Metastatic sarcomas of the oral cavity: A systematic review.

Oral metastatic sarcomas (OMSs) occur only occasionally, and information about their characteristics is based on the restricted number of cases reported in the literature. This study aims to systematically review the English literature to recognize the clinicopathologic characteristics of OMSs. An electronic search was performed in PubMed Central and Scopus databases. The search included all the published articles (human case reports and case series) up till April 2023, with no time restrictions. OMSs were slightly more prevalent in males in their fifth to seventh decades of life. However, a high percentage of OMSs has been reported in the second decade of life. Lower extremities, breasts and uterus are the most common primary origin of metastatic sarcoma. Gingiva and mandible were common locations in the oral cavity for metastatic deposits. Generally, they demonstrated widespread affliction. The mean time interval between primary tumor detection and diagnosis of the oral metastasis was about 33.54 ± 36.19 months. Death was reported in 83 patients (67.48 %) with a mean survival rate of 7.98 ± 10.30 months. The most common microscopic tumor types were leiomyosarcoma (n = 21, 17 %), followed by angiosarcoma (n = 20, 16.26 %) and osteosarcoma (n = 18, 14.63 %). In conclusion, while oral metastases of sarcomas are not common, those should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the oral lesions. Although OMSs show a high occurrence in the 7th decade of the life, the average age of patients with oral involvement is lower than the overall metastatic lesions. OMSs may present as widespread disease with poor prognosis.

Risk factors for gingival invagination: A retrospective study.

AIM: This study aimed to identify the risk factors for gingival invagination during orthodontic treatment after premolar extraction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 135 patients who had undergone interdental space closure after premolar extraction were collected, and cone beam computed tomography was performed to determine the presence of gingival invagination. The risk factors were examined using mixed-effects models and generalized propensity score weighting (GPSW) to develop a predictive model. RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed that the extraction site, buccal bone thickness 4 mm apical to the cemento-enamel junction (MB1), mid-root buccal bone thickness (MB2) and vertical skeletal relationships were related to gingival invagination (p < .05). Furthermore, a subsequent multivariable mixed-effects model analysis indicated a significantly increased risk of gingival invagination at MB1 < 1 mm (p < .001; odds ratio [ORMB1≤0.5mm] = 29.304; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.986-93.807; OR0.5

Orofacial Complications of the Connective Tissue Disease Systemic Sclerosis.

Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis, SSc) is an autoimmune fibrosing connective tissue disease of unknown etiology. SSc patients show increased levels of autoantibodies, profibrotic cytokines, and extracellular matrix remodeling enzymes that collectively cause activated (myo)fibroblasts, the effector cell type of fibrosis. Despite these impacts, no disease-modifying therapy exists; individual symptoms are treated on a patient-to-patient basis. SSc research has been principally focused on symptoms observed in the lung and skin. However, SSc patients display significant oral complications that arise due to fibrosis of the not only skin, causing microstomia, but also the gastrointestinal tract, causing acid reflux, and the oral cavity itself, causing xerostomia and gingival recession. Due to these complications, SSc patients have impaired quality of life, including periodontitis, tooth loss, reduced tongue mobility, and malnutrition. Indeed, due to their characteristic oral presentation, SSc patients are often initially diagnosed by dentists. Despite their clinical importance, the oral complications of SSc are severely understudied; high-quality publications on this topic are scant. However, SSc patients with periodontal complications possess increased levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and chemokines, such as interleukin-6 and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand-4. Although many unsuccessful clinical trials, mainly exploring the antifibrotic effects of anti-inflammatory agents, have been conducted in SSc, none have used oral symptoms, which may be more amenable to anti-inflammatory drugs, as clinical end points. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding oral complications in SSc with the goal of inspiring future research in this extremely important and underinvestigated area.

Boric acid alleviates periodontal inflammation induced by IL-1ß in human gingival fibroblasts.

