Guided coronally advanced flap to treat gingival recession: Digital workflow and case report.

BACKGROUND: The inherently technique-sensitive nature of periodontal plastic procedures demands a significant level of skill and expertise. The incorporation of three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies emerges as a potential strategy to optimize and simplify surgical procedures. This case report describes the digital workflow and presents the clinical outcomes achieved using a guided coronally advanced flap for the treatment of a single gingival recession (GR). METHODS AND RESULTS: A female patient with a gingival recession type 1 (RT1 B-) defect on the mandibular second left premolar underwent successful treatment using a guided coronally advanced flap (g-CAF) and de-epithelized connective tissue graft (CTG). The digital planning included intraoral scanning of the mandible and hard palate using an intraoral scanner, with resulting polygon format (PLY) files exported for virtual model creation. The CAF guide was meticulously designed to orient horizontal and vertical incisions at the papillae base adjacent to the GR defect. For the donor site, a guide was specifically created, positioning the graft area 2 mm apically to the premolars' gingival margins. The delineation of this area involved two horizontal and vertical incisions, meticulously based on the dimensions of the GR. The digitally designed guides were then 3D-printed using a surgical guide-specific resin, contributing to the precise execution of the innovative surgical approach. Complete root coverage was achieved. CONCLUSION: This case report demonstrates that g-CAF can be a promising approach for the treatment of single GR. HIGHLIGHTS: Why is this case new information? To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first manuscript to report a guided procedure for the treatment of gingival recession. This report provides the digital workflow for the fabrication of a guide to perform the coronally advanced flap for single recession defects. What are the keys to successfully manage this case? It is necessary to adequately scan the recession defect area and palate. Properly not only design the guide using specific software but also print it. The guide has to be stable when in position for the surgical procedure. What are the primary limitations of this technique? This guide was designed to help surgeons during the incisions. However, it does not provide aid to split and release the flap and suture.

Treatment of single gingival recessions using biofunctionalized collagen matrix: A case series.

BACKGROUND: Connective tissue graft substitutes have been used widely to overcome autogenous graft limitations. Nevertheless, they do not provide comparable results in the treatment of periodontal and peri-implant soft tissue defects. Based on the principles of tissue-engineered materials, injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) has been combined with collagen matrices (CMs) to enhance their clinical efficacy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case series demonstrating the use of i-PRF for the biofunctionalization of a volume-stable collagen matrix (VCMX) as an adjunct to coronally advanced flap (CAF) to treat single gingival recession (GR) defects. METHODS & RESULTS: The study included 10 patients. Bleeding on probing, probing depth, GR height, clinical attachment level, esthetics, and dentin hypersensitivity were evaluated. After 6 months, a significant GR reduction (RecRed: 2.15 ± 0.7 mm; p = 0.005) and percentage of root coverage (% RC) of 81.13% were observed. Additionally, 40% of the sites showed complete root coverage. Gingival thickness increased 0.64 mm. Patient-centered evaluations demonstrated dentin hypersensitivity and esthetics improvements by the end of follow-up. CONCLUSION: VCMX biofunctionalized with i-PRF associated with CAF technique showed promising clinical outcomes in the treatment of single RT1 GR defects.

