Treatment of multiple adjacent gingival recessions using leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin with coronally advanced flap: a 12-month split-mouth controlled randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This split-mouth randomized study aimed to assess efficacy of leucocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) versus connective tissue graft (CTG) in achieving root coverage (RC) for multiple adjacent gingival recessions (MAGRs) throughout 12-month period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study enrolled 59 teeth from 12 patients with Miller Class I MAGRs ≥ 2 mm on bilateral or contralateral sides. Patients were randomly assigned to receive coronally advanced flap (CAF) with either CTG (control) or L-PRF (test) treatment. Various parameters, including plaque and gingival index, clinical attachment level, recession depth, probing depth, recession width (RW), papilla width (PW), keratinized tissue width (KTW), gingival thickness (GT), percentage of RC, complete root coverage (CRC), and location of the relative gingival margin concerning the cemento-enamel junctions (GMCEJ) after CAF, were recorded at baseline, 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-surgery. On June 29, 2021 the study was registred to ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04942821). RESULTS: Except KTW and GT gain, all clinical parameters, RC, and CRC were similar between the groups at all follow-up periods (p > 0.05). The higher GT and KTW gains were detected in the control group compared to test group at 12 months (p < 0.05). Both RC and CRC were positively associated with initial PW and GMCEJ, but negatively with initial RW (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The current study concludes that L-PRF were equally effective as CTG in treating MAGRs in terms of RC and CRC. Additionally, RC and CRC outcomes appeared to be influenced by GMCEJ, PW, and RW. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: L-PRF could represent a feasible substitute for CTG in treating MAGRs.

Successful Regenerative Therapy of Periodontal Defects Associated With Tongue Piercing: A Clinical Report.

Oral piercing habits are associated with various degrees of complications. Tongue piercing increases the risk of gingival recession and infrabony defects, subsequently leading to localized periodontitis. In the case presented, the patient had persistent swelling and suppuration around her mandibular anterior teeth attributed to tongue piercing jewelry that was placed approximately 12 years prior. Intraoral examinations revealed a localized deep pocket, purulent discharge, swelling, plaque accumulation, bleeding on probing, gingival recession, and teeth mobility. The patient was diagnosed with localized stage III, grade C periodontitis. Following full-mouth debridement and the placement of an extracoronal lingual splint, minimally invasive, papillae-sparing incisions were made, and regenerative therapy with bone allograft and collagen membrane was used to manage the infrabony defects. During the 18-month postoperative follow-up, complete soft-tissue healing was observed along with a significant reduction in pocket depth and the absence of bleeding on probing or suppuration. Radiographic evaluation showed evidence of bone fill. The reported case demonstrates how careful diagnosis and treatment planning are crucial for managing different periodontal defects and emphasizes the importance of proficient periodontal management, which can save teeth that would otherwise be extracted and replaced with implant therapy or fixed bridgework.

Evaluation of Postoperative Complications Following Modified Coronally Advanced Flap as Root Coverage Procedure - A Prospective Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND: Root coverage procedures are very technique sensitive and require patients' compliance for successful treatment outcomes. Post operative complications can influence patients' acceptance of treatment and compromise further periodontal maintenance. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and severity of complications after a modified coronally advanced flap procedure. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A total of 78 modified coronally advanced flap procedures were performed in 42 patients for root coverage. Duration of surgical procedure, history of smoking, gender, and age were recorded for each patient. A questionnaire was given to every patient to fill in at first post operative week regarding their experience of postoperative pain, swelling, and bleeding. RESULTS: Pain and duration of surgery had a correlation (OR: 1.05, P < 0.05). Post operative bleeding was significantly correlated with duration of surgery (OR: 1.03, P < 0.05). Current smokers experienced post operative swelling (P < 0.05). However, post operative pain in current smokers was not significantly different (P > 0.05) as compared to nonsmokers. Descriptive statistics were expressed as mean and standard deviations. Odd's ratio was obtained to evaluate risk indicators for moderate to severe types of complications. P < 0.05 was considered as significant. CONCLUSIONS: The duration of the surgery, long duration, and the presence of smoking can increase the frequency and severity of post operative complications.

[A novel periodontal endoscopy-aided non-incisional periodontal regeneration technique：a case series study].

