A clinical dilemma: Performing or avoiding root instrumentation in the treatment of the acute phase of endodontic-periodontal lesions? A case report.

BACKGROUND: This study presents the diagnois, management, and tissue response to an acute periodontal lesion with deep pocketing affecting a maxillary central incisor in a young patient devoid of caries or a history of periodontitis. METHODS: Clinical and radiographic examinations facilitated the diagnosis of the pathology as an endoperiodontal lesion (EPL) with root damage, exhibiting supracrestal invasive root resorption. Orthograde endodontic therapy was employed to decontaminate and seal the endodontic space. The resorptive site was treated through the endodontic access, debrided, and sealed. No periodontal therapy (surgical or nonsurgical) was performed. No mechanical instrumentation was performed within the pocketed root surface. RESULTS: At 6-month and 1-year follow-ups after endodontic therapy the periodontium displayed a physiologically healthy condition without pus or inflammation, exhibiting a circumferential probing depth of 2 mm, and absence of tooth mobility. These favorable outcomes persisted throughout a 4-year follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The spontaneous healing of pocketing and abscess occurred without mechanical root instrumentation following endodontic therapy and treatment of external invasive root resorption in an EPL. KEY POINTS: Accurate diagnosis and identification of relevant etiologic factors are pivotal for effectively managing endodontic-periodontal lesions. Once a diagnosis is established, the therapy focuses on eliminating the primary cause, followed by a subsequent diagnostic phase after healing. The definitive understanding of the diagnosis and etiology of endodontic-periodontal lesions often becomes clear in retrospect, based on the outcomes of the therapy. When probing acute periodontal lesions, deep probing depths may occur without permanent loss of periodontal attachment. If the acute lesion was not induced by a periodontal cause and if no periodontal etiology arises secondarily, resolving the primary cause of the endoperiodontal lesion can lead to the spontaneous resolution of the pocketing. This results in spontaneous healing of periodontium without the need for intentional periodontal therapy. A clinical dilemma arises when considering periodontal treatment during the acute inflammatory phase of endo-periodontal pathology. It is advisable to refrain from mechanical root instrumentation particularly if a clear periodontal cause is not apparent, to prevent from iatrogenic damage to periodontal fibers and the potential risk of gingival recessions. However, this does not imply avoiding periodontal therapy entirely for every case. Rather, it is recommended to delay the decision on root instrumentation until a new diagnostic phase is conducted following the healing of the endodontic etiology.

Stability of peri-implantitis surgical reconstructive therapy-a (> 2 years) follow-up of a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This follow-up study aimed to report the 24- and 30-month outcomes of a cohort previously enrolled in a randomized clinical trial on surgical reconstructive treatment of peri-implantitis. METHODS: Twenty-four patients were diagnosed with peri-implantitis and treated with surgical reconstructive therapy with or without the adjunctive use of Er:YAG laser. Within-group and between-group comparisons were tested with mixed model with repeated measures. RESULTS: Regarding peri-implant pocket depth (PPD) reduction (control vs. laser test group) between 6 months (- 1.85 vs. - 2.65 mm) and 30 months (- 1.84 vs. - 3.04 mm), the laser group showed statistically significant changes but not the control group. In terms of radiographic marginal bone loss (RMBL) at 6 months (- 1.1 vs. - 1.46 mm) to 24 months (- 1.96 vs. - 2.82 mm), both groups showed statistical difference compared to baseline. The six explanted implants all were featured by severe peri-implantitis and mostly with no or limited keratinized tissue (< 2 mm) at baseline and membrane exposure after surgery. Among the 15 retained cases, eight cases achieved more than 50% peri-implant bone level gain. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitation and follow-up time frame of this trial, the outcome of the surgical reconstructive therapy sustained or improved in most of the cases. However, 25% of the implants with severe peri-implantitis failed 2 years after the surgical reconstructive therapy. The use of Er:YAG laser favors PPD reduction in the longer term up to 30 months. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Longer-term follow-up on reconstructive therapy of peri-implantitis revealed sustained or improved stability in certain cases, but the survival of implants with severe peri-implantitis has its limitation, especially when there is limited keratinized tissue (< 2 mm or no KT). TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT03127228 and HUM00160290.