BACKGROUND: Boric acid (BA) has been found to have therapeutic effects on periodontal disease through beneficially affecting antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory actions. METHODS: This study was conducted to determine the effect of BA on cell viability and on mRNA expressions of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines and on oxidative stress enzymes induced by IL-1ß (1 ng/mL) in Human Gingival Fibroblasts (HGF) cultured for 24 and 72 h in DMEM media. The BA concentrations added to the media were 0.09 %, 0.18 %, 0.37 %, and 0.75 %. RESULTS: All of the BA concentrations increased the viability of cell cultured in DMEM media only, indicating that these concentrations were not toxic and actually beneficial to cell viability. The addition of 1 ng/m: of IL-1ß decreased cell viability that was overcome by all concentrations of BA at both 24 and 72 h. The IL-1ß addition to the media increased the expressions of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-17; the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10; and the oxidative stress enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD0 and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). The IL-1ß induced increase mRNA expression of IL-1ß was decreased at 24 h by the 0.37 % and 0.75 % BA additions to the media and decreased in a dose-dependent manner by all concentrations of BA at 72 h. The IL-1ß induced increase in the expression of IL-6 was decreased in dose-dependent manner at 72 h by BA. All BA concentrations decreased the IL-1ß induced expression of IL-8 at both 24 and 72 h. The induced increase in IL-17 by IL-1ß was not significantly affected by the BA additions. The increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL10 induced by IL-1ß was increased further by all BA additions in dose dependent manner at both 24 and 72 h. The mRNA expressions of SOD and GPX increased by IL-1ß were further increased by the 0.37 % and 0.75 % BA concentrations at 72 h. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that BA can significantly modulate the cytokines that are involved in inflammatory stress and reactive oxygen species action and thus could be an effective therapeutic agent in the treatment of periodontal disease.

Comparative clinicopathological study of the main anatomic locations of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinicopathological and evolutionary profile of the main locations of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study on 133 patients treated for OSCC. The group was composed of 48 women and 85 men, with a mean age 63.9 ± 12.73 years. Most cases involved the lingual border of tongue (63), followed by the gingiva (36) and the floor of mouth (34). A comparative analysis was performed using multinomial regression. RESULTS: There were significant differences regarding age, sex, tobacco and alcohol consumption, liver pathology, oral potentially malignant disorders, and bone and perineural invasion. In multivariate regression, tobacco consumption, and bone invasion remained significant. There were no significant differences in relation to prognosis. CONCLUSION: The location of OSCC is an important factor in the clinicopathological assessment of this neoplasm. The main locations of OSCC show differential etiopathogenic and clinicopathological aspects. Tobacco consumption has a great relevance in the floor of mouth; nonetheless, it is less important in the tongue border and the gum, which suggests other pathogenic factors. It is necessary to consider the anatomical location of OSCC in preventive protocols, with the aim of reducing its high mortality.

Ceramic soft tissue trimming bur gingival depigmentation: clinical performance and patient experience. A split mouth randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The ceramic soft tissue trimming bur (CeraTip™) was initially introduced for use in gingivoplasty but has recently been used for gingival depigmentation. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of depigmentation between the novel CeraTip™ and the gold-standard surgical scalpel technique. METHODS: Eight healthy, nonsmokers with moderate to severe gingival hyperpigmentation in both arches were randomly assigned for CeraTip™ depigmentation in one arch as the test group (TG) and scalpel depigmentation in the opposite arch as the control group (CG). Pigmentation indices were used to assess clinical performance. Treatment time, pain level, and esthetic satisfaction were the parameters of patient experience. The assessments were performed at baseline, one week, one month, and three months. RESULTS: At all assessment visits, pigmentation intensity represented by the Dummet oral pigmentation index (DOPI), and pigmentation distribution represented by the Hedin melanin index (MI), were significantly lower than those at baseline (p < 0.001) in both groups. When comparing the two groups, Scalpel depigmentation had better initial clinical outcomes, while CeraTip™ had less visible repigmentation, pain scores, treatment time, and greater esthetic satisfaction. However, none of the differences were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Both techniques successfully removed gingival hyperpigmentation with comparable clinical performance. The patients preferred CeraTip™ depigmentation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study protocol was registered on 11/09/2023 on the www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov database (NCT06031116) after the approval of the Ethics Committee, Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University (FDASU-Rec012124).

Crown forms and gingival phenotypes: Insights from a diverse Asian population.

