Maxillary exostoses as contributing etiology to lip hypermobility and associated excessive gingival display: A clinical report.

Several etiologies may contribute to the development of excessive gingival display (EGD). However, little, if any, consideration has been given to the potentially significant role of prominent buccal maxillary exostoses (BMEs) in EGD etiology. Therefore, the aim of this report was to highlight the contribution of BMEs to EGD. Two patients complaining of EGD were evaluated, and BMEs were found associated with a hypermobile upper lip, vertical maxillary excess, and altered passive eruption. Both patients received esthetic crown lengthening (ECL) as the first surgical intervention. The BMEs were removed by osteoplasty performed during ECL. The resulting smile and EGD changes were evaluated 3 to 6 months postoperatively. An extraordinary amount of gingival display reduction was found in both patients (8 mm and 6 mm), a highly atypical outcome for ECL alone. BME removal on its own represented 75% and 67% of the EGD decrease, respectively. The exostoses removal-associated EGD decreases corresponded to observed reductions in lip mobility during smile. Sizeable BMEs can contribute significantly to the etiology of EGD, in part through an effect on lip mobility during smile. Proper management of such BMEs through osteoplasty provides meaningful EGD reduction, resulting in improvements of smile esthetics and patient satisfaction.

Gingival pigmentation: Concurrent assessment of distribution, intensity, and extent in a black population.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate prevalence, distribution, intensity and extent of physiologic gingival melanin pigmentation (GMP) in black individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this cross-sectional study, GMP was evaluated on digital images by three calibrated examiners, according to de Krom (distribution), DOPI (intensity) and Melanin Index (extent) classifications. Descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, Two-way ANOVA, chi square, and K-means cluster analysis were used. RESULTS: Seventy participants were recruited. The most prevalent GMP categories were: de Krom category 2 (34.3%), DOPI heavy intensity (57.2%), and Melanin index Degree IV (50%). Significant inter-group differences were found for age (p < 0.05) but not gender (p > 0.05). Significant correspondence/overlap was observed between classifications (p > 0.05). Three GMP clusters were identified: Cluster 1 (27%; n = 19) had mild asymmetric and interspersed pigmentation; Cluster 2 (46%; n = 32) had heavy pigmentation in one long continuous ribbon, with pink marginal gingiva; and Cluster 3 (27%; n = 19) had heavy pigmentation in one long continuous ribbon, symmetric, and uniform. CONCLUSIONS: There may be overlap among GMP classification systems. In black individuals, the predominant GMP presentation is one of a broad zone of heavily pigmented attached gingiva, in a continuous strip from central incisors to canines, symmetrical across the midline, and with pink free marginal gingiva. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This is the first study to analyze distribution, intensity, and extent of gingival melanin pigmentation in the same population and to integrate the various classification systems through cluster analysis. The novel findings provide a foundation for patient assessment and counseling and for future studies.

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.

Selective outcome reporting in root coverage randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: Outcome discrepancies between protocols and respective publications represent a concerning bias. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of selective outcome reporting (SOR) in root coverage randomized clinical trials (RCTs). METHODS: Published root coverage RCTs (July 2005 to March 2020) were included if a corresponding protocol could be identified in a public registry. Discrepancies between protocol and its correspondent publication(s) were compared regarding primary and secondary outcomes and other study characteristics. Associations between trial characteristics and SOR were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty four studies (54 publications) were included. The majority of studies (77.3%) were retrospectively registered. SOR was frequent (40.9% of trials) and consisted of primary outcome downgrade (22.7%); secondary outcome upgrade (11.4%); new primary outcome introduced in publication (25%); protocol primary outcome omitted from publication (13.6%) and discrepancy in primary outcome timing (18.2%). SOR was unclear in 20.5% of studies and favoured statistical significance in 12 studies (27.3%). SOR was significantly associated with study significance (p < 0.001) and unclear outcome definition in the publication (p < 0.001). Only a third (32.8%) of primary outcomes were completely defined. CONCLUSIONS: The present study identified high prevalence of SOR in root coverage RCTs.