Translational approach to tooth autotransplantation: A 27-year case study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this case report was to present a translational approach to tooth autotransplantation using jiggling forces to enlarge the periodontal ligament (PDL) space before autotransplantation, with the goal of improving treatment success and long-term survival. METHODS: A 23-year-old patient, undergoing orthodontic therapy and with an unrestorable maxillary first molar, was proposed to have a healthy and fully-erupted maxillary third molar transplanted in the socket of the first molar. Jiggling forces were applied to the third molar to enlarge the PDL space and facilitate the preservation of PDL fibers on the root surfaces during the extraction. RESULTS: Jiggling forces induced hypermobility and widened PDL space of the third molar. The autotransplantation was successful and the patient was followed regularly over a 27-year period. At the 27-year visit, the patient showed optimal chewing function, oral plaque control, and absence of gingivitis. The transplanted molar exhibited periodontal health and absence of mobility. Probing depth of 5 mm and radiographic external root resorption was noted on a localized area of the transplanted tooth which had experienced traumatic and unintentional removal of PDL fibers during the extraction. CONCLUSIONS: A translational approach was proposed by integrating knowledge from the fields of orthodontics, trauma from occlusion, and replantation. It validated the crucial importance of maintaining healthy PDL fibers on the root surface and demonstrated clinically the successful autotransplantation of a fully formed third molar into the socket of a first molar with a retention of 27 years. KEY POINTS: Why is this case new information? This case provided evidence of successful autotransplantation of a molar with complete root formation. It reported the longest-term follow-up (27 years) present in the literature. Most importantly, it used a translational medicine approach to apply concepts from the fields of orthodontics and traumatic occlusion to improve the success of the autotransplantation procedure. What are the keys to the successful management of this case? Jiggling forces induced tooth hypermobility and increased the PDL space of the tooth planned for autotransplantation. In turn, they facilitated the atraumatic extraction and preservation of the PDL fibers on the transplanted tooth, improving the success of the reattachment of periodontal fibers. What are the primary limitations to success in this case? Traumatic extraction resulting in the unintended removal of PDL fibers from the tooth planned for autotransplantation, or intentional removal of PDL fibers with root planing are expected to decrease the success rate of the autotransplantation procedure. This is due to the lack of viable PDL cells necessary for reattachment.

Challenges and success in periodontal plastic surgery.

To truly understand a field of study, one must delve into its past and examine the challenges and successes that have shaped its current practices. In the case of periodontal plastic surgery, recognizing how challenges induced changes over the last 70 years-from the 1950s to today-is essential to fully comprehend its evolution. This editorial provides a perspective on the field, highlighting the interrelationships between influential surgical techniques and advancements in research methodology. With each event building upon the last, the evolution of periodontal plastic surgery is a story of scientific progress and ongoing research, fostering a sense of community and shared knowledge.

Acellular dermal matrix for the treatment of multiple gingival recession defects associated with carious and previously restored cervical lesions: A case report with 10 years of follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Limited evidence exists on the outcome of the modified coronally advanced tunnel (MCAT) with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) for the treatment of gingival recession defects (GRD) especially when complicated by restored cervical lesions. Therefore, the aim of this case report was to assess the short- and long-term clinical outcomes of maxillary Type 1 recession defects (RT1) associated with restored cervical lesions treated with MCAT with ADM. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 43-year-old female patient, presented with multiple adjacent RT1 recessions in the left maxilla, previously treated with overhanging cervical resin restorations. The case was approached with a careful evaluation of the diagnostic determinants of root coverage, removal of the aberrant resin restorations, treatment with MCAT with ADM, and periodical evaluation over a follow-up of 10 years. The treatment was followed by complete root coverage, improvement of gingival phenotype, and perfect root coverage esthetic score. Outcomes were periodically assessed and were maintained over 10 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: MCAT with ADM is an effective technique for the treatment of multiple GRD complicated by cervical restorations. Complete root coverage and excellent esthetic outcomes were obtained and maintained in the long term.

