The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on the Coronally Advanced Flap Root Coverage Procedure: A Pilot Human Trial

A comparative study of the effects of advanced platelet-rich fibrin and resorbable collagen membrane in the treatment of gingival recession: a split-mouth, randomized clinical trial

AIM

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) combined with the pinhole surgical technique (PST) for enhancing root coverage (RC) in individuals with Miller class I or II gingival recessions (GR). Additionally, it compared the clinical effect of A-PRF and resorbable collagen membrane (RCM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 18 patients, encompassing 36 treatment sides of 18 Miller class I or II, were randomly assigned to the PST + A-PRF side (18 sides) and the PST + RCM side (18 sides). Clinical assessments of various parameters, including plaque index (PI), clinical attachment level (CAL), keratinized tissue width (KTW), recession depth (RD), recession width (RW), and gingival thickness (GT) were conducted at baseline and three months after the surgical procedure. A numeric rating scale (NRS) was also evaluated during the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th days. This study was formally recorded under the TCTR identification number TCTR20230613005 in the Thai Clinical Trials Register-Medical Research Foundation of Thailand (MRF) on 13/06/2023. Furthermore, it was ethically approved by Sana'a University's Ethical Committee for Medical Research.

RESULTS

When comparing the values of 3 months follow-up with the baseline values, intra-side comparison of the PST + A-PRF group showed significant improvements in PI (P = 0.02), CAL (P = 0.01), and RD (P = 0.04), and GT values (P < 0.01). The improvements in the PST + A-PRF group were through the reduction of baseline values of PI, CAL, and RD; the mean reductions in PI, CAL, and RD were 0.44 ± 0.71, 0.33 ± 0.45, and 0.22 ± 0.43 respectively, and a significant increase in GT value (0.44 ± 0.24). While there was an insignificant increase in KTW value with no change in RW values (4.50 ± 0.71, P = 1). In contrast, intra- side comparison of PST + RCM side showed only a significant reduction in PI value (0.44 ± 0.71, P = 0.02) and a significant increase in GT value (0.42 ± 0.26, P = < 0.01). Meanwhile, there were insignificant improvements in CAL (2.89 ± 0.95), KTW (3.97 ± 0.74), and RD (1.94 ± 0.87) values. Regarding inter-side comparison, there were no statistically significant among all variables (p > 0.05). The pain scores of the numeric rating scale were significantly lower on the PST + A-PRF sides compared with the PST + RCM sides, especially on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd days (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Both A-PRF and RCM showed not wholly satisfactory outcomes in gingival recession treatment. Interestingly, the combination of PST with A-PRF has proven more effective than combining PST with RCM. Additionally, the localized application of A-PRF has been shown to reduce post-operative pain following the pinhole surgical technique.

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

AIMS

This randomized trial assessed for the first time the efficacy of coronally advanced flap (CAF) followed by micro-needling (MN) in contrast to CAF with acellular dermal matrix (ADM) on gingival thickness (GT, primary outcome), keratinized tissue width (KTW), clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), recession depth (RD), recession width (RW), recession reduction (Rec-Red), complete root coverage (CRC) and percentage of root coverage (all secondary outcomes) in management of RT1 gingival recession in patients with thin gingival phenotype.

METHODS

A total of 24 patients (n = 24) with a thin gingival phenotype and single RT1 gingival recession in the aesthetic zone were randomly allocated to test- (CAF + MN; n = 12) or control group (CAF + ADM; n = 12). All clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline, 3 and 6 months.

RESULTS

Both groups independently demonstrated significant gain in GT, RW, RD, CAL, PD, Rec-Red, CRC and percentage of root coverage, with reduced PI and BOP (p < .05) at 3 and 6 months, without intergroup differences (p > .05). At 6 months, KTW gain was significantly higher in CAF + MN (5.08 ± 0.9 mm) than in CAF + ADM-group (4.25 ± 1.06 mm; p < .05). Stepwise linear regression model with GT as dependent variable showed that base-line GT was the only statistically significant predictor for GT with a direct correlation between base-line GT and GT after 6 months.

CONCLUSION

CAF followed by MN could represent a promising graft-less approach for increasing gingival thickness, comparable to CAF with ADM, with superior keratinized tissue width improvement, in the treatment of RT1 recession defects in patients with thin gingival phenotype.

Oral Wound Healing: A Scoping Review and Proposal of a New Index for Palatal Mucosa

Purpose

The aim of this scoping review was to evaluate the wound healing indices available in literature and propose a new intra-oral wound healing index to assess the healing of palatal mucosa.

Materials and Methods

A PubMed database search was conducted to identify relevant studies using the search strategy: ('Oral Wound healing') OR ('Palatal tissue healing') OR ('Healing indices in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery') OR ('Palatal wound healing') OR ('Complications in wound healing'). A qualitative and quantitative synthesis of the results was done and data was presented following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

Results

The search resulted in 9 articles published between 2019 and 2022, which were eligible for inclusion in the study. The data revealed that the indices currently available for the assessment of intra-oral healing were limited and primarily concerned with the assessment of gingival and periodontal tissues.

Conclusion

The healing indices devised for gingival and periodontal tissues cannot be applied to palatal healing due to the differences in clinical and histological aspects. Therefore, a new index to monitor the healing response specifically for the soft tissues in the palate has been proposed. This maybe particularly useful in cleft palate repair and other procedures performed over the palatal tissues.

Novel biomaterial advanced platelet-rich fibrin plus block for multiple gingival recession

BACKGROUND

The study was aimed to assess and compare hard and soft tissue augmentation clinicoradiographically with and without advanced platelet-rich fibrin + (A-PRF+) block for the treatment of multiple gingival recession using vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access (VISTA).

METHODS

A total of 24 patients, exhibiting multiple Miller's Class I or II recessions in the maxillary esthetic zone were included. Participants were divided into two groups, Group 1 was treated with VISTA & A-PRF+ block whereas Group 2 was with VISTA technique alone. Clinical parameters probing depth, width of keratinized gingiva, gingival biotype, recession depth, and clinical attachment level were recorded at baseline and the end of 6 months. The radiographic cone beam computed tomography measurements of labial plate thickness were taken at baseline and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

From baseline to 6 months both the groups showed a clinical and statistical improvement in the parameters. However, a statistically significant difference between the treatment modalities was not observed. In the inter-group comparison radiographically, labial plate thickness was statistically significant at the end of 6 months when compared to the baseline.

CONCLUSION

A-PRF+ block along with the VISTA technique can be an alternative effective root coverage procedure for the management of multiple gingival recessions in the maxillary esthetic zone.

KEY POINTS

Why is this study new information? To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study using advanced platelet-rich fibrin plus block for the treatment of multiple gingival recession with a thin labial plate. What are the keys to the successful management of these types of cases? Minimally invasive vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access technique, and avoidance of second surgical site morbidity are important factors for treatment and for patient compliance. What are the primary limitations of this study? Short study duration, small sample size, and no histological correlation can be considered as limitations of the study.

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

OBJECTIVES

The present study aimed to compare the influence of vertically coronally advanced flap (V-CAF) and free gingival graft (FGG) techniques on shallow vestibule depth (VD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Parallel-arm randomized clinical trial was conducted on 38 sites treated with either FGG or V-CAF. Periodontal variables (VD, recession depth and width, probing depth, clinical attachment level, keratinized tissue height (KTH), and tissue thickness (TT)), clinician- and patient-based subjective variables were assessed.

RESULTS

All periodontal variables showed significant improvements in both groups at all follow-up intervals compared to baseline (p < 0.05). Both groups increased VD compared to baseline. RC and CRC were similar after treatment for both techniques. FGG provided a greater increase in KTH (p < 0.001) and VD (VD1, p = 0.02 and VD2, p < 0.001) while V-CAF exhibited more TT gain (p = 0.002). Except overall tissue appearance that was better in V-CAF (p < 0.001), no inter-group significant difference existed in patient-based variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Both techniques were significantly effective in VD increasing. While both techniques were equally successful in RC, V-CAF provided higher TT gain and better tissue appearance. V-CAF can be chosen instead of FGG in the treatment of recessions with shallow VD.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

It can be recommended to prefer V-CAF instead of FGG in the treatment of shallow vestibule.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05777811 (clinicaltrials.gov).

