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

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

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

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

Augmentation of keratinized tissue using autogenous soft-tissue grafts and collagen-based soft-tissue substitutes at teeth and dental implants: Histological findings in a pilot pre-clinical study.

AIM: To histomorphometrically assess three treatment modalities for gaining keratinized tissue (KT) at teeth and at dental implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In five dogs, the distal roots of the mandibular second, third and fourth premolars were extracted. Dental implants were placed at the distal root areas 2 months later. After another 2 months, KT augmentation was performed at both distal (implants) and at mesial root (teeth) areas in the presence (wKT groups) or absence (w/oKT groups) of a KT band at the mucosal/gingival level. Three treatment modalities were applied randomly: apically positioned flap only (APF), free gingival grafts (FGGs) and xenogeneic collagen matrices (XCMs). A combination of the above produced six groups. Two months later, tissue sections were harvested and analysed histomorphometrically. RESULTS: The median KT height and length were greatest at implants with FGG in both wKT (3.7 and 5.1 mm, respectively) and w/oKT groups (3.7 and 4.6 mm), and at teeth with FGG in wKT groups (3.7 and 6.1 mm) and with APF in the w/oKT groups (3.9 and 4.4 mm). The XCM and APF produced more favourable results at teeth than at implants. CONCLUSIONS: FGG was advantageous in gaining KT, especially at implants.

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

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

Single immediate implant placement in the maxillary aesthetic zone with and without connective tissue grafting: Results of a 5-year randomized controlled trial.

AIM: To assess the 5-year effects of grafting connective tissue while undertaking single immediate implant placement and provisionalization at the mid-buccal mucosa level (MBML). Secondary outcomes were buccal bone wall thickness (BBT), marginal bone level (MBL) and patient satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with a single failing tooth in the maxillary anterior region were provided with an immediately placed and provisionalized implant. At implant placement, the patients randomly received either a connective tissue graft from the maxillary tuberosity (n = 30, test group) or no graft (n = 30, control group). The alveolar socket classification was mainly Type 2A. Data were collected before removing the failing tooth (T0 ), and at 1 (T1 ), 12 (T12 ) and 60 (T60 ) months after final crown placement. The primary outcome was the change in MBML compared with the pre-operative situation. Additionally, the change in BBT, MBL, aesthetics (using the Pink Aesthetic Score-White Aesthetic Score), soft-tissue peri-implant parameters and patient satisfaction were assessed. RESULTS: At the 5-year follow-up, 27 patients could be analysed from each group. In each group, one implant was lost during the osseointegration period, within 3 months of placement, resulting in an implant survival rate of 96.7% in both groups. MBML change at T60 was -0.6 (-1.1 to -0.1) mm in the control group and 0.1 (-0.4 to 0.5) mm in the test group (p = .008). BBT and MBL, aesthetics, soft-tissue peri-implant parameters and patient satisfaction showed stable results and satisfied patients, without clinically relevant differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: This 5-year follow-up study shows that grafting connective tissue when replacing a single failing tooth with immediately placed and provisionalized implant results in favourable peri-implant tissues and fewer MBML changes.

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

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

Coronally Advanced Entire Papilla Preservation (CA-EPP) Flap in the Treatment of an Isolated Intrabony Defect to Promote Buccal and Interproximal Soft Tissue Stability: Case Reports.

Surgical treatment of infrabony defects may result in gingival recession of the neighboring teeth. The aim of this clinical report is to describe a surgical technique to promote gingival margin stability in the treatment of infrabony defects at sites with a thin or medium gingival phenotype. A coronally advanced entire papilla preservation (CA-EPP) flap with a connective tissue graft (CTG) was executed in two different clinical cases. This technique substantially improved interproximal clinical attachment level and pocket closure, with no gingival recession. A CA-EPP flap using a CTG may promote gingival margin stability and can be recommended in regenerative periodontal procedures.

