Comparative study of DFDBA and FDBA block grafts in combination with chorion membrane for the treatment of periodontal intra-bony defects at 12 months post surgery.

The goal of periodontal therapy is to prevent periodontal disease progression and to regenerate lost periodontal tissues. Various bone grafts are used alone or in combination with other treatment modalities for periodontal therapy. In literature no reports are presented with block allografts in the treatment of intrabony defects in periodontitis. Hence the study aimed to evaluate and compare clinically and radiographically freeze dried bone and demineralized freeze dried bone block allografts with chorion membrane in intra-bony defects at 12 months post-surgery. Eighteen intra-bony defects (9 intra patient pairs) in 9 patients with chronic periodontitis were randomly assigned to group 1 (FDBA + Chorion membrane) and group 2 (DFDBA + Chorion membrane) for periodontal therapy. Clinical and radiographic (RVG) measurements were made at base line and 12 months. Data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis. At 12 months on intra-group comparison both the groups showed statistically significant improvement in the plaque and gingival indices with reduction in the mobility, probing pocket depth and gain in clinical attachment (p value < 0.001). Radiographs showed significant bone fill and increased bone density (p value < 0.001). On inter-group comparison no statistical difference were observed at 12 months in clinical parameters and bone fill among both the groups. However, group 1 (FDBA) showed increase in the bone density which was statistically significant (p value < 0.001). The use of the FDBA and DFDBA block allografts showed significant improvement in the periodontal prognosis of teeth with intra-bony defects. Within the limitation of the present study, both the groups showed similar results with significant increase in bone density in FDBA group.

Lip Repositioning, Aesthetic Crown Lengthening, and Gingival Depigmentation: A Combined Approach for a Gummy Smile Makeover.

This clinical report describes the successful use of aesthetic crown lengthening, lip-repositioning technique as well as gingival depigmentation for the reduction of excessive gingival display and dark gums, respectively. Lip-repositioning technique was performed with the main objective of reducing gummy smile by limiting the retraction of elevator muscles (e.g., zygomaticus minor, levator anguli oris, orbicularis oris, and levator labii superioris) during smiling, thereby restricting the upper lip from shifting apically while smiling. This technique includes removing a strip of mucosa from the maxillary labial and buccal vestibule, creating a partial-thickness flap between mucogingival junction and upper lip musculature, and suturing the lip mucosa with mucogingival junction, resulting in a narrow vestibule and restricted muscle pull, thereby reducing gingival display. The results obtained with lip repositioning for the treatment of gummy smile are substantial and it is a simple and effective procedure, well accepted by patients. Proper case selection is important for using this procedure.