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of endoscopy-aided non-incisional periodontal regeneration technique (NIT) in the treatment of alveolar bone angular resorption. METHODS: Thirteen patients with severe periodontitis(13 diseased teeth) were selected. All patients had alveolar bone angular resorption on adjacent surface. The patients received NIT treatment 6 weeks after periodontal primary therapy. The visualization of subgingival environment was acquired by the periodontal endoscopy. Following the removal of the subgingival plaque, calculus and intra-bony granulation tissue, bone grafting materials were placed into the intra-bony defects with the assistance of a delicate gingival protector. No flap was elevated and no sutures were applied. Probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment level (CAL), as well as radiographic parameters were evaluated at baseline and 2 years after treatment. SPSS 22.0 software package was used for data analysis. RESULTS: At 2-years follow-up, an average CAL gain of (3.65±2.10) mm (P＜0.001), PD reduction of (4.42±1.66) mm (P＜0.001), and minimal increase in GR of (0.38±0.87) mm (P=0.25) were observed. Alveolar bone was significantly improved at 2-years follow-up on radiographs (P＜0.001). CONCLUSIONS: For angular resorption site of alveolar bone, NIT treatment can obtain good periodontal regeneration results without flap inversion.

[Effects and techniques of soft tissue augmentation in immediate implant treatment].

Immediate implant placement can reduce the number of treatments and the time without teeth, but it carries a higher aesthetic risk. Soft tissue augmentation can reduce the risk of gingival recession to a certain extent, improve the predictability and long-term stability of immediate implant aesthetics, and is currently a hot research topic. A comprehensive understanding of the evidence-based medicine and surgical techniques using soft tissue augmentation in immediate implant surgery can assist in clinical diagnosis, treatment decisions and improve treatment outcomes. This article elucidates the changes in soft and hard tissues after immediate implant placement, aesthetic risks, and risk factors. It also discusses the advantages, timing, material selection, and commonly used clinical techniques of soft tissue transplantation in immediate implantation, aiming to provide reference for clinical doctors to improve the effectiveness of immediate implantation.

Analysis of the treatment of RT2 recessions with a xenogeneic collagen matrix vs. connective tissue graft combined with a coronally advanced flap. A double-blinded randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical efficacy in terms of mean root coverage in RT2 recession treated with a coronally advanced flap combined with a xenogeneic collagen matrix versus a connective tissue graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 patients were randomized to receive one of two treatments: coronally advanced flap + xenogeneic collagen matrix (test group) and coronally advanced flap + connective tissue graft (control group). Patient-related outcomes measures and professional aesthetic assessment by root esthetic score were performed. A descriptive and analytical statistical analysis of the variables was performed. RESULTS: At 12 months, the mean root coverage was 56.48% in the test group and 69.72% in the control group (p = 0.048), with a 35% and 40% complete root coverage in the xenogeneic collagen matrix and connective tissue graft, respectively. Test group presented less pain (3.65 vs. 5.2 VAS units) (p = 0.015) and less surgical time (45 vs. 49.15 min) (p = 0.004) than control group. CONCLUSION: The use of xenogeneic collagen matrix in RT2 recessions was effective for recession reduction to those obtained using autologous grafts; with the advantage that the duration of surgery and patient morbidity decreased. Therefore, xenogeneic collagen matrix in RT2 recessions could be an alternative to autologous grafts. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of xenogeneic collagen matrix decreases the surgery time and patient morbidity but connective tissue graft results in significantly better mean root coverage and complete root coverage. Xenogeneic collagen matrix can be used in the treatment of RT2 gingival recessions. STUDY REGISTRATION: NCT03344315.