Objective: This study aimed to classify the crowns of maxillary central incisors into distinct categories and to examine the associations between these crown forms and morphometric characteristics in an ethnically diverse Asian population. This is significant for the treatment planning and management of cases, especially for the anterior teeth, from the restorative and aesthetic points of view. Method and Materials: Clinical measurements and photographic data were collected from 160 participants, comprising students, staff, and patients of the Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. The crown length, crown width, contact surface, papilla height, papilla fill, keratinized mucosa width, and gingival tissue thickness were measured. Cluster analyses were performed to identify the different crown form categories and corresponding characteristics. Results: The mean crown width measured 7.093 ± 0.637 mm, while the mean crown length was 10.209 ± 0.966 mm. Three crown-form clusters were identified: triangular (50 %), square/tapered (23.1 %), and square (26.9 %) shapes. The triangular cluster had a significantly higher mean papilla height (4.64 mm ± 0.818) and the highest incidence of incomplete papilla fill (17.5 %). The chi-squared test showed a significant difference in crown forms between the different ethnicities, χ2 (2, 160) = 0.033. Conclusion: Within this diverse Asian population, the crown form demonstrates three clusters: triangular, square/tapered, and square, characterized by a notably small average crown width and crown length. Most participants predominantly exhibited triangular crown forms with reduced crown width, crown length, and crown width/ crown length ratio. Furthermore, noticeable variations in crown forms and their morphometric attributes were observed among the three ethnic groups: Malays, Chinese, and Indians.

Effects of extraoral storage time on autologous gingival graft early healing: A split-mouth randomized study.

AIMS: Despite the established use of palatal tissue grafts for mucogingival procedures, there are no studies on the effect of extraoral storage time on graft outcomes. This prospective split-mouth randomized experimental clinical trial aimed to assess whether gingival graft extraoral storage time affects graft healing. METHODS: Standardized grafts were harvested from the palate and stored extraorally for 2 (Control) or 40 (Test) minutes before being placed at recipient beds. Intraoral scans, clinical photographs, and tissue blood perfusion were obtained preoperatively, postoperatively, and at follow-up visits (Days 2 (PO2), 3 (PO3), 7 (PO7), and 14 (PO14)). Healing Score Index (HSI) and wound fluid (WF) biomarkers (angiogenin, IL-6, IL-8 (CXCL8), IL-33, VEGF-A, and ENA-78 (CXCL5)) were also assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-three participants completed all study visits. Extraoral storage time was 2.3 ± 1.1 min and 42.8 ± 3.4 min for C and T grafts, respectively (p < .0001). Recipient beds remained open for 21.4 ± 1.7 min. No graft underwent necrosis or failed to heal by PO14. Minimal volumetric changes were observed, without significant intergroup differences (p ≥ .11). Graft perfusion initially decreased post-harvesting before peaking on PO7 for both C and T grafts, with no significant intergroup differences (p ≥ .14). HSI values progressively increased, with no significant intergroup differences (p ≥ .22). WF analysis revealed detectable levels for all biomarkers tested, without significant intergroup differences (p ≥ .23). CONCLUSION: Extraoral storage time of 40 min has neither statistically significant nor clinically discernible effects on autologous graft revascularization, early healing, or survival, as determined by physiological, wound healing, and molecular parameters.

Single-nucleus transcriptomics uncovers a geroprotective role of YAP in primate gingival aging.

Aging has a profound impact on the gingiva and significantly increases its susceptibility to periodontitis, a worldwide prevalent inflammatory disease. However, a systematic characterization and comprehensive understanding of the regulatory mechanism underlying gingival aging is still lacking. Here, we systematically dissected the phenotypic characteristics of gingiva during aging in primates and constructed the first single-nucleus transcriptomic landscape of gingival aging, by which a panel of cell type-specific signatures were elucidated. Epithelial cells were identified as the most affected cell types by aging in the gingiva. Further analyses pinpointed the crucial role of YAP in epithelial self-renew and homeostasis, which declined during aging in epithelial cells, especially in basal cells. The decline of YAP activity during aging was confirmed in the human gingival tissues, and downregulation of YAP in human primary gingival keratinocytes recapitulated the major phenotypic defects observed in the aged primate gingiva while overexpression of YAP showed rejuvenation effects. Our work provides an in-depth understanding of gingival aging and serves as a rich resource for developing novel strategies to combat aging-associated gingival diseases, with the ultimate goal of advancing periodontal health and promoting healthy aging.

Effects of polymethyl methacrylate-based bone cement graft for treating excessive gingival display and its dimensional facial changes: 12-Month clinical study.

