Keratinized Tissue Width Research Articles

Soft tissue elasticity at teeth and implant sites. A novel outcome measure of the soft tissue phenotype.

To assess ultrasonographic tissue elasticity at teeth and implant sites and its variation after peri-implant soft tissue augmentation with a connective tissue graft (CTG). Twenty-eight patients, each contributing with one clinically healthy dental implant exhibiting a soft tissue dehiscence (PSTD), were included. Implant sites were augmented with CTG and monitored over 12 months. Ultrasonographic strain elastography, expressed as strain ratios (SR1, SR2, and SR3, respectively) was assessed at baseline, 6-, and 12-month, and compared with the corresponding contralateral homologous natural tooth. SR1 assessed the strain/elasticity of the midfacial coronal portion of the soft tissue in comparison to the natural tooth crown/implant-supported crown, SR2 evaluated the strain of the midfacial coronal soft tissue in relation to the one of the alveolar mucosa, while SR3 depicted the strain of the midfacial soft tissue in relation to the interproximal soft tissue on the transverse ultrasound scan. SR1 in natural dentition and at implant sites was 0.20 ± 0.08 and 0.30 ± 0.14, respectively (p = .002), indicating that the coronal portion of the soft tissue around teeth is generally more elastic than its counterpart around dental implants. Soft tissue augmentation with CTG promoted an increased stiffness of the midfacial coronal portion of the soft tissue over 12 months (p < .001 for SR1, SR2, and SR3). Strain ratios at the 12-month time points were significantly higher than the values observed at 6 months (p < .001). Regression analysis demonstrated that strain elastography ratios in natural dentition were significantly associated with keratinized gingiva width, and gingival thickness. At implant sites, SR1 was significantly associated with keratinized mucosa width and mucosal thickness (p < .001 for both correlations), SR2 was significantly associated with keratinized mucosa width (p = .013), and SR3 was significantly associated with the surgical technique performed in combination with CTG (p = .022). Ultrasound strain elastography captures and quantifies tissue elasticity and its changes after soft tissue augmentation. A different baseline tissue elasticity was observed between teeth and dental implants in the most coronal aspect of the soft tissue. The main factors affecting tissue elasticity-related outcomes were the keratinized tissue width, and mucosal thickness.

Treatment of multiple adjacent gingival recessions using leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin with coronally advanced flap: a 12-month split-mouth controlled randomized clinical trial.

This split-mouth randomized study aimed to assess efficacy of leucocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) versus connective tissue graft (CTG) in achieving root coverage (RC) for multiple adjacent gingival recessions (MAGRs) throughout 12-month period. The study enrolled 59 teeth from 12 patients with Miller Class I MAGRs ≥ 2mm on bilateral or contralateral sides. Patients were randomly assigned to receive coronally advanced flap (CAF) with either CTG (control) or L-PRF (test) treatment. Various parameters, including plaque and gingival index, clinical attachment level, recession depth, probing depth, recession width (RW), papilla width (PW), keratinized tissue width (KTW), gingival thickness (GT), percentage of RC, complete root coverage (CRC), and location of the relative gingival margin concerning the cemento-enamel junctions (GMCEJ) after CAF, were recorded at baseline, 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-surgery. On June 29, 2021 the study was registred to ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04942821). Except KTW and GT gain, all clinical parameters, RC, and CRC were similar between the groups at all follow-up periods (p > 0.05). The higher GT and KTW gains were detected in the control group compared to test group at 12 months (p < 0.05). Both RC and CRC were positively associated with initial PW and GMCEJ, but negatively with initial RW (p < 0.05). The current study concludes that L-PRF were equally effective as CTG in treating MAGRs in terms of RC and CRC. Additionally, RC and CRC outcomes appeared to be influenced by GMCEJ, PW, and RW. L-PRF could represent a feasible substitute for CTG in treating MAGRs.

