, the proportion of the upper second premolars with rugael extensions proximal to the mesial end was significantly lower than that beyond the mesial end on the right (95% CI: 35.92%-45.89%, p = 0.00004). Gender, age, and palatal shape did not significantly affect the posterior extension of palatal rugae. Conclusions The palatal rugae on the left side of a sample of the Saudi Arabian population do not considerably extend beyond the upper second premolar mesial aspect, which may provide reliable soft tissue grafts for esthetic mucogingival surgery.

Impact of fully or partially guided surgery on the position of single implants immediately placed in maxillary incisor sockets: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the deviation of the implant position after placement in single maxillary incisor post-extraction sockets between fully and partially guided surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients with a failing maxillary incisor were randomly allocated into two groups: the partially guided surgery (PGS, n = 12) group or fully guided surgery (FGS, n = 12) group. Clinical analyses, intra-oral scans, and computed tomography scans (CT) were initially performed to define the virtual positioning of the implants and fabrication of the 3D printed surgical guides. A narrow, 3.5 × 16 mm implant was placed in each socket. In this moment, the insertion torque (IT) was assessed and resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was performed. All patients received an immediate provisional without occlusal contacts. Another CT scan was performed after the procedures to compare the implant position with the virtually planned position. RESULTS: Significant deviations occurred at the implant apex, according to the global and facial-palatal analyses, in comparison to its cervical position. The PGS group also presented a larger deviation in the MD position. No statistical differences between the groups were detected, however, there was a tendency of lower angular deviation in the PGS group. CONCLUSIONS: While there was a slight deviation from the virtually planned position of the implant to the actual position and a tendency of lower angular deviation in the PGS group, there was no difference among groups regarding its position and primary stability. (UNT: 1111-1214-2812 - http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-4tmcrk/).

Tissue Engineering: What is New?

Soft and hard tissue engineering has expanded the frontiers of oral/maxillofacial augmentation. Soft tissue grafting enhancements include improving flap prevascularization and using stem cells and other cells to create not only the graft, but also the vascularization and soft tissue scaffolding for the graft. Hard tissue grafts have been enhanced by osteoinductive factors, such as bone morphogenic proteins, that have allowed the elimination of harvesting autogenous bone and thus decrease the need for other surgical sites. Advancements in bone graft scaffolds have developed via seeding with stem cells and improvement of the silica/calcium/phosphate composite to improve graft characteristics and healing.

The use of buccal fat pad free graft in closure of soft-tissue defects and dehiscence in the hard palate.

INTRODUCTION: The integrity of the palatal mucosa can be lost due to congenital, pathological, and iatrogenic conditions. Various surgical techniques have been suggested for the closure of palatal defects. The aim of the current study is to present the free buccal fat pad graft as a novel technique to repair the soft-tissue defects at the palate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a 2-year period, the free fat tissue graft harvested from the buccal fat pad (BFP) (FBFG) and used to reconstruct five soft-tissue defects of the palate in five patients (2 women, 3 men; mean age, 34 years; range, 22-58 years). In two patients, the palatal defect size was 2-3 cm and resulted from the resection of pleomorphic adenoma. In two other patients, the defect was due to odontogenic lesion, and in the last patient, the etiology was an iatrogenic dehiscence during maxillary segmentation surgery. Patients were examined every 2 weeks in the first 3 months and thereafter every 3 months. RESULTS: Five patients were treated with FBFG to reconstruct palatal defects and were followed up for 6-24 months. The healing process of the BFP and the recipient sites were uneventful, with minimal morbidity. At 3 months after the surgery, there was complete epithelialization of the graft at the recipient sites. CONCLUSIONS: Harvesting of FBFG is a simple procedure with minor complications; manipulation and handling the graft are easy. The use of FBFG in reconstruction of small and medium palatal defects is encouraging with excellent clinical outcomes.

Hybrid Tibia Fixation of Soft Tissue Grafts in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Optimal fixation of soft tissue grafts in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains a controversial topic, and tibial-sided fixation is frequently cited as the "weak point" of the femur-graft-tibia construct. Some studies have recommended the use of hybrid fixation (combining intratunnel aperture fixation and extracortical suspensory fixation) on the tibial side to increase the strength of the reconstructed ACL and decrease the risk of graft slippage and subsequent failure. However, no consensus has emerged on the necessity or suitability of this technique, relative to single modes of fixation. PURPOSE: This study sought answers to the following questions: (1) Does hybrid fixation result in stronger, stiffer initial fixation of soft tissue grafts? (2) Does hybrid fixation reduce side-to-side laxity differences in clinical practice? (3) Does hybrid fixation increase complication rates when compared with a single mode of tibial fixation? STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: A systematic keyword search of PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews, and the PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews was performed. Candidate articles were included if they compared biomechanical or clinical characteristics of tibial-sided hybrid fixation (defined as a combination of aperture and suspensory fixation methods) with single-mode fixation of soft tissue grafts in ACL reconstruction. RESULTS: A total of 21 studies (15 biomechanical, 6 clinical) met criteria for inclusion. Most biomechanical studies reported significantly increased strength and stiffness with hybrid fixation versus single modes of fixation. Among clinical studies, 66% reported significantly decreased anterior-posterior laxity when hybrid fixation methods were employed, with the remainder showing no difference. CONCLUSION: Hybrid methods of tibial-sided graft fixation in ACL reconstruction result in stronger initial fixation and less side-to-side laxity after healing but do not change patient-reported outcomes at 1- to 3-year follow-up. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews No. 42014015464.