Multiple gingival recessions associated with non-carious cervical lesions treated by partial restoration and modified coronally advanced flap with either connective tissue graft or xenogeneic acellular dermal matrix: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare a connective tissue graft (CTG) to a (porcine) xenogeneic acellular dermal matrix (XDM), both associated with modified coronally advanced flap (MCAF) and partial resin composite restoration to treat multiple combined defects (CDs). METHODS: Seventy-eight defects in 38 patients presenting multiple combined defects, that is, gingival recession associated with non-carious cervical lesions, were treated by partial resin composite restoration (apical margin up to 1 mm of the estimated cement-enamel junction) and MCAF along with CTG or XDM. After 6 months, the groups were compared with regard to clinical, patient-centered, and esthetic outcomes. RESULTS: CD coverage was 72.9% for CTG versus 50.7% for XDM (P < 0.001). Recession reduction was 2.3 mm for CTG versus 1.5 mm for XDM (P < 0.001). CTG resulted in a greater increase in keratinized tissue width (CTG: 0.96 mm vs. XDM: 0.3 mm, P = 0.04) and gingival thickness (CTG: 0.9 mm vs. XDM: 0.3 mm, P < 0.001). Both treatments successfully reduced dentin hypersensitivity and increased esthetics satisfaction, with no statistically significant intergroup differences. Moreover, XDM patients experienced a shorter surgery duration (CTG: 57.2 min vs. XDM: 37.4 min, P < 0.001) and less time to no pain (visual analog scale  =  0; CTG: 6.5 days vs. XDM: 3.5 days, P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: CTG resulted in significantly greater root coverage and increased keratinized tissue width compared to XDM for treating multiple partially restored CDs. However, increased root coverage at the CTG sites was accounted for by increased probing depth compared to the XDM sites.

Comparison between connective tissue graft and xenogeneic acellular dermal matrix to treat single gingival recession: A data reanalysis of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVES: There are few studies comparing xenogeneic acellular dermal matrixes (XDMs) with connective tissue graft (CTG) to treat single gingival recession (GR). The present study involved a reanalysis of previous studies and comparison of CTG or XDM to treat single RT1/GR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients from three previous randomized clinical trials treated either by CTG (n = 25) or XDM (n = 25) were evaluated after 6-month. Clinical, patient-centered, and esthetic parameters were assessed. Pearson's correlation and regression analyses were also performed. RESULTS: Greater recession reduction (RecRed), percentage of root coverage (%RC), and complete root coverage (CRC) were observed in the CTG group (p ≤ 0.02). Gingival thickness (GT) and keratinized tissue width (KTW) gains were higher in the CTG group. The CTG group showed better esthetic at 6-month. Logistic analyses reported that GT([OR] = 1.6473 ) and papilla height (PH) (OR = 8.20) are predictors of CRC. GT*XDM interaction was a negative predictor of CRC (OR = 7.105-5 ). GT at baseline acted as a predictor of RecRed in both groups (p = 0.03). The XDM graft impacted RecRed and %RC negatively. Baseline PH was a predictor of %RC for both grafts. CONCLUSION: CTG was superior for treating RT1/GR, providing better root coverage outcomes and tissue gains over time. GT, PH, and graft type were classified as predictors of CRC. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: CTG presented better outcomes to treat single RT1 gingival recession when compared to the XDM.

Single gingival recession associated with non-carious cervical lesion treated by partial restoration and coronally advanced flap with or without xenogenous collagen matrix: A randomized clinical trial evaluating the coverage procedures and restorative protocol.

BACKGROUND: Evaluate the use of collagen matrix (CM) as adjunctive to coronally advanced flap (CAF versus CAF + CM) to treat gingival recession (GR) associated with non-carious cervical lesion-combined defects (CDs). METHODS: Sixty-two patients presenting 62 CDs (RT1 GR and non-carious cervical lesion (NCCLs) were randomly allocated to either CAF group (n = 31): partial restoration of the NCCL and CAF; or to CAF + CM group (n = 31): partial restoration of the NCCL and CAF associated with CM. Clinical, esthetic, patient-centered outcomes, and restorative parameters were assessed. RESULTS: After 12 months, CD coverage were 55.2% for CAF and 54.4% for CAF + CM (P = 0.8). Recession reduction were 1.9 ± 0.8 mm for CAF and 2.0 ± 0.7 mm for CAF + CM (P = 0.6). CAF+CM resulted in higher increase in keratinized tissue (KT) width (CAF: 0.3 ± 0.7 mm; CAF + CM: 0.9 ± 0.8 mm; P = 0.004) and KT thickness gain (CAF: 0.1 ± 0.3 mm; CAF + CM: 0.7 ± 0.2 mm; P = 0.001). Both treatments presented low postoperative pain and resulted in esthetics improvements. In addition, no restoration was lost, 27.4% showed a reduction of the superficial polishing, and 8% showed marginal staining, but still clinically acceptable. CONCLUSION: Partial resin composite restoration (with the apical limit up to 1 mm of the estimated CEJ) and CAF alone or combined with CM are suitable for treating CDs. The use of CM provided additional benefits in terms of KT width and thickness gain. (NCT03341598).