Comparison of the clinical efficacy of concentrated growth factor and advanced platelet-rich fibrin in the treatment of type I multiple gingival recessions: a controlled randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to compare and evaluate the clinical effects of concentrated growth factor (CGF) and advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) applied together with coronally advanced flap (CAF) technique using a microsurgical approach in the treatment of type I multiple gingival recessions (GR).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixteen patients with multiple recession defects (Cairo type I) were included in this randomized and controlled study. Forty-five gingival recession defects were randomly equally divided into three groups (n = 15): CAF + CGF (test site); CAF + A-PRF (test site), and CAF alone (control site). Clinical attachment level (CAL), vertical gingival recession (VGR), horizontal gingival recession (HGR), gingival thickness (GT), width of keratinized gingiva (KGW), percentages of the mean (MRC), and complete root coverage (CRC), patient esthetic score (PES), and hypersensitivity score (HS) were recorded at baseline and 6 months after surgery. Patient comfort score (PCS) was evaluated at the day of surgery.

RESULTS

Significant improvements were determined in CAL, VGR, HGR, KGW, and GT at 6 months when compared to baseline levels in intra-group comparisons for all groups, and also GT was increased in CAF + A-PRF and CAF + CGF compared to CAF alone at 6 months in intergroup comparisons (p < 0.05). At 6 months, MRC was detected 85.66 ± 22.68% in the CAF + CGF, 90.88 ± 20.87% in the CAF + A-PRF, and 75.10 ± 32,37% in the CAF alone, and a significant increase was detected in the CAF + A-PRF group compared to CAF alone (p < 0.05). CRC in CAF + CGF was 66.66%, in CAF + A-PRF 80% and in CAF alone was 53.33% (p > 0.05). PES and HS values showed significant improvement from baseline to 6 months for all groups and also in CAF + CGF and CAF + A-PRF compared to CAF alone at 6 months in intergroup comparisons (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed that the use of A-PRF and CGF membranes in GR therapy may have an additional benefit in GT increase and also A-PRF may increase the percentages of MRC. The use of A-PRF and CGF membranes may be beneficial in terms of improving patient-related parameters.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

A-PRF and CGF may be superior to CAF alone in terms of patient-related parameters and GT increase in multiple recession defects.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

17578e02-00a9-4a41-8c8d-42a637143531.

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

BACKGROUND

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of three biologics, namely autologous blood-derived products (ABPs), enamel matrix derivatives (EMD) and recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor BB (rhPDGF-BB), in root coverage and gingival augmentation therapy.

METHODS

The protocol of this PRISMA 2020-compliant systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021285917). After study selection, data of interest were extracted. A network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted to assess the effect of different surgical interventions on the main clinical outcomes of interest (i.e., mean root coverage [MRC%], complete root coverage [CRC%], keratinized tissue width [KTW], gingival thickness [GT] change, and recession depth [RD] reduction).

RESULTS

A total of 48 trials reported in 55 articles were selected. All studies reported on the treatment of gingival recession defects for root coverage purposes. Forty-six treatment arms from 24 trials were included in the NMA. These arms consisted of treatment with coronally advanced flap (CAF) alone, EMD + CAF, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) + CAF, and subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) + CAF. Regarding MRC%, SCTG+CAF was associated with a significant higher estimate (13.41%, 95% CI [8.06-18.75], P <  0.01), while EMD+CAF (6.68%, 95% CI [-0.03 to 13.4], P = 0.061) and PRF+CAF (1.03%, 95% CI [-5.65 to 7.72], P = 0.71) failed to show statistically significant differences compared with CAF alone (control group) or with each other. Similarly, only SCTG+CAF led to a significantly higher CRC% (14.41%, 95% CI [4.21 to 24.61], P < 0.01), while treatment arms EMD + CAF (13.48%, 95% CI [-3.34 to 30.32], P = 0.11) and PRF+CAF (-0.91%, 95% CI [-15.38, 13.57], p = 0.81) did not show significant differences compared with CAF alone or with each other. Differences in the CI of PRF+CAF (symmetrical around a zero adjunctive effect) and EMD+CAF (non-symmetrical) suggest that EMD could have some additional value compared with PRF. Treatment with SCTG+CAF led to a statistically significant higher RD reduction (-0.39 mm, 95% CI [-0.55 to 0.22], P < 0.01), however EMD+CAF (-0.13 mm, 95% CI [-0.29 to 0.01], P = 0.08) and PRF+CAF (-0.06 mm, 95% CI [-0.23 to 0.09], P = 0.39) failed to show significant differences compared with CAF or with each other. While SCTG+CAF was associated with a statistically significant higher gain of KTW (0.71 mm, 95% CI [0.48 to 0.93], P < 0.01), EMD+CAF (0.24 mm, 95% CI [-0.02 to 0.51], P = 0.08) and PRF+CAF (0.08 mm, 95% CI [-0.23 to 0.41], P = 0.58) did not result into significant changes compared with CAF alone or with each other. Regarding the use of rhPDGF-BB+CAF, although available studies have reported equivalent results compared with SCTG+CAF, evidence is very limited.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of ABPs, EMD, or rhPDGF-BB in conjunction with a CAF for root coverage purposes is safe and generally promotes significant improvements respective to baseline clinical parameters. However, the adjunctive use of ABPs and EMD does not provide substantial additional improvements in terms of clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcome measures to those achieved using CAF alone, when baseline KTW is >2 mm. Both PRF+CAF and EMD+CAF rendered inferior MRC%, CRC%, RD reduction, and KTW gain compared with SCTG+CAF, which should still be considered the gold-standard in root coverage therapy. Although some studies have reported equivalent results for rhPDGF-BB+CAF compared with the gold-standard intervention, limited evidence precludes formal comparisons with CAF or SCTG+CAF that could be extrapolated to guide clinical practice.

Clinical applications of mucogingival therapies utilizing adjunctive autologous blood products

BACKGROUND

Mucogingival deformities are prevalent oral conditions and can result in esthetic compromise, dentinal hypersensitivity, and an increase in radicular caries rates. Mucogingival treatments address thin periodontal phenotype and/or gingival recession defects. Although many of these grafting procedures are predictable in improving soft-tissue quality and quantity around teeth and dental implants, patients often complain of discomfort at both the donor and recipient sites. Free gingival grafts and coronally advanced flaps alone or in combination with subepithelial connective tissue graft and/or acellular dermal matrix are among the most common surgical procedures employed to achieve root coverage and enhance periodontal phenotype. Autologous blood products (ABPs) contain platelets, growth factors, leukocytes, and stem cells that contribute to cell mitosis, collagen production, and angiogenesis, leading to the healing and regeneration of hard and soft tissue. Evaluation of the adjunctive role of ABPs in mucogingival surgery and their impacts on clinical and patient-centered data is critical to achieve optimal patient-reported outcome measures based upon the current scientific evidence.

METHODS

We present exemplar cases in which adjunctive ABPs were utilized in mucogingival treatment to enhance treatment outcomes.

RESULTS

No adverse events were noted. Satisfactory treatment outcomes were achieved in patients with local and/or systemic compromise when mucogingival therapies were used in combination with ABPs.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjunctive use of ABPs may enhance outcomes of mucogingival therapy. Utilization of adjunctive ABPs may be particularly advantageous in situations where the predictability of clinical and esthetic outcomes is limited due to anatomical and/or patient factors.