Objective: to present a 12-month follow-up with photographic and tomographic analyses of the effect of polymethyl methacrylate-based bone cement graft (PMMA) in gingival exposure (GE) in patients with excessive gingival display (EGD). Methods: Twelve patients with EGD were included. The PMMA was surgically placed. A frontal and lateral photograph protocol was performed at baseline (T0), 3 (T3), 6 (T6), and 12 months (T12) post-operatively. Soft tissue cone-beam computed tomography (ST-CBCT) was performed at T0 and T12. Measures included GE, length of the lip vermilion (LLV), lip shape (LS), nose width (NW), filter width (FW), nasolabial angle (NAS) while smiling, and nasolabial angle at rest (NAR). The height, thickness, and volume of the cement graft were also measured in the ST-CBCT. The comparisons were performed by Kruskal-Wallis test at 5 % of significance (p < 0.05). Results: The height, thickness, and volume of the PMMA were respectively 12.84 ± 1.59 mm, 3.83 ± 0.53, and 1532.02 ± 532.52 mm3. PMMA significantly decreased GE from 8.33 ± 1.25 mm (T0) to 6.60 ± 0.93 mm (T12) (p < 0.01). NAR was 98.34 ± 9.28° at T0 and increased to 105.13 ± 7.33° at T12; however, the angle value was not statistically different (p = 0.08). LLV, LS, NW, FW, and NAS did not exhibit statistical differences between the baseline and follow-up periods. Conclusions: PMMA significantly decreased GE in a 12-month follow-up without influencing adjacent soft tissue anatomical structures.

Characterization of a full-thickness decellularized and lyophilized human placental membrane for clinical applications.

Allografts derived from live-birth tissue obtained with donor consent have emerged as an important treatment option for wound and soft tissue repairs. Placental membrane derived from the amniotic sac consists of the amnion and chorion, the latter of which contains the trophoblast layer. For ease of cleaning and processing, these layers are often separated with or without re-lamination and the trophoblast layer is typically discarded, both of which can negatively affect the abundance of native biological factors and make the grafts difficult to handle. Thus, a full-thickness placental membrane that includes a fully-intact decellularized trophoblast layer was developed for homologous clinical use as a protective barrier and scaffold in soft tissue repairs. Here, we demonstrate that this full-thickness placental membrane is effectively decellularized while retaining native extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffold and biological factors, including the full trophoblast layer. Following processing, it is porous, biocompatible, supports cell proliferation in vitro, and retains its biomechanical strength and the ability to pass through a cannula without visible evidence of movement or damage. Finally, it was accepted as a natural scaffold in vivo with evidence of host-cell infiltration, angiogenesis, tissue remodelling, and structural layer retention for up to 10 weeks in a murine subcutaneous implant model.

Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia Presenting as a Ring Around the Collar and Cancer: A Case Report.

Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is an oral mucosa lesion with a high rate of malignant transformation. The diagnosis is often difficult, especially when the initial lesion is a simple homogeneous white leukoplakia, and when located only on the gingiva or palate. Moreover, the anatomopathological analysis is non-specific in the initial stages. The gingival PVL localisation (gPVL) is described as the most aggressive form with the highest rate of malignant transformation. Cases with a unique gingival localisation are rare, described with a "ring around the collar" clinical form. Considering the difficulty of early diagnosis of gPVL, we report the case of a 72-year-old woman, who presented "white lesions on her gingiva" with a slight discomfort in February 2019. The lesion was initially limited to the buccal part of the mandibular right gingiva, but rapidly extended to all the lingual and buccal mandibular gingiva during follow-up, leading to a diagnosis of gPVL. Two biopsies were performed, which concluded a verrucous hyperplasia and papilloma with a lichenoid part. The diagnosis of gPVL was made after a six-month follow-up based on clinical and anatomopathological factors. The gPVL transformed into a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) after 18 months of follow-up. A surgical right mandibular bone excision with an autologous left fibula graft associated with radiotherapy was performed. Three years after the surgery, the patient remains under monitoring, with several gPVL and SCC recurrences treated. This case highlights that gPVL is a rare and aggressive form of PVL, with a high risk of fast malignant transformation. Knowledge about its aetiology, anatomic pathology, and biological markers is highly needed to speed up the diagnosis and develop specific follow-up and treatment.

Gingival diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: report of 2 cases.

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the oral gums is very rare and is prone to misdiagnosis and mistreatment. In this paper, 2 cases of oral gingival DLBCL were reported. Their clinicopathological features, diagnosis, and differential diagnosis were discussed based on the literature of 21 cases of gingival DLBCL reported at home and abroad from 2008 to 2023.

Micro-needling versus acellular dermal matrix in RT1 gingival recession coverage: A randomized clinical trial.

