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Biomedical subjects

L Trombelli

Publications and source records attributed to L Trombelli.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Effects of a hydroxyapatite-based biomaterial on gene expression in osteoblast-like cells.

Biostite is a hydroxyapatite-derived biomaterial that is used in periodontal and bone reconstructive procedures due to its osteoconductive properties. Since the molecular effects of this biomaterial on osteoblasts are still unknown, we decided to assess whether it may specifically modulate osteoblast functions in vitro. We found that a brief exposure to Biostite significantly reduced the proliferation of MG-63 and SaOS-2 osteoblast-like cells to approximately 50% of the plateau value. Furthermore, gene array analysis of MG-63 cells showed that Biostite caused a differential expression of 37 genes which are involved in cell proliferation and interaction, and related to osteoblast differentiation and tissue regeneration. Results were confirmed by RT-PCR, Western blot, and by an increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) specific activity. Biostite also increased levels of polycystin-2, a mechano-sensitive Ca(2+) channel, a promising new marker of bone cell differentiation. Biostite, therefore, may directly affect osteoblasts by enhancing chondro/osteogenic gene expression and cytoskeleton-related signaling pathways, which may contribute to its clinical efficacy.

Alkaline Phosphatase↗

Linkage disequilibrium analysis of case-control data: an application to generalized aggressive periodontitis.

Several studies have shown a role for the involvement of interleukin (IL)-1 gene cluster polymorphisms in the risk of periodontal diseases. In the present study, we tested polymorphisms, derived from genes of the IL-1 cluster, for association with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP) through both allelic association and by constructing a linkage disequilibrium (LD) map of the 2q13-14 disease candidate region. The IL-1RN (VNTR) genotype distribution observed was significantly different in GAP and control subjects (P=0.019). We also observed some evidence for an association between GAP and the IL-1B(+3953) polymorphism (P=0.039). The pattern of association in the region, represented as an LD map, identifies a recombination hot area between the IL-1B(+3953) and IL-1B(-511) polymorphisms. Multilocus modelling of association with disease gives a location for the peak association at the IL-1B(+3953) marker, although support for the peak is not significant. Haplotype analysis identifies a IL-1B(+3953)-IL-1B(-511) haplotype as having the lowest P-value in the region. Recognition of the presence of a recombination hot area between the IL-1B(+3953) and IL-1B(-511) polymorphisms will have an important bearing on future efforts to develop higher resolution SNP analysis in this region for both this and other diseases for which this cluster is implicated.

Case-Control Studies↗

Modulation of clinical expression of plaque-induced gingivitis: effect of incisor crown form.

Evidence indicates that incisor crown form correlates with clinical periodontal features. It was hypothesized that incisor crown form may explain subject differences in gingivitis expression. The present experimental gingivitis study aimed to assess the effect of incisor crown form on plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation, and on individual susceptibility to plaque-induced gingivitis. Eighty-five periodontally healthy subjects were evaluated. A negative correlation was found between incisor crown width/crown length ratio and bleeding score (p = 0.045). From the 85 subjects, two groups of subjects with either 'long-narrow' or 'short-wide' incisor form were identified. The 'long-narrow' group had a significantly higher bleeding score than the 'short-wide' group (p = 0.014). No significant differences were found in the incisor crown width/crown length ratio between previously identified 'high responder' and 'low responder' subjects (Trombelli et al., 2004a). In conclusion, incisor crown form appears to affect the bleeding response of inflamed gingival tissues, while it exerts no influence on explaining differences in individuals' susceptibility to plaque-induced gingivitis.

Adult↗

Periodontal diseases: current and future indications for local antimicrobial therapy.

The microbial etiology of gingivitis and periodontitis provides the rationale for use of adjunctive antimicrobial agents in the prevention and treatment of periodontal diseases. Although mechanical removal of supra- and subgingival calcified and non-calcified plaque deposits has been proved effective to control the gingival inflammatory lesions as well as to halt the progression of periodontal attachment loss, some patients may experience additional benefits from the use of systemic or topical antimicrobial agents. Such agents are able to significantly affect supra- and subgingival plaque accumulation and/or suppress or eradicate periodontal pathogenic microflora. Currently, properly selected local antiseptic and systemic antibiotic therapies can provide periodontal treatment that is generally effective, low-risk and affordable. This paper will briefly review the host-related conditions in which the periodontal preventive and therapeutic approaches may be effectively assisted by a local antimicrobial regimen. Potential future indications for adjunctive local antimicrobial therapy will also be discussed.