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

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

Long-term treatment outcomes of single maxillary buccal peri-implant soft tissue dehiscences: A 10-year prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the 10-year clinical outcomes following surgical treatment of shallow isolated peri-implant soft-tissue dehiscences (PSTD) at single tissue level dental implants. METHODS: The baseline population included 16 patients (16 implants) displaying an isolated peri-implant maxillary buccal soft-tissue dehiscence. The recipient bed was prepared with a minimally-invasive split-thickness flap limited to the buccal aspect to stabilize the tuberosity connective tissue graft (CTG) onto the periosteum. At the end of treatment, patients were enrolled in an individualized supportive peri-implant care (SPC) program. The aesthetic outcome was evaluated on photographs by three clinicians using a visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: SPC during the 10-years proceeded uneventfully in all patients. A total of 12 patients completed the 10-year examination, as 3 patients dropped-out and 1 implant was lost. Complete PSTD coverage was obtained at 7 implant sites (i.e., 58%) while the mean PSTD coverage amounted to 89.6% ± 17.1% without statistically significant differences between 1 and 10 years (p > 0.05). Stable peri-implant parameters (i.e., PD and BoP) and full-mouth scores (i.e., FMPS, FMBS) were recorded throughout the observation period (p > 0.05). The aesthetic improvements obtained in the short-term were maintained up to 10 years. CONCLUSION: Within their limits, the present results indicate that the proposed surgical technique is a simple and reliable treatment option for the treatment of single maxillary buccal PSTDs in selected cases with positive results up to 10 years in patients under regular SPC (NCT04983758-this clinical trial was not registered prior to participant recruitment).

Long-term stability (21-30 years) of root coverage outcomes using sub-epithelial connective tissue grafts at single or multiple gingival recessions: A longitudinal case series.

AIM: To evaluate outcomes and predictive factors for the long-term stability of root coverage using a sub-epithelial connective tissue graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One-hundred and two healthy subjects (221 gingival recessions, GRs) were treated from 1987 to 1996. Keratinized tissue width (KTW), GR depth (RD), GR width (RW) and GR area (RA) were evaluated at baseline (M0) and at 1 month (M1), 1 year (M2), 11 years (M3), 21 years (M4) and 27 years (M5) after surgery. Primary outcomes consisted of complete root coverage (cRC) and relative dimensional changes in recession depth (measured in mm [c%-RD]), recession width (measured in mm [c%-RW]) and recession area (measured in mm2 [c%-RA]). RESULTS: cRC was 88.7% at 1 year (M2), 59.8% at M3, 44.4% at M4 and 51.9% at M5. Average c%-RD was 95.2% at 1 year, 81.9% at M3, 71.5% at M4 and 81.7% at M5. KTW increased after surgery and over time and was positively correlated with favourable outcomes. Increased baseline RA was associated with less favourable clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The sub-epithelial connective tissue graft is effective in the treatment of GRs and facilitates long-term stability of clinical outcomes. Wider baseline RA was a strong predictor of unfavourable short- and long-term RC outcomes.

Differential molecular profiles and associated functionalities characterize connective tissue grafts obtained at different locations and depths in the human palate.

The present study aimed to assess the molecular profiles of subepithelial connective tissue grafts (CTGs) obtained at different locations and depths in the human palate. Sixty-four CTGs belonging to anterior deep (AD), anterior superficial (AS), posterior deep (PD), and posterior superficial (PS) groups were subjected to RNA-Sequencing and their transcriptomes were analyzed computationally. Functional correlations characterizing the CTG groups were validated by cell biological experiments using primary human palatal fibroblasts (HPFs) extracted from the CTGs. A clearly more pronounced location-dependent than depth-dependent difference between the grafts, with a minimal number of genes (4) showing no dependence on the location, was revealed. Epithelial, endothelial, and monocytic cell migration was strongly (P < 0.001) potentiated by AD- and PS-HPFs. Moreover, significantly increased expression of genes encoding C-C and C-X-C motif chemokine ligands as well as significantly (P < 0.01) activated p38 signaling suggested immunomodulatory phenotype for AD- and PS-HPFs. Increased growth factor gene expression and significantly activated (P < 0.001) Erk and Akt signaling in HPFs originating from A-CTGs implied their involvement in cell survival, proliferation, and motility. Prominent collagen-rich expression profile contributing to high mechanical stability, increased osteogenesis-related gene expression, and strongly activated (P < 0.001) Smad1/5/8 signaling characterized HPFs originating from P-CTGs. The present data indicate that in humans, differences between palatal CTGs harvested from different locations and depths appear to be location- rather than depth-dependent. Our findings provide the basis for future personalization of the therapeutic strategy by selecting an optimal graft type depending on the clinical indications.

Treatment of Gingival Recession in Multiple Teeth Using Coronally Advanced Flap with Connective Tissue Graft: A Case Report.