Effect of leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin on free gingival graft healing: A clinical and histological study in rabbits

Background. Recently, the use of leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) has been recommended due to the presence of various growth factors to increase the success of free gingival grafts (FGG). This study evaluated the effect of using L-PRF in the healing of FGG in rabbits. Methods. Twenty rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. In each group, FGG was performed in two separate sites with or without L-PRF. One of these groups was sacrificed on the 7th day and the other on the 28th day and analyzed in terms of clinical indices, including wound healing, gingi-val thickness (GT), and keratinized tissue width (KTW). Then histologic sections were obtained and stained for type and degree of inflammation and rate of vascular formation analysis. SPSS 22 was used for statistical analysis. Results. The extent of changes in GT, KTW, wound healing index, and vascular formation between the test and control groups was not statistically significant. The difference in the type of inflammation was significant only between the -7day and -28day control groups (P=0.003). The degree of inflammation between the -7day test group and the -28day control group, as well as the -7day and -28day control groups, were statistically significant (P=0.011 and P=0.002, respectively). Conclusion. Using L-PRF with FGG could improve FGG healing compared to using FGG alone, but the results were not statistically significant.

Soft tissue phenotype modification predicts gingival margin long-term (10-year) stability: Longitudinal analysis of six randomized clinical trials

Aim

To assess the prognostic value of soft tissue phenotype modification following root coverage procedures for predicting the long‐term (10‐year) behaviour of the gingival margin.

Materials and Methods

Participants from six randomized clinical trials on root coverage procedures at the University of Michigan were re‐invited for a longitudinal evaluation. Clinical measurements were obtained by two calibrated examiners. A data‐driven approach to model selection with Akaike information criterion (AIC) was carried out via multilevel regression analyses and partial regression plotting for changes in the level of the gingival margin over time and interactions with the early (6‐month) results of soft tissue phenotypic modification.

Results

One‐hundred and fifty‐seven treated sites in 83 patients were re‐assessed at the long‐term recall. AIC‐driven model selection and regression analyses demonstrated that 6‐month keratinized tissue width (KTW) and gingival thickness (GT) influenced the trajectory of the gingival margin similarly in a concave manner; however, GT was the driving determinant that predicted significantly less relapse in the treatments, with stability of the treated gingival margin obtained beyond values of 1.46 mm.

Conclusions

Among a compliant patient cohort, irrespective of the rendered therapy, the presence of at least 1.5 mm KTW and 1.46 mm GT was correlated with the long‐term stability of the gingival margin.

Modified coronally advanced tunnel versus epithelialized free gingival graft technique in gingival phenotype modification: a comparative randomized controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

The gingival thickness (GT) and keratinized tissue (KT) height are defined as the gingival phenotype. Both the modified coronally advanced tunnel technique (MCAT) and free gingival grafts (FGG) are used in modifying the gingival phenotype. This study aims to compare MCAT and FGG in gingival phenotype modification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and forty recessions in 50 patients with thin and insufficient keratinized tissue at the anterior mandible were treated with either MCAT or FGG. GT, KT height, recession depth, recession width, probing depth, and clinical attachment level were evaluated at baseline and 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. GT change, KT change, root coverage (RC), clinical attachment gain, and complete root coverage (CRC) were calculated. The wound healing index, tissue appearance, patient expectations, aesthetic, and dentin hypersensitivity were assessed at baseline and 6 months.

RESULTS

All periodontal variables showed significant change from baseline to 12 months in both groups (p < 0.05). While FGG resulted in more KT change (p < 0.001), all MCAT sites showed at least 2 mm KT change in 12 months. MCAT resulted in greater GT change (p < 0.05) and RC (p < 0.003). In contrast, there was no significant inter-group CRC difference (p = 0.523). All patient-based variables were favorable to MCAT (p < 0.05), except dentin hypersensitivity (p = 0.225).

CONCLUSIONS

Both techniques were successful in terms of gingival phenotype modification in the anterior mandible. Additional GT increase, RC, and patient-based outcomes favored MCAT, though KT change proved greater with FGG.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Clinicians may choose MCAT for higher GT increase whereas FGG for more KTC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04690140 and date: 12/26/2020.

Comparison of coronally advanced versus semilunar coronally repositioned flap in the management of maxillary gingival recessions

Objectives

Maxillary gingival recessions can be managed by both semilunar coronally repositioned flap (SLCRF) and coronally advanced flap (CAF). The objective of this study was to compare SLRCF and CAF in terms of wound healing and periodontal parameters in the presence of magnification.

Materials and methods

Thirty patients with Miller’s class I gingival recession in maxillary anteriors and premolars were assigned to 2 groups including SLCRF and CAF. All procedures were performed using 2.5× magnifying loupes. Wound healing and periodontal clinical parameters were assessed at baseline and at 2nd, 4th, 8th and 12th week.

Results

No significant difference was observed in wound healing and mean percentage root coverage in both the groups at 12th week (p > 0.05). However, SLCRF showed a statistically significant reduction in percentage of root coverage (PRC) at 12th week compared to 2nd week (p < 0.05). A significant gain in Clinical attachment level, width of keratinised tissue and a significant reduction in Recession Depth and Probing Depth were seen in both the groups at 12th week.

Conclusion

Within the limitation of this study, both techniques resulted in similar wound healing at 12th week with the use of magnification. CAF provided more root coverage compared to SLCRF technique in the maxillary class I gingival recession defects.

INTRABONY DEFECT TREATMENT WITH PLATELET-RICH FIBRIN, GUIDED TISSUE REGENERATION AND OPEN-FLAP DEBRIDEMENT: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

OBJECTIVE

To comparatively assess the outcomes of the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) combined with open-flap debridement (OFD), guided tissue regeneration (GTR) or OFD alone based on clinical, radiographic, and wound healing parameters for 12 months of follow-up.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety intrabony defects were randomly divided into 3 different groups and treated as group 1 (PRF + OFD), group 2 (GTR), or group 3 (OFD alone). Clinical parameters, including the plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and tooth mobility were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months. Additionally, the wound healing index was assessed at 7 and 14 days postsurgery. Radiographic parameters, including bony defect fill and alveolar crestal resorption, were measured at 6 and 12 months postsurgery and calculated using image analysis software.

RESULTS

Intragroup comparisons showed consistently significant improvements in all the clinical and radiographic parameters in the 3 groups at 12 months postsurgery. Compared to baseline, in group 1, the PD decreased to 2.37 ± 0.56; 3.30 ± 0.84; 4.80 ± 0.71 mm, and CAL decreased to 2.23 ± 0.90; 3.33 ± 0.71; 5.00 ± 0.46 mm; in group 2, the PD decreased to 2.30 ± 0.60; 3.23 ± 0.86; 4.63 ± 0.67 mm, and CAL decreased to 2.00 ± 0.98; 3.20 ± 0.71; 4.53 ± 0.57 mm); and in group 3, the PD decreased to 1.87 ± 0.68; 2.57 ± 1.36; 3.37 ± 1.00 mm, and CAL decreased to 1.60 ± 0.93; 2.23 ± 1.22; 3.37 ± 1.22 mm at 3, 6, and 12 months postsurgery, respectively. The bone fill percentages in group 1 (26.45 ± 16.47 and 45.25 ± 5.20%), group 2 (22.20 ± 15.76 and 42.15 ± 6.39%) and group 3 (10.21 ± 6.47 and 23.13 ± 6.98%) were observed at 6 and 12 months postsurgery. The alveolar crestal resorption levels were -1.07 ± 0.52 and -1.70 ± 0.60 mm in group 1, -1.03 ± 0.72 and -1.47 ± 0.73 mm in group 2 and 0.37 ± 0.62 and 0.43 ± 0.73 mm in group 3, respectively. The percentages of sites with a WHI score of 1 were 93% and 100% in group 1, 81%, and 94% in group 2 and 45% and 71% in group 3 at 7 and 14 days postsurgery, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to GTR, PRF yielded comparable treatment outcomes and periodontal tissue healing in terms of improvements in clinical and radiographic parameters. Compared to OFD alone, PRF also significantly improved these parameters in the treatment of intrabony defects.

Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Single and Multiple Coronally Advanced Flap for Type 1 Recession: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background and Objectives: The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the efficacy of leukocyte–platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) in addition to coronally advanced flap (CAF) for the treatment of both single and multiple gingival recessions (GRs) compared to the CAF alone and to the adjunct of connective tissue graft (CTG). Root coverage outcomes using platelet concentrates have gained increased interest. In particular, it has been suggested that adding L-PRF to CAF may provide further benefits in the treatment of GRs. Materials and Methods: An electronic and manual literature search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials (RTCs) investigating root coverage outcomes with CAF + L-PRF. The outcomes of interest included mean root coverage (mRC), recession reduction, keratinized tissue width (KTW) gain, gingival thickness (GT) gain, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROms) such as pain perception and discomfort. Results: A total of 275 patients and 611 surgical sites were analyzed. L-PRF in adjunct to single CAF seems to show statistically significant results regarding clinical attachment level (CAL) with a weighted means (WM) 0.43 95% CI (−0.04, 0.91), p < 0.0001, GT (WM 0.17 95% CI (−0.02, 0.36), p < 0.0001, and mRC (WM 13.95 95% CI (−1.99, 29.88) p < 0.0001, compared to single CAF alone. Interesting results were obtained from the adjunct of PRF to multiple CAF with respect to multiple CAF alone with an increase in the mRC WM 0.07 95% CI (−30.22, 30.35), p = 0.0001, and PPD change WM 0.26 95% CI (−0.06, 0.58), p < 00001. On the other hand, no statistically significant data were obtained when L-PRF was added to single or multiple CAF combined with CTG according to the included outcomes such as mRC (p = 0.03 overall). Conclusions: L-PRF is a valid alternative to CAF alone. L-PRF compared to CTG in single and multiple CAF showed statistically significant results regarding pain perception and discomfort PROms (p < 0.0001). However, CTG remains the gold standard for treating gingival recession.

Periodontal regeneration: a bibliometric analysis of the most influential studies

Aim: The aim of the present study is to identify the most influential research articles and their main characteristics in the specialty of periodontal regeneration. Materials & methods: The Web of Science database advance search was performed in the subject category of 'Dentistry, Oral surgery and medicine' from January 2004 to October 2018 to retrieve citations data. Results: The majority of the articles were published in journals dedicated to the specialty of periodontology. Among the top-cited articles most emphasized study types were randomized control trials (n = 25) and reviews (n = 20). Conclusion: The present bibliometric analysis provides comprehensive information regarding the contributions made in the advancement of regenerative periodontal research. The authors from developed countries and affiliated with interdisciplinary/multicenter institutions have predominantly contributed.

Clinical evaluation of injectable platelet-rich fibrin with connective tissue graft for the treatment of deep gingival recession defects: A controlled randomized clinical trial

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine whether the combined connective tissue graft (CTG) with injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) with coronally advanced flap (CAF) improved root coverage of deep Miller Class I or II gingival recessions compared with CTG alone with CAF.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Seventy-two patients with Miller class I and II gingival recessions were enrolled. Thirty-six patients were randomly assigned to the test group (CAF+CTG+i-PRF [700 rpm for 3 min]) or control group (CAF+CTG). Clinical evaluations were made at 6 months.

RESULTS

At 6 months, complete root coverage was obtained at 88% of the sites treated with CAF+CTG+i-PRF and 80% of the sites treated with CAF+CTG. Difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. At 6 months, the recession depth (RD) reduction and increase in keratinized tissue height (KTH) of the test sites were significantly better compared with the control sites.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results, the addition of i-PRF to the CAF+CTG treatment showed further development in terms of increasing the KTH and decreasing RD. However, this single trial is not sufficient to advocate the true clinical effect of i-PRF on recession treatment with CAF+CTG and additional trials are needed.

Biologics-based regenerative technologies for periodontal soft tissue engineering

This manuscript provides a state-of-the-art review on the efficacy of biologics in root coverage procedures, including enamel matrix derivative, platelet-derived growth factor, platelet concentrates, and fibroblast-growth factor-2. The mechanism of action and the rationale for using biologics in periodontal plastic surgery, as well as their anticipated benefits when compared with conventional approaches are discussed. Although the clinical significance is still under investigation, preclinical data and histologic evidence demonstrate that biologic-based techniques are able to promote periodontal regeneration coupled with the provision of tooth root coverage.

The clinical evaluation of platelet-rich plasma on free gingival graft's donor site wound healing

Objective

It has been proved that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can promote wound healing. In this way, PRP can be advantageous in periodontal plastic surgeries, free gingival graft (FGG) being one such surgery.

Materials and Methods

In this randomized split-mouth controlled trial, 10 patients who needed bilateral FGG were selected, and two donor sites were randomly assigned to experience either natural healing or healing-assisted with PRP. The outcome was assessed based on the comparison of the extent of wound closure, Manchester scale, Landry healing scale, visual analog scale, and tissue thickness between the study groups at different time intervals.

Statistical Analysis Used

Repeated measurements of analysis of variance and paired t-test were used. Statistical significance was P ≤ 0.05.

Results

Significant differences between the study groups and also across different time intervals were seen in all parameters except for the changes in tissue thickness.

Conclusion

PRP accelerates the healing process of wounds and reduces the healing time.

The Additional Effect of Autologous Platelet Concentrates to Coronally Advanced Flap in the Treatment of Gingival Recessions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

To improve the efficacy of regenerative treatment for gingival recessions, the autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) combined with coronally advanced flap (CAF) have been investigated. However, few studies systematically assess the complementary effect of APCs in periodontal regeneration. The present study aims to evaluate the additional effect of different types of APCs to CAF in the treatment of gingival recessions.

Methods

Electronic databases (EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trails) and relevant journals were searched until May 15, 2019. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in English were included. Outcome variables include root coverage (RC), recession depth (RD), clinical attachment level (CAL), keratinized tissue width (KTW), and gingival thickness (GT). Data were analyzed with Revman5.3. The estimate of effect sizes was expressed as the mean differences and the 95% confidence interval.

Results

8 RCTs involving 170 patients (328 sites) were included. Our meta-analysis indicated RC, RD, CAL, KTW, and GT were better improved in the CAF plus APCs groups than the CAF alone. The subgroup analyses revealed that platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) brought significant improvement in RC, RD, CAL, and GT. Concentrated growth factors (CGF) lead clinic beneficial in CAL, KTW, and GT. No significant effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) could be found in any clinical parameters when combined with CAF.

Conclusions

PRF could exert additional effect to CAF; the preferred treatment for gingival recessions was considered. Based on the limited studies, it seemed that PRP failed to show any additional effect and it was not suggested for gingival recessions. Given the limited research and high risk of bias, it is still needed to confirm the additional effect of CGF by more high-quality studies.

A New Approach for Root Surface Biomodification Using Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin (I-PRF)

Background

This study investigated the potential effects of Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin (I-PRF) on root coverage of free gingival graft surgery.

Material/Method

A total of 40 patients with Miller class I or II gingival recession were included. The patients who participated in this study were randomly divided into 2 groups, including the control and experiment groups. The patients in the control group were treated only with free gingival graft (FGG). The patients in the experiment group were treated with free gingival graft and injected with I-PRF as a root surface biomodification agent (FGG+I-PRF). The patients were called back after 3 months, and the amount of exposed root surface was determined and compared to the preoperative findings.

Results

The mean initial exposed root surface was 4.7±1.49 mm for the FGG+I-PRF group, 4.1±1.07 mm for the FGG group, and 4.4±1.31 mm for all subjects. Three months after the operation, the mean root surface coverage values of the 2 groups were 3.5±1.05 and 3.9±0.78 mm in the control and experiment groups, respectively.

Conclusions

The findings showed that the injection of Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin (I-PRF) had a positive effect on root coverage in free gingival graft surgery.

Evaluation of 0.2% delmopinol mouth rinse for prevention of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis: A randomized controlled canine study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of 0.2% delmopinol mouth rinse in maintenance of peri-implant tissue health and prevention or inhibition of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four weeks following tooth extraction, eight titanium dental implants, were placed in six dogs' mandibles. Three dogs were assigned to the test or placebo mouth rinse. Eight weeks following implant installation (T2) ligature was placed to induce peri-implant disease. Clinical and radiographic assessment was performed during the study period as well as micro-CT analysis and histologic assessment to evaluate Bone-Implant Contact at the end of the follow-up (T4).