Anti-Infective Agents, Local↗

Response to a plaque control regimen on different levels of gingival inflammation.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an oral hygiene regimen in subjects presenting with substantially different severity of plaque-associated gingivitis. METHODS: The study population was selected from among a large pool of subjects undergoing an experimental gingivitis trial. At completion of the 21-day plaque accumulation period, 2 sub-groups of subjects were identified on the basis of uppermost and lowest quartile for Gingival Index (GI), respectively classified as highly-inflamed (Hinf; n=17; GI: 1.07+/-0.10) and slightly-inflamed (Sinf; n=22; GI: 0.28+/-0.09) groups. An oral hygiene regimen, based on use of amine fluoride/stannous fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouthrinse, was then prescribed for 21 days. RESULTS: Plaque Index (PI), GI, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and Angulated Bleeding Index (AngBI) significantly decreased after treatment in both HInf and SInf groups (p<0.001). However, PI (0.77+/-0.41 vs 0.43+/-0.33, p<0.01), GI (0.23+/-0.30 vs 0.08+/-0.11, p<0.05), GCF (15.23 +/-7.11 vs 7.66+/-2.93, p<0.0000) remained significantly greater in the Hinf group compared to the Sinf group. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that 1) an oral hygiene regimen based on amine/stannous fluoride-containing toothpaste and mouthrinse is effective in reducing plaque-associated gingivitis, regardless of pre-existing severity of gingival inflammation; 2) the level of improvement in gingival status, however, is dependent on the pre-existing severity of the inflammatory condition.

Adult↗

A systematic review of the effect of surgical debridement vs non-surgical debridement for the treatment of chronic periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the evidence of effectiveness of surgical vs. non-surgical therapy for the treatment of chronic periodontal disease. METHODS: A search was conducted for randomized controlled trials of at least 12 months duration comparing surgical with non-surgical treatment of chronic periodontal disease. Data sources included the National Library of Medicine computerised bibliographic database MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Oral Health Group (COHG) Specialist Trials Register. Screening, data abstraction and quality assessment were conducted independently by multiple reviewers (L.H., F.H., L.T.). The primary outcome measures evaluated were gain in clinical attachment level (CAL) and reduction in probing pocket depth (PPD). RESULTS: The search provided 589 abstracts of which six randomized controlled trials were included. Meta-analysis evaluation of these studies indicated that 12 months following treatment, surgical therapy resulted in 0.6 mm more PPD reduction (WMD 0.58 mm; 95% CI 0.38, 0.79) and 0.2 mm more CAL gain (WMD 0.19 mm; 95% CI 0.04, 0.35) than non-surgical therapy in deep pockets (>6 mm). In 4-6 mm pockets scaling and root planing resulted in 0.4 mm more attachment gain (WMD -0.37 mm; 95% CI -0.49, -0.26) and 0.4 mm less probing depth reduction (WMD 0.35 mm; 95% CI 0.23, 0.47) than surgical therapy. In shallow pockets (1-3 mm) non-surgical therapy resulted in 0.5 mm less attachment loss (WMD -0.51 mm; 95% CI -0.74, -0.29) than surgical therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Both scaling and root planing alone and scaling and root planing combined with flap procedure are effective methods for the treatment of chronic periodontitis in terms of attachment level gain and reduction in gingival inflammation. In the treatment of deep pockets open flap debridement results in greater PPD reduction and clinical attachment gain.