This report describes a case of gingival recession in multiple teeth with severe dentin hypersensitivity (DH) in which treatment included periodontal plastic surgery. The patient was a 34-year-old woman presenting with the chief complaint of DH at gingivalrecession sites. The patient had undergone orthodontic treatment when she was 30 years old. An initial examination revealed that none of the sites showed a probing depth of ≥4 mm and 21% of sites bleeding on probing. The clinical diagnosis was plaque-induced gingivitis. Teeth #14, 16, 23, 25, 26, 34, 35, 45, and 46 showed gingival recession ranging from 1 to 4 mm. Gingival recession at #45 extended to the muco-gingival junction. No association with alveolar bone loss was observed in any of the interdental areas. Therefore, the sites presenting with gingival recession were classified as Miller Class I, except #45, which was classified as Class II. The periodontal phenotype was 'thin'. Based on the results of clinical examination and diagnosis, initial periodontal therapy (IP) consisting of oral hygiene instruction, supra-gingival scaling, application of a desensitizing agent, and composite resin restoration was performed. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, which was used to assess degree of DH, showed only a minimal decrease, however, at post-IP. Subsequently, a modified coronally advanced tunnel (a modified technique for achieving a coronally advanced flap) using a connective tissue graft was performed in #14, 16, 23, 25, 26, 45, and 46. After re-evaluation, the patient was placed on maintenance care. The series of interventions resulted in a considerable improvement in the VAS and oral health-related quality of life scores. Furthermore, a change in the periodontal phenotype, from 'thin' to 'thick', was observed, which may contribute to the prevention of further gingival recession and DH. The present case suggests that periodontal plastic surgery is an effective treatment modality for the resolution of DH.

Use of a hybrid soft tissue autograft for gingival phenotype modification lingual to mandibular incisors.

Presence of adequate dimensions of keratinized/attached gingiva (KT/AG) and gingival thickness (GT) is considered necessary to maintain optimal periodontal health and long-term stability of gingival margin. Gingival phenotype modification therapies to increase these two dimensions (GT and KT/AG) on the buccal aspect of teeth have been widely reported, but the literature on lingual gingival augmentation is scarce. The purpose of this paper is to report the outcomes of a case treated with an envelope flap combined with a hybrid soft tissue autograft (subepithelial connective tissue graft with an epithelial collar) for phenotype modification of gingiva lingual to mandibular incisors presenting with thin gingiva (<1 mm) and lack of AG in tooth # 31 and 42. At 12 months follow-up, a substantial gain in KT, AG and GT along with partial root coverage was achieved.

Clinical efficacy of Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access (VISTA) for treatment of multiple gingival recession defects: a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the efficacy of Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access (VISTA) compared to other methods for treating multiple adjacent gingival recessions (MAGRs) through a systematic review and meta-analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed through June 2023, to identify clinical trials investigating VISTA for root coverage on MAGRs. A meta-analysis with meta-regression model was employed on the primary outcomes of mean and complete root coverages (MRC, CRC), comparing VISTA with other techniques. Clinical efficacy of various graft materials was assessed. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included, 8 of which met the criteria for quantitative assessment. The cumulative MRC (88.15% ± 20.79%) and CRC (67.85% ± 21.72%) of VISTA were significantly higher compared to the tunneling technique (SMD = 0.83 (95% CI [0.36, 1.30], p < 0.01). The baseline recession depth showed a negative correlation with CRC, whereas baseline keratinized gingiva width exhibited a positive correlation with this outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The VISTA technique, particularly with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) or connective tissue graft (CTG) materials, offers superior outcomes compared to the tunneling technique. The capacity of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) to substitute for connective tissue graft (CTG) in VISTA-root coverage was noteworthy, provided there is adequate keratinized tissue width. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: VISTA in concert with acellular dermal matrix or CTG resulted in improved root coverage, surpassing the outcomes achieved through tunneling. PRF emerged as a viable alternative to CTG, when used in conjunction with VISTA, demonstrating comparable mean root coverage. This is particularly evident in situations where sufficient keratinized gingiva is available and when patient comfort is taken into consideration.

Comparison of the Clinical Efficacy of Bioresorbable Xenogeneic Peritoneal Membrane vs Connective Tissue Graft in the Management of Gingival Recession Defects: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