Comparison of two types of xenogeneic matrices to treat single gingival recessions: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Xenogeneic matrices (XMs) have been increasingly used for root coverage procedures. This study compared the use of two types of XM (collagen matrix [CM] and xenogeneic acellular dermal matrix [XDM]) associated with the coronally advanced flap technique (CAF) to treat single gingival recessions. METHODS: Seventy-five patients presenting single RT1 gingival recession were treated by CAF (control group, n = 25), CAF+CM (test group 1, n = 25), or CAF+XDM (test group 2, n = 25) and completed 6-month follow-up. Clinical, patient-centered, and esthetic assessments were performed and intra- and intergroup differences were analyzed. RESULTS: At 6 months, the mean recession reduction for CAF, CAF+CM, and CAF+XDM was 2.4 ± 0.8 mm, 2.4 ± 0.9 mm and 2.1 ± 0.8 mm, respectively (P > 0.05). The corresponding mean percentage of root coverage was 78.9% ± 26.2% for CAF, 78.0% ± 28.5% for CAF+CM, and 65.6% ± 26.9% for CAF+XDM (P > 0.05). Dentin hypersensitivity and esthetic conditions showed significantly improvements in all groups. Test groups presented significant gains in gingival thickness (GT; CAF+CM: 0.4 ± 0.3 mm; CAF+XDM: 0.4 ± 0.2 mm) compared to the control group (CAF: 0.0 ± 0.1 mm; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The CAF, CAF+CM, and CAF+XDM treatments each provided similar results in the treatment of single gingival recessions. The addition of either CM or XDM to CAF increases the GT.

New Volume-Stable Collagen Matrix and Modified Coronally Advanced Flap to Treat Multiple Gingival Recessions Associated With Partially Restored Non-Carious Cervical Lesions: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Gingival recession (GR) is a prevalent problem that is related to esthetic demands and dentin hypersensitivity. Frequently, GR is associated with non-carious cervical lesion (NCCLs) forming a combined defect (CD), which requires restorative and surgical treatment. Connective tissue graft procedures allow predictable root coverage but can result in patient discomfort. CASE PRESENTATION: This first case report describes multiple GRs associated with B+ NCCL at teeth #4 and #6 of a 27-year-old patient with a thin periodontal phenotype. The aim of this report was to evaluate the 6-month outcome of a new volume-stable collagen matrix (VCMX) combined with modified coronally advanced flap (MCAF) and partial restoration to treat CDs. After 6 months, significant improvement was observed regarding CD coverage (69.05%), recession reduction (2.25 mm), gingival thickness gain (0.74 mm), and keratinized tissue width gain (0.75 mm). In addition, excellent esthetic evaluation and patient comfort were achieved by using the biomaterial. CONCLUSION: VCMX associated with MCAF and partial restoration may be an option to treat multiple recession defects plus B+ NCCLs.

Biomechanical, operative and biological aspects of the cervical margin relocation: a case report / Aspectos biomecânicos, operatórios e biológicos da recolocação da margem cervical com resina composta em cavidades classe II com margens profundas: um relato de caso

The clinical success of tooth-colored indirect restorations has been confirmed in several studies. However, inlays and onlays restorations in Class II cavities with deep gingival margins can still be considered a clinical challenge. With the purpose of facilitating the execution of the operative procedures in intrasulcular margins and reducing the risk of restorative failures, the technique of cervical margin relocation has been explored as a noninvasive alternative to surgical crown lengthening. This work aims at discussing through a case report the biomechanical, operative and biological aspects in the treatment of teeth with deep gingival margins. Therefore, given the therapy applied in the clinical case presented, it is concluded that the cervical margin relocation with composite resin is advantageous since it eliminates the need for surgery, allowing the implementation of indirect restorations in fewer clinical sessions, not causing damage to periodontal tissues once it provided good finishing and polishing with the establishment of a correct emergence profile, allowing flawless maintenance of gingival health after one year. (AU)