AIMS: This randomized trial assessed for the first time the efficacy of coronally advanced flap (CAF) followed by micro-needling (MN) in contrast to CAF with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) on gingival thickness (GT, primary outcome), keratinized tissue width (KTW), clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), recession depth (RD), recession width (RW), recession reduction (Rec-Red), complete root coverage (CRC) and percentage of root coverage (all secondary outcomes) in management of RT1 gingival recession in patients with thin gingival phenotype. METHODS: A total of 24 patients (n = 24) with a thin gingival phenotype and single RT1 gingival recession in the aesthetic zone were randomly allocated to test- (CAF + MN; n = 12) or control group (CAF + ADM; n = 12). All clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline, 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: Both groups independently demonstrated significant gain in GT, RW, RD, CAL, PD, Rec-Red, CRC and percentage of root coverage, with reduced PI and BOP (p < .05) at 3 and 6 months, without intergroup differences (p > .05). At 6 months, KTW gain was significantly higher in CAF + MN (5.08 ± 0.9 mm) than in CAF + ADM-group (4.25 ± 1.06 mm; p < .05). Stepwise linear regression model with GT as dependent variable showed that base-line GT was the only statistically significant predictor for GT with a direct correlation between base-line GT and GT after 6 months. CONCLUSION: CAF followed by MN could represent a promising graft-less approach for increasing gingival thickness, comparable to CAF with ADM, with superior keratinized tissue width improvement, in the treatment of RT1 recession defects in patients with thin gingival phenotype.

Clinical efficacy of intraoral ultrasonography versus transgingival probing for measurement of gingival thickness in different gingival biotypes: a clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Transgingival probing is conventionally used for gingival thickness (GT) measurement. However, invasiveness is a major drawback of transgingival probing. Thus, researchers have been in search of alternative methods for measurement of GT. This study compared the clinical efficacy of intraoral ultrasonography and transgingival probing for measurement of GT in different biotypes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This clinical trial was conducted on 34 patients requiring crown lengthening surgery. GT was measured at 40 points with 2- and 4-mm distances from the free gingival margin (FGM) of anterior and premolar teeth of both jaws in each patient by an intraoral ultrasound probe. For measurement of GT by the transgingival probing method, infiltration anesthesia was induced, and a #25 finger spreader (25 mm) was vertically inserted into the soft tissue until contacting bone. The inserted length was measured by a digital caliper with 0.01 mm accuracy. All measurements were made by an operator with high reliability under the supervision of a radiologist. Data were analyzed by t-test, Power and Effect Size formula, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: The two methods were significantly different in measurement of GT in both thick and thin biotypes at 2- and 4-mm distances (P < 0.001). The two methods had a significant difference in both the mandible (P < 0.001) and maxilla (P < 0.001) and in both the anterior (P < 0.003) and premolar (P < 0.003) regions. Although the difference was statistically significant in t-tests, the power and effect formula proved it to be clinically insignificant. Also, the ICC of the two methods revealed excellent agreement. CONCLUSION: The results showed optimal agreement of ultrasound and transgingival probing for measurement of GT. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was approved by the ethics committee of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences on 2021-12-28 (IR.SBMU.DRC.REC.1400.138) and registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials on 2022-03-14 (IRCT20211229053566N1).

Peri-implantitis in patients without regular supportive therapy: Prevalence and risk indicators.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of peri-implant diseases in patients treated in a university setting without a regular peri-implant supportive therapy schedule, and to identify the risk indicators associated with peri-implantitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was made of patients with dental implants with at least 12 months of functional loading who did not receive regular peri-implant supportive therapy. Patient- and implant-related variables were retrieved, and clinical and radiological examinations were performed. Descriptive and bivariate analyses and multilevel logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with peri-implantitis. RESULTS: A total of 213 implants in 88 patients were analyzed. The patient-level prevalence of peri-implantitis and peri-implant mucositis was 26.1% (95%CI: 16.7%-35.5%) and 44.3% (95%CI: 34.0%-54.6%), respectively. Peri-implant diseases were significantly more frequent when the width of the keratinized mucosa was < 2 mm (OR = 5.26; 95%CI: 1.24-22.26; p = 0.024), and when there was 12 month post-loading bone loss (OR = 2.96; 95%CI: 1.35-6.52; p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Peri-implantitis is a common finding in patients without regular peri-implant supportive therapy (prevalence 16.7-35.5%). A thin peri-implant keratinized mucosa (< 2 mm) and a higher degree of bone remodeling after loading seem to be the main risk factors for peri-implantitis in this patient profile. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Patients who do not engage in supportive peri-implant maintenance have a higher risk of peri-implantitis. A thin keratinized mucosa and bone loss during the first year of loading are predisposing factors for peri-implantitis.