Chronic Disease↗

Cigarette smoking negatively affects healing response following flap debridement surgery.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present parallel design, controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the treatment outcome following flap debridement surgery (FDS) in cigarette smokers compared to non-smokers. METHODS: After initial therapy, 57 systemically healthy subjects with moderate to advanced periodontitis who presented with one area (at least 3 teeth) where surgery was required were selected. Twenty-eight patients (mean age: 39.6 years, 20 males) were smokers (> or = 10 cigarettes/day); 29 patients (mean age: 43.9 years, 7 males) were non-smokers. Full-mouth plaque (FMP) and bleeding on probing (BOP) scores, probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and recession depth (RD) were assessed immediately before and 6 months following surgery. Only sites with presurgery PD > or = 4 mm were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Presurgery FMP and BOP were similar in smokers and non-smokers and significantly decreased postsurgery in both groups. Overall, PD reduction and CAL gain were greater, although not significantly, in non-smokers (2.4 +/- 0.9 mm and 1.6 +/- 0.7 mm, respectively) than in smokers (1.9 +/- 0.7 mm and 1.2 +/- 0.7 mm, respectively). For moderate sites (PD 4 to 6 mm), no significant differences in PD and CAL changes were found between groups. For deep sites (PD > or = 7 mm), PD reduction was 3.0 +/- 1.0 mm in smokers and 4.0 +/- 0.8 mm in non-smokers, and CAL gain amounted to 1.8 +/- 1.1 mm in smokers and 2.8 +/- 1.0 mm in non-smokers (P = 0.0477). In smokers, 16% of deep sites healed to postsurgery PD values < or = 3 mm as compared to 47% in non-smokers (P = 0.0000); 58% of deep sites in smokers showed a CAL gain > or = 2 mm, as compared to 82% in non-smokers (P = 0.0000). CONCLUSIONS: Results of the study indicated that: 1) FDS determined a statistically significant PD reduction and CAL gain in patients with moderate to advanced periodontitis; 2) smokers exhibited a trend towards less favorable healing response following FDS compared to non-smokers, both in terms of PD reduction and CAL gain; and 3) this trend reached clinical and statistical significance at sites with initial deep PD.

Adult↗

Intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility in keratinized tissue width assessment with 3 methods for mucogingival junction determination.

BACKGROUND: Although the need for "adequate" amount of keratinized tissue (KT) for periodontal health is questionable, the mucogingival junction (MGJ) often serves as a measurement landmark in periodontal evaluations. Limited information is available on the reproducibility of KT width (KTW) assessment. The purpose of this study was to assess intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility in measuring KTW by using 3 different methods to identify MGJ location. METHODS: Fifteen patients provided 17 teeth which had undergone a gingival augmentation procedure (connective tissue graft; surgery group) and an equal number of contralateral, non-treated teeth (control group). At the midbuccal aspect of each tooth, KTW was assessed by 2 independent examiners after MGJ identification by the visual (VM), functional (FM), and visual with histochemical staining (HM) method. Data analysis was based on intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and 3-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for differences between replicate measurements. RESULTS: KTW was significantly different between treated and control teeth. No significant differences in KTW were found in relation to method for MGJ determination and examiner. Intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility was high, regardless of treatment status or method for MGJ determination (ICC = 0.92 - 0.99). Standard deviations of the difference between replicate measurements ranged from 0.46 mm for VM to 0.21 mm for HM. CONCLUSIONS: Intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility has been shown to be substantially consistent when different methods for MGJ determination are used to measure the apico-coronal dimension of the gingiva. The level of reproducibility does not seem to be affected whether or not the mucogingival complex has been surgically altered by a gingival augmentation procedure.

Adult↗

Gingival recession treatment: guided tissue regeneration with bioabsorbable membrane versus connective tissue graft.

BACKGROUND: Gingival recession represents a significant concern for patients and a therapeutic problem for clinicians. Several techniques have been proposed to achieve root coverage. The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of a guided tissue regeneration (GTR) procedure in comparison to connective tissue graft (CTG) in the treatment of gingival recession defects. METHODS: Twelve patients, each contributing a pair of Miller Class I or II buccal gingival recessions, were treated. In each patient one randomly chosen defect received a poly(lactic acid)-based bioabsorbable membrane, while the paired defect received a CTG. Clinical recordings included oral hygiene standards and gingival health, recession depth (RD), recession width (RW), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and keratinized tissue width (KT). RESULTS: Mean RD statistically significantly decreased from 2.5 mm presurgery to 0.5 mm with GTR (81% root coverage), and from 2.5 mm to 0.1 mm with CTG (96% root coverage), at 6 months postsurgery. Prevalence of complete root coverage was 58% for the GTR group and 83% for the CTG group. Mean CAL gain was 2.0 mm for the GTR group and 2.2 mm for the CTG group. No statistically significant differences between treatment groups were observed for changes in RD, RW, PD, CAL, and KT. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of human gingival recession defects by means of either GTR or CTG results in clinically and statistically significant improvement of the soft tissue conditions of the defect when pre- and post-treatment measurements were compared. Although differences between CTG and GTR in mean root coverage and prevalence of complete coverage consistently favored the CTG procedure, the differences in measurements were not statistically significant.

