Modified Widman Flap Research Articles

Evaluation of clinical and radiographic scoring methods before and after initial periodontal therapy

The purpose of the present study was to compare the determination of the attachment level by probing and by measuring bone heights prior to and after the completion of a hygienic phase of periodontal therapy. 68 patients with moderate to severely advanced periodontitis underwent initial (hygiene phase) therapy including scaling and root planing, oral hygiene instructions and the elimination of plaque retention factors. Measurements of pocket probing depths, probing attachment levels and the location of gingival margins in relation to the cemento-enamel junction were performed at 4 aspects of each tooth with a thin calibrated probe at a baseline examination and 3 to 5 months following treatment. During these 3 to 5 months, the patients were kept in a maintenance care program. On the full-mouth radiographs obtained at baseline, the distance from the cement-to-enamel junction to the marginal alveolar crest was measured in millimeters and as a % of the root length. Furthermore, a subgroup of 11 patients, who were scheduled for modified Widman flap procedures, received another full-mouth radiographic examination before the surgical treatment. In addition, the level of the alveolar crest was assessed with a periodontal probe during the surgical procedure. The comparison of the different clinical and radiographic parameters showed the best correlations between the various radiographic measurements of bone heights (r = 0.87; r = 0.86). Clinical measurements of probing attachment level and probing level of the alveolar crest revealed slightly weaker correlations (r = 0.72). When comparing radiographic bone heights with clinical measurements of probing attachment levels, the lowest correlations were found (r = 0.65; r = 0.61; r = 0.61).

Remodelling of interdental alveolar bone after periodontal flap procedures assessed by means of computer‐assisted densitometric image analysis (CADIA)

The purposes of this study were to evaluate digitized images from standardized radiographs for quantitative changes in alveolar bone density following periodontal surgical procedures, and to correlate these changes to the changes in the clinical parameters P1I, GI, PD, AL. 14 crown-lengthening procedures for restorative purposes were performed in 13 patients and 15 modified Widman flaps were performed in 15 patients, providing 61 surgical interdental test sites and 61 matching controls. Standardized radiographs were obtained immediately post-operatively, and at 1 and 6 months postsurgically. Digitized images were obtained from the radiographs by means of a video camera linked to an image processor and a computer. Quantitative information regarding density changes within windows covering the interdental alveolar crest was obtained after superimposition and grey-level correction of images to be compared. The results indicated statistically significantly more density loss 4 to 6 weeks postsurgically at test sites treated by periodontal surgical procedures compared to corresponding controls. Significant differences in the remodelling activity between the patients exposed to crown lengthening procedures for restorative purposes and the periodontitis patients in the period 1 to 6 months postsurgically were evident. CADIA assessed differences in the tissue changes in the healing phase following periodontal surgical procedures, which were not detected by the clinical variables applied.

Effect of modified Widman flap surgery and systemic tetracycline on the subgingival microbiota of periodontal lesions

33 subjects with evidence of active destructive periodontal disease were treated by modified Widman flap surgery and systemic tetracycline (1 g/day for 21 days). Subgingival plaque samples were taken from 41 sites in 12 of these subjects before and 6 months after therapy for predominant cultivable microbiota studies. Mean pocket depth and attachment levels in the 41 sampled sites were 7.1 +/- 2.9 mm and 7.7 +/- 3.2 mm prior to therapy and 4.8 +/- 2.3 mm and 6.2 +/- 3.4 mm after therapy. B. melaninogenicus and V. parvula were more frequently detected in samples taken after therapy, while S. intermedius, S. morbillorum, S. uberis and W. recta were less frequently detected after therapy. A. actinomycetemcomitans were detected in 7 sites pretherapy and 1 site post therapy. The frequency of detection of B. gingivalis and B. intermedius was virtually unchanged. The mean levels of the Actinomyces sp., A. actinomycetemcomitans, B. gingivalis, B. intermedius, S. morbillorum, S. uberis and W. recta were decreased after therapy, while the mean levels of B. melaninogenicus, S. mitis, S. sanguis II and V. parvula were increased after therapy. V. parvula showed the greatest increase to 8.2% of the microbiota. In the second phase of the study, subgingival plaque samples from 94 sites in the 33 treated subjects were analyzed by predominant cultivable techniques. As a result of therapy, 24 sites exhibited attachment loss greater than 2 mm, 23 sites exhibited "gain" greater than 2 mm and the remaining 47 sites were considered to be unchanging.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of citric acid and lyophilized autologous plasma on healing following periodontal flap surgery in monkeys.