Soft-tissue grafting for peri-implantitis-a treatment option in case of unsuitable skeletal basic morphology of the alveolar bone and lack of keratinized mucosa: a retrospective clinical cohort study.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study evaluated soft-tissue grafting as a surgical treatment option for peri-implantitis in case of unsuitable basic skeletal morphology of the alveolar bone and lack of keratinized mucosa. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients (21 females, 7 males, at a mean age 59.4 years) were included with a total of 54 implants. All implants showed peri-implantitis and attached keratinized buccal mucosa of ≤2 mm. A surgical procedure of soft-tissue grafting (STG) was made by inserting an inlay and inlay-onlay transplant. Clinical investigations were made prior to the STG (baseline) and after 9-180 months (Ø 43 months) including the following parameters: soft-tissue biotype, skeletal basic morphology of the alveolar bone, width of the peri-implant keratinized mucosa (KM), mobility of the KM, pocket probing depth (PPD), and bleeding on probing (BOP). RESULTS: Nearly all patients showed a thin soft-tissue biotype. The analysis of the skeletal basic morphology of the alveolar bone revealed a narrow apical base in 18 patients, middle base in 7 patients, and broad base in 3 patients. Width of the KM increased significantly (p < 0.01) from 0.4 ± 0,5 mm to 4.3 ± 1.5 mm after STG and PPD was significantly (p < 0,01) reduced from 6.3 ± 2,3 mm to 4.1 ± 1.9 mm. A significant reduction (p < 0.01) in BOP was recorded. All patients reported a clinical improvement of the inflammatory symptoms at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study showed that the STG can be applied successfully as a surgical treatment of peri-implantitis. It remains unclear whether soft-tissue biotype or the skeletal basic morphology of the alveolar bone affects the outcome of this surgical treatment.

The use of Buccal fat pad free graft in regenerative treatment of peri-implantitis: A new and predictable technique.

INTRODUCTION: Peri-implantitis is a common condition, but no particular treatment protocol has shown to be definitively effective. Fat tissue in the oral cavity is widely available and easily accessed. The aim of the current study is to present a novel technique in the treatment of peri-implant lesions, utilizing a free fat tissue graft from the buccal fat pad (BFP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Free fat graft (FFG) was harvested from the BFP in eight patients and used with bone substitutes to regenerate 22 peri-implant lesions. Mechanical debridement of the implants surface and the granulation tissue were made with curettes or with Er: YAG laser. Clinical parameters such as plaque index, bleeding on probing, pocket depth, gingival recession, and the clinical attachment level were recorded as a baseline during the follow-up period. In addition, radiological evaluation was made preoperative during the follow-up period. RESULTS: The donor site of the free fat graft was healed without cosmetic defect in all patients. Twenty-two peri-implant lesions were followed up for 12 months. Bleeding on probing and the pocket depth were significantly improved, and the clinical attachment level was achieved and maintained during the follow-up period due to the fibrous healing of the free fat graft. Satisfactory esthetic and functional outcomes of the treated implants were achieved and maintained. CONCLUSIONS: Free buccal fat graft heals by fibrosis. The fibrotic tissue adheres strongly to the implant surface and with stand the recurrence of the peri-implant lesion and provides stable and predictable outcome.

Comparative evaluation of free gingival graft and AlloDerm(®) in enhancing the width of attached gingival: A clinical study.

BACKGROUND: The presence of an adequate width of keratinized tissue is important to maintain a healthy dentogingival junction. In case of inadequate width of attached gingiva, the gingival augmentation procedure has been performed classically using the patient's own masticatory mucosa and more recently, using an acellular dermal allograft as the donor material. AIMS: The aim of the clinical study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of free gingival graft (FGG) and acellular dermal matrix (ADM) allograft in the ability to increase the zone of attached gingiva. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with 30 sites showing the inadequate width of attached gingiva (≤1 mm) were enrolled for the split-mouth study. The width of keratinized gingiva and other clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and 12(th) month postoperatively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The difference in clinical parameters within the group was assessed by Wilcoxon signed rank test. However, Mann-Whitney U-test was used to analyze the differences between test and control groups. RESULTS: The width of attached gingiva increased significantly (P < 0.01) following both the treatments but comparatively lesser gain with ADM allograft (2.13 mm vs. 4.8 mm). ADM site had significantly more shrinkage (76.6%) than FGG site (49.7%). Though FGG was found to be more effective, clinicians can prefer ADM allograft because of its certain advantages over the FGG. CONCLUSION: ADM allograft has resulted in sufficient increase in width of attached gingiva although lesser than FGG. Considering the disadvantages of FGG, it can be concluded that ADM allograft can be used as an alternative to FGG in increasing width of attached gingival in certain clinical situations.