Efficacy of acellular xenogeneic dermal matrix graft in the treatment of multiple gingival recessions: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of acellular xenogeneic dermal matrix graft (AXDM) compared to connective tissue graft (CTG) in treating multiple gingival recessions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that compared AXDM and CTG. The selected studies were subjected to bias risk assessment, data extraction, and meta-analyses. Parameters such as gingival recession height, width, mean percentage of root coverage, and complete root coverage were analyzed. RESULTS: Seven RCTs involving 146 patients were included. The meta-analyses indicated that CTG was statistically superior to AXDM in reducing gingival recession height at the final follow-up (mean difference: -0.104 mm, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.180-0.028, p = 0.008) and width at the final follow-up (mean difference: -0.285 mm, 95% CI: -0.541-0.030, p = 0.029). CTG also demonstrated a significantly higher mean percentage of root coverage at the 6-month follow-up (difference in means: -2.761 mm, 95% CI: -4.932-0.590, p = 0.013) and a higher percentage of complete root coverage at the 6-month follow-up (odds Ratio [OR]: 0.598, 95% CI: 0.4-0.892, p = 0.012) compared to AXDM. However, there was no significant difference in the number of teeth with complete root coverage between CTG and AXDM (OR: 1.610, 95% CI: 0.983-2.636, p = 0.058) and aesthetic outcomes (mean difference: 0.148, 95% CI: -0.277-0.573, p = 0.494). CONCLUSIONS: CTG is more effective than AXDM in treating multiple gingival recessions. This is evidenced by significant reductions in gingival recession height and width, a higher mean percentage of root coverage, and a greater percentage of complete root coverage at the 6-month follow-up. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In some clinical situations an alternative to CTG is required for the treatment of multiple gingival recessions. AXDM, despite presenting clinical outcomes that are not as satisfactory as CTG, can be used for this purpose.

Minimally invasive periodontal regeneration with the buccal approach: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate clinical periodontal parameters after treatment using the Minimally Invasive Surgical Technique (MIST), Modified Minimally Invasive Surgical Technique (M-MIST), and/or any technique for papilla preservation, such as Entire Papilla Preservation (EPP), modified-papilla preservation technique (M-PPT), or simplified-papilla preservation technique (SPPT). METHODS: The focus question was "For patients with periodontal intrabony defects (P), what is the best minimally invasive regenerative approach (I), comparing MIST, M-MIST, and papilla preservation techniques' outcomes (C) to improve PD, CAL, GR, and periodontal stability (O)?" An online search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase. Only randomized clinical trials and case series with a minimum of 10 enrolled patients were included. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Critical Appraisal tools in JBI Systematic Reviews. The meta-analysis compared the data obtained for the periodontal parameters analyzed, and the heterogeneity was verified. RESULTS: After the screening, nine articles were included. Seven studies applied MIST and its modifications; two used M-PPT, one SPPT, and one approached EPP. A general statistically significant PD reduction and CAL gain were noted between the groups, comparing baseline and follow-up for all articles, independently of the technique or materials used. Also, all studies showed a non-significant increase in the gingival recession. Four studies had a low risk of bias, four had a moderate risk, and only 1 had a high risk. Moderate heterogeneity was found in one analysis for CAL (65.73%); moderate and substantial heterogeneity was found in the PD results (71.91% and 89.19%); and no heterogeneity was found within all analyses for gingival recession (0%). CONCLUSION: MIST, M-MIST, and papilla preservation techniques demonstrated their potential and efficacy to improve periodontal conditions of sites with intrabony defects with minimal morbidity.

Palatal shield technique: a novel approach for improved donor site healing in mucogingival procedures - report of two cases.

OBJECTIVE: Mucogingival surgery involving tissue grafts is commonly employed for cosmetic procedures like root coverage, and is increasingly applied in implant therapy to modulate peri-implant soft tissues and enhance implant survival. These procedures involve harvesting autologous connective or epithelial connective tissue, often from the palate or tuber maxillae. However, this can cause patient morbidity due to postoperative pain. Substitute materials, including animal-derived and xenografts, have been developed but lack qualities of autologous grafts. METHOD AND MATERIALS: To address postoperative discomfort, a novel technique, named "palatal shield," using composite resin stabilized on adjacent teeth's palatal surface is proposed as an aid to donor site healing after mucogingival procedures. Two cases are reported where this technique was successfully applied. The first case involves a 53-year-old woman undergoing free gingival graft surgery for peri-implant treatment. The second case features a 58-year-old man receiving subepithelial connective tissue graft surgery for root sensitivity. RESULTS: Ten days post surgery, both patients reported excellent postoperative comfort. The technique's effectiveness is highlighted in these cases, demonstrating its applicability in various surgical cases involving free gingival graft or connective tissue graft harvesting. CONCLUSION: The proposed "palatal shield" technique offers several advantages, including enhanced patient comfort, ease of application, and cost-effectiveness, making it a promising addition to mucogingival surgical procedures.