Effect of laser-assisted reconstructive surgical therapy of peri-implantitis on protein biomarkers and bacterial load.

OBJECTIVES: This randomized clinical trial assessed changes in protein biomarker levels and bacterial profiles after surgical reconstructive therapy of peri-implantitis and investigated whether the adjunctive use of Er:YAG laser impacts protein biomarker and microbial outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four patients received surgical reconstructive therapy for peri-implantitis with guided bone regeneration following mechanical debridement with (test) or without (control) the adjunctive irradiation of Er:YAG laser. Bacterial and peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) samples were collected over 6 months and analyzed with bacterial qPCR and luminex multiplex assays. RESULTS: Surgical reconstructive treatment significantly affected the concentration of PICF protein biomarkers, including a 50% reduction in IL-1ß between 2 and 4 weeks (p < .0001). Both MMP-9 (p < .001) and VEGF (p < .05) levels steadily decreased after treatment. In the laser group, the peak increase in IL-1ß was attenuated at 2 weeks, followed by significant reduction in MMP-9 (p < .01) and VEGF (p < .05) across all follow-up appointments compared with the control nonlaser group. The total bacterial load was reduced 2 weeks after treatment, especially in the laser group, but recolonized to presurgical levels after 4 weeks in both groups (p < .01). The composition of selective pathogens varied significantly over the follow-up, but recolonization patterns did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstructive therapy of peri-implantitis significantly altered PICF protein biomarker and microbial levels during the healing process. The adjunctive use of Er:YAG laser significantly modulated the inflammatory response through reduced levels of MMP-9 and VEGF during the postsurgical period. The bacterial load was reduced immediately after therapy, but recolonization was observed by 4 weeks in both groups.

Immediate vs. Delayed Placement of Immediately Provisionalized Self-Tapping Implants: A Non-Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial with 1 Year of Follow-Up.

This study aimed to examine the clinical and esthetic outcomes of immediately provisionalized self-tapping implants placed in extraction sockets or healed edentulous ridges one year after treatment. Sixty patients in need of a single implant-supported restoration were treated with self-tapping implants (Straumann BLX) and immediate provisionalization. The implant stability quotient (ISQ) and insertion torque were recorded intraoperatively. After one year in function, the implant and prosthesis survival rate, pink esthetic score (PES), white esthetic score (WES), and marginal bone levels (MBL) were assessed. Sixty patients received 60 self-tapping implants. A total of 37 implants were placed in extraction sockets and 23 in edentulous ridges, and then all implants were immediately provisionalized. All implants achieved a high implant stability with a mean insertion torque and ISQ value of 58.1 ± 14.1 Ncm and 73.6 ± 8.1 Ncm, respectively. No significant differences were found between healed vs. post-extractive sockets (p = 0.716 and p = 0.875), or between flap vs. flapless approaches (p = 0.862 and p = 0.228) with regards to the insertion torque and ISQ value. Nonetheless, higher insertion torque values and ISQs were recorded for mandibular implants (maxilla vs. mandible, insertion torque: 55.30 + 11.25 Ncm vs. 62.41 + 17.01 Ncm, p = 0.057; ISQ: 72.05 + 8.27 vs. 76.08 + 7.37, p = 0.058). One implant did not osseointegrate, resulting in an implant survival rate of 98.3%. All implants achieved PES and WES scores higher than 12 at the 1-year follow-up. The clinical use of newly designed self-tapping implants with immediate temporization was safe and predictable. The implants achieved a good primary stability, high implant survival rate, and favorable radiographic and esthetic outcomes, regardless of the immediate or delayed placement protocols.