Effect of cyproterone acetate/ethinyl estradiol combination on periodontal status and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a cross-sectional study.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is widely reported among young females, and anti-androgens are used for treating hirsutism and acne in these patients. The protective effects of myo-inositol, oral contraceptives, and insulin sensitizers have been reported on the periodontium and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in PCOS females. However, cyproterone acetate/ethinyl estradiol (CPA/EE) has not yet been studied. This cross-sectional study explores the periodontal status and systemic inflammation in PCOS women on CPA/EE drug combination compared to females not on medication. A total of 150 participants were enrolled into three groups: 50 newly diagnosed PCOS females not on medication (N-PCOS); 50 PCOS females consuming CPA/EE combination for the last 6 months (PCOS+CPA/EE); and 50 systemically healthy females (control group). Anthropometric, biochemical, periodontal parameters, and health-related quality of life questionnaires were recorded. N-PCOS and PCOS+CPA/EE groups showed a nonsignificant difference in hsCRP levels, Gingival Index, bleeding on probing, waist circumference, and waist-hip ratio (P > .05). Gingival thickness and keratinized tissue width were significantly greater in the PCOS+CPA/EE than the N-PCOS group (P ≤ .05); however, these were comparable with the control group (P > .05). Regression analysis showed significant association of bleeding on probing with Gingival Index, clinical attachment level, and hsCRP (P ≤ .05). CPA/EE combination does not influence the periodontal and systemic inflammatory status in PCOS females, as similar levels of local and systemic inflammation were observed in CPA/EE consumers compared with PCOS females not on medication. However, it might play a role in increasing gingival thickness and keratinized tissue width in these patients.

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

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. 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. 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. 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.

Periodontal outcomes of surgically exposed and orthodontically aligned buccally impacted maxillary canines: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To compare the periodontal outcomes of surgically exposed and orthodontically aligned buccally impacted maxillary canines to spontaneously erupted maxillary canines. An unrestricted search was carried out of indexed databases (Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science and Scopus), reference lists of included studies, and grey literature published until December 2023. Observational and experimental studies that addressed the focused question 'Do periodontal outcomes of buccally impacted maxillary canines that were surgically exposed and subsequently extruded and aligned using orthodontic alignment, differ from those of spontaneously erupted maxillary canines?' were included. Study screening, selection and data extraction were performed independently by two authors, with disagreement resolved by a third reviewer. The risk of bias was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist and GRADE approach. A total of 857 citations were found and five studies were eligible for inclusion. Supragingival plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation were similar between impacted canines and their contralaterals in most studies. Meta-analyses revealed no significant differences in keratinised tissue width (prospective studies: MD = -0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.13-0.56, I² = 78%; retrospective studies: MD = 0.61, 95% CI = -1.51-2.72, I² = 94%). However, a meta-analysis of prospective studies showed slightly greater mean probing depth for impacted canines compared to their contralateral canines (prospective studies: MD = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.04-0.28, I² = 0%). The evidence certainty for keratinised tissue width and probing depth outcomes was low. Surgically exposed and orthodontically aligned buccally impacted canines have slightly greater probing depths, potential bone loss and increased clinical crown length, compared to their counterparts. However, these small differences (<1 mm) are unlikely to be clinically significant.

Treatment of Multiple RT1 Gingival Recessions Using a Coronally Advanced Flap Associated with L-PRF or Subgingival Connective Tissue Graft from Maxillary Tuberosity: A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial.

The goal of plastic periodontal surgery is to obtain complete root coverage, increasing gingival thickness (GT), a positive prognostic factor for gingival margin stability over time. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of the Coronally Advanced Flap (CAF) in RT1 (GR; gingival recession with no loss of interproximal attachment) when associated with a connective tissue graft from the maxillary tuberosity (tCTG) or with leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) membranes in obtaining root coverage and increasing the thickness and width of the keratinized tissue, along with aesthetic improvement, taking into account a number of patient-related outcomes. Thirty patients with two adjacent RT1 GRs (GRs with no loss of interproximal attachment) were each treated using CAF associated with tCTG (15 patients) or L-PRF. The main outcome was a GT increase; secondary outcomes were keratinized tissue width (KT), gingival recession (GR), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), root coverage percentage (RC%), complete root coverage (CRC), and root coverage esthetic score (RES). Patient-reported outcomes were discomfort (D), dentine hypersensitivity (DH), patient-related esthetic score (PRES), and overall treatment satisfaction (OTS). After 12 months, clinical and patient-reported parameters did not show significant differences between groups, with the only exception being a GT gain, which was significantly greater in the CAF + tCTG group. Our results showed that both techniques were effective in treating RT1 GRs, with comparable patient-related outcomes. However, the use of tCTG produces significantly thicker tissue, covering the exposed root surface.

Association between Gingival Phenotype and Periodontal Disease Severity-A Comparative Longitudinal Study among Patients Undergoing Fixed Orthodontic Therapy and Invisalign Treatment.