Sucesso clínico das restaurações indiretas livres de metal tem sido confirmado em diversos estudos. No entanto, restaurações parciais indiretas em cavidades do tipo classe II com margens profundas ainda podem ser consideradas um desafio clínico. Com a proposta de facilitar a execução dos procedimentos operatórios em margens intra-sulculares e reduzir a ocorrência de falhas, a técnica de elevação da margem gengival em resina composta tem sido explorada como alternativa não invasiva à cirurgia de aumento de coroa clínica. Este trabalho tem a intenção de discutir através de um relato de caso clínico os aspectos biomecânicos, operatórios e biológicos no tratamento de dentes com margens cervicais profundas. Sendo assim, conclui-se que a técnica de elevação da margem gengival com resina composta é vantajosa, pois elimina a necessidade de cirurgia permitindo a execução de restaurações indiretas em menos sessões clínicas, não gerando danos aos tecidos periodontais, desde que haja um bom acabamento e polimento, com estabelecimento de um correto perfil de emergência. (AU)

Enamel matrix derivative effects on palatal mucosa wound healing: Randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the clinical, immunologic, and patient-centered outcomes of enamel matrix protein derivative (EMD) on excisional wounds in palatal mucosa. MATERIALS: Forty-four patients in need of ridge preservation were randomly allocated into two groups: control group (n = 22): open palatal wound after free gingival graft (FGG) harvest and EMD group (n = 22): open palatal wound after FGG harvest that received 0.3 ml of EMD. Clinical and patient-centered parameters were analyzed for 3 months post-treatment. Wound fluid levels of inflammatory markers were assessed 3 and 7 days postoperatively. RESULTS: No significant inter-group difference was observed in remaining wound area and re-epithelialization. EMD and control groups achieved wound closure and re-epithelialization 30 days postoperatively (p < .001), without inter-group differences. Similarly, number of analgesics and Oral Health Impact Profile scores did not present significant inter-group differences (p > .05). EMD appeared to selectively modulate wound fluid levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, matrix metallopeptidase 9, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that EMD application to excisional palatal wounds using the investigated protocol does not provide clinical healing benefits, despite an apparent modulation of selected inflammatory markers.

Rethinking the decision-making process to treat gingival recession associated with non-carious cervical lesions.

The presence of a tooth-surface defect, such as a non-carious cervical lesion (NCCL), associated with sites of gingival recession (GR) defects creates a combined soft tissue/tooth defect (CD) that requires a different treatment plan. This study aimed to critically review the literature regarding the available treatment protocols for CDs and suggest a new decision-making process. NCCLs were classified as Class A-: the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) was visible and the root surface discrepancy was < 0.5 mm (no step); Class A+: CEJ was visible and the root surface discrepancy was > 0.5 mm (with a step); Class B-: unidentifiable CEJ without a step; Class B+: unidentifiable CEJ with a step. NCCLs affecting both root and crown surfaces (Class B) lead to CEJ destruction and consequently eliminate an important landmark used before and after root coverage procedures. The depth of the root surface discrepancy is vital owing to its possible impact on soft tissue adaptation after healing, which, in turn, may influence the treatment options, namely the use of graft and/or composites to compensate for the discrepancy. Clinically, a step with horizontal depth greater than 0.5 mm should be recognized as the minimum threshold value to define this condition. Extremely deep defects tend to assume a V-shaped topography. Therefore, extremely deep V-shaped defects were classified into subclasses A+V, a V-shaped defect, and B+V, a V-shaped defect with loss of CEJ, for management considerations. The treatment options, supported by the literature, and a decision-making process to deal with each condition are presented.