RESULTS

Plaque at implant sites before ligature placement (T2) was lower for the test group (0.7 ± 1.0 vs 1.5 ± 1.3, P < .05). The ratio of affected implant (PD ≧4 mm) at T2 and T4 in the test group was significantly smaller than that of the placebo group (T2, 17% vs 47%, P < .01; T4, 67% vs 83%, P < .05). The test agent also seemed to be effective in partially preventing bone loss induced by ligature placement according to the Computed Tomography and histologic analysis (test, 1.1 ± 0.8 mm; placebo, 1.5 ± 0.9 mm).

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limits of this animal model study, the results of the study indicate that the 0.2% delmopinol rinse might play a role in prevention of peri-implant disease development.

Autologous platelet concentrates for treating periodontal infrabony defects

BACKGROUND

Periodontal disease is a condition affecting tooth-supporting tissues (gingiva, alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, and cementum), with the potential of introducing severe adverse effects on oral health. It has a complex pathogenesis which involves the combination of specific micro-organisms and a predisposing host response. Infrabony defects are one of the morphological types of alveolar bone defects that can be observed during periodontitis. Recent approaches for the treatment of infrabony defects, combine advanced surgical techniques with platelet-derived growth factors. These are naturally synthesized polypeptides, acting as mediators for various cellular activities during wound healing. It is believed that the adjunctive use of autologous platelet concentrates to periodontal surgical procedures produces a better and more predictable outcome for the treatment of infrabony defects.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of autologous platelet concentrates (APC) used as an adjunct to periodontal surgical therapies (open flap debridement (OFD), OFD combined with bone grafting (BG), guided tissue regeneration (GTR), OFD combined with enamel matrix derivative (EMD)) for the treatment of infrabony defects.

SEARCH METHODS

Cochrane Oral Health's Information Specialist searched the following databases: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register (to 27 February 2018); the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2018, Issue 1) in the Cochrane Library (searched 27 February 2018); MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 27 February 2018); Embase Ovid (1980 to 27 February 2018); and LILACS BIREME Virtual Health Library (from 1982 to 27 February 2018). The US National Institutes of Health Ongoing Trials Register (ClinicalTrials.gov) and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched for ongoing trials on 27 February 2018. No restrictions were placed on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of both parallel and split-mouth design, involving patients with infrabony defects requiring surgical treatment. Studies had to compare treatment outcomes of a specific surgical technique combined with APC, with the same technique when used alone.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently conducted data extraction and risk of bias assessment, and analysed data following Cochrane methods. The primary outcomes assessed were: change in probing pocket depth (PD), change in clinical attachment level (CAL), and change in radiographic bone defect filling (RBF). We organised all data in four groups, each comparing a specific surgical technique when applied with the adjunct of APC or alone: 1. APC + OFD versus OFD, 2. APC + OFD + BG versus OFD + BG, 3. APC + GTR versus GTR, and 4. APC + EMD versus EMD.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 38 RCTs. Twenty-two had a split-mouth design, and 16 had a parallel design. The overall evaluated data included 1402 defects. Two studies were at unclear overall risk of bias, while the remaining 36 studies had a high overall risk of bias.1. APC + OFD versus OFD alone Twelve studies were included in this comparison, with a total of 510 infrabony defects. There is evidence of an advantage in using APC globally from split-mouth and parallel studies for all three primary outcomes: PD (mean difference (MD) 1.29 mm, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00 to 1.58 mm; P < 0.001; 12 studies; 510 defects; very low-quality evidence); CAL (MD 1.47 mm, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.82 mm; P < 0.001; 12 studies; 510 defects; very low-quality evidence); and RBF (MD 34.26%, 95% CI 30.07% to 38.46%; P < 0.001; 9 studies; 401 defects; very low-quality evidence).2. APC + OFD + BG versus OFD + BG Seventeen studies were included in this comparison, with a total of 569 infrabony defects. Considering all follow-ups, as well as 3 to 6 months and 9 to 12 months, there is evidence of an advantage in using APC from both split-mouth and parallel studies for all three primary outcomes: PD (MD 0.54 mm, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.75 mm; P < 0.001; 17 studies; 569 defects; very low-quality evidence); CAL (MD 0.72 mm, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.00 mm; P < 0.001; 17 studies; 569 defects; very low-quality evidence); and RBF (MD 8.10%, 95% CI 5.26% to 10.94%; P < 0.001; 11 studies; 420 defects; very low-quality evidence).3. APC + GTR versus GTR alone Seven studies were included in this comparison, with a total of 248 infrabony defects. Considering all follow-ups, there is probably a benefit for APC for both PD (MD 0.92 mm, 95% CI -0.02 to 1.86 mm; P = 0.05; very low-quality evidence) and CAL (MD 0.42 mm, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.86 mm; P = 0.06; very low-quality evidence). However, given the wide confidence intervals, there might be a possibility of a slight benefit for the control. When considering a 3 to 6 months and a 9 to 12 months follow-up there were no benefits evidenced, except for CAL at 3 to 6 months (MD 0.54 mm, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.89 mm; P = 0.003; 3 studies; 134 defects). No RBF data were available.4. APC + EMD versus EMDTwo studies were included in this comparison, with a total of 75 infrabony defects. There is insufficient evidence of an overall advantage of using APC for all three primary outcomes: PD (MD 0.13 mm, 95% CI -0.05 to 0.30 mm; P = 0.16; 2 studies; 75 defects; very low-quality evidence), CAL (MD 0.10 mm, 95% CI -0.13 to 0.32 mm; P = 0.40; 2 studies; 75 defects; very low-quality evidence), and RBF (MD -0.60%, 95% CI -6.21% to 5.01%; P = 0.83; 1 study; 49 defects; very low-quality evidence).All studies in all groups reported a survival rate of 100% for the treated teeth. No complete pocket closure was reported. No quantitative analysis regarding patients' quality of life was possible.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is very low-quality evidence that the adjunct of APC to OFD or OFD + BG when treating infrabony defects may improve probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, and radiographic bone defect filling. For GTR or EMD, insufficient evidence of an advantage in using APC was observed.

Root coverage procedures for treating localised and multiple recession-type defects

BACKGROUND

Gingival recession is defined as the oral exposure of the root surface due to a displacement of the gingival margin apical to the cemento-enamel junction and it is regularly linked to the deterioration of dental aesthetics. Successful treatment of recession-type defects is based on the use of predictable root coverage periodontal plastic surgery (RCPPS) procedures. This review is an update of the original version that was published in 2009.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the efficacy of different root coverage procedures in the treatment of single and multiple recession-type defects.