Aesthetic crown lengthening and lip repositioning surgery: Pre- and post-operative assessment of smile attractiveness.

AIM: To assess the effect of aesthetic crown lengthening (ACL) and lip repositioning surgery (LRS) on perception of smile attractiveness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preoperative and 6-month postoperative smile photographs of ACL- or LRS-treated patients were evaluated by 100 raters (five gender-balanced groups of ten per procedure) of diverse background (dental students, general dentists, periodontists and laypersons with and without any aesthetic concerns about their own smile). Smile attractiveness was rated by visual analogue scale (VAS). Multivariate mixed-effect models were applied to determine the effect of procedure, rater (age, gender and group) and case (gingival display and GD) on smile attractiveness rating. RESULTS: Average preoperative and postoperative VAS scores for ACL patients were 3.8 ± 2.0 and 6.2 ± 1.9, respectively. Corresponding LRS patient values were 4.8 ± 2.0 and 6.4 ± 1.9. Treatment, baseline GD and rater age were significant determinants (p < .001) of smile attractiveness for both procedures. Rater gender was not significant. Rater group was significant (p < .032) only for ACL. Procedure (p < .001), baseline VAS (p < .001), change in GD (p ≤ .002) and rater age (p ≤ .017) were significant determinants of smile attractiveness change from preoperative to postoperative. CONCLUSIONS: ACL and LRS are two periodontal plastic surgery procedures that deliver significant smile attractiveness improvements, in the eyes of both laypersons and dental professionals.

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.

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.

Root Coverage for Single Deep Gingival Recessions: Outcomes Based on a Decision-Making Algorithm.

AIM: The aim of this study is to report root coverage outcomes in single deep gingival recessions (GR) following a proposed decision-making algorithm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, practice-based study included single deep (≥5 mm) Miller Class II and III defects. The step-by-step decision-making algorithm led to a choice among three different flap designs (coronally advanced flap (CAF), double papilla envelope flap (DPE) or modified lateral sliding flap (LSF)) used with a connective tissue graft. Recession depth (RD) at 6 months follow-up and the corresponding root coverage (RC) were the primary outcomes assessed. RESULTS: Sixteen GR defects were included, with baseline RD of 6.7 ± 1.8 mm. Six months postoperatively, RD was significantly reduced to 1.2 ± 0.8 mm (p < 0.05). Mean RC was 81.7 ± 13.0%, without significant differences between Miller Class II (87.1 ± 9.2%; n=9) and Class III (74.6 ± 14.5%; n=7) GRs (p=0.07). Postoperatively, keratinized tissue width increase was greater for LSF (3.5 ± 1.1) and DPE (4.2 ± 1.4 mm) than for CAF (1.9 ± 0.9 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Following the proposed decision-making algorithm, root coverage outcomes for GR defects ≥5 mm were comparable to outcomes reported for shallow defects. Prospective clinical trials are needed to validate the proposed approach and techniques. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The proposed algorithm allows the clinician to select the appropriate surgical technique for treatment of single deep gingival recessions with good predictability.

Treatment of single maxillary gingival recession associated with non-carious cervical lesion: Randomized clinical trial comparing connective tissue graft alone to graft plus partial restoration.

BACKGROUND: Gingival recession (GR) is frequently associated with non-carious cervical lesion (NCCL) forming a combined defect (CD). The aim of this study was to evaluate a new multidisciplinary protocol for CDs. METHODS: Forty patients presenting 40 Miller's Class I or II GR defects associated with B+ tooth cervical defect were randomly allocated to one of the following treatments: test group (n = 20), partial restoration (PR) of the NCCL, in which the apical border of the restoration was placed 1 mm beyond the cement-enamel junction estimation, and connective tissue graft (CTG + PR) and Control Group (n = 20), odontoplasty of the NCCL and connective tissue graft (CTG). Clinical, aesthetic and patient-centred outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: After 12 months, CD coverage rates were 75.3% (2.5 ± 1.0 mm) for CTG + PR and 74.6% (2.4 ± 1.1 mm) for CTG (p > 0.05). The estimated complete root coverage was 60% (n = 12) for CTG + PR and 70% (n = 14) for CTG. CTG + PR resulted in significantly better dentin hypersensitivity (DH) reduction (p = 0.034). Both groups resulted in aesthetic improvements; however, the CTG + PR group showed better gingival contour results. CONCLUSIONS: CTG and CTG + PR were effective to treat CD. Use of PR resulted in better gingival margin contour and DH reduction, without effect on CD coverage by CTG. (NCT02817763).