This longitudinal study aimed to compare the association between gingival phenotype (thin vs. thick) and periodontal disease severity in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy (FOT) and Invisalign treatment over a six-month follow-up period. Clinical periodontal parameters, including full mouth plaque score (FMPS), full mouth bleeding score (FMBS), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), gingival recession (GR), keratinized tissue width (KTW), transgingival probing, and gingival biotype assessment, were recorded at baseline and 6 months into treatment for both orthodontic groups and a control group. Statistical analysis evaluated differences in parameters between groups and across time points. In the thick phenotype, both Invisalign and FOT groups showed a significant mean reduction in FMPS (baseline to 6 months) by -24.8707 and -12.3489, respectively (p < 0.05). The gingival index decreased significantly for both groups, with Invisalign and FOT showing reductions of -0.83355 and -1.10409, respectively (p < 0.05). FMBS (baseline to 6 months) decreased significantly for Invisalign and FOT, with mean differences of -9.10298 and -12.6579 (p < 0.05). Probing pocket depth (baseline to 6 months) was also significantly reduced for both Invisalign and FOT groups while CAL showed non-significant differences in both groups (p > 0.05). Similar changes were seen in the thin phenotype too. This study highlights the positive influence of both Invisalign and fixed orthodontic therapy on periodontal health, particularly in patients with thin and thick gingival biotypes. These findings, with significant reductions in key periodontal parameters, offer valuable insights to guide orthodontic treatment decisions and enhance patient outcomes.

Soft Tissue Substitutes in Periodontal and Peri-Implant Soft Tissue Augmentation: A Systematic Review.

Different extracellular matrix (ECM)-based technologies in periodontal and peri-implant soft tissue augmentation have been proposed in the market. The present review compared the efficacy of soft tissue substitutes (STSs) and autogenous free gingival grafts (FGGs) or connective tissue grafts (CTGs) in mucogingival procedures to increase keratinized tissue (KT) width around teeth and implants. Two independent examiners performed an electronic search on MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library based on the following PICOS format: (P) adult patients; (I) soft tissue substitutes and FGGs/CTGs; (C) STSs vs. CTGs; STSs vs. FGGs; STSs vs control; (O) KT width gain; (S) systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials. Studies published before November 2023 were included. Around teeth, all biomaterials showed superior performance compared to a coronally advanced flap (CAF) alone for treating gingival recessions. However, when compared to CTGs, acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) yield the most similar outcomes to the gold standard (CTGs), even though in multiple recessions, CTGs continue to be considered the most favorable approach. The use of STSs (acellular matrix or tissue-engineered) in combination with apically positioned flaps (APF) resulted in significantly less gain in KT width compared to that achieved with FGGs and APFs. Around dental implants, free gingival grafts were deemed more effective than soft tissue substitutes in enhancing keratinized mucosa width. Based on the available evidence, questions remain about the alternative use of soft tissue substitutes for conventional grafting procedures using free gingival grafts or connective tissue grafts around teeth and implants.

Digital assessment of supracrestal tissue attachment and its correlation with dentogingival components.

The aim of this study is to measure, in vivo, the supracrestal tissue attachment dimensions (STADs) by means of a noninvasive digital method and to investigate the association between STADs and gingival thickness (GT), tooth position, tooth length, tooth width, keratinized tissue width (KTW), buccal bone thickness (BBT), and bone crest (BC) level. Nineteen periodontally healthy subjects who previously received full mouth periodontal charting, cone beam computed tomography, and intraoral scan for the purpose of implant planning were included in the study. A digital imaging software was used for the superimposition of Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine and stereolithography files, along with hard and soft tissue measurements. Pearson's correlation and ANOVA statistical analyses were used to investigate potential trends between STADs and other dentogingival components. A total of 203 teeth were assessed, with an average STADs of 2.05mm (±0.99mm). STADs were larger in mandibular than maxillary teeth (p-value <0.001) and decreased from anterior to posterior teeth. STADs exhibited an inverse relationship with BBTs and GTs (p-value <0.001) and the KTW (p-value=0.05). Positive correlations were found between GT and BBT (p-value <0.001), whereas both were negatively correlated with the distance between the cementoenamel junction and BC (p-values 0.019 and 0.006, respectively) and positively correlated with KTW (p-value <0.001). This study highlighted the dynamic nature of STA relative to tooth position. Additionally, it explored the intricate relationships of STADs with various dentogingival components. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study represents the first application of CBCTs, intraoral scans, and clinical probe depths for noninvasive supracrestal tissue attachment measurements. This study advocates for a personalized assessment of supracrestal attachments, incorporating tooth position and other dentogingival components. The study emphasizes the importance for practitioners to consider the specific patient gingival phenotypes during restorative or surgical planning to avoid adverse outcomes.