Diagnostic reproducibility of the 2018 Classification of Gingival Recession Defects and Gingival Phenotype: A multicenter inter- and intra-examiner agreement study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the inter- and intra-examiner agreement among international experts on the diagnosis of gingival recession defects using the 2018 Classification of Gingival Recession Defects and Gingival Phenotype as proposed in the 2017 World Workshop. METHODS: Standardized intraoral photographs from 28 gingival recession defects were evaluated twice by 16 expert periodontists. Recession type (RT), recession depth (RD), keratinized tissue width (KTW), gingival thickness (GT), detectability of the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ), and presence of root steps (RS) were recorded and used for the analysis. Intra- and inter-examiner agreements were calculated for individual variables and for the overall classification. Intraclass correlation coefficient with 95% CI was used for RD and KTW; Kappa with 95% CI was used for GT, CEJ, and RS; quadratic weighted Kappa with 95% CI was used for RT. RESULTS: Overall intra- and inter-examiner agreements were highest for KTW (0.95 and 0.90), lowest for GT (0.75 and 0.41), with the other variables in between (RD: 0.93 and 0.68, RS: 0.87 and 0.65, RT: 0.79 and 0.64, CEJ: 0.75 and 0.57). Overall intra- and inter-examiner agreements for the matrix were 62% and 28%, respectively. Significant effects existed between one variable's measurement and other variables' agreements. CONCLUSIONS: The 2018 Classification of Gingival Recession Defects and Gingival Phenotype is clinically reproducible within the examiners, and when the variables forming the matrix are analyzed individually. The between-examiner agreement for the complete matrix showed lower reproducibility. The agreement was highest for KTW and RD, and least for GT.

Gingival recessions caused by Herpes Simplex Virus in a patient with COVID-19 infection.

Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a very common infection often localized in the mucocutaneous junction of the lip. Rarely, it could be detected also in periodontal tissues, associated with an elevated risk of periodontal disease progression and gingival recessions. Recently, HSV-1 and numerous co-infections have been reported in literature associated with the Coronavirus and subsequent COVID-19 disease. This report illustrates a case of HSV-1 in a patient with Covid-19 infection, showing the presence of ulcers and vesicles on the gingival margin of maxillary teeth associated with soreness and pain. The histology highlighted the presence of intraepithelial cell ballooning, confirming the diagnosis of HSV-1 infection.

Computer-Assisted Mandibular Reconstruction with a Single-Step Free Fibula Flap and Simultaneous Implant Placement.

The free fibula flap is a reliable approach used to reconstruct maxillofacial osseous defects. Virtual surgical planning facilitates the execution of such segmental bony reconstruction, usually preceding the placement of endosseous implants for dental rehabilitation. Novel advances in digital technology allow for fabrication of 3D guides for implant placement in the fibula bone segments before their fixation to the facial defect, with reduced ischemic time, reduced treatment time, faster dental rehabilitations, and unprecedented improvements in the overall treatment efficiency. This case report illustrates the use of digitally designed 3D-printed surgical plates for a single-stage surgery of free fibula flap with implant placement. The patient was successfully treated and followed over 2 years. Comparison between preoperative virtual planning and postoperative scans revealed a high accuracy of implant and bone segment positioning.

Paradigm Shifts in the Evolution of Implant Therapy.

Making treatment decisions in dental implantology has evolved over the last five decades. These decisions and the clinical management of sites thereafter are selected based on recent changes, including the achievement of osseointegration, reestablishment of biologic width bone remodeling, the peri-implant soft tissue phenotype, the way peri-implantitis is defined, and advancements in digital technology. This article discusses these key aspects and their effects and influence on implant therapy.

Comparative Assessment of Flap-Advancing Techniques in an Ex Vivo Cadaverous Porcine Model.