SEARCH METHODS

Cochrane Oral Health's Information Specialist searched the following databases: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register (to 15 January 2018), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2017, Issue 12) in the Cochrane Library (searched 15 January 2018), MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 15 January 2018), and Embase Ovid (1980 to 15 January 2018). The US National Institutes of Health Ongoing Trials Register (ClinicalTrials.gov) and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched for ongoing trials (15 January 2018). No restrictions were placed on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) only of at least 6 months' duration evaluating recession areas (Miller's Class I or II ≥ 3 mm) and treated by means of RCPPS procedures.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Screening of eligible studies, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were conducted independently and in duplicate. Authors were contacted for any missing information. We expressed results as random-effects models using mean differences (MD) for continuous outcomes and odds ratios (OR) for dichotomous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (CI). We used GRADE methods to assess the quality of the body of evidence of our main comparisons.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 48 RCTs in the review. Of these, we assessed one as at low risk of bias, 12 as at high risk of bias and 35 as at unclear risk of bias. The results indicated a greater reduction in gingival recession for subepithelial connective tissue grafts (SCTG) + coronally advanced flap (CAF) compared to guided tissue regeneration with resorbable membranes (GTR rm) + CAF (MD -0.37 mm; 95% CI -0.60 to -0.13, P = 0.002; 3 studies; 98 participants; low-quality evidence). There was insufficient evidence of a difference in gingival recession reduction between acellular dermal matrix grafts (ADMG) + CAF and SCTG + CAF or between enamel matrix protein (EMP) + CAF and SCTG + CAF. Regarding clinical attachment level changes, GTR rm + CAF promoted additional gains compared to SCTG + CAF (MD 0.35; 95% CI 0.06 to 0.63, P = 0.02; 3 studies; 98 participants; low-quality evidence) but there was insufficient evidence of a difference between ADMG + CAF and SCTG + CAF or between EMP + CAF and SCTG + CAF. Greater gains in the keratinized tissue were found for SCTG + CAF when compared to EMP + CAF (MD -1.06 mm; 95% CI -1.36 to -0.76, P < 0.00001; 2 studies; 62 participants; low-quality evidence), and SCTG + CAF when compared to GTR rm + CAF (MD -1.77 mm; 95% CI -2.66 to -0.89, P < 0.0001; 3 studies; 98 participants; very low-quality evidence). There was insufficient evidence of a difference in keratinized tissue gain between ADMG + CAF and SCTG + CAF. Few data exist on aesthetic condition change related to patients' opinion and patients' preference for a specific procedure.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Subepithelial connective tissue grafts, coronally advanced flap alone or associated with other biomaterial and guided tissue regeneration may be used as root coverage procedures for treating localised or multiple recession-type defects. The available evidence base indicates that in cases where both root coverage and gain in the width of keratinized tissue are expected, the use of subepithelial connective tissue grafts shows a slight improvement in outcome. There is also some weak evidence suggesting that acellular dermal matrix grafts appear as the soft tissue substitute that may provide the most similar outcomes to those achieved by subepithelial connective tissue grafts. RCTs are necessary to identify possible factors associated with the prognosis of each RCPPS procedure. The potential impact of bias on these outcomes is unclear.

Mucosal co-delivery of ketorolac and lidocaine using polymeric wafers for dental application

The current study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a developed sodium alginate and polyvinylpyrrolidone K-25 (PVP K-25) polymeric wafer for the co-delivery of ketorolac and lidocaine to soft tissues for healing and pain control following gingivectomy. Nine ketorolac/lidocaine lyophilized wafers were formulated and assessed for their hydration capacity, mucoadhesion ability and in vitro release profile to select the optimum system for further clinical investigation. Wafer F6 containing 2:1 sodium alginate to PVP K-25 and 10% glycerol showed optimum properties and was selected for the clinical study. Twenty patients were included in the study and the ketorolac/lidocaine wafer was assessed versus a market product. Visual pain analog was evaluated daily for the first week and wound healing index was evaluated for one week, two weeks and one month following the procedure. The developed ketorolac/lidocaine polymeric wafer proved to be an effective method of reducing pain and discomfort together with enhancing wound healing following gingivectomy.

Coronally advanced flap and connective tissue graft with or without plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) in treatment of gingival recession

Background

Several researchers have tried to improve the results of gingival recession treatment techniques. One of the methods is to use growth factors The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of CAF (coronally advanced flap) + CTG (connective tissue graft) + PRGF (plasma rich in growth factors) in the treatment of Miller Class I buccal gingival recession.

Material and Methods

Twenty-two teeth with Miller Class I gingival recession in 6 patients 26 ‒ 47 years of age were included in a split-mouth designed randomized controlled trial (RCT). In each patient, one side was treated with CAF + CTG + PRGF (test) and the other side was treated with CAF + CTG (control). The following parameters were measured before surgery and up to 6 months after surgery on the mid-buccal surface of the tooth: keratinized tissue width (KTW), clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), vertical recession depth (VRD), recession depth (RD), gingival thickness (GT), root coverage in percentage (RC%) and the distance between the CEJ and mucogingival junction (MGJL). Data were analyzed with paired t-test and repeated measures ANOVA.

Results

After 6 months noticeable improvements were observed in both groups in all the variables measured except for PD; however, the differences between the two groups were not significant. RC% was 80 ± 25% and 67 ± 28% in the test and control groups, respectively, after 6 months.

Conclusions

Both CAF + CTG + PRGF and CAF + CTG treatment modalities resulted in favorable root coverage; however, the addition of PRGF added no measurable significant effect. Key words:Connective tissue graft, dental root coverage, gingival recession, growth factors, mucogingival surgery, periodontal plastic surgery.

Efficiency of platelet-rich plasma on acellular dermal matrix application with coronally advanced flap in the treatment of multiple adjacent gingival recessions: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Background/Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of platelet rich plasma (PRP) combined with coronally advanced flap plus acellular dermal matrix application (CAF + ADM) in the treatment of multiple adjacent gingival recessions (MAGRs).

Materials and methods

12 patients with 84 Miller Class I or II recession defects were participated. Sites were randomly assigned into CAF + ADM + PRP or CAF + ADM groups. Gingival recession depth (GRD), recession width (GRW), width of keratinized tissue (WKT), creeping attachment (CRA), root coverage (RC) as well as plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline and 3rd,6th and 12th months postoperatively. The data were analyzed statistically.

Results

GRD and GRW values were statistically higher in group CAF + ADM compared to the CAF + ADM + PRP group at 6th and 12th month (P < 0.05). CRA showed statistically significant increases in 3rd, 6th and 12th months with regard to the baseline in CAF + ADM + PRP group (P < 0.05), however CRA remained stable in CAF + ADM group at 6th and 12th month. The mean RC% was 77.9% and 69.4% for the CAF + ADM + PRP and CAF + ADM groups, respectively, at 12th month (P < 0.05). GRD reduction was statistically greater in the maxillary teeth treated with CAF + ADM + PRP compared to mandibular teeth treated with CAF + ADM at 12 months.

Conclusion

Our data suggested that addition of PRP to CAF + ADM in the treatment of MAGRs significantly improved the clinical outcomes, according to 1-year follow-up results.

(Clinicaltrials.gov identification NCT03043638).

Effectiveness of laser adjunctive therapy for surgical treatment of gingival recession with flap graft techniques: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Various flap graft techniques in the treatment of gingival recession have already been reported in the literatures for root coverage. Laser therapy has effects of ablative, hemostatic, and decontamination. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare the efficacy of flap surgery combined with laser with surgery alone for treating gingival recession. The studies were searched from PubMed, Embase, Web of science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials by two reviewers up to August 2017. The quality of RCTs was assessed by Cochrane Handbook. Data were extracted from studies and analyzed by Review Manager 5.3. 95% confidence interval (CI) and risk ratio (RR) were calculated for dichotomous data. Seven RCTs with 173 patients and 296 teeth were included in the meta-analysis. We found no statistically significant differences between two groups in GRD (gingival recession depth) (P = 0.21), GRW (gingival recession width) (P = 0.92), RES (root esthetic score) (P = 0.21), and CRC (complete root coverage) (P = 0.09). Statistically significant differences were found between two groups in the WKT (width of keratinized tissue) (P < 0.0001) and 1-year follow-up of PD (probing depth) (P = 0.03) and CAL (clinical attachment level) (P < 0.00001). The meta-analysis found that surgery with laser therapy provided clinical advantages in terms of WKT and 1-year follow-up of PD and CAL. However, flap graft associated with laser did not offer additional benefit to root coverage and esthetics in treating gingival recession. More long-term studies are required to assess these parameters.

Evaluation of Immediate Implants Augmented with Autogenous Bone/Melatonin Composite Graft in the Esthetic Zone: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes following the application of autogenous bone (ABG)/melatonin composite graft around immediate implants in the esthetic zone compared to ABG alone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-six patients with two nonrestorable anterior/premolar teeth were randomly classified into two equal groups. Dental implants were immediately inserted either with ABG (control group) or ABG/melatonin (test group). Outcome measures were peri-implant sulcus depth (PD), gingival index (GI), and wound healing scores. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was recorded at baseline, 6, and 9 months.

RESULTS

At the end of the study, a significant difference was shown in the mean of marginal bone loss between the control group (1.91 mm ± 0.42) and the test group (0.84 mm ± 0.34) at p = 0.0001. The test group showed a significant gain in bone density, 500.73 ± 40.92, versus 420.14 ± 38.33 in the control group (p = 0.0001). There was a statistically significant difference between the control group (0.68 ± 0.42) versus the test group (0.45 ± 0.49; p = 0.044) in GI. PD was significantly reduced at the end of the study in the test group (0.42 mm ± 0.50; p = 0.002), with a similar significant improvement in the healing scores (p = 0.026).