Relationship between soft tissue dimensions and tomographic radial root position classification system for immediate implant installation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between soft tissue dimensions and radial root position (RRP) classification for immediate implant placement on maxillary anterior teeth. Maxillary anterior teeth (n = 420) were analyzed in the radial plane of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans. Each tooth was classified according to its RRP: class I, (IA, IB); class II (IIA, IIB) class III; class IV, and class V. Soft tissue thickness at different landmarks, supracrestal soft tissue height, and crestal bone thickness were measured in CBCT. Keratinized tissue width was clinically measured. Gingival phenotype (thick or thin) was evaluated by transparency of the periodontal probe and at the landmark 2mm from the gingival margin in CBCT. Class I tooth position accounted for 31.7%, class II for 45%, class III for 13.3%, class IV for 0.5%, and class V for 9.5%. The gingival phenotype was associated with RRP (χ2 test, p < 0.05). Soft tissue dimensions were significantly different over RRP classes (ANOVA and Tukey tests, p < 0.05). Types IA and IIA presented both thick soft and hard tissues. When planning immediate implants in the anterior maxilla, soft tissue dimensions evaluation should be incorporated into RRP classification to increase the accuracy and predictability of treatment outcomes.

Effects of topically administered 0.6% hyaluronic acid on the healing of labial frenectomy in conventional and 940-nm indium gallium arsenide phosphide (InGaAsP) diode laser techniques in pediatric patients: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical study

This study aimed to investigate the effects of 0.6% hyaluronic acid (HA) gel on the healing process and postoperative pain levels after diode laser-assisted labial frenectomy in pediatric patients. Ninety-six pediatric patients (females, 50 and males, 46) aged 8–14 years were randomly divided into four groups as follows: (1) conventional frenectomy with 0.6% topically administered HA (CFH, n = 24); (2) conventional frenectomy with placebo gel (CFP, n = 24); (3) frenectomy performed by diode laser with 0.6% topically administered HA (DLH, n = 24); and (4) frenectomy performed by diode laser with placebo gel (DLP, n = 24). HA application was continued for 1 week thrice daily after the frenectomy. Visual analog scale forms were collected from patients 1 week after the operation. In addition, the plaque index, gingival index, periodontal probing depth, and keratinized tissue width and thickness were recorded. This process was repeated 1 and 3 months after the first visit. The DLH group revealed significant differences in the probing depth, bleeding on probing, keratinized gingiva width, and attached gingiva width according to dual comparisons of the initial, first, and third-month values (p = 0.010, p = 0.007, p<0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively). Significant differences were observed between the CFP and CFH groups according to the initial and initial third-month values with regard to the bleeding on probing (p=0.019 and p = 0.019, respectively). The attached gingival thickness revealed significant differences between the CFP and CFH groups for the initial and initial-third-month comparisons (p = 0.005 and p = 0.007, respectively). The mean values of the initial and initial-third-month differences were significantly higher in the CFH group than those in the CFP group. HA- and laser-assisted labial frenectomies revealed better outcomes in terms of the probing depth, attached gingiva width, keratinized gingiva width, healing process, and postoperative comfort.

Comparative Evaluation of Coronally Advanced Flap with Modified Coronally Advanced Flap in the Management of Gingival Recession: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Gingival recession is one of the most common esthetic concerns associated with periodontal tissues. As the conventional technique of coronally advanced flap ends up with different disadvantages, a modified technique has been introduced to overcome the limitations. Thus, the two techniques has been planned to compare and evaluate. The study was conducted on 11 randomly selected subjects. In phase I, scaling was done and in phase II, coronally advanced flap technique in control group and modified coronally advanced flap technique in test group was done. Clinical attachment level, probing pocket depth, keratinized tissue width, length and width of recession, pain and healing index was assessed. Results showed a statistically significant reduction in pain index scores, clinical attachment level scores, probing depth scores, recession length and width scores in both the groups were observed. Also, statistically significant increase in healing index scores and keratinized tissue width scores were observed on intragroup comparison. However, on intergroup comparison, test group revealed better results as compared to control group in all the parameters. Thus, from the observation, it was concluded that both the groups has better clinical outcomes but test group showed better results in all the clinical parameters as compared to control group.