The purpose of this histologic, histometric, and autoradiographic study was to examine the effect of citric acid conditioning and lyophilized autologous plasma (LAP) application on healing following periodontal flap surgery. Mucoperiosteal flaps were elevated in six rhesus monkeys using the modified Widman flap procedure. A total of 24 quadrants were treated, each included the first and second premolar and first and second molar teeth. Cementum was removed from the exposed root surfaces, and reference notches were inscribed into the roots at the alveolar bone margin. Two treatment modalities were employed: (1) surgery plus citric acid conditioning, to serve as control and (2) surgery plus citric acid followed by LAP application (400 mg/ml saline). Flaps were returned to their preoperative positions and sutured. Animal sacrifices were scheduled to provide observations 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 45 days after surgery. Each monkey received an intravenous injection of tritiated thymidine, 1 microCi/gm of body weight, 1 hour before it was killed. Tissue specimens were processed for evaluation following standard procedures. Histologically, tissue sections were examined for: (1) proliferation and attachment of epithelium, (2) organization and maturation of periodontal fibers, (3) inflammatory cell types, (4) presence or absence of new cementum deposition, and (5) degree of vascularity of the tissues. For histometric evaluation, the radicular notches were used as reference points. The distances examined histometrically were: (1) from the root surface notch to the alveolar bone crest, (2) from the root surface notch to the apical extent of the junctional epithelium, and (3) from the free gingival margin to the apical extent of the junctional epithelium. For autoradiographic evaluation labeled cells were counted in five spatial compartments at 400 X magnification: (1) oral epithelium, (2) crevicular area, (3) supracrestal connective tissue, (4) coronal periodontal membrane, and (5) coronal bone marrow. For each the histometric and autoradiographic evaluation involved a total of 36 tissue sections per quadrant (9 sections per tooth). Tooth and quadrant means were obtained for each monkey. The plasma-treated and control quadrants were compared at each time point by the paired t test. N = 2 monkeys were used for each comparison. Histologic results showed that in teeth that were acid-conditioned after root planing, the epithelium often migrated apically reaching the radicular notch. Those teeth that were conditioned and subsequently treated with LAP demonstrated fiber attachment to the planed root surface and little or no epithelial downgrowth.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Calculus removal by scaling/root planing with and without surgical access.

We assessed the presence and extent of calculus on subgingival root surfaces of teeth that received scaling and root planing (S/RP) alone, S/RP with modified Widman flap, or no treatment. After extraction, each surface was examined to determine the pocket depth (PD), area of root surface exposed to the pocket (A), and amount of pocket area showing retained calculus (C). Calculus-positive teeth (CPT) and surfaces (CPS) and percentage of pocket area occupied by calculus (C/A) were derived for each group. In general, CPT and CPS were significantly lower after S/RP with flap (37% and 14%, respectively) than after S/RP alone (62% and 24%). The advantage of S/RP with flap was greatest for facial and lingual surfaces and for anterior and premolar teeth. In both treatment groups CPS were similar over a pocket depth range of 0 to 6 mm. But in deeper pockets, CPS in teeth treated by S/RP with flap remained constant at 17% while after S/RP alone CPS increased linearly to approximately 45% at greater than 8 mm. The mean C/A was essentially equal in both treatment groups (11%) and was not related to pocket depth.

The effectiveness of citric acid as an adjunct to surgical re-attachment procedures in humans.