Furcation Therapy With Enamel Matrix Derivative: Effects on the Subgingival Microbiome.

BACKGROUND: Although enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has been used to promote periodontal regeneration, little is known of its effect on the microbiome. Therefore, this investigation aims to identify changes in periodontal microbiome after treatment with EMD using a deep-sequencing approach. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with mandibular Class II buccal furcation defects were randomized to beta-tricalcium-phosphate/hydroxyapatite graft (BONE group), EMD+BONE, or EMD alone. Plaque was collected from furcation defects at baseline and 3 and 6 months post-treatment. Bacterial DNA was analyzed using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and 16S pyrotag sequencing, resulting in 169,000 classifiable sequences being compared with the Human Oral Microbiome Database. Statistical comparisons were made using parametric tests. RESULTS: At baseline, a total of 422 species were identified from the 39 defects, belonging to Fusobacterium, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, Filifactor, and Parvimonas. All three regenerative procedures predictably altered the disease-associated microbiome, with a restitution of health-compatible species. However, EMD and BONE+EMD groups demonstrated more long-term reductions in a higher number of species than the BONE group (P <0.05), especially disease-associated species, e.g., Selenomonas noxia, F. alocis, and Fusobacterium. CONCLUSIONS: EMD treatment predictably alters a dysbiotic subgingival microbiome, decreasing pathogen richness and increasing commensal abundance. Further investigations are needed to investigate how this impacts regenerative outcomes.

Connective tissue graft and tunnel or trapezoidal flap for the treatment of single maxillary gingival recessions: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Although ample evidence supports connective tissue graft (CTG) use for root coverage, there is need for research on recipient site preparation approaches. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of trapezoidal coronally advanced flap (CAF) and coronally advanced tunnel flap (TUN) when used in conjunction with CTG. METHODS: Forty-two patients presenting 42 single maxillary, Miller Class I and II, gingival recession defects were randomly assigned to receive either CAF + CTG (N = 21) or TUN + CTG (N = 21). Clinical, patient-centred, and aesthetic outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Six months postoperatively, both groups resulted in significant reduction in recession depth and increases in keratinized tissue thickness and width. CAF + CTG and TUN + CTG mean root coverage was 87.2 ± 27.1% and 77.4 ± 20.4% respectively (p = 0.02). Complete root coverage was achieved in 71.4% and 28.6% of defects treated with CAF + CTG and TUN + CTG respectively (p = 0.01). At 7 days postoperatively, TUN + CTG patients reported significantly less pain experience (p = 0.04). Both approaches reduced dentine hypersensitivity by approximately 85% (p < 0.05). Patient-based aesthetic evaluation indicated significant improvement for both groups. Although patient- and professional-based aesthetic assessments revealed no differences between groups, tissue texture was significantly better for TUN + CTG (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: For root coverage of single maxillary recession defects, CAF + CTG was more effective than TUN + CTG (ClinicalTrial.org-NCT02814279).

Low vitamin D status strongly associated with periodontitis in Puerto Rican adults.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis and vitamin D deficiency are both highly prevalent in Puerto Rico. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the association between vitamin D levels and periodontal disease in Puerto Rican adults. METHODS: A sex-, age-, and BMI-matched case-control, cross-sectional study was conducted on 24 cases of moderate/severe periodontitis and 24 periodontally healthy controls aged 35 to 64 years. Each participant completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, underwent a full-mouth periodontal examination and provided blood sample to measure serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25 (OH) D) levels to assess vitamin D status. RESULTS: A total of 19 matched case-control pairs (28 females, 10 males) completed the study. Mean serum 25 (OH) D levels were significantly lower in cases (18.5 ± 4.6 ng/ml) than in controls (24.2 ± 7.1 ng/ml; p = 0.006). Lower odds of periodontal disease were observed per unit of 25 (OH) D level (OR 0.885; 95 % CI 0.785, 0.997; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Lower serum vitamin D levels are significantly associated with periodontitis in Puerto Rican adults.