Digitally designed stent-assisted soft-tissue management after jaw reconstruction: a prospective cohort study.

A digitally designed stent was invented to assist vestibuloplasty and free gingival graft (FGG) after jaw reconstruction. This study aimed to compare the effects of conventional soft-tissue management comprising vestibuloplasty combined with FGG and modified soft-tissue management using a digitally designed stent on the vestibular sulcus depth (VD), keratinised-tissue width (KTW) and peri-implant tissue health in patients undergoing jaw reconstruction. This prospective cohort study enrolled patients who underwent jaw reconstruction using a fibular flap, iliac flap, or onlay bone graft followed by implant-supported rehabilitation at the Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology between May 2019 and July 2022. Patients in the stent group received digitally designed stents following vestibuloplasty combined with FGG for peri-implant soft-tissue management. Patients in the control group underwent a conventional vestibuloplasty combined with FGG. VD and KTW were evaluated immediately after implant loading (T2) and 1 year after implant loading (T3), and the atrophy rates of VD and KTW were calculated. Peri-implant clinical parameters were evaluated at T3. Comparisons between the groups were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test. The effects of age, sex, primary disease, reconstruction type, reconstructed jaw and the number and location of implants on VD and KTW were evaluated using linear regression analysis. There were no significant differences in the atrophy rates of VD and KTW between the stent and control groups at T2 and T3 (both P ≥ 0.05). There were no significant differences in peri-implant clinical parameters between the stent and control groups at T3 (P ≥ 0.05). Reconstruction type, location of implants and primary disease influenced VD, and reconstruction type and age influenced KTW. There was no significant difference in the maintenance of VD and KTW after jaw reconstruction between soft-tissue management using a digitally designed stent and the conventional method. Further, digitally designed stents do not affect peri-implant tissue health. Digitally designed stents can simplify clinical procedures without adverse effects on peri-implant tissue health, but they do not promote keratinized mucosa augmentation and vestibuloplasty.

Risk indicators for gingival recession in the esthetic zone: A cross-sectional clinical, tomographic, and ultrasonographic study.

To evaluate the risk indicators associated with midfacial gingival recessions (GR) in the natural dentition esthetic regions. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) results of thirty-seven subjects presenting with 268 eligible teeth were included in the cross-sectional study. Clinical measurements included presence/absence of midfacial GR; the depth of the midfacial, mesial, and distal gingival recession; the recession type (RT); keratinized tissue width (KT); and attached gingiva width (AG). Questionnaires were utilized to capture patient-reported esthetics and dental hypersensitivity for each study tooth. Buccal bone dehiscence (cBBD) and buccal bone thickness (cBBT) were measured on the CBCT scans. High-frequency ultrasonography was performed to assess gingival thickness (GT) and buccal bone dehiscence (uBBD). Intraoral optical scanning was obtained to quantify the buccolingual position of each study site (3D profile analysis). Multilevel logistic regression analyses with generalized estimation equations were performed to assess the factors associated with the conditions of interest. The presence of midfacial GR was significantly associated with the history of periodontal treatment for pocket reduction (OR 7.99, p=0.006), KT (OR 0.62, p<0.001), cBBD (OR 2.30, p=0.015), GT 1.5mm from the gingival margin (OR 0.18, p=0.04) and 3D profile 1mm from the gingival margin (OR 1.04, p=0.001). The depth of midfacial GR was significantly correlated to previous history of periodontal treatment (OR 0.96, p=0.001), KT (OR -0.18, p<0.001), presence of bone fenestration (OR 0.24, p=0.044), and cBBD (OR 0.43, p<0.001). The depth of midfacial GR was also the only factor associated with patient-reported esthetics (OR -3.38, p=0.022), while KT (OR 0.77, p=0.018) and AG (OR 0.82, p=0.047) were significantly correlated with patient-reported dental hypersensitivity. Several risk indicators of midfacial and interproximal GR in the esthetic region were identified. The use of imaging technologies allowed for detection of parameters associated with the conditions of interest, and, therefore, their incorporation in future clinical studies is advocated. Ultrasonography could be preferred over CBCT for a noninvasive assessment of periodontal phenotype.