The Importance of Immediate Bone Block Autograft to Successfully Restore the Function and Aesthetic of the Anterior Alveolar Process and Teeth.

Maxillofacial traumatic injuries can damage the jaw, teeth, and soft tissues of the head and neck region. When these injuries occur, best practice is to reconstruct as comprehensively as is clinically prudent at time of injury. Smart and efficient procedures during the initial surgery can minimize subsequent reconstructive procedures in scope and number, minimize expense, and result in a better final aesthetic and functional outcome. Restoration of anterior alveolar jaw fractures with comminuted or avulsed segments becomes a complex prospect when left untreated after initial trauma or injury and can result in alveolar ridge defects that are difficult, costly, and cumbersome to repair. This case report details one 19-year-old woman who had a traumatic injury in these areas and has a best result outcome because of immediate reconstruction efforts involving a bone block autograft to preserve alveolar process anatomy.

Comparación de injerto de tejido conectivo y fascia en el tratamiento de defectos de reborde alveolar / Comparison of connective tissue and fascia in the treatment of maxillary ridge defects

Objetivo: comparar injertos de tejido blando autólogos y alógenos para el tratamiento de defectos clase I de Seibert. Métodos: se seleccionaron 18 sitios quirúrgicos, de 14 pacientes, y se asignaron aleatoriamente. Fueron asignados ocho sitios quirúrgicos para recibir injerto autólogo de tejido conectivo, y nueve para recibir injerto alógeno de fascia muscular. Se tomaron cuatro modelos diagnósticos para las mediciones, uno al inicio, y luego al primero, al segundo y al cuarto mes después de la cirugía. Adicionalmente, se realizaron seis biopsias del grupo de fascia. Resultados: el grupo control presentó una profundidad inicial promedio de 2,29 ± 0,55 mm, y el experimental, 3,50 ± 0,85 mm. La ganancia en espesor al primero, al segundo y al cuarto mes fue de 71,2, 46,52 y 28,5% en la fascia, y de 56,53, 38,31 y 38,1% en el tejido conectivo, respectivamente. La fascia se reabsorbió 28,8, 53,48 y 71,5%, al primero, al segundo y al cuarto mes, y el tejido conectivo se reabsorbió 43,47, 61,69 y 61,69%, respectivamente. No hubo diferencias significativas entre los dos grupos (p>0,05). El análisis histológico mostró presencia de tejido colágeno denso, poco celular, entremezclado con el tejido conectivo del huésped. La fascia tuvo una mayor tendencia a la reabsorción que el tejido conectivo, y la ganancia al cuarto mes en ambos fue similar. Sin embargo, el tejido conectivo fue más estable en el tiempo. La fascia mostró menor morbilidad,e histológicamente se observó presencia de este injerto después de 20 semanas. Conclusiones: la fascia humana constituye una alternativa de tratamiento para corregir defectos de reborde en el sector anterior.

Aim: Compare tissue grafting from autologous and allogenous sources for the treatment of Seibert Class I border defects. Methods: 18 surgical sites from 14 patients were selected and randomly assigned. 8 surgical sites received connective tissue grafts from autologous donor sites, and 9 surgical sites received allogenous muscular fascia grafts. 4 diagnostic casts were taken for comparative study (baseline, 1 month, 2nd month and 4th month postsurgical). In addition, 6 tissue punch biopsies were taken from the fascia group to determine presence of fascia tissue. ResultsThe control group showed an average tissue depth of 2.29 ± 0.55 mm and the experimental group showed 3.5 ± 0.85 mm, at baseline. Tissue gain for the fascia group was 71.2%, 46.52% y 28.5% for the 1st, 2nd and 4th months respectively, and the control group presented 56.53%, 38.31% y 38.1% respectively. There were not statistically significant differences between the two treatments (p>0,05). Histological analysis of the fasciagroup showed dense collagen tissue and host connective tissue at the 4th month. Fascia tissue grafts seemed to reabsorb faster than the connective tissue from the control group and the gain in tissue size at the 4th month was similar in both groups. The fascia tissue group, however, seemed to present less morbidity and was found in the histological samples at the 20 week postsurgical measurements. The connective tissue grafts were more stable in the treatment of Seibert I border defects. Conclusions: Human muscular fascia tissue could be an alternative treatment for the correction of Seibert class I border defects.