Long-Term Outcomes of Untreated Buccal Gingival Recessions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: This review aims to: 1) assess the long-term outcomes of untreated buccal gingival recession (GR) defects and the associated reported esthetic and functional alterations; and 2) evaluate which factors influence the progression/worsening of dental and periodontal tissue conditions of untreated GR defects. METHODS: Interventional and observational studies with duration of ≥24 months reporting outcomes from adult patients with localized or multiple GR defects not treated by root coverage or gingival augmentation procedures were considered eligible for inclusion. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for articles published through July 2015. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed comparing baseline versus most recent follow-up outcomes (i.e., number of patients with ≥1 GR and number of sites with GR). RESULTS: Of 378 potentially eligible articles, eight (reporting six studies) met inclusion criteria. Of 1,647 GR defects with baseline and follow-up information, 78.1% experienced GR depth increase during the follow-up period, whereas the remaining experienced decrease or no change. Moreover, there was a 79.3% increase in the number of GR defects among the patients followed (i.e., new GR defects). Pooled estimates (data from four studies) showed significantly increased odds of recession development long term, regarding either number of patients (odds ratio 2.43; P = 0.03) or number of sites with GR (odds ratio 2.16; P = 0.0005). CONCLUSION: Untreated recession defects in individuals with good oral hygiene have a high probability of progressing during long-term follow-up.

Aesthetic crown lengthening: periodontal and patient-centred outcomes.

AIM: The objective of this prospective study was to assess clinical and patient-centred outcomes of aesthetic crown lengthening surgery for the treatment of altered passive eruption. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients were treated and followed up for 6 months. The evaluated clinical parameters included, among others, probing depth, clinical attachment level, clinical crown length (CLc ), cemento-enamel junction to alveolar bone crest distance, gingival width (GW) and gingival display (GD). Subjects completed surveys to evaluate satisfaction with smile, gingiva and tooth features and experience with the procedure. RESULTS: Average CLc was 8.5 ± 0.5 mm at baseline and significantly increased (9.9 ± 0.5 mm; p < 0.0001) at 6 months. Concomitantly, GW significantly decreased from baseline (5.8 ± 1.2 mm) to 6 months (4.9 ± 1.1 mm; p < 0.008), as did GD (from 2.6 ± 2.0 mm to 1.1 ± 1.9 mm; p < 0.0001). In contrast to their pre-operative satisfaction level, the majority (≥73%) of patients were very satisfied post-operatively with gingival and tooth display, when smiling or talking, and with maxillary anterior tooth size and shape. All patients would undergo the procedure again and would recommend it to someone with a similar problem. CONCLUSION: Aesthetic crown lengthening surgery results in high levels of patient satisfaction and predictable and stable outcomes in the short term.

Gingival Cyst of the Adult as Early Sequela of Connective Tissue Grafting.

The subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) is a highly predictable procedure with low complication rate. The reported early complications consist of typical postsurgical sequelae, such as pain and swelling. This case report describes the development and management of a gingival cyst following SCTG to obtain root coverage. Three weeks after SCTG procedure, a slightly raised, indurated, ~5 mm diameter asymptomatic lesion was evident. Excisional biopsy was performed and the histopathological evaluation confirmed the gingival cyst diagnosis. At the 1-year follow-up, the site had complete root coverage and normal tissue appearance and the patient remained asymptomatic.

Periodontal soft tissue root coverage procedures: a systematic review from the AAP Regeneration Workshop.