Clinical and Aesthetic Evaluation of Minimally Invasive Surgical Therapy for the Treatment of Gingival Recession Defects - A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials

Background: The concept of minimally invasive dentistry has seamlessly blended into the various fields of dentistry including periodontics. The past three decades have witnessed a paradigm shift from conventional surgical procedures to microsurgery in the field of periodontal plastic surgery. This entails the integration of microsurgical principles, refined surgical skills and magnification devices along with microsurgical instruments. This systematic review of the randomized clinical trials attempts to address the clinical question whether the application of minimally invasive surgical procedures for gingival augmentation and root coverage procedures for the treatment of gingival recession translate into superior clinical and patient oriented results as compared to conventional root coverage procedures. Materials and Methods: Science Direct and Ovid databases, PubMed, Scopus, and Product literature were accessed to review relevant literature evaluating minimally invasive surgery for treatment of gingival recession defects (GRDs). The search covered 13 studies published in medical and dental journals in English with a relevant impact factor and had a follow up of at least 6 months, up to and including June 2023. The results were based on parameters such as complete root coverage (CRC, expressed as percentage), mean root coverage (MRC, expressed as %) width of keratinized tissue (WKT), and variables such as esthetics and pain postsurgery. Results and Conclusion: The 13 studies pooled in 342 patients who underwent root coverage procedures for treatment of GRDs. The test group (microsurgical) and the control group (macrosurgical group) both resulted in overall improvement in parameters like MRC and CRC, WKT etc. at least 6 months postsurgery; however, statistical difference in between both the groups in these parameters was seen in only three studies. There was marked improvement found in the test group after surgery with respect to esthetics (root coverage aesthetic score) and pain scores (Visual Analog Scale score) as compared to the control group. This compels us to infer that although both conventional and microsurgical procedures are successful as root coverage procedures, microsurgical procedures are minimally invasive and produce superior esthetic and comfort parameters for the patient and are therefore highly recommended in surgical procedures.

Posterior single implants immediately loaded using one abutment at one time and temporary abutment in the posterior mandible without bone augmentation: A report on six-month outcomes data obtained from a prospective randomized controlled split-mouth clinical trial

Background/Aim. Given that frequent manipulation of the abutment during immediate loading can have a negative impact on the surrounding peri-implant hard and soft tissues, the concept ?one abutment at one time? (OAO) has been introduced and documented in daily clinical practice. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in peri-implant bone levels, clinical and radiographic parameters, and patient perspectives during the six-month follow-up period. Methods. The study was designed as a randomized controlled clinical trial. Patients with bilaterally healed sites in the posterior mandible received implants with a diameter of no less than 3.5 mm and a length of at least 8 mm. Based on randomization, patients were divided into a test group and a control group. Patients who were in the test group received implants that were immediately loaded with definitive abutments. In contrast, patients in the control group received implants where healing abutments were placed, followed by temporary abutments. Implants were immediately loaded with provisional restorations within the first seven days. They were delivered over the test group?s definitive abutment and the control group?s temporary abutment. Probing depth, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level, plaque index, and keratinized tissue width were measured. Patient-Reported Outcome Measures and the Oral Health Impact Profile - 19 (OHIP-19) questionnaires were noted. Results. Out of 24 included patients, 22 completed the six-month follow-up. Peri-implant bone loss between study groups was comparable (mesial: t = -0.798, df = 21, p = 0.434; distal: t = 1.688, df = 21, p = 0.106), without statistical inter-group significance. OHIP-19 total scores significantly decreased after three months and remained similar six months after the implant placement in both groups without statistically relevant clinical inter-group changes. Conclusion. The OAO approach and provisional abutments showed comparable effectiveness regarding the immediate loading of posterior single implants.

Efficacy of xenogeneic collagen matrix in the treatment of gingival recessions: a controlled clinical trial.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a xenogeneic collagen matrix (XCM) in treating gingival recessions (GR) in a thin gingival phenotype. This double-blind, planned, controlled, split-mouth clinical trial included 30 patients with bilateral recessions, randomly assigned to a test group (extended flap + XCM) and a control group (extended flap + connective tissue graft; CTG). Root coverage at 18 months was 1.75 ± 0.8 mm (72.9%) and 2.4 ± 0.51 mm (88.9%) in the test and the control groups, respectively. The upper limit of the confidence interval was not greater than the non-inferiority margin of 0.69 mm. The increase in gingival thickness was greater for autogenous graft (p = 0.003). Both treatments improved quality of life at 18 months. The keratinized tissue width (KTW) increased significantly in the grafted teeth, in both the test (p < 0.001) and the control groups (p < 0.001). Total root coverage was similar in both groups, reaching 70% and 66.7% in the control and test groups, respectively, with no significant differences observed for partial or complete root coverage (CRC). An association was observed in the quality of the gingival phenotype at 18 months according to the treatment group, i.e., a higher percentage of cases with a thicker phenotype was observed in the control group (86.7%), compared with the test group (53.3%) (p = 0.005). XCM was effective in treating GR, but CTG had better results because of significantly increased gingival thickness and phenotypic conversion.