Appraising and comparing the role of autogenous periosteal graft as a barrier membrane in the treatment of intrabony defects in chronic periodontitis cases: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Periodontal regeneration refers to procedures aimed at restitution of lost supporting tissue around the periodontally compromised tooth. Regenerative procedures very often include the use of barrier materials to encourage the growth of key surrounding tissues. The current study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of autogenous periosteal graft as a barrier membrane for the treatment of intrabony defects in chronic periodontitis patients. A total of four data bases MEDLINE (by PubMed), Cochrane database, EBSCO, and Google Scholar were explored to identify the studies in English up to December 2022. An additional hand search of relevant journals was also done. A team of three independent reviewers screened the retrieved articles using the inclusion criteria. Randomized control trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of autogenous periosteal grafts in the treatment of intrabony defects in chronic periodontitis cases were included in the study. A total of six relevant articles were recognized for data procurement. A total of 117 patients with 68 sites with an age range between 18 years and 55 years were selected. Outcome variables examined were pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), radiographic bone defect fill (BDF), gingival recession (GR), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and bleeding on probing (BOP). Data were analyzed using Revman 5.3 software. The mean differences and 95% confidence interval were used to illustrate the estimate of effect size. There is an equal effect in both groups for the PI, GI, and BOP reduction. For PD reduction, the result was in the favor of periosteal graft with open flap debridement (OFD) group. For CAL gain, radiographic BDF and GR, results also favored the periosteal graft, but no statistically significant difference was found amongst the groups. Within the limitation of the study, it seems that the autogenous periosteal graft can be used successfully along with OFD to treat intrabony defects in chronic periodontitis patients.

Efficacy of amniotic membrane with coronally advanced flap in the treatment of gingival recession: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of combining the amniotic membrane (AM) with the coronally advanced flap (CAF) in the treatment of Miller class I and II gingival recession (GR). METHODS: The protocol of this updated PRISMA-compliant systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023431501). The following treatment outcomes were recorded; recession depth (RD), recession width (RW), width of keratinized gingiva (WKG), and clinical attachment level (CAL). We searched the following databases: MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Science Direct. RESULTS: Two independent reviewers screened the selected articles. Twenty-two eligible articles were extracted, with 689 sites of GR in 481 patients. No statistically significant difference was found in RD, RW, WKG, and CAL between (AM&CAF) in comparison to control groups. However, the subgroup analysis showed statistically significant differences in RD between the (AM & CAF) group v/s (CAF) alone (P = 0.004). Moreover, the subgroup analysis of the WKG showed statistically significant differences between (AM & CAF) v/s (CAF&CM) (p = 0.04). Additionally, a statistically significant difference was found in the subgroup analysis of CAL between both (AM & CAF) group v/s (CAF) alone (p = 0.0009). CONCLUSION: With the limitations of this meta-analysis due to short follow-up periods (6 months), the AM can be considered a viable treatment option for GR defects with satisfactory treatment outcomes comparable to other previously investigated treatment modalities. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: While AM showed various beneficial properties as an ideal membrane for the coverage of GR, future studies are required to completely understand the potential application of AM in the treatment of GR.

Long-term stability of gingival margin and periodontal soft-tissue phenotype achieved after mucogingival therapy: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this systematic review was two-fold: (i) to evaluate the long-term (≥5 years) stability of the gingival margin position, keratinized tissue width (KTW) and gingival thickness (GT) in sites that underwent root coverage (RC) or gingival augmentation (GA); and (ii) to assess the influence of different local variables on the long-term stability of dental and gingival tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs reporting short-term (i.e., 6-12 months after baseline surgical intervention) and long-term (≥5 years) follow-up data after surgical treatment of adult patients presenting single or multiple mucogingival deformities, defined as sites presenting gingival recession defects (GRDs) and/or (KTW) deficiency (i.e., <2 mm), were considered eligible for inclusion. MEDLINE-PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases were searched for articles published up to 15 May 2023. Mixed-effects multiple linear regression was used to assess the association between KTW, type of surgical procedure and time (i.e., independent variables) on the stability of the gingival margin in sites that received RC or GA therapy. RESULTS: Of the 2569 potentially eligible records, 41 (reporting 40 studies) met the eligibility criteria. Graphical estimates including data from all RC procedures found an upward trend in recession depth (RD) increase over time. Conversely, it was observed that in 63.63% of RC studies and in 59.32% of RC treatment arms KTW increased over time, particularly in sites treated with subepithelial connective tissue grafts (SCTGs). Conversely, sites that underwent GA procedures generally exhibited an overall reduction of KTW over time. However, sites treated with free gingival grafts (FGGs) showed a decrease in RD after 10 years of follow-up. Three main findings derived from the pooled estimates were identified: (i) Gingival margin stability was associated with the amount of KTW present during short-term assessment (i.e. the greater the KTW at 6-12 months after treatment, the more stable the gingival margin). (ii) The use of autogenous soft-tissue grafts was associated with lower RD increase over time. (iii) Treatment approaches that contribute to the three-dimensional enhancement of the gingival phenotype, as clearly demonstrated by FGG, were associated with gingival margin stability. CONCLUSIONS: The extent of apical migration of the gingival margin appears to be directly related to the amount of KTW and GT upon tissue maturation. Interventions involving the use of autogenous grafts, either SCTG or FGG, are associated with greater short-term KTW gain and lower RD increase over time.