The purpose of this study was to clinically evaluate the effect of citric acid on re-attachment and re-adaptation in conjunction with periodontal surgery. A split-mouth design was used in 10 patients involving 30 quadrants of surgery. A total of 120 teeth were treated. Each quadrant consisted of at least 2 teeth from cuspid to second molar. One quadrant was treated with a modified Widman flap alone while the root surfaces of the contralateral side were also treated with a 3 min application of citric acid. Immediately following hygienic phase and at 3 and 6 months postsurgically, the following measurements were taken in this sequence: gingival index, gingival crevicular fluid flow, plaque index, furcation involvement, level of attachment and probing depth. All the data were statistically analyzed using the paired t-test, chi 2 and Fisher exact probability test. The biometric results showed that both surgical techniques resulted in a loss of attachment in shallow pockets and a gain in deeper pockets. Both techniques resulted in similar amounts of recession and probing depth reduction at 6 months. Gingival index, plaque index and furcation values decreased at 3 and 6 months postsurgically. The gingival crevicular fluid values remained essentially the same up to 6 months postsurgically.

Effect of age on healing following periodontal therapy.

The present investigation was performed in order to analyze the effect of age on healing of the periodontal tissues following treatment. The patients included in the present analysis consisted of 2 different samples. One group of 62 patients (sample A) was examined and treated between 1980 and 1982. 13 of these subjects were less than 40 years of age, 26 subjects were 40-49 years of age and 23 subjects were greater than 49 years old. The patients were subjected to periodontal surgery using the modified Widman flap procedure. During the active phase of treatment and for the subsequent 6 months of healing, all 62 patients were subjected to professional tooth cleaning. Instruction in proper oral hygiene measures was repeated and scaling was carried out when indicated. Sample B consisted of 21 subjects treated for advanced periodontal disease in 1969. Six of these patients were between 26 and 29 years of age at the start of treatment and 15 were at least 60 years old. The criterion for acceptance for the study in 1969 was that the patient should have lost 50% or more of his/her periodontal tissues. Following an initial examination, all patients were subjected to scaling and root planing and surgical elimination of pathologically deepened pockets. After the termination of active treatment, the patients were placed in a maintenance care program which included recall appointments every 3-6 months. Once a year after the completion of active treatment, all patients in this sample were examined regarding probing depths and clinical attachment levels. The findings from the present retrospective analyses failed to demonstrate that the age of patients with moderately advanced or advanced forms of periodontal tissue breakdown had an influence on the results of periodontal therapy. If anything, the younger patients appeared to heal with a higher frequency of shallow pockets and more gain of probing attachment than older patients.

Regeneration of alveolar bone following surgical and non‐surgical periodontal treatment

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the regeneration of alveolar bone following surgical and non-surgical periodontal treatment. A total of 16 patients who had advanced periodontitis and demonstrated angular bony defects on radiographs participated in the study. After the initial examination, they received instruction in oral hygiene and had their teeth thoroughly scaled. When the individual patient at 2 succeeding appointments had plaque on less than 20% of the tooth surfaces, one maxillary and one mandibular quadrant was treated with the modified Widman flap procedure while one of the remaining quadrants was treated with the reverse bevel flap procedure. The last quadrant was treated with root planing under local anesthesia. None of these procedures included bone contouring. Following treatment, the patients were recalled every 2 weeks for professional tooth cleaning. Radiographs taken 12 months following treatment revealed that only minor changes in the bone level had occurred in areas with horizontal bone loss following the various treatment modalities. Following the modified Widman flap procedure, however, a statistically significant coronal regrowth of bone (0.5 mm) had occurred in angular bony defects. The majority of the angular bony defects persisted following all 3 treatment modalities.

Microbiological and clinical effects of surgical treatment of localized juvenile periodontitis