This randomized controlled trial aimed to determine the clinical efficacy of xenogeneic collagen membrane (XCM) derived from porcine peritoneum in combination with a coronally advanced flap (CAF) in the management of gingival recession defects and to compare the outcomes to those of connective tissue grafts (CTGs). A total of 12 systemically healthy individuals presenting with 30 isolated/multiple Cairo RT 1/2 gingival recession defects in maxillary canines and premolars were randomly treated either with CAF + XCM or CAF + CTG. Recession height (RH), gingival biotype (GB), gingival thickness (GT), width of keratinized gingiva (WKG), and width of attached gingiva (WAG) were recorded at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months. Patient perceptions of pain and esthetics and the modified root coverage esthetic score (MRES) were also documented. From baseline to 12 months, both groups showed a significant reduction in mean RH (CAF + CTG: 2.73 ± 0.79 mm to 0.33 ± 0.61 mm; CAF + XCM: 2.73 ± 0.88 mm to 1.20 ± 0.77 mm). At 12 months, CAF + CTG sites had a mean root coverage percentage (MRC%) of 85.60% ± 28.74%, whereas CAF + XCM sites had an MRC% of 55.13% ± 31.22%. CAF + CTG-treated sites had significantly better outcomes, with a greater number of sites achieving complete root coverage (n = 11) and higher MRES scores than the porcine peritoneal membrane group (P < .05).

Modified interproximal tunneling technique with customized sub-epithelial connective tissue graft for gingival papilla reconstruction: report of three cases with a cutback incision on the palatal side.

BACKGROUND: Gingival papilla defects, which cause an unpleasant appearance and involve the upper anterior teeth, may be triggered by several factors. Several noninvasive and invasive techniques have been proposed for gingival papilla reconstruction. The combination of interproximal tunneling and customized connective tissue grafts (CTGs) has shown promise in papilla augmentation. However, due to the narrowness and limited blood supply of the gingival papilla, the long-term outcomes of these techniques remain unpredictable. Therefore, achieving tension-free coronal advancement of the interdental papilla and proper placement of the CTG is crucial for successful long-term outcomes and could provide widely applicable methods for papilla augmentation. CASE REPORT: In this study, we enrolled three patients with gingival papilla defects in the maxillary anterior teeth. For reconstruction, we proposed a modified interproximal tunneling (MIPT) technique combined with a CTG. A crucial modification based on previous studies involved adding a cutback incision to the base of the palatal vertical incision, resulting in tension-free healing. Additionally, the CTG was sutured upright to further enhance the height of the gingiva papilla. To evaluate the efficacy of the MIPT technique, the clinical parameters-including the Jemt papilla index and the distance from the tip of the papilla to the interproximal contact point-were examined using a periodontal probe (UNC15, Hu-friedy) at baseline and 12 months after surgery. All three patients achieved satisfactory papilla reconstruction 12 months after the surgery. These three cases were used to evaluate the efficacy of the MIPT technique combined with the customized CTG. An average increase in the Jemt papilla score from 1.6 to 2.8 and a reduction in the distance from the papilla tip to the contact point of adjacent teeth from 2 mm to 0.08 mm were observed 12 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: The preliminary results confirmed that this technique holds promise for gingival papilla augmentation between tooth/tooth or tooth/implant.

The effects of vertically coronally advanced flap and free gingival graft techniques on shallow vestibule: a randomized comparative prospective trial.

OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to compare the influence of vertically coronally advanced flap (V-CAF) and free gingival graft (FGG) techniques on shallow vestibule depth (VD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Parallel-arm randomized clinical trial was conducted on 38 sites treated with either FGG or V-CAF. Periodontal variables (VD, recession depth and width, probing depth, clinical attachment level, keratinized tissue height (KTH), and tissue thickness (TT)), clinician- and patient-based subjective variables were assessed. RESULTS: All periodontal variables showed significant improvements in both groups at all follow-up intervals compared to baseline (p < 0.05). Both groups increased VD compared to baseline. RC and CRC were similar after treatment for both techniques. FGG provided a greater increase in KTH (p < 0.001) and VD (VD1, p = 0.02 and VD2, p < 0.001) while V-CAF exhibited more TT gain (p = 0.002). Except overall tissue appearance that was better in V-CAF (p < 0.001), no inter-group significant difference existed in patient-based variables. CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques were significantly effective in VD increasing. While both techniques were equally successful in RC, V-CAF provided higher TT gain and better tissue appearance. V-CAF can be chosen instead of FGG in the treatment of recessions with shallow VD. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It can be recommended to prefer V-CAF instead of FGG in the treatment of shallow vestibule. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05777811 (clinicaltrials.gov).

Evaluating the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix versus Subepithelial Connective Tissue Grafts in Dental Root Coverage: A Comparative Study Using Modified Ruben's Technique.