PURPOSE: Since flap advancement is a prerequisite for tension-free primary closure and successful regenerative procedures, the aim of this study was to test the efficacy of six surgical approaches for flap advancement in an ex vivo porcine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 fresh mandibles from pigs were randomized into one of six groups: (1) trapezoidal full-thickness flap design with two vertical releasing incisions (control), (2) trapezoidal flap with linear periosteal scoring, (3) mucosal detachment technique, (4) mucosal detachment with horizontal extension, (5) mucosal detachment with horizontal and vertical extension, and (6) mucosal detachment with horizontal vertical and cutback extension. Coronal advancement of the flap was recorded as the primary variable; the surface area of exposed mucosa and the tear strength were recorded as secondary variables. RESULTS: Homogeneity existed among groups for preoperative keratinized tissue width and tissue thickness. Mucosal detachment with horizontal, vertical, and, cutback extensions achieved the highest amount of advancement. All remaining groups achieved a statistically higher advancement compared with the trapezoidal full-thickness flap (control). Pairwise comparison demonstrated statistical significance between any two groups (P < .001). A positive correlation was noted between exposed mucosa and flap advancement; the advancement increased 0.62 mm for each 10 mm2 of increase in the exposed mucosal surface. Strength at tear stress was the highest in the trapezoidal full-thickness flap (control) and mucosal detachment with horizontal-vertical-cutback incisions (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Coronal flap advancement was maximized in the mucosal detachment techniques and positively correlated with the area of exposed mucosa.

Soft tissue phenotype modification predicts gingival margin long-term (10-year) stability: Longitudinal analysis of six randomized clinical trials.

AIM: To assess the prognostic value of soft tissue phenotype modification following root coverage procedures for predicting the long-term (10-year) behaviour of the gingival margin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants from six randomized clinical trials on root coverage procedures at the University of Michigan were re-invited for a longitudinal evaluation. Clinical measurements were obtained by two calibrated examiners. A data-driven approach to model selection with Akaike information criterion (AIC) was carried out via multilevel regression analyses and partial regression plotting for changes in the level of the gingival margin over time and interactions with the early (6-month) results of soft tissue phenotypic modification. RESULTS: One-hundred and fifty-seven treated sites in 83 patients were re-assessed at the long-term recall. AIC-driven model selection and regression analyses demonstrated that 6-month keratinized tissue width (KTW) and gingival thickness (GT) influenced the trajectory of the gingival margin similarly in a concave manner; however, GT was the driving determinant that predicted significantly less relapse in the treatments, with stability of the treated gingival margin obtained beyond values of 1.46 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Among a compliant patient cohort, irrespective of the rendered therapy, the presence of at least 1.5 mm KTW and 1.46 mm GT was correlated with the long-term stability of the gingival margin.

Prognostic factors associated with implant loss, disease progression or favorable outcomes after peri-implantitis surgical therapy.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of the peri-implantitis remains complex and challenging with no consensus on which is the best treatment approach. PURPOSE: To examine the key local and systemic factors associated with implant loss, disease progression, or favorable outcomes after surgical peri-implantitis therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of patients treated for peri-implantitis were screened. Patient-, implant- and surgery-related variables on and prior to the day of the surgery were collected (T0: time of peri-implantitis treatment). If the treated implant was still in function when the data was collected, the patient invited to participate for a recall study visit (T1, longest follow-up after treatment). Impacts of the variables on the implant survival, success, and peri-implant bone change after treatment were investigated. RESULTS: Eighty patients with 121 implants with a mean follow-up of 42.6 ± 26.3 months were included. A total of 22 implants (18.2%) were removed during the follow-up period. When relative bone loss (%) was in range 25%-50%, risk for implant removal increased 15 times compared to lower bone loss <25% (OR = 15.2; CI: 2.06-112.7; p = 0.008). Similarly, relative bone loss of >50% increased 20 times the risk of implant failure compared to the <25% (OR = 20.2; CI: 2.42-169.6; p = 0.006). For post-treatment success rate, history of periodontitis significantly increased the risk of unsuccess treatment (OR = 3.07; p = 0.04) after resective surgery). CONCLUSION: Severe bone loss (>50%) poses significantly higher risk of treatment failure.