Since Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans appears to be a key etiologic agent in localized juvenile periodontitis, this study determined the effectiveness of different treatment modalities in suppressing A. actinomycetemcomitans in localized juvenile periodontitis lesions. A total of 25 deep periodontal lesions from 7 patients with localized juvenile periodontitis were included in the study. The test periodontal lesions either received scaling and root planing alone, scaling and root planing together with soft tissue curettage, or modified Widman flap surgery. Subgingival A. actinomycetemcomitans were enumerated using selective culturing. Clinical measurements included changes in probing periodontal attachment level, probing periodontal pocket depth, gingival index, plaque index, and digital subtraction of standardized serial radiographs. The microbiological and clinical effects of treatment were monitored over a period of 16 weeks. All periodontal lesions studied demonstrated high numbers of A. actinomycetemcomitans prior to treatment. Scaling and root planing alone did not markedly change the subgingival A. actinomycetemcomitans counts, nor any of the clinical parameters studied. In contrast, soft tissue curettage as well as modified Widman flap surgery suppressed A. actinomycetemcomitans to undetectable levels immediately after therapy in more than 80% of the lesions studied. A total of 5 periodontal lesions exhibited gain of probing periodontal attachment after subgingival curettage or Widman flap treatment; 3 of these sites revealed no detectable A. actinomycetemcomitans, and the remaining 2 sites harbored only low levels of A. actinomycetemcomitans. 5 periodontal lesions which lost probing attachment after treatment all demonstrated high numbers of subgingival A. actinomycetemcomitans. Changes in alveolar bone, assessed by digital subtraction of serial radiographs, correlated with changes in probing periodontal attachment level, confirming the clinical results. The present study revealed a close relationship between post-treatment A. actinomycetemcomitans levels and the clinical response to treatment, which supports the concept that A. actinomycetemcomitans is an important organism in the etiology of localized juvenile periodontitis. This study also showed that a substantial suppression of subgingival A. actinomycetemcomitans cannot be achieved by periodontal scaling and root planing alone, but can be accomplished by surgical removal of periodontal tissues.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The long-term effectiveness of periodontal therapy in a clinical practice.

A retrospective study was conducted of 620 patients in a periodontal practice over the years 1960 to 1982. Various periodontal therapies were assessed by using careful office protocols, meticulous record-keeping and well-defined outcome criteria. Four treatment outcome categories were used: two representing satisfactory outcomes (referred to as "STABLE"), and two unsatisfactory outcomes ("UNSTABLE"). The percentages of patients in the STABLE categories following different therapies were: (1) nonsurgical treatment, 63.6%; (2) closed curettage, 73.1%; (3) open curettage, 95.0%; (4) modified Widman flap, 91.6%; (5) full flap and osseous surgery, 71.1%. The major conclusions were that the modified Widman flap and open curettage were more effective than flap and osseous surgery, and much more effective than closed curettage when it was employed as an alternative treatment (54.8% STABLE) to the osseous surgery (71.1% STABLE). Thus, moderate surgical therapies appear to be at least as effective as ostectomy procedures in the treatment of periodontal disease, while nonsurgical and closed curettage therapies appear to be less effective.

Scaling and granulation tissue removal in periodontal therapy*

The present clinical trial was performed to study whether subgingival scaling is a method of therapy which is equally effective as "access" flaps in reducing gingivitis and probing depths and in improving probing attachment levels. The study was also designed to assess whether granulation tissue removal is a determining factor for proper healing in the treatment of periodontal disease. 15 patients with advanced periodontal disease were included in the study. Each patient had at least 4 sites in each quadrant of the jaws with probing depths exceeding 6 mm. A baseline examination was performed to assess the following parameters: the oral hygiene status, the gingival conditions, the probing pocket depths and the probing attachment levels. In addition, in each quadrant, 3 approximal sites were selected for analysis of the subgingival microbiota. All of these sites showed signs of gingivitis. One site had a probing depth of less than 4 mm, another a probing depth between 4 and 6 mm and the third site had a probing depth exceeding 6 mm. The subgingival bacterial samples were studied by dark-field microscopy and the % of spirochetes and motile rods was assessed. By random selection the 4 jaw quadrants in each patient were treated for periodontal disease by the use of (1) the modified Widman flap procedure, (2) the modified Kirkland flap procedure or by (3) nonsurgical scaling and root planing. In all, 20 quadrants were treated with each of the 3 procedures. After the termination of active periodontal treatment, all patients were recalled for professional tooth cleaning once every 2 weeks during a 12-week period. Subsequently, they were recalled for prophylaxis every 3 months. The patients were examined 6 and 12 months after treatment using the same parameters as used at baseline. The data from the examinations demonstrated that subgingival scaling is an effective measure in the treatment of periodontal disease. Both in terms of average gingivitis resolution and average probing depth reduction, non-surgical therapy appeared to be equally effective as a surgical approach to treatment. It was also observed, however, that following non-surgical treatment, a larger number of sites with pockets exceeding 6 mm remained than following surgical therapy. Most of these deep pockets in non-surgically treated quadrants bled on probing to the base of the pocket. In addition, the subgingival microbiota of such sites were found to harbor more than 20% spirochetes and motile rods.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Effect of retention of gingival sulcular epithelium on attachment and pocket depth after periodontal surgery.