Periodontal phenotype modification in orthodontic patients.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of phenotype modification in orthodontic patients using combined bone and soft tissue grafting substitutes. CLINICAL CONSIDERATION: The surgical procedure was conducted on 18 patients (3 males, 15 females). Periodontal phenotype modification was conducted using demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft and a xenogeneic collagen matrix. The following parameters were recorded for each tooth at baseline and 12-month follow-up: O'Leary plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), gingival thickness (GT), keratinized tissue width (KTW), gingival recession (GR), and vestibular depth (VD). The results showed a statistically significant increase in GT (2.02 ± 0.39 mm), KTW (1.11 ± 0.82 mm), and VD (0.18 ± 1.16 mm) (p < 0.05). GR was also significantly decreased (1.02 ± 0.99 mm) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of this study, the proposed approach enhanced the periodontal condition in orthodontic patients. However, further studies with a larger sample size are needed to ensure long-term stability. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Hard and soft tissue conditions have paramount importance for long-term periodontal stability. Phenotype modification in orthodontic patients can diminish the probability of adverse consequences and result in optimal esthetic outcomes. The proposed technique using combined bone and soft tissue substitutes indicated promising results and could be recommended in orthodontic patients with thin periodontal phenotypes.

Effect of botulinum toxin-A injection applied to the mentalis muscle on free gingival graft operation: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate the effects of Botulinum Toxin-A (BTX-A) injection into the mentalis muscle on the free gingival graft (FGG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients with keratinized gingiva insufficiency and Cairo's RT 2 gingival recession (formerly classified as Miller class III) in their mandibular central incisors were randomly divided into two groups: FGG and FGG + BTX. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), keratinized gingiva width (KGW), attached gingiva width (AGW), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival thickness (GT), gingival recession amount (GRA), gingival recession width (GRW), and root closure percentage (RCP%) parameters were measured at baseline and at first, third, and sixth months after the operation. RESULTS: There was no difference in PI, GI, and PPD levels in both groups (p > 0.05). While the change in GT and RCP% levels were found to be statistically significantly higher at FGG + BTX group than FGG group, the change in GRW and CAL levels were statistically significantly lower (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that BTX-A injection applied to the mentalis muscle after FGG operation may have positive effects in terms of KGW, AGW, GT, RCP%, GRW, and CAL parameters. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: As a result of the fact that BTX-A injection into the mentalis muscle contributed to the nutrition and immobility of FGG, positive developments were obtained in terms of clinical periodontal parameters. BTX-A injection into the mentalis muscle may be an alternative method that increases the success rate of Cairo's RT 2 gingival recession.

The effect of smoking on clinical and biochemical early healing outcomes of coronally advanced flap with connective tissue graft: Prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the effects of smoking on early (≤3 months) clinical outcomes and relevant molecular biomarkers following root coverage surgery. METHODS: Eighteen smokers and 18 nonsmokers, status biochemically verified, with RT1 gingival recession defects were recruited and completed study procedures. All patients received coronally advanced flap plus connective tissue graft. Baseline and 3 month recession depth (RD), recession width (RW), keratinized tissue width (KTW), clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival phenotype (GP) were recorded. Root coverage (RC) percentage and complete root coverage (CRC) were calculated. Recipient (gingival crevicular fluid) and donor (wound fluid) site VEGF-A, HIF-1α, 8-OHdG, and ANG levels were determined. RESULTS: There were no significant intergroup differences for any baseline or postoperative clinical parameters (P > 0.05), except for whole mouth gingival index (increased in nonsmokers at 3 months; P < 0.05). Compared to baseline, RD, RW, CAL, KTW, and GP significantly improved postoperatively, without significant intergroup differences. There were no significant intergroup differences for RC (smokers = 83%, nonsmokers = 91%, P = 0.069), CRC (smokers = 50%, nonsmokers = 72%, P = 0.177), and CAL gain (P = 0.193). The four biomarker levels significantly increased postoperatively (day 7; P ≤ 0.042) in both groups and returned to baseline (day 28) without significant intergroup differences (P > 0.05). Similarly, donor site parameters were not different between groups. Strong correlations, consistent over time, were found between biomarkers implicated in angiogenesis (VEGF-A, HIF-1α, and ANG). CONCLUSIONS: The early (3 month) clinical and molecular changes after root coverage surgery utilizing a coronally advanced flap plus connective tissue graft are similar between smokers and nonsmokers.

