Efficacy of biologics in root coverage and gingival augmentation therapy: An American Academy of Periodontology best evidence systematic review and network meta-analysis

Expression of wound healing markers in gingival crevicular fluid following root-coverage procedures: A systematic review of randomized clinical trials

OBJECTIVE

Although several surgical techniques have been developed for treatment of gingival recession (GR), the underlying wound healing process remains relatively unexplored. This systematic review aimed to investigate the expression of wound healing markers in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) before and after surgical treatment of GR.

DESIGN

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) reporting changes in the expression of GCF markers following any root coverage surgical procedure were identified from 4 electronic databases and manual searches followed by data extraction and result synthesis. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool. Overall certainty of evidence was summarized using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool.

RESULTS

Four RCTs comprising 100 patients and investigating 15 biomarkers were included. Post-surgery, GCF levels of cytokines and inflammatory proteins were raised during the first 2-10 days of healing. MMP-8 levels increased during the first week followed by a gradual decline. RoB was found to be high for all studies and the overall certainty of evidence was very low.

CONCLUSION

A limited number of studies with large methodological variations precluded reliable conclusions. Well-designed studies powered for GCF markers' levels that follow a standardized protocol for GCF sampling and processing are needed to draw conclusive evidence.

The influence of tobacco smoking on the outcomes achieved by root coverage procedures: An updated systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This updated version of a systematic review (SR) originally published in 2009 evaluated the effect of smoking on the clinical outcomes achieved with root coverage (RC) procedures in the treatment of gingival recession (GR) defects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This SR includes randomized controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, and case series with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Eligible studies involved GR defects without interproximal tissue loss submitted to RC procedures, as well as outcome measures from smokers (i.e., those smoking 10 or more cigarettes per day at baseline) and nonsmokers, recorded separately. Three electronic databases were searched up to March 31, 2024. Random effects meta-analyses were conducted thoroughly.

RESULTS

A total of 12 studies reporting on 181 smokers and 162 nonsmokers, submitted to different RC procedures, were included. Half of these trials were originally included in the 2009 SR, whereas the other half (six studies) were included in this update. Nonsmokers experienced greater reductions in GR and gains in clinical attachment level compared to smokers. Pooled estimates comparing smokers and nonsmokers who received coronally advanced flap (CAF) alone and subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) + CAF showed that nonsmokers achieved greater mean root coverage (MRC) in both treatments. Significant differences in MRC of 10.85% (95% CI, 1.92 to 19.77) and 22.04 (95% CI, 14.25 to 29.83), favoring nonsmokers, were identified for CAF and SCTG + CAF, respectively. Similarly, nonsmokers treated with SCTG + CAF displayed superior number of sites exhibiting complete root coverage (CRF) when compared with smokers (risk ratio, 4.12; 95% CI, 1.73 to 9.80).

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking negatively impacts the outcomes of RC procedures, particularly those achieved by SCTG-based procedures.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Smoking was linked to poorer RC outcomes. These outcomes highlight the critical need to integrate smoking cessation into periodontal treatment plans.

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.

Twenty-five years of recombinant human growth factors rhPDGF-BB and rhBMP-2 in oral hard and soft tissue regeneration

Contemporary oral tissue engineering strategies involve recombinant human growth factor approaches to stimulate diverse cellular processes including cell differentiation, migration, recruitment, and proliferation at grafted areas. Recombinant human growth factor applications in oral hard and soft tissue regeneration have been progressively researched over the last 25 years. Growth factor-mediated surgical approaches aim to accelerate healing, tissue reconstruction, and patient recovery. Thus, regenerative approaches involving growth factors such as recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rhPDGF-BB) and recombinant human bone morphogenetic proteins (rhBMPs) have shown certain advantages over invasive traditional surgical approaches in severe hard and soft tissue defects. Several clinical studies assessed the outcomes of rhBMP-2 in diverse clinical applications for implant site development and bone augmentation. Current evidence regarding the clinical benefits of rhBMP-2 compared to conventional therapies is inconclusive. Nevertheless, it seems that rhBMP-2 can promote faster wound healing processes and enhance de novo bone formation, which may be particularly favorable in patients with compromised bone healing capacity or limited donor sites. rhPDGF-BB has been extensively applied for periodontal regenerative procedures and for the treatment of gingival recessions, showing consistent and positive outcomes. Nevertheless, current evidence regarding its benefits at implant and edentulous sites is limited. The present review explores and depicts the current applications, outcomes, and evidence-based clinical recommendations of rhPDGF-BB and rhBMPs for oral tissue regeneration.

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.