Comparison of tunnel and VISTA techniques for multiple gingival recession treatment: A systematic literature review.

Gingival recession (GR) has become one of the most common concerns in oral mucosal diseases. It causes discomfort such as root hypersensitivity, root caries, and aesthetic problems, leading to the development of various surgical techniques to address GRs. This study compared the non-advanced tunnel and m-VISTA techniques in treating multiple GRs. A literature search related to the efficiency of non-advanced tunnel and m-VISTA techniques was conducted in MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE (ScienceDirect), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Cochrane Library), Springer Link, and Google Scholar. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting periodontal parameters published in the recent four years (2019-2023) were included and assessed for the risk of bias. All in vitro, animal, pilot studies, case reports, and case series were excluded. Five RCTs were included with 195 cases of GRs. Comparing the two techniques revealed a significant increase in keratinized tissue width (KTW) from baseline to 6 months (-1.4 mm), in clinical attachment level (CAL) (-2.65 mm), and in recession depth (-2.7 mm) for the tunnel technique. On the other hand, a significant increase in GR width (-2.26 mm) was found in the m-VISTA group. Finally, there were no significant differences in probing depths. Both techniques were effective in root coverage and may be valuable for treating multiple GRs.

Novel Membrane for the Treatment of Multiple Gingival Recession Defects-RCT

Objective Evaluation and comparison of Collagen Matrix Ossixreg Volumax and Subepithelial connective tissue graft SCTG in combination with modified coronally advanced flap MCAF in the treatment of Miller Class I and II multiple gingival recession defects MARDs.Methods Twelve patients presenting adjacent Miller Class I and II maxillary and mandibular gingival recession defects participated in this randomized controlled study. A total of sixty defects were received n 30 either Ossix Volumax collagen matrix VCMX and MCAF test group or MCAF and Subepithelial connective tissue graft control group n 30. Parameters like gingival recession depth gingival recession width probing depth clinical attachment level and keratinized tissue width were checked at baseline 6 weeks 3 months and at 6 months after treatment. P value lt0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results The percentage of complete root coverage was 80 for the test group and 60 for the control group. The percentage of mean recession coverage for the test group was 60 and the control group was 85. Adjacent gingival recession was successfully treated with MCAF and Ossixreg Volumax or with MCAF and SCTG. The use Ossixreg Volumax was more comfortable during the postoperative period.Conclusion We suggest the use of Ossixreg Volumax as a promising collage matrix for the treatment of MARDs.

Clinical and patient-reported outcomes of periodontal phenotype modification therapy using injectable platelet rich fibrin with microneedling and free gingival grafts: A prospective clinical trial

BackgroundTo evaluate the clinical non-inferiority of injectable platelet-rich fibrin and micro-needling (iPRF+MN) with free gingival grafting (FGG) in periodontal phenotype modification therapy. MethodologyTwenty participants with a gingival thickness (GT)<0.8 mm in the mandibular anterior region were included. The participants were randomly allocated into i-PRF+MN and FGG groups. i-PRF injection was done, and MN was done with the help of a lancet in the i-PRF+MN group. The clinical parameters, i.e., GT and Keratinized tissue width (KTW), were evaluated at baseline, 3 and 6 months post-operatively. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs), i.e., discomfort and esthetic satisfaction, were assessed using the visual analogue score(VAS) at one week and 3 months of re-evaluation, respectively. ResultsBoth groups showed a significant increase in GT and KTW with no intergroup variation (P-0.32, 0.48respectively) at the end of 6 months. However, the i-PRF+ MN group showed better PROs, i.e., less discomfort(1.11±0.60) and better esthetic satisfaction(8.77±0.44). ConclusionThe non-invasive treatment of i-PRF+MN may lead to non-inferior clinical outcomes after 6 months with better PROs compared to more invasive FGG protocols in phenotype modification therapy.