Absorbable Implants↗

An in vitro screening model to evaluate root conditioning protocols for periodontal regenerative procedures.

BACKGROUND: Preclinical studies have shown that the condition of the root surface may play a decisive role for outcome of wound healing between a mucogingival flap and a denuded root surface. Root surface demineralization has been shown to promote the establishment of a new connective tissue attachment. Conversely, root conditioning with extracellular matrix proteins or fluorides has produced outcomes characterized by a long junctional epithelium. Collectively, present evidence suggests that early events in the healing sequel; i.e., the adsorption and adhesion of blood elements to the root surface are critical for outcomes of wound healing between a mucogingival flap and a denuded root surface. Ultimately understanding and control of these events are vital for successful design and execution of periodontal regenerative protocols, particularly those involving root conditioning. Consequently, the objective of this study was to develop a screening model for immediate evaluation of the influence of root conditioning protocols on the adsorption and adhesion of blood to dentin surfaces. METHODS: Planed and citric acid-treated human dentin surfaces were exposed to fresh blood allowed to clot and were then rinsed before scanning electron microscopy evaluation. RESULTS: Citric acid treated planed dentin surfaces presented a thick network of fibrin directly attaching to the dentin surface entrapping cellular elements, mainly erythrocytes. In contrast, untreated, planed dentin exhibited an amorphous appearance with sparse strands of adsorbed fibrous proteins and few adherent erythrocytes. CONCLUSIONS: This in vitro screening model may effectively distinguish dentin surfaces with potential for enhanced adsorption and adhesion of blood elements. Periodontal regenerative protocols involving root conditioning unsuccessful in maintaining the experimentally imposed fibrin clot in this model may have lesser clinical significance than those that do.

Alveolar Process↗

Periodontal repair in dogs: histologic observations of guided tissue regeneration with a prostaglandin E1 analog/methacrylate composite.

This report describes observations of healing following guided tissue regeneration (GTR) including surgical implantation of the prostaglandin E1 analog misoprostol with calcium-layered methacrylate particles. Critical size, supra-alveolar periodontal defects were surgically created around the 3rd and 4th mandibular premolar teeth in 4 beagle dogs. Wound management included soaking with a 24 microg/ml misoprostol solution and implantation of the misoprostol/methacrylate composite. One jaw quadrant per animal was prepared for GTR using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes. The gingival flaps were coronally advanced and sutured to submerge the teeth. The tissues covering the surgical sites daily received topical misoprostol in an oral adhesive over the 4-week healing interval. Upon euthanasia, tissue blocks were prepared for histometric analysis of regeneration of alveolar bone and cementum, root resorption and ankylosis. The defect area underneath the membrane and the density of methacrylate particles were recorded for the GTR defects. The methacrylate particles appeared encapsulated in a dense connective tissue without signs of an inflammatory reaction, some in contact to newly formed bone. Alveolar bone regeneration height averaged (+/-SD) 1.2+/-1.0 and 1.0+/-0.6 mm for GTR and non-GTR defects, respectively. Corresponding values for bone regeneration area were 1.3+/-1.0 and 0.7+/-0.5 mm2. Cementum regeneration was confined to the apical aspect of the defects. Small areas of root resorption and ankylosis were observed for all teeth. Bone regeneration area correlated positively to the defect area and negatively to the density of methacrylate particles in the GTR defects. The histologic observations suggest that the methacrylate composite has marginal potential to promote bone and cementum regeneration under provisions for GTR.