BACKGROUND Dental root coverage, crucial in managing gingival recessions, traditionally utilizes subepithelial connective tissue grafts. However, this approach has limitations such as donor site morbidity and graft availability. Recent studies have introduced platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as an alternative, leveraging its regenerative potential and growth factors. Despite the promise, comparative assessments between PRF and conventional grafts remain limited. This research probes whether PRF, when used beneath a modified Ruben's mixed flap, could provide comparable or superior dental root coverage than a subepithelial connective tissue graft. MATERIAL AND METHODS We enrolled 30 patients exhibiting Miller's class I and II recession in this comparative case series. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either a connective tissue graft (15 patients) or a PRF matrix (15 patients), both covered by a modified Ruben's mixed flap. RESULTS Clinical parameters, including full mouth plaque scores, bleeding scores, probing sulcus depth, clinical attachment level, gingival position assessment, width, and thickness of attached gingiva, were assessed in both the control and test groups at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months post-surgery. Significant differences were observed at all intervals.At the 12-month mark, the control group (connective tissue graft) achieved 91% complete root coverage, while the test group (PRF matrix) achieved 86%. However, this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS The study outcomes suggest comparable gains in root coverage and attached gingiva between the connective tissue graft and PRF matrix groups. Thus, the results support our hypothesis that a subepithelial PRF matrix can serve as a viable alternative to a subepithelial connective tissue graft for treating dental root coverage.

Comparative analysis of xenogeneic collagen matrix and autogenous subepithelial connective tissue graft to increase soft tissue volume around dental implants: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The gold standard for a soft tissue augmentation around implants is a subepithelial connective tissue graft (CTG), but the xenogeneic collagen matrices (XCM) started to be used as an alternative. This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness XCM in comparison to CTG for the increasing the thickness of the soft tissue around implants. DATA: All studies included at least two parallel groups comparing the use of CTG and XCM with a minimum follow-up of 3 months. As the primary outcome, the amount of soft tissue thickness gain after soft tissue augmentation with XCM or CTG was assessed. Secondary outcomes were clinical and patient-related outcomes; evaluation of aesthetic outcomes, patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs) and complications. Eligible studies were selected based on the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was applied whenever possible. The quality of the evidence of studies including in meta-analysis was assessed using the GRADE approach. SOURCE: A systematic literature search up to January 2022 was conducted using the following electronic databases: PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, Cochrane Library, LILACS, eLIBRARY.RU. Unpublished researches, the gray literature, nonprofit reports, government studies and other materials were reviewed electronically using an EASY search. An additional manual search was carried out in November 2022. STUDY SELECTION: Of the 1376 articles from the initial search, 8 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (306 patients and 325 implants) were included in this systematic review, and 7 studies were part of the meta-analysis. Meta-analysis revealed that XCM is less effective than the CTG in increasing soft tissue thickness around dental implants. However, XCM also provides soft tissue thickness gain and can be recommended for use in various clinical situations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses have shown that autologous grafts are more effective than collagen matrices in increasing soft tissue thickness, however, the latter can be used as an alternative. Studies included in previous systematic reviews varied in design, which could lead to limitations. The present systematic review and meta-analysis includes for the first time only randomized controlled clinical trials with collagen matrix of xenogeneic origin in the test group. Tight eligibility criteria were established, and the main parameter studied was soft tissue thickness. It was found that xenogeneic collagen matrix is effective for increasing soft tissue thickness around dental implants, however, the results obtained using an autogenous connective tissue graft are superior.

Post-extraction volumetric analysis of alveolar ridge contour using subepithelial connective tissue graft in esthetic zone: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this randomized clinical trial was to assess the alveolar ridge contour after soft tissue augmentation using subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) buccal to fresh extraction sockets in patients with thin buccal bone, versus minimally-traumatic extraction followed by spontaneous healing solely. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty non-restorable maxillary teeth in the esthetic zone were randomly assigned into two groups: minimally-traumatic extraction with SCTG (test) and minimally-traumatic extraction followed by spontaneous healing (control). The outcomes assessed included linear volumetric change of buccal soft tissue contour, vertical tissue loss, gingival thickness (GT), and interdental papilla (IDP) height after 6 months. RESULTS: The SCTG group showed a significant improvement (P < 0.001) in all outcomes after 6 months. The SCTG group showed a statistically significant (P < 0.001) gain in the buccal soft tissue volumetric change compared to the control group. The SCTG group showed a statistically significant increase in GT (P < 0.001) and IDP height (P < 0.05) after 6 months compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The use of SCTG buccal to extraction sockets in the anterior maxilla might be considered as a predictable approach for preserving the alveolar ridge contour. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: SCTG buccal to extraction sockets might counteract post-extraction hard and soft tissue alterations in the esthetic zone.