Collagen-based scaffolds with high wet-state cyclic compressibility for potential oral application

Soft tissue substitutes have been developed to treat gingival recessions to avoid a second surgical site. However, products of pure collagen for clinical application lack their original mechanical strengths and tend to degrade fast in vivo. In this study, a collagen-based scaffold crosslinked with oxidized sodium alginate (OSA-Col) was developed to promote mechanical properties. Compared with commercial products collagen matrix (CM) and collagen sponge (CS), OSA-Col scaffolds presented higher wet-state cyclic compressibility, early anti-degradation ability, similar hemocompatibility and cytocompatibility. Furthermore, in the subcutaneous implantation experiment, OSA2-Col3 scaffolds showed better anti-degradation performance than CS scaffolds and superior neovascularization than CM scaffolds. These results demonstrated that OSA2-Col3 scaffolds had potential as a new soft tissue substitute for the treatment of gingival recessions.

Envelope coronally advanced flap with site-specific bilaminar acellular dermal matrix or connective tissue graft for management of multiple marginal tissue recessions: A retrospective analysis of cases

BACKGROUND

A proper case selection and decision making is essential for management of multiple marginal tissue recessions (MTR) using a conventional or bilaminar approach. Coronally advanced flap (CAF) is one of the commonly used methods for management of MTR. CAF has been advocated in combination with soft tissue grafts as bilaminar technique, which had showed significant success in terms of root coverage.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Aim of this case series was to retrospectively evaluate Zucchelli's modification of envelope CAF (eCAF) and site-specific bilaminar methods using Acellular Dermal Matrix (ADM) and Connective Tissue Graft (CTG) for management of MTR. A total of 15 subjects (five subjects/25 sites per technique, total number of sites = 75) who were managed by three different techniques with 12 months postoperative records were retrospectively evaluated. All patients showed significant clinical improvement in root coverage outcomes when compared to baseline. Mean root coverage achieved at 3 months (90%), 6 months (95%) and 12 months (95%) postoperatively did not reveal significant difference between three methods. Complete root coverage was observed in 86.6% of eCAF cases and in 86.6% and 95% of ADM/CTG with eCAF, respectively. There was an increase in width of keratinised tissue, both individually and collectively across all of the groups.

CONCLUSION

Clinical outcomes suggested that bilaminar techniques should be used only in specific cases. Predictable results can be obtained without the use of a soft tissue graft or substitute if a careful treatment plan for technique selection is developed on an individual case-by-case basis.

KEY POINTS

Why is this case new information? Comparison of site-specific bilaminar modalities with modified coronally advanced flap alone What are the keys to successful management of such cases? Flap advancement and mobilisation Flap passivity What are the primary limitations to success in such cases? Case selection Flap tension Soft tissue phenotype Thickness of graft Operator skills.

Annual review of selected scientific literature: A report of the Committee on Scientific Investigation of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry

The Scientific Investigation Committee of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry offers this review of the 2022 dental literature to briefly touch on several topics of interest to modern restorative dentistry. Each committee member brings discipline-specific expertise in their subject areas that include (in order of the appearance in this report): prosthodontics; periodontics, alveolar bone, and peri-implant tissues; dental materials and therapeutics; occlusion and temporomandibular disorders; sleep-related breathing disorders; oral medicine and oral and maxillofacial surgery; and dental caries and cariology. The authors focused their efforts on reporting information likely to influence the daily dental treatment decisions of the reader with an emphasis on innovations, new materials and processes, and future trends in dentistry. With the tremendous volume of literature published daily in dentistry and related disciplines, this review cannot be comprehensive. Instead, its purpose is to update interested readers and provide valuable resource material for those willing to subsequently pursue greater detail on their own. Our intent remains to assist colleagues in navigating the tremendous volume of newly minted information produced annually. Finally, we hope that readers find this work helpful in managing patients.

Periodontal phenotype modification of complexes periodontal-orthodontic case scenarios: A clinical review on the applications of allogenous dermal matrix as an alternative to subepithelial connective tissue graft

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this review is to address the potential applications of allogenous dermal matrix (ADM), as an alternative to subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG), in promoting periodontal phenotype modification (PPM) of challenging periodontal-orthodontic clinical scenarios.

OVERVIEW

The rationale behind the need of changing thin to thick gingival tissues is associated to the superior and more stable treatment outcomes promoted by PPM therapy. PPM, via soft tissue grafting, leads to clinical and histological changes of the pre-established original genetic conditions of the gingiva. Although SCTG-based procedures are recognized as the "gold standard" for the treatment of sites requiring root coverage and gingival augmentation, ADM has been recognized as the most suitable alternative to SCTG, particularly in clinical scenarios where the use of autogenous grafts is not possible. Thus, ADM is considered an optimal option for the treatment of patients with a history (or in need) of orthodontic tooth movement, due its two-fold potential indication: (1) the promotion of periodontal soft tissue phenotype modification; and (2) its use, as a barrier membrane, in hard tissues augmentation procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

ADM is a viable option for soft tissue augmentation, as well as for treatment approaches involving buccal bone gain.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Periodontal phenotype modification therapy, when applied in challenging periodontal-orthodontic clinical scenarios, promotes root coverage and prevents the onset and development clinical attachment loss.