Diagnosis and Treatment of a Rare Case of Tubercular Gingival Enlargement.

Granulomatous inflammation is a distinctive variant of the chronic inflammatory response. The orofacial tissues may be affected by a wide range of granulomatous diseases. The lesions range from infections, immunological, and reactive, to foreign body granulomas. As is common knowledge, tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease that can affect any region of the body, including the mouth. It may involve the tongue in the mouth and have quite peculiar features and forms. Therefore, while uncommon, oral lesions are crucial for the early detection and treatment of primary TB. We discuss a possible instance of gingival TB that manifested as an enlarged gingiva. The patient received a test dose of antituberculous therapy for one month. The antituberculous therapy was completed for the following five months after one month of treatment showed progress. This case report for dentists emphasizes how crucial it is to consider TB in the differential diagnosis of various types of gingival enlargements.

Peripheral Ossifying Fibroma of Maxillary Gingiva with Calcification: A Case Report.

Peripheral ossifying fibroma is presented as an exophytic growth with a smooth surface. It is located mostly on the gingiva, and it is an unusual growth of gingiva that occurs after irritational trauma. It is seen in the later decade of life, with the calcifications in the lesion in advanced stages seen on radiographic images. In the present case, a 50-year-old male reported with a huge gingival growth in the left maxillary posterior gingival region; when radiograph was taken, it showed calcifications. The patient was treated by surgical excision of the growth.

Intraoral cultural tattooing: Possible forensic utility.

The custom of oral tattooing is mainly performed in Ethiopia and Eritrea, and usually results in blue pigmentation of the maxillary gingiva in dentate individuals. However, its usefulness has not been explored in the forensic literature. The aim of this article is to provide a review of this custom and include an unusual case study involving persistent gingival pigmentation. Herein, this report describes a 43-year-old woman from Eritrea who presented with slight bluish hue of the edentulous maxillary ridge associated with cultural tattooing. Elucidation of the cause of subtle blue hyperpigmentation may be challenging as cultural tattooing typically fades with age. Timely recognition of this oral pseudopathologic process may serve as secondary evidence for forensic identification and possibly provide aid in localizing one's ethnogeographic origin.

Management of interdental papillary defects using subperiosteal hyaluronic acid injection overlay technique: a prospective longitudinal clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: Currently, there is no established treatment protocol to treat interdental papillary loss. This research aimed to evaluate the outcomes of interdental papillary reconstruction using minimally invasive surgery, with injectable hyaluronic acid gel. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Seventeen patients were included, each with five sites of class 1 papillary recession (40 sites in the maxilla and 45 sites in the mandible). Subperiosteal tunneling was performed through a horizontal incision made apical to the base of the papilla without penetrating it. The free gingival sulcus was sealed by 000 retraction cord. A total of 0.2 to 0.6 mL hyaluronic acid was injected gradually. The incision was sutured with polyglycolic sutures. Treated sites underwent clinical and digital evaluation at three follow-up time points (1 month, 3 months, and 6 months). RESULTS: The interdental papillary defect height in the maxillary sites significantly reduced by 60%, 66%, and 42% at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. In mandibular sites, the reduction was 54%, 55%, and 40% at the same follow-up time points. Regarding interdental papillary defect surface area in the maxilla, the reduction was 65%, 71%, and 45% at 1, 3, and 6 months. In the mandible, a reduction of 60%, 64%, and 48% was noticed at the same time points. Regarding patients' pain level score, during the day of surgery, 16 patients reported pain; the average pain score out of 10 was 3.94, and 11 patients (64.7%) needed to take analgesics. The pain generally subsided in the following days. At the day of treatment, 12 out of the 17 patients (70.6%) reported mild difficulty in speaking and eating. No complication, hypersensitivity, or allergy was noted in any patient. CONCLUSION: Subperiosteal tunneling with hyaluronic acid injection demonstrates clinical improvements in papilla height and papillary recession surface area reduction after 3 months of follow-up, with reduction in improvement after 6 months. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Adjunctive use of hyaluronic acid injection with minimally invasive surgery in interdental papillary management may improve clinical and esthetic outcomes.