Comparison of decontamination efficacy of two electrolyte cleaning methods to diode laser, plasma, and air-abrasive devices.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the in vitro decontamination efficacy of two electrolytic cleaning methods to diode laser, plasma, and air-abrasive devices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty sandblasted large-grit acid-etched (SLA) implants were incubated with 2 ml of human saliva and Tryptic Soy Broth solution under continuous shaking for 14 days. Implants were then randomly assigned to one untreated control group (n = 10) and 5 different decontamination modalities: air-abrasive powder (n = 10), diode laser (n = 10), plasma cleaning (n = 10), and two electrolytic test protocols using either potassium iodide (KI) (n = 10) or sodium formate (CHNaO2) (n = 10) solution. Implants were stained for dead and alive bacteria in two standardized measurement areas, observed at fluorescent microscope, and analyzed for color intensity. RESULTS: All disinfecting treatment modalities significantly reduced the stained area compared to the untreated control group for both measurement areas (p < 0.001). Among test interventions, electrolytic KI and CHNaO2 treatments were equally effective, and each one significantly reduced the stained area compared to any other treatment modality (p < 0.001). Efficacy of electrolytic protocols was not affected by the angulation of examined surfaces [surface angulation 0° vs. 60° (staining %): electrolytic cleaning-KI 0.03 ± 0.04 vs. 0.09 ± 0.10; electrolytic cleaning-CHNaO2 0.01 ± 0.01 vs. 0.06 ± 0.08; (p > 0.05)], while air abrasion [surface angulation 0° vs. 60° (staining %): 2.66 ± 0.83 vs. 42.12 ± 3.46 (p < 0.001)] and plasma cleaning [surface angulation 0° vs. 60° (staining %): 33.25 ± 3.01 vs. 39.16 ± 3.15 (p < 0.001)] were. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of the present in vitro study, electrolytic decontamination with KI and CHNaO2 was significantly more effective in reducing bacterial stained surface of rough titanium implants than air-abrasive powder, diode laser, and plasma cleaning, regardless of the accessibility of the contaminated implant location. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Complete bacterial elimination (residual bacteria < 1%) was achieved only for the electrolytic cleaning approaches, irrespectively of the favorable or unfavorable access to implant surface.

Classification Based on Extraction Socket Buccal Bone Morphology and Related Treatment Decision Tree.

BACKGROUND: Alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) can successfully reduce volumetric ridge changes. However, there is still no consensus on what technique is the most advantageous for each specific clinical scenario. Hence, the aim of the present paper was to provide a treatment decision tree to guide the choice of predictable ARP procedures based on extraction socket buccal bone morphology and integrity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three socket types (ST) are proposed and discussed based on buccal bone morphology (intact, dehiscence or fenestration). RESULTS: A decision tree for ARP was developed in order to merge ST classification with suitable treatment modalities. In the decision tree, the issue of when to allow unassisted healing or ARP was discussed. Described methods included bone grafting and collagen plug, and absorbable membrane or non-resorbable membrane, with or without flap elevation. CONCLUSION: A decision tree for ARP procedures was provided to guide clinicians towards the most conservative and predictable treatment approach based on remaining socket anatomical structures after extraction.

Intra- and Interexaminer Repeatability of Diagnostic Peri-Implant Clinical Measurement: A Pilot Study.

Despite the crucial role of examiner reliability on quality research and practice, there is still limited literature analyzing factors affecting examiner variability of peri-implant clinical measurements. The present study investigated clinical peri-implant parameters to quantify their repeatability and investigate factors that may affect their accuracy. Thirty-three implants were examined by 4 operators. Peri-implant probing depth (PD), recession (REC), and gingival index (GI) were measured for agreement and included in the analysis. Agreement was quantified using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs; 95% confidence interval); mixed linear and logistic regressions were used to assess additional variables. The overall interexaminer agreement was comparable between PD (0.80) and REC (0.78) but significantly worse for GI (0.45; P < .001). Similarly, the intraexaminer agreement was similar for PD (0.81) and REC (0.80) but significantly worse for GI (0.57; P < .05). The magnitude of PD did not influence the agreement. In contrast, increasing disagreement was noted for positive REC (odds ratio [OR]: 3.0), negative REC (OR: 4.8), and lower GI (OR: 4.4). The incidence of bleeding on probing and severity of GI increased for deeper PD (0.113-unit increase per millimeter). Negative and positive values of recession and lower GI were associated with increasing disagreement. Radiographic bone loss, restoration contour, and implant diameter did not affect PD accuracy in this study. In conclusion, within the limitations of the study, GI measurements presented higher variability than PD and REC did. The PD and GI were associated with one another and increased after multiple measurements.