Alveolar Bone Loss↗

Periodontal repair in dogs: effect of rhBMP-2 concentration on regeneration of alveolar bone and periodontal attachment.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) concentration on regeneration of alveolar bone and cementum, and on associated root resorption and ankylosis. Contralateral, critical size, supra-alveolar, periodontal defects were surgically produced and immediately implanted with rhBMP-2 in an absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) carrier in 8, young adult, male, beagle dogs. 6 animals received rhBMP-2/ACS (rhBMP-2 at 0.05, 0.10, or 0.20 mg/mL; total construct volume/defect approximately 4.0 mL) in contralateral defects following an incomplete block design. 2 animals received rhBMP-2/ACS (rhBMP-2 at 0 and 0.10 mg/mL) in contralateral defects (controls). The animals were euthanised at 8 weeks post-surgery and block sections of the defects were collected for histologic and histometric analysis. Supra-alveolar periodontal defects receiving rhBMP-2 at 0.05, 0.10, or 0.20 mg/ml exhibited extensive alveolar regeneration comprising 86%, 96%, and 88% of the defect height, respectively. Cementum regeneration encompassed 8%, 6%, and 8% of the defect height, respectively. Root resorption was observed for all rhBMP-2 concentrations. Ankylosis was observed in almost all teeth receiving rhBMP-2. Control defects without rhBMP-2 exhibited limited, if any, evidence of alveolar bone and cementum regeneration, root resorption, or ankylosis. Within the selected rhBMP-2 concentration and observation interval, there appear to be no meaningful differences in regeneration of alveolar bone and cementum. There also appear to be no significant differences in the incidence and extent of root resorption and ankylosis, though there may be a positive correlation with rhBMP-2 concentration.

Absorbable Implants↗

Periodontal regeneration in gingival recession defects.

Surgical treatment of gingival recession defects aims at obtaining soft tissue coverage of exposed root surfaces and/or augmentation of gingival tissue dimensions. A variety of protocols have been developed to manage these clinical problems. Since one goal of periodontal therapy is the regeneration of the lost attachment apparatus of the tooth, full restoration of defect should be accomplished following mucogingival procedures. This implies regeneration of all periodontal structures, including formation of new cementum with inserting connective tissue fibers, alveolar bone regeneration and recreation of a functional and aesthetic morphology of the mucogingival complex. Animal and human histological studies have shown that healing at gingiva-root interface following pedicle flaps or free soft tissue grafts generally includes a long junctional epithelium with varying amounts of a new connective tissue attachment in the most apical aspect of the covered root surface. Limited bone regeneration has been observed. Adjunctive use of root conditioning agents and cell excluding, wound-stabilizing devices may amplify regenerative outcomes. Changes in the amount of keratinized tissue, which can significantly affect the aesthetic outcome of treatment, have been shown to depend on the interactions among various tissues involved in the healing process and the selected surgical procedure.

Gingiva↗

Adverse effects associated with a bioabsorbable guided tissue regeneration device in the treatment of human gingival recession defects. A clinicopathologic case report.

This clinicopathologic case report documents an adverse effect associated with the use of a polylactic acid-based barrier in the treatment of human gingival recession defects. A total of 27 consecutively treated patients, in whom guided tissue regeneration with a polylactic acid barrier was used to correct gingival recession defects, were evaluated. This adverse effect consisted of a midradicular-apical swelling, generally asymptomatic, with no apparent predilection for gender, age, tooth type or location (maxilla/mandible), or surgical procedure. It was observed in 14 of 27 (52%) patients and 22 of 41 (54%) defects. The swelling decreased in size over time and in most cases, it completely resolved within 12 months postsurgery. Histopathologic evaluation of a 14-week specimen indicated characteristics (multinucleated giant cells, foamy macrophages) consistent with a foreign body reaction. These findings suggest that patients undergoing GTR procedures with synthetic absorbable devices for the treatment of gingival recession defects should be advised of the possible occurrence of such an adverse effect.

Absorbable Implants↗

Radiographic evaluation of alveolar bone height in HIV-positive patients.

BACKGROUND: This prospective case-control study was performed to assess alveolar bone height in HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients. METHODS: Twenty-three HIV-positive patients, 16 men and 7 women, aged 24 to 40 years (mean age: 33 years), consecutively referred to the Dental Clinic, University of Ferrara, for clinical and radiographic assessment of oral conditions, were included in the study (test group). All patients had undergone laboratory evaluation to assess HIV-infection status and were classified according to CDC diagnostic criteria. Nineteen patients were intravenous drug abusers. Thirty-four HIV-negative subjects were matched for demographic characteristics and smoking status as a control group. Radiographic evaluation was based on panoramic radiography and bone measurements were limited to premolars and molars. Alveolar bone height was measured mesially and distally to each tooth and determined as the distance from the apex of the root to a point where the lamina dura became continuous with the compact bone of the interdental septum. Alveolar bone height was recorded as well as the ratio between alveolar bone height and tooth length. RESULTS: The results indicated a tendency for a difference in alveolar bone height between groups, lower in the test group compared to controls. However, this difference only reached statistical significance on a tooth-specific basis. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the results show a greater trend for alveolar bone loss of posterior teeth in HIV-positive patients compared to HIV-negative patients.