Novel biomaterial advanced platelet-rich fibrin plus block for multiple gingival recession.

BACKGROUND: The study was aimed to assess and compare hard and soft tissue augmentation clinicoradiographically with and without advanced platelet-rich fibrin + (A-PRF+) block for the treatment of multiple gingival recession using vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access (VISTA). METHODS: A total of 24 patients, exhibiting multiple Miller's Class I or II recessions in the maxillary esthetic zone were included. Participants were divided into two groups, Group 1 was treated with VISTA & A-PRF+ block whereas Group 2 was with VISTA technique alone. Clinical parameters probing depth, width of keratinized gingiva, gingival biotype, recession depth, and clinical attachment level were recorded at baseline and the end of 6 months. The radiographic cone beam computed tomography measurements of labial plate thickness were taken at baseline and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: From baseline to 6 months both the groups showed a clinical and statistical improvement in the parameters. However, a statistically significant difference between the treatment modalities was not observed. In the inter-group comparison radiographically, labial plate thickness was statistically significant at the end of 6 months when compared to the baseline. CONCLUSION: A-PRF+ block along with the VISTA technique can be an alternative effective root coverage procedure for the management of multiple gingival recessions in the maxillary esthetic zone. KEY POINTS: Why is this study new information? To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study using advanced platelet-rich fibrin plus block for the treatment of multiple gingival recession with a thin labial plate. What are the keys to the successful management of these types of cases? Minimally invasive vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access technique, and avoidance of second surgical site morbidity are important factors for treatment and for patient compliance. What are the primary limitations of this study? Short study duration, small sample size, and no histological correlation can be considered as limitations of the study.

A Surgical Approach to Root Coverage and Correction of Mucogingival Conditions and Deformities in Mandibular Incisors with Isolated Gingival Recession: Free Mucogingival Graft. A Pilot Prospective Cohort Study.

The aim of this study was to present a periodontal plastic surgery approach to treat gingival recessions (GRs) and correct mandibular incisor mucogingival conditions and deformities. Isolated deep GRs (≥ 3 mm) in the mandibular incisors (n = 24 teeth) were treated: 66.6% of sites were recession types 2 or 3, and 58.3% of teeth were malpositioned. Recessions were treated using free mucogingival grafts (FMGs) harvested from the buccal aspect of donor teeth with altered passive eruption or healthy periodontal support, with < 3 mm between the cementoenamel junction and the buccal alveolar crest. Clinical parameters (GR, clinical attachment level, interproximal papilla tip location, keratinized tissue, vestibule depth) and root coverage esthetic score were evaluated at 9 months. FMG significantly reduced GR (P < .001) and increased keratinized tissue (P < .001) without loss of vestibule depth (P > .05). Mean root coverage was 94.37% ± 10.60%, mean residual GR was 0.08 ± 0.65 mm, and the mean root coverage esthetic score was 8.9 ± 1.24. Recession types 2/3 showed significant interproximal clinical attachment gain (P < .05). The interproximal papilla was significantly augmented at sites with papilla loss (P < .001). No clinical attachment loss (P = .346) was detected at donor sites. These results suggest that FMG is a promising root coverage approach for recession types 1, 2, and 3, correcting mucogingival conditions and deformities and reconstructing the interproximal papilla.

A Minimally Invasive Osseous Resective Surgical Protocol for Pocket Elimination at Maxillary and Mandibular Posterior Sextants: MI-PES.