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this study, immediate implants augmented with ABG/melatonin composite graft would be a valuable option in the esthetic zone.

Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Regeneration of Intrabony Defects: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is an autologous non-transfusional hemo-component with a high concentration of platelets. It incorporates leukocytes, platelets, and growth factors within the dense fibrin matrix and can be used as healing biomaterial. This study assesses the adjunctive use of PRF in regenerative management of intrabony defects in comparison with open flap debridement (OFD).

METHODS

Twenty-six bilateral defects (13 per group) in 13 patients were randomized as either PRF (test group) or OFD alone (control group) sites. Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bone PD were recorded. Reduction in defect depth and percentage of bone fill was assessed radiographically. Primary outcomes assessed were changes in PD, CAL, and percentage of bone fill, and they were assessed at 6, 9, and 12 months. Secondary outcome was assessment of wound healing using a wound healing index (WHI).

RESULTS

The PRF group showed significant improvement in clinical parameters compared with the control group at 6, 9, and 12 months. The PRF group showed a bone fill of 45.18% ± 7.57%, which was statistically significant compared with 21.6% ± 9.3% seen in the control group at the end of the study period. The PRF group also showed significant soft tissue healing and reduction in PD. WHI also showed significant advantages for the PRF group.

CONCLUSION

The adjunctive use of PRF to conventional OFD may be potentially used in the treatment of intrabony defects.

A review of the literature: antibiotic usage and its relevance to the infection in periodontal flaps

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the systemic antibiotic usage in the perioperative period of periodontal flaps and its relevance to the infection after surgeries through reviewing the papers of the last decade.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A search was conducted for the studies of randomized clinical trials between 2005 and 2014 that reported periodontal flaps in chronic periodontitis patients. Data were extracted and the rate of the systemic antibiotic use, the infection rate after surgeries and the number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent one infected case were calculated. The impact of antibiotic use and materials used in surgeries on the infection was evaluated.

RESULTS

Eighty-three trials were included. Antibiotics were used in 73.7% of the patients and 75.4% of the flaps. Infection occurred in only five flaps where enamel matrix proteins (EMD) or EMD + bone grafts were used in intrabony defects. Only 0.170% of the surgeries got infected in total. When all kinds of surgeries were included for analysis, the infection rate was 0.073% for the surgeries using antibiotics, which was lower than the infection rate 0.693% for the surgeries not using antibiotics (p < .05). The infection rate was very low in general. NNT was 203 when all the surgeries were included for analysis. Therefore, the difference of the infection rates between using antibiotics and not might lack clinical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the very low incidence of the infection and the disadvantages of the systemic antibiotic use, we suggest not using systemic antibiotics in the perioperative period of periodontal flaps to prevent infection.

Minimally invasive flapless vs. flapped approach for single implant placement: a 2-year randomized controlled clinical trial

PURPOSE

The purpose of this 2-year randomized controlled clinical trial was to assess the differences in implant survival rates, soft tissue preservation, patient centered outcome and crestal bone changes applying the minimally invasive (MI) flapless approach for single implant placement compared to flapped implant surgery (FS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Subjects eligible for this study were randomly assigned into two groups: MI or FS. Items of evaluation were the following: implant installation position, soft tissue healing, post-surgical pain, soft tissue outcome, marginal bone loss (MBL), and implant survival rate.

RESULTS

Forty subjects (14 women and 26 men, 20 in MI group and 20 in FS group with a mean of 39 ± 13.2 years old) were included in the study. None of the implants demonstrated dehiscence or loss during the follow-up. Subjects in MI group showed significantly lower post-surgical pain and significantly less wound healing index scores at 1-week follow-up. The width of keratinized mucosa decreased from a mean of 4.2 ± 1.6 mm pre-surgically to 3.7 ± 1.1 mm at crown delivery but remained stable at 2-year follow-up in MI group. At every appointment in the study, no statistical significant difference of PD and MBL was found between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Compared with FS, single implants placed applying the MI technique in selected subjects showed advantages in improving patient comfort and decreasing post-implant placement soft tissue reaction. Meanwhile, implants with MI approach have the same level of MBL and high success rates as FS procedure at 2-year follow-up. The deduction of keratinized mucosa is very limited and the width of KM remained stable with MI approach at 2-year follow-up.

Periodontal soft tissue root coverage procedures: a systematic review from the AAP Regeneration Workshop

BACKGROUND

This paper aims to create a "bridge" between research and practice by developing a practical, extensive, and clinically relevant study that translates evidence-based findings on soft tissue root coverage (RC) of recession-type defects to daily clinical practice.

METHODS

This review is prepared in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement based on the proposed focused questions. A literature search with no restrictions regarding status or the language of publication was performed for MEDLINE and EMBASE databases up to and including June 2013. Systematic reviews (SRs), randomized clinical trials, controlled clinical trials, case series, and case reports evaluating recession areas that were treated by means of RC procedures were considered eligible for inclusion through the three parts of the study (part I, an overview of the base of SRs; part II, an alternative random-effects meta-analyses on mean percentage of RC and sites exhibiting complete RC; and part III, an SR of non-randomized trials exploring other conditions not extensively evaluated by previous SRs). Data on Class I, II, III, and IV recessions, type of histologic attachment achieved with treatment, recipient- and donor-site anatomic characteristics, smoking-related outcomes, root surface conditions, tooth type and location, long-term effectiveness outcomes, unusual conditions that may be reported during conventional daily practice, and patient-centered outcomes were assessed as well.

RESULTS

Of the 2,456 potentially eligible trials, 234 were included. Data on Class I, II, III, and IV gingival recessions, histologic attachment achieved after treatment, recipient- and donor-site anatomic characteristics, smoking-related outcomes, root surface conditions/biomodification, tooth type and location, long-term effectiveness outcomes and unusual conditions that may be reported during conventional daily practice, and patient-centered outcomes (i.e., esthetic, visual analog scale, complications, hypersensitivity, patients perceptions) were assessed. Subepithelial connective tissue (CT)-based procedures and coronally advanced flap plus acellular dermal matrix grafts, enamel matrix derivative, or collagen matrix led to the best improvements of recession depth, clinical attachment level (CAL) gain, and keratinized tissue (KT). Some conditions, such as smoking and use of magnification, may affect RC outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

All RC procedures can provide significant reduction in recession depth and CAL gain for Miller Class I and II recession-type defects. Subepithelial CT graft-based procedures provided the best outcomes for clinical practice because of their superior percentages of mean and complete RC, as well as significant increase of KT.

Platelet Rich Fibrin in double lateral sliding bridge flap procedure for gingival recession coverage: An original study

Background:

Gingival recession is a common occurrence in periodontal disease leading to an unaesthetic appearance of the gingiva. The effect of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), when used along with double lateral sliding bridge flap (DLSBF), remains unknown. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of PRF in conjunction with DLSBF for multiple gingival recessions.

Materials and Methods:

Twenty systemically healthy individuals exhibiting Grade II gingival recession on their mandibular central incisors were recruited in this study. These patients were randomly assigned into two groups: DLSBF and PRF + DLSBF. The clinical parameters that were evaluated in this study were gingiva recession height, gingiva recession width, width of keratinized gingiva, clinical attachment level, and probing depth. PRF was procured from the patient's blood at the time of the surgery and used for the procedure. The follow-up was performed at 12 and 24 weeks postsurgery.

Results:

Statistically significant difference was observed between the clinical parameters at baseline and 12 and 24 weeks within the groups. There was no statistically significant difference, between the groups. Mean root coverage (RC) was 80% ±29.1% in the DLSBF group and 78.8% ±37.6% in the DLSBF + PRF group with no statistically significant difference.

Conclusion:

From the results obtained in this study, the addition of PRF to DLSBF gives no additional benefits to the clinical parameters measured in RC.