Both the modified Widman flap and the intrasulcular incision technique produced significant and similar reductions in pocket depth and increases in attachment. Loss of attachment occurred where the initial pocket depth was less than 3 mm. Both techniques resulted in significant and similar increases in gingival recession. Neither technique affected tooth mobility or plaque scores to a clinically important degree. Historically, the necessity for removal of the sulcular epithelium in the course of periodontal therapy is a widely accepted tenet. This study fails to clinically validate this concept.

Retained ligature wire and periodontal health: Report of a case

Routine radiographic evaluation 15 years after orthodontic treatment revealed a circumferentially placed ligature wire situated at the crest of bone on the upper right lateral incisor. The wire was surgically exposed via a modified Widman flap technique and subsequently removed without adverse consequences relative to esthetics or periodontal support. It is of interest that the retention and location of this wire over such a long period of time resulted in no loss of periodontal support, especially since circumferential ligature placement is used experimentally to help promote periodontal breakdown.

The effect of antifibrinolytic agents on the healing of modified Widman flaps in monkeys.

Journal of Periodontal ResearchVolume 19, Issue 2 p. 210-213 The effect of antifibrinolytic agents on the healing of modified Widman flaps in monkeys A. Bergenholtz, R. G. Caffesse, Corresponding Author A. Bergenholtz, R. G. Caffesse Department of Periodontology, University of Umea, School of Dentistry, Umea, Sweden; Department of Periodontics and Dental Research Institute, The University of Michigan School of Dentistry and Veterans Administration Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and United States Air Force Regional Hospital, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, U.S.A.Department of Periodontology University of Umea School of Dentistry Umea, SwedenSearch for more papers by this authorC. E. Nasjleti, Corresponding Author C. E. Nasjleti Department of Periodontology, University of Umea, School of Dentistry, Umea, Sweden; Department of Periodontics and Dental Research Institute, The University of Michigan School of Dentistry and Veterans Administration Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and United States Air Force Regional Hospital, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, U.S.A.Department of Periodontology University of Umea School of Dentistry Umea, SwedenSearch for more papers by this authorF. L. Bye, Corresponding Author F. L. Bye Department of Periodontology, University of Umea, School of Dentistry, Umea, Sweden; Department of Periodontics and Dental Research Institute, The University of Michigan School of Dentistry and Veterans Administration Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and United States Air Force Regional Hospital, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, U.S.A.Department of Periodontology University of Umea School of Dentistry Umea, SwedenSearch for more papers by this authorC. J. Kowalski, Corresponding Author C. J. Kowalski Department of Periodontology, University of Umea, School of Dentistry, Umea, Sweden; Department of Periodontics and Dental Research Institute, The University of Michigan School of Dentistry and Veterans Administration Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and United States Air Force Regional Hospital, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, U.S.A.Department of Periodontology University of Umea School of Dentistry Umea, SwedenSearch for more papers by this author A. Bergenholtz, R. G. Caffesse, Corresponding Author A. Bergenholtz, R. G. Caffesse Department of Periodontology, University of Umea, School of Dentistry, Umea, Sweden; Department of Periodontics and Dental Research Institute, The University of Michigan School of Dentistry and Veterans Administration Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and United States Air Force Regional Hospital, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, U.S.A.Department of Periodontology University of Umea School of Dentistry Umea, SwedenSearch for more papers by this authorC. E. Nasjleti, Corresponding Author C. E. Nasjleti Department of Periodontology, University of Umea, School of Dentistry, Umea, Sweden; Department of Periodontics and Dental Research Institute, The University of Michigan School of Dentistry and Veterans Administration Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and United States Air Force Regional Hospital, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, U.S.A.Department of Periodontology University of Umea School of Dentistry Umea, SwedenSearch for more papers by this authorF. L. Bye, Corresponding Author F. L. Bye Department of Periodontology, University of Umea, School of Dentistry, Umea, Sweden; Department of Periodontics and Dental Research Institute, The University of Michigan School of Dentistry and Veterans Administration Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and United States Air Force Regional Hospital, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, U.S.A.Department of Periodontology University of Umea School of Dentistry Umea, SwedenSearch for more papers by this authorC. J. Kowalski, Corresponding Author C. J. Kowalski Department of Periodontology, University of Umea, School of Dentistry, Umea, Sweden; Department of Periodontics and Dental Research Institute, The University of Michigan School of Dentistry and Veterans Administration Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and United States Air Force Regional Hospital, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, U.S.A.Department of Periodontology University of Umea School of Dentistry Umea, SwedenSearch for more papers by this author First published: March 1984 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0765.1984.tb00810.xCitations: 1AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume19, Issue2March 1984Pages 210-213 RelatedInformation