The purpose of the present study was to describe a novel protocol for a minimally invasive pocket elimination surgery (MI-PES) in the posterior maxilla and mandible, which consists of the combined use of (1) an access flap based on an internally beveled gingivectomy with minimal to no papilla mobilization at the buccal aspect, and (2) a resective procedure with an apically positioned flap on the lingual aspect. The interproximal bone defects were accessed with a single (lingual) flap, and the bone architecture was modified by the adoption of piezoelectric inserts for controlled bone recontouring associated with fiber retention. Mean probing depth (PD) was 5.5 ± 0.8 mm before surgery and 2.7 ± 0.6 mm at the 6-month reevaluation. All treated pockets showed a postsurgical PD < 4 mm. Gingival recession (REC) was 0.3 ± 0.5 mm at baseline and increased to 1.6 ± 0.8 mm at 6 months. When buccal and lingual pockets were analyzed separately, a trend toward a similar PD reduction, less REC increase, and greater clinical attachment level gain was recorded for buccal pockets. These preliminary observations seem to support the use of MI-PES as a valuable option for pocket elimination, at least when residual pockets are associated with a shallow interproximal osseous crater in the posterior maxilla or mandible.

Comparative evaluation of pinhole surgical technique with and without A-PRF in the treatment of multiple adjacent recession defects: A clinico radiographic study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate and compare efficacy of pinhole surgical technique (PST) alone and with advanced platelet rich fibrin (A-PRF) in the management of bilateral multiple adjacent gingival recession defects (MAGRD). METHODS: One hundred and sixty five MAGRD were randomly assigned to control group (treated with PST) and test group (PST with A-PRF). Clinical parameters of gingival recession depth (GRD), gingival recession width (GRW), width of keratinised gingiva (WKG), complete root coverage (CRC) and gingival thickness (GT) on ST-CBCT was measured at 2, 4 and 6 mm apically from the gingival margin. Also, root coverage aesthetic score and patient satisfaction ratings were recorded at baseline, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Substantial reduction in GRD (Test: 1.29 ± 0.69 mm and Control 0.98 ± 0.30 mm) (p < 0.001) and GRW (Test: 2.03 ± 0.90 mm and control 1.73 ± 0.99 mm) (p < 0.05) with associated gain in WKG and GT was observed (p < 0.001). Mean GT values were increased in both the groups at 2, 4 and 6 mm from the crest. Comparison of Test and Control groups yielded significant reductions in GRD (-0.17 ± 0.56 mm) and WKG (0.73 ± 1.07 mm) favoring the Test group (p < 0.05). Similar increase in GT was observed with better results in Test than control group. (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both groups exhibited sound clinical outcomes with test group offering better resolution of MAGRD in comparison to control group. Also, it enhances clinical and therapeutic end results in terms of attaining reduction in GRD and GRW along with greater gain in KTW and GT. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: PST as a minimally invasive approach has numerous benefits, some of which include the absence of scarring and improved aesthetics linked to faster wound healing. The addition of A-PRF enhances the intended therapy outcomes, which is beneficial for both patients and professionals in the field of periodontics.

Treatment of deep single RT2 and RT3 antero-mandibular gingival recessions with a combination of surgical techniques: A case series study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate root coverage (RC) in deep single antero-mandibular RT2 and RT3 gingival recessions (GR) and to investigate the influence of several factors in RC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen single antero-mandibular GR with a minimum depth of 3 mm were consecutively treated with a new one-stage technique (laterally positioned flap with a tunnel access and a connective tissue graft). At baseline and at 12-month follow-up, the percentage of mean root coverage (%MRC), the recession reduction (RecRed), complete root coverage (CRC) and the gain of keratinized tissue width (KTW) were assessed. Descriptive, intergroup comparative and correlation analyses were performed. RESULTS: At 12 months, a %MRC of 77.29 ± 21.48% with a mean RecRed of 4.10 ± 1.51 mm was achieved. The %MRC was 84.71 ± 21.08% in RT2, and 62.43 ± 14.17% in RT3. The mean gain of KTW was 2.10 ± 0.89 mm, with a mean gain of 2.0 ± 1.03 mm for RT2 and 2.3 ± 0.57 mm for RT3. CRC was observed in six cases, all of them being RT2. A positive association was found between the %MRC and the initial position of the tooth and of both papillae. CONCLUSIONS: This technique might be a valuable approach for the treatment of deep single antero-mandibular RT2 and RT3 recessions, even in malpositioned teeth. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: A combination of different surgical techniques could provide greater vascularization to the CTG especially in malpositioned teeth in sextant V with a large avascular area to be covered.