Gingival Phenotype Modification as a Result of Root Coverage Procedure with Two Human Dermal Matrices: Long-Term Assessment of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

The gingival thickness (GT) and keratinized tissue width (KTW) constitute the gingival phenotype, a concept that has received a great deal of appreciation in recent years. Gingival phenotype modification has been achieved via different surgical techniques and grafting materials. Despite the superiority of autogenous grafts, their increased patient morbidity and limited recourse has led to the development of graft substitutes. The human dermal matrix is a notable example that, depending on its processing method, can become freeze-dried or solvent-dehydrated acellular dermal matrix (FDADM and SDADM, respectively). This article reports the 9-year outcomes of a randomized clinical trial regarding gingival phenotype modification following root coverage with FDADM and SDADM. Twelve of the original 20 patients were available at the 9-year follow-up. Overall, the outcomes of gingival phenotype modification were maintained in both groups and at all sites after 9 years. For KTW, an incremental increase was observed over time in both groups, and minimal or no changes were noted in GT from the 1-year recall to the 9-year recall. However, the gingival margin level showed an apical shift for both groups.

Machine learning-assisted immune profiling stratifies peri-implantitis patients with unique microbial colonization and clinical outcomes.

Rationale: The endemic of peri-implantitis affects over 25% of dental implants. Current treatment depends on empirical patient and site-based stratifications and lacks a consistent risk grading system. Methods: We investigated a unique cohort of peri-implantitis patients undergoing regenerative therapy with comprehensive clinical, immune, and microbial profiling. We utilized a robust outlier-resistant machine learning algorithm for immune deconvolution. Results: Unsupervised clustering identified risk groups with distinct immune profiles, microbial colonization dynamics, and regenerative outcomes. Low-risk patients exhibited elevated M1/M2-like macrophage ratios and lower B-cell infiltration. The low-risk immune profile was characterized by enhanced complement signaling and higher levels of Th1 and Th17 cytokines. Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella intermedia were significantly enriched in high-risk individuals. Although surgery reduced microbial burden at the peri-implant interface in all groups, only low-risk individuals exhibited suppression of keystone pathogen re-colonization. Conclusion: Peri-implant immune microenvironment shapes microbial composition and the course of regeneration. Immune signatures show untapped potential in improving the risk-grading for peri-implantitis.

Efficacy of microsurgery and comparison to macrosurgery for gingival recession treatment: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Microsurgical principles, techniques, and armamentarium have made significant contributions to the periodontal plastic surgery. The present meta-analysis aimed to investigate the overall efficacy of microsurgery on root coverage, and its clinical outcomes when compared to traditional macrosurgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Electronic searches on PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL were used to retrieve prospective clinical trials. Primary outcomes were the mean root coverage (mRC) and probability of achieving complete root coverage (cRC), with secondary outcomes as other periodontal parameters and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). RESULTS: Nineteen studies were included in the quantitative analysis. Microsurgery was estimated to achieve 83.3% mRC and 69.3% cRC. From a subgroup of 9 comparative studies, it was estimated microsurgery increased mRC by 6.6% (p<0.001) and cRC by 27.9% (p<0.01) compared to macrosurgical control treatments. Operating microscope (OM) yielded a significantly 6.7% higher mRC than the control group (p=0.002), while using loupes showed 6.16% increase in mRC with a borderline significance (p=0.09). OM and loupes-only had a 31.05% (p=0.001) and 25.54% (p=0.001) increases in achieving cRC compared to control, respectively. As for PROMs, microsurgery reduced postoperative pain (p<0.001) and enhanced esthetics (p= 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Microsurgery significantly improved mean root coverage, probability of achieving complete root coverage, esthetics, and post-surgical recovery. Microsurgery enhances not only subclinical healing but also clinical outcomes, possibly owing to its minimally invasive approach and surgical precision. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Periodontal plastic microsurgery is minimally invasive, inducing less surgical trauma and ultimately resulting in improved clinical outcomes, patient's satisfaction, and quality of life.