Clinical and histological characteristics of lyophilized allogenic dura mater in periodontal bony defects in humans.

This clinical and histological study investigated the use of lyophilized, allogenic dura mater (Lyodura) as a periodontal implant material in interdental bony defects (2-wall lesions) in humans. For 23 defects in 8 subjects a modified Widman flap was raised, curettage performed and the defects bridged with the implant. The same procedure, without Lyodura implantation, was performed on 23 contralateral teeth. By a standardized method, involving the use of a removable stent, the following clinical measurements were recorded after 24 and 48 weeks: the probing attachment level, the probing bone level, the probing pocket depth and the labial and interdental gingival recession. For the histological study 5 additional, interdental craters and 5 control defects were treated as in the clinical study. They were block-sectioned after 1, 2, 6, 12 and 24 weeks and processed in the usual manner for routine examination by light and polarization microscopy. From the clinical study it could be concluded that, in absolute values, only the experimental side showed a significant gain in probing attachment level and a greater reduction of the probing pocket depth. In percentage values the labial gingival recession was significantly lower and the bone formation significantly more pronounced on the experimental side. The histological examination showed that the implant remodelled completely without rejection phenomena. It was replaced gradually, after enzymatic breakdown, by the host's own collagen through the action of invading fibroblasts. Bone formation occurred along but never in the implant. The implant material seems to act as a barrier against epithelial downgrowth and infiltration of inflammatory cells.

Root surface smoothness or roughness in periodontal treatment. A clinical study.

Twelve patients with localized advanced periodontitis were selected for this study. The 18 teeth used were divided into experimental and control groups. In both groups the loss of attachment and pocket depth were measured and modified Widman flap surgery was performed. In the experimental group, after root planing, a number of shallow horizontal grooves were made on the root surface to roughen them. Four months after surgery the same measurements were made. The results indicated that in both groups the pocket reduction and the gain of attachment were statistically significant. The differences between the two groups, as far as pocket reduction and gain of attachment are concerned, were not significant.

Vascular response to modified Widman flap surgery in monkeys.

Revascularization of the periodontal tissues was studied after flap surgery. Modified Widman flap procedures were performed in four young Rhesus monkeys. All premolars and molars were involved. Experimental periods covered from 1 day to 90 days. The animals were sacrificed by exsanguination and perfused through the carotid arteries with a combined solution of equal parts of India ink and 10% buffered formalin solution. After fixation and decalcification, part of the blocks were processed to obtain cleared specimens following the Spalteholtz method. The remaining blocks were processed for routine histologic examination. The findings, mainly from the cleared specimens, showed that 1 day after surgery the supraperiosteal vessels in the flap demonstrated an overt hyperemic response. Patency of the vessels in the periodontal membrane and cancellous bone was evident; however, vessels were not depicted in the exposed cortical bone, nor in the clot. Vascular continuity apical to the surgical detachment was observed. In 3 to 4 days vascular proliferation within the organizing clot was observed and anastomosis between the gingiva and cancellous bone or periodontal membrane started to develop. At 7 days anastomoses were evident and vasodilation was present throughout the tissues. At 15 days and thereafter, vascular organization started to decrease, and the only hyperemic foci remaining were associated with areas of delayed bone remodeling, cementum remodeling or persistent marginal inflammation.