BACKGROUND: This paper aims to create a "bridge" between research and practice by developing a practical, extensive, and clinically relevant study that translates evidence-based findings on soft tissue root coverage (RC) of recession-type defects to daily clinical practice. METHODS: This review is prepared in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement based on the proposed focused questions. A literature search with no restrictions regarding status or the language of publication was performed for MEDLINE and EMBASE databases up to and including June 2013. Systematic reviews (SRs), randomized clinical trials, controlled clinical trials, case series, and case reports evaluating recession areas that were treated by means of RC procedures were considered eligible for inclusion through the three parts of the study (part I, an overview of the base of SRs; part II, an alternative random-effects meta-analyses on mean percentage of RC and sites exhibiting complete RC; and part III, an SR of non-randomized trials exploring other conditions not extensively evaluated by previous SRs). Data on Class I, II, III, and IV recessions, type of histologic attachment achieved with treatment, recipient- and donor-site anatomic characteristics, smoking-related outcomes, root surface conditions, tooth type and location, long-term effectiveness outcomes, unusual conditions that may be reported during conventional daily practice, and patient-centered outcomes were assessed as well. RESULTS: Of the 2,456 potentially eligible trials, 234 were included. Data on Class I, II, III, and IV gingival recessions, histologic attachment achieved after treatment, recipient- and donor-site anatomic characteristics, smoking-related outcomes, root surface conditions/biomodification, tooth type and location, long-term effectiveness outcomes and unusual conditions that may be reported during conventional daily practice, and patient-centered outcomes (i.e., esthetic, visual analog scale, complications, hypersensitivity, patients perceptions) were assessed. Subepithelial connective tissue (CT)-based procedures and coronally advanced flap plus acellular dermal matrix grafts, enamel matrix derivative, or collagen matrix led to the best improvements of recession depth, clinical attachment level (CAL) gain, and keratinized tissue (KT). Some conditions, such as smoking and use of magnification, may affect RC outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: All RC procedures can provide significant reduction in recession depth and CAL gain for Miller Class I and II recession-type defects. Subepithelial CT graft-based procedures provided the best outcomes for clinical practice because of their superior percentages of mean and complete RC, as well as significant increase of KT.

Maxillary chronic osteomyelitis caused by domestic violence: a diagnostic challenge.

Maxillary osteomyelitis is a rare condition defined as inflammation of the bone primarily caused by odontogenic bacteria, with trauma being the second leading cause. The present report documents a rare case of maxillary osteomyelitis in a 38-year-old female who was the victim of domestic violence approximately a year prior to presentation. Intraoral examination revealed a lesion appearing as exposed bony sequestrum, with significant destruction of gingiva and alveolar mucosa in the maxillary right quadrant, accompanied by significant pain, local edema, and continued purulence. Teeth numbers 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15 were mobile, not responsive to percussion, and nonvital. Treatment included antibiotic therapy for seven days followed by total enucleation of the necrotic bone tissue and extraction of the involved teeth. Microscopic findings confirmed the clinical diagnosis of chronic suppurative osteomyelitis. Six months postoperatively, the treated area presented complete healing and there was no sign of recurrence of the lesion.

Excessive gingival display: treatment by a modified lip repositioning technique.

AIM: The objective of this prospective study was to investigate outcomes of a lip repositioning technique for the treatment of excessive gingival display. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirteen consecutively treated patients with excessive gingival display were treated with a modified lip repositioning technique. Treatment consisted of the removal of two strips of mucosa, bilaterally to the maxillary labial frenum and coronal repositioning of the new mucosal margin. The clinical dimensions of gingival display, upper lip and vermillion length were measured at baseline, 3 and 6 months post-operatively. Subjects completed surveys to evaluate satisfaction with outcomes. RESULTS: The baseline gingival display of 5.8 ± 2.1 mm significantly decreased to 1.4 ± 1.0 mm at 3 months (p < 0.0001) and was maintained until 6 months (1.3 ± 1.6 mm). The reduction in gingival display strongly correlated to the combined change in upper lip and vermillion length (r(2)  = 0.60, p = 0.0018). Subjects were satisfied with their smile after surgery and would likely choose to undergo the procedure again (92%). The worst part of undergoing the procedure was the discomfort or the inability to move the lip during the early healing (69%). CONCLUSION: Treatment of excessive gingival display by means of a modified lip repositioning technique results in high level of patient satisfaction and predictable outcomes that are stable in the short term.

Free gingival grafts: graft shrinkage and donor-site healing in smokers and non-smokers.