Microcurrent electrotherapy improves palatal wound healing: Randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to assess the clinical, immunological, and patient-centered outcomes of microcurrent electrotherapy on palatal wound healing. METHODS: This was a parallel, double-masked randomized clinical trial, in which 53 patients with ridge preservation indications were selected and randomly assigned to one of two groups. In the control (sham) group (n = 27), palatal wounds, after free gingival grafts (FGG) harvest, received sham application of electrotherapy. In the test (electrotherapy treatment [EE]) group (n = 26), palatal wounds, after FGG harvest, received application of microcurrent electrotherapy protocol. Clinical parameters, patient-centered outcomes, and inflammatory markers were evaluated, up to 90 days postoperatively. RESULTS: The EE group achieved earlier wound closure (P <0.001) and epithelialization (P <0.05; P = 0.03) at 7 and 14 days after harvest when compared with the sham group. Painful symptomatology was reported less frequently in the EE group than in the sham group at 3-day follow-up (P = 0.008). Likewise, an improvement in Oral Health Impact Profile was reported 2 days after the procedure by the EE group (P = 0.04). In addition, favorable modulation of inflammatory wound healing markers occurred when electrotherapy was applied. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that the use of a low-intensity electrotherapy protocol may accelerate palatal wound healing and decrease patient discomfort after FGG harvest.

Rethinking the decision-making process to treat gingival recession associated with non-carious cervical lesions

Abstract The presence of a tooth-surface defect, such as a non-carious cervical lesion (NCCL), associated with sites of gingival recession (GR) defects creates a combined soft tissue/tooth defect (CD) that requires a different treatment plan. This study aimed to critically review the literature regarding the available treatment protocols for CDs and suggest a new decision-making process. NCCLs were classified as Class A-: the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) was visible and the root surface discrepancy was < 0.5 mm (no step); Class A+: CEJ was visible and the root surface discrepancy was > 0.5 mm (with a step); Class B-: unidentifiable CEJ without a step; Class B+: unidentifiable CEJ with a step. NCCLs affecting both root and crown surfaces (Class B) lead to CEJ destruction and consequently eliminate an important landmark used before and after root coverage procedures. The depth of the root surface discrepancy is vital owing to its possible impact on soft tissue adaptation after healing, which, in turn, may influence the treatment options, namely the use of graft and/or composites to compensate for the discrepancy. Clinically, a step with horizontal depth greater than 0.5 mm should be recognized as the minimum threshold value to define this condition. Extremely deep defects tend to assume a V-shaped topography. Therefore, extremely deep V-shaped defects were classified into subclasses A+V, a V-shaped defect, and B+V, a V-shaped defect with loss of CEJ, for management considerations. The treatment options, supported by the literature, and a decision-making process to deal with each condition are presented.

Randomized clinical trial evaluating single maxillary gingival recession treatment with connective tissue graft and tunnel or trapezoidal flap: 2-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The literature lacks long-term evidence regarding outcomes of the coronally advanced tunnel flap (TUN) combined with connective tissue graft (CTG) when compared to the trapezoidal coronally advanced flap (CAF) and CTG combination. This study presents 2-year results of a randomized clinical trial comparing CTG combined with either CAF or TUN in the treatment of single maxillary gingival recession (GR) defects. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients, each contributing a single Miller Class I or II GR defect, were treated by CAF+CTG (control; n = 19) or TUN+CTG (test; n = 20) and completed the 2-year follow up. Clinical, patient centered, and esthetic evaluations were performed and differences among groups were analyzed. RESULTS: At 2 years, mean root coverage for control and test group was 89.5% ± 14.6% and 87.7% ± 18.4%, respectively (P = 0.5). The corresponding complete root coverage prevalence was 68.4% and 50% (P = 0.4). Dentin hypersensitivity significantly decreased for both groups. The two groups showed improvement in esthetics, as assessed by both professionals and patients, without significant intergroup differences (P > 0.5). TUN+CTG sites were much more likely to present improvement in root coverage between 6 months and 2 years, exhibiting creeping attachment of 0.7 ± 0.6 mm. CONCLUSIONS: At 2 years of follow up, both CAF+CTG and TUN+CTG resulted in significant clinical and esthetic improvements and provided similar results in the treatment of single maxillary GRs.