Gingival Surgery for Soft Tissue New Attachment

1. Gingival surgery procedures with a primary goal of tissue preservation and new attachment will predictably increase the clinical attachment level. 2. The gain in attachment following gingival surgery procedures is maintainable, particularly with adequate recall maintenance and good patient home care. 3. Gingival surgery procedures heal primarily by means of a longjunctional epithelium adhesion with occasional areas of connective tissue adhesion. True new attachment is rare. 4. The various techniques described are all extensions of subgingival curettage. Each in turn is more extensive than its predecessor and leads to increased access to the root surface (and alveolar bone). 5. Some connective tissue attachment may be sacrificed with the more extensive incisions, root planing, and tissue elevation of the modified excisional new attachment procedure, modified Widman flap, and flap curettage. Subgingival curettage and the excisional new attachment procedure do not involve the intact fibers. 6. Selection of a specific technique is dependent on the severity of the pathologic condition, area of the mouth, and ability of the clinician. All of the techniques are exacting and require an appreciable amount of time, meticulous instrumentation, and attention to detail. 7. Patient comfort may be decreased, root sensitivity and root caries increased, and esthetics increasingly comprised as more extensive forms of gingival surgery are employed. 8. There is not much real difference in the techniques described, particularly in their principles and goals. Minor variations in incision placement, for example, lead to different names for essentially the same procedure. This has given rise to a semantic problem in the 1970s when these various gingival surgical procedures are discussed.

Histometric evaluation of periodontal surgery. I. The modified Widman flap procedure.

The present investigation was performed in the Rhesus monkey to determine the effect of the modified Widman flap procedure on the level of the connective tissue attachment and supporting alveolar bone. Two adult male Rhesus monkeys were used. Eighteen contralateral pairs of periodontal pockets were produced in a standardized manner. Surgical treatment of the pockets was performed around experimental teeth and the contralateral teeth were used as the unoperated controls. Twelve months following treatment the animals were sacrificed and histological sections obtained. Using the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) as a fixed reference point, linear measurements along the root surface were made to the most apical cells of the junctional epithelium (JE), to the crest of the interproximal alveolar bone (CR), and to the apical extent of angular bony defects (AAD). These measurements from operated and unoperated pockets were then compared. The data revealed that treatment of periodontal pockets using the modified Widman flap procedure produced no gain in connective tissue attachment and no increase in crestal bone height. In angular bony defects a certain degree "bone fill" was noted. This bone repair was never accompanied by new connective tissue attachment.

Histometric evaluation of periodontal surgery. II. Connective tissue attachment levels after four regenerative procedures.

The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of four periodontal regenerative procedures on the connective tissue attachment level. The procedures tested were: 1) the modified Widman flap procedure, 2) the modified Widman flap procedure combined with transplantation of previously frozen autogenous red marrow and cancellous bone, 3) the modified Widman flap procedure in combination with implantation of beta tricalcium phosphate, and 4) periodic root planing and soft tissue curettage. Eight adult Rhesus monkeys, divided into four equal groups, were used. Periodontal pockets were produced around contralateral teeth in a standardized manner. In each group of animals, the pockets on one side of the jaws were subjected to one of the above-mentioned surgical treatments, while the contralateral pockets remained as unoperated controls. Three weeks before surgery, a carefully designed plaque control program was instituted and continued until the animals were sacrificed 12 months after surgery. In histologic sections, linear measurements along the root surfaces were made from the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) to the most apical cells of the junctional epithelium (JE). These measurements from operated and unoperated sites were then compared. The data revealed that healing following the four different regenerative procedures resulted in the reformation of an epithelial lining (long junctional epithelium) along the treated root surfaces, with no new connective tissue attachment.