BACKGROUND: This prospective clinical study aims to evaluate the influence of cigarette smoking on free gingival graft (FGG) healing, by assessing FGG dimensional changes and donor-site wound healing. METHODS: Twelve non-smokers and 10 smokers treatment planned for FGG to augment keratinized tissue dimensions in the mandibular incisor area completed the study. All subjects received standardized FGG of same dimensions. Probing depth, gingival margin position, clinical attachment level, keratinized tissue (KT) width, gingival thickness, and FGG dimensions (width, length, and area) were assessed and recorded before surgery, and 7, 15, 30, 60, and 90 days postoperatively. The palatal donor area was evaluated for immediate bleeding and complete wound epithelialization. Differences between the two groups (smokers and non-smokers) were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: FGG dimensions changed significantly postoperatively. At 90 days postoperatively, FGG width, length, and area were respectively reduced by 31%, 22%, and 44% in non-smokers and by 44%, 25%, and 58% in smokers (no significant differences between groups; P >0.05). Significant KT increases were observed in both non-smokers and smokers (5.4 and 4.8 mm, respectively). Donor-site immediate bleeding was significantly more prevalent in non-smokers (75%) compared to smokers (30%) (P = 0.04). At 15 days postoperatively, donor-site complete epithelialization was much more prevalent in non-smokers (92%) than in smokers (20%) (P <0.002). CONCLUSION: Smoking alters FGG donor-site wound healing by reducing immediate bleeding incidence and by delaying epithelialization, although it does not have discernible effects on postoperative FGG dimensional changes.

Efeito do tabagismo na taxa de contração do enxerto gengival livre e na reparação da área doadora: um estudo piloto / Effect of tabagism on free gingival graft shrinkage and on the donor area healing: a pilot study

O objetivo desse estudo piloto foi avaliar a influência do tabagismo na taxa de contração do enxerto gengival livre (EGL) e no processo de reparo da área doadora do enxerto. Foram selecionados 5 pacientes fumantes e 5 não-fumantes, com menos de 1mm de gengiva inserida associada à dificuldade de higienização, que receberam o EGL para aumento da faixa de tecido queratinizado. Foram avaliados os parâmetros da altura, largura e área do EGL. A área doadora do palato foi avaliada quanto ao sangramento imediato (SI) e completa epitelização da ferida (CE). Os resultados do presente estudo mostram que, aos 3 meses de pós-operatório, a porcentagem de contração da área do EGL nos fumantes (61%) foi maior do que nos não-fumantes (58%), porém sem diferença estatística. Uma menor porcentagem dos pacientes fumantes apresentou sangramento imediato, comparada à de pacientes não-fumantes (20% e 100%, respectivamente), assim como epitelização completa do palato (40% e 100%, respectivamente) aos 15 dias de pós-operatório. Dentro dos limites do presente estudo, pode ser concluído que o EGL é uma técnica adequada para aumentar a faixa de tecido queratinizado em ambos, fumantes e não-fumantes. O cigarro interfere com a epitelização e sangramento do palato, porém não influencia negativamente os resultados clínicos da contração do EGL.

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the influence of tobacco smoking on the levels of FGG shrinkage and on the repair of the graft donor area. Five smokers and five non-smokers patients, with more than 1mm of attached gingiva associated with oral hygiene deficiency, were selected to receive FGG for keratinized tissue augmentation. The height, length and area of FGG were evaluated. The palate donor area was evaluated by immediate bleeding (1B) and complete wound epithelializatian (CE). The outcomes of the present study show that at 3 months postsurgery, the percentage of shrinkage of FGG area (61%) was greater than in non-smokers (58%), but there was no statistic difference. A smaller percentage of smoker patients presented immediate bleeding than non-smoker patients (20% and 100%, respectively), the same occurred with complete wound epithelialization (40% and 100%, respectively) at 15 days postsurgery. Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that FGG is an adequate technique for keratinized tissue augmentation in both, smokers and non-smokers. Cigarette smoking interferes with palate epithelialization and bleeding, however, it does not have a negative impact on the clinical outcomes of FGG shrinkage.