Use of Platelet-Rich Fibrin Membrane in the Treatment of Gingival Recession: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the effects of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membranes on the outcomes of clinical treatments in patients with gingival recession.

METHODS

Articles that were published before June 2015 were searched electronically in four databases without any date or language restrictions and searched manually in regular journals and unpublished studies. The eligibility criteria comprised randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective controlled trials with follow-up periods of ≥ 6 months that compared the performance of PRF to other biomaterials in the treatment of Miller Class I or II gingival recessions. For the meta-analysis, the inverse variance method was used in fixed- or random-effect models, which were chosen according to heterogeneity. The estimates of the intervention effects were expressed as the mean differences in percentages or millimeters.

RESULTS

Six RCTs and one prospective clinical trial are included in this review. Root coverage (RC) and clinical attachment level (CAL) did not differ significantly between the analyzed subgroups (P = 0.57 and P = 0.50, respectively). The keratinized mucosa width (KMW) gain was significantly greater (P = 0.04) in the subgroup that was treated with connective tissue grafts.

CONCLUSION

The results of the meta-analysis suggest that the use of PRF membranes did not improve the RC, KMW, or CAL of Miller Class I and II gingival recessions compared with the other treatment modalities.

Amniotic membrane - A Novel material for the root coverage: A case series

Background:

Periodontal plastic surgical procedures aimed at coverage of exposed root surface. Owing to the second surgical donor site and difficulty in procuring a sufficient graft for the treatment of root coverage procedures, various alternative additive membranes have been used. A recent resorbable amniotic membrane, not only maintains the structural and anatomical configuration of regenerated tissues, but also enhances gingival wound healing, provides a rich source of stem cells. Therefore, amniotic membrane is choice of material these days in augmenting the better results in various periodontal procedures.

Aim:

The aim of this observational case series was to evaluate the effectiveness, predictability and the use of a novel material, amniotic membrane in the treatment of shallow-to-moderate isolated recession defects.

Materials and Methods:

A total of three cases, showing Miller's Class I or Class II gingival recession, participated in this study. Recession depth, recession width, keratinized gingiva (KG) tissue width, clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 months postoperatively.

Results:

Six months following root coverage procedures, the mean root coverage was found to be 70.2 ± 6.8%. CAL significantly decreased from 6.4 ± 0.54 mm preoperatively to 3.5 ± 0.9 mm postoperatively at 6 months while KG showed significant improvement from 3.2 ± 0.28 mm preoperatively to 5.9 ± 0.74 mm postoperatively at 6 months.

Conclusion:

Autogenous graft tissue procurement significantly increases patient morbidity while also lengthening the duration of surgery in placing the graft, while self-adherent nature of amniotic membrane significantly reduces surgical time and made the procedure easier to perform, making it membrane of choice.

Concentrated growth factor in the treatment of adjacent multiple gingival recessions: a split-mouth randomized clinical trial

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical effect of concentrated growth factor (CGF) in combination with coronally advanced flap (CAF) compared to CAF alone for the treatment of multiple adjacent gingival recessions (GRs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty patients with a total of 119 Miller Class I and II GRs in the maxilla were included to this study. Recessions were randomly treated according to a split-mouth design by means of CAF + CGF (test; 60 defects) or CAF (control; 59 defects). Clinical outcomes were evaluated at baseline and 6 months after surgery.

RESULTS

The mean root coverage (MRC) was 82.06% and 86.67%, complete root coverage (CRC) was 45.8% (27/59) and 56.7% (34/60) for CAF and CAF + CGF, respectively at 6th month. Statistically no difference was demonstrated between the two groups in terms of recession depth (RD), MRC and CRC at 6th month. The increase in width of keratinized gingiva (KGW) and gingival thickness (GT) were statistically significant in the CAF + CGF group compared to the CAF group at 6th month.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of CGF in combination with CAF did not provide additional benefits in RD, CRC and MRC. This study suggests that use of CGF + CAF may increase the success of GRs because of a significant increase in KGW and GT.

The Adjunctive Effect of Platelet-Rich Fibrin to Connective Tissue Graft in the Treatment of Buccal Recession Defects: Results of a Randomized, Parallel-Group Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is an autologous preparation that has encouraging effects in healing and regeneration. The aim of this trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of coronally advanced flap (CAF) + connective tissue graft (CTG) + PRF in Miller Class I and II recession treatment compared to CAF + CTG.

METHODS

Forty patients were treated surgically with either CAF + CTG + PRF (test group) or CAF + CTG (control group). Clinical parameters of plaque index, gingival index, vertical recession (VR), probing depth, clinical attachment level (CAL), keratinized tissue width (KTW), horizontal recession (HR), mucogingival junction localization, and tissue thickness (TT) were recorded at baseline and 3 and 6 months after surgery. Root coverage (RC), complete RC (CRC), attachment gain (AG), and keratinized tissue change (KTC) were also calculated.

RESULTS

All individuals completed the entire study period. At baseline, mean VR, HR, CAL, KTW, and TT values were similar (P >0.05). In both groups, all parameters showed significant improvement after treatment (P <0.001), and except TT (P <0.05), no intergroup difference was observed at 6 months after surgery. The amount of RC and AG, but not KTC and CRC, was higher in the PRF-applied group (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results, the addition of PRF did not further develop the outcomes of CAF + CTG treatment except increasing the TT. However, this single trial is not sufficient to advocate the true clinical effect of PRF on recession treatment with CAF + CTG, and additional trials are needed.

Clinical evaluation and comparison of the efficacy of coronally advanced flap alone and in combination with platelet rich fibrin membrane in the treatment of Miller Class I and II gingival recessions

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of coronally advanced flap (CAF) alone and in combination with autologous platelet rich fibrin membrane (PRF) in Miller's class I and II gingival recessions.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

Thirty isolated Miller class I or II sites in 26 subjects were randomly divided into test (15 sites- CAF+PRF) and control (15 sites- CAF alone). Parameters probing pocket depth (PPD), Recession depth (RD), Clinical attachment loss (CAL), Keratinised tissue width (KTW) and Gingival tissue thickness (GTH) were evaluated at baseline, 3 months and 6 months postoperatively. Data was subjected to statistical analysis. P< 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Mean percentage root coverage was 91.00±19.98% and 86.60±23.83% for test and control group respectively. Difference between the groups in all parameters at baseline, 3 months and 6 months was non significant. Complete root coverage was obtained in 12 (80%) and 11 (73.3%) subjects in test and control group respectively. The difference was found to be non-significant. Both groups showed significant differences in all parameters at 3 and 6 months respectively except difference in gingival tissue thickness which was non-significant in control group at 3 months.

CONCLUSION

Combination of PRF to CAF procedure did not provide any added advantage in term of recession coverage in Miller class I and II recessions. Long term trials with more sample size are needed to validate these findings.

Comparative clinical evaluation of coronally advanced flap with or without platelet rich fibrin membrane in the treatment of isolated gingival recession

Aim:

The aim of this study was to determine whether the addition of an autologous platelet rich fibrin (PRF) membrane to a coronally advanced flap (CAF) would improve the clinical outcome in terms of root coverage, in the treatment of isolated gingival recession.

Materials and Methods:

Systemically healthy 20 subjects each with single Miller's class I or II buccal recession defect were randomly assigned to control (CAF) or test (CAF + PRF) group. Clinical outcome was determined by measuring the following clinical parameters such as recession depth (RD), recession width (RW), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), width of keratinized tissue (WKT), gingival thickness (GTH), plaque index (PI), and gingival index (GI) at baseline, 3^rd, and 6^th month postsurgery.

Results:

The root coverage was 65.00 ± 44.47% in the control group and 74.16 ± 28.98% in the test group at 6^th month, with no statistically significant difference between them. Similarly, CAL, PD, and WKT between the groups were not statistically significant. Conversely, there was statistically significant increase in GTH in the test group.

Conclusion:

CAF is a predictable treatment for isolated Miller's class I and II recession defects. The addition of PRF to CAF provided no added advantage in terms of root coverage except for an increase in GTH.