Adult↗

Effects of a fibrin-fibronectin sealing system on proliferation and type I collagen synthesis of human PDL fibroblasts in vitro.

Fibrin glue (FG) is an agent widely used in many surgical disciplines for achieving hemostasis and tissue adhesion. The aim of this investigation was to determine the effectiveness of a highly concentrated FG (Tissucol) on the growth and phenotypic expression of human periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts. PDL fibroblast strains were established from cells scraped from PDL, and cultured in the presence and absence of FG for 48 and 72 h. Cell proliferation was studied by counting cells and mitoses, and by immunocytochemical detection of the proliferation-associated Ki-67 nuclear antigen. Type-I collagen production was assessed by radioimmunological assay of the procollagen C-terminal peptide. Results showed that FG treatment was compatible with PDL fibroblast growth and type-I collagen synthesis, although a reduced trend in cell proliferation and collagen production was found in FG-supplemented cultures compared to control cultures. We conclude that FG may represent a suitable substrate for supporting PDL fibroblast growth and function.

Adolescent↗

Resorbable barrier and envelope flap surgery in the treatment of human gingival recession defects. Case reports.

The present case report evaluates the treatment outcome following mucogingival surgery combined with a bioresorbable barrier in gingival recession defects in humans. A total of 11 buccal, Miller Class I or II, gingival recession defects in 6 patients were consecutively treated. The exposed root surface was ultrasonically scaled and conditioned with a tetracycline HCl solution (10 mg/ml) for 4 min. A buccal full/split thickness envelope flap was then elevated, and a bioresorbable matrix barrier was positioned to completely cover the exposed root surface and surrounding bone margins. A flap was then positioned at or slightly coronal to its original position. In all cases, a variable amount of membrane was intentionally left uncovered on the exposed root surface. Clinical recordings, assessed presurgery and at 6 months postsurgery, included defects-specific plaque and gingival scores, recession depth (RD), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and keratinized tissue width (KT). Immediately postsurgery, and at weeks 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 postsurgery, the location of gingival margin or granulation tissue covering the previously exposed root surface was recorded, as well as the extent of barrier exposure. Statistical analysis showed that RD decreased from 2.3+/-0.2 mm presurgery to 0.8+/-0.5 mm at 6 months postsurgery (p=0.001), representing a mean root coverage of 65% (range: 40-100%). CAL gain paralleled RD reduction (1.5+/-0.5 mm; p=0.0009), while KT showed a slight increase (0.3+/-0.6 mm) at 6 months postsurgery. Results indicate that clinical improvement of gingival recession defects may be achieved by means of a barrier-supported envelope technique. The bioresorbable matrix barrier represented an effective scaffold to support the reconstruction of the mucogingival unit.

Adult↗

Long-term stability of the mucogingival complex following guided tissue regeneration in gingival recession defects.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the stability of soft tissue conditions in gingival recession defects treated with guided tissue regeneration (GTR). The study population was selected among those patients who had been treated with GTR procedures for Miller's class I or II, deep (> or =3 mm), buccal gingival recession defects. Defects were included only when they had revealed recession depth reduction > or =2 mm and root coverage > or =60% at 6 months following GTR treatment. These defects were regarded as successfully treated and scheduled for further monitoring. 20 patients, 11 male and 9 female, aged 23 to 57 years (mean age: 33.2 years), each contributing 1 defect, were selected. 9 patients were smokers (> or =10 cigarette per day). Recession depth (RD), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and width of keratinized gingiva (KG) were assessed immediately before surgery, at 6 months post-surgery (baseline examination), and at 4 years post-surgery (4-year examination). At baseline examination, RD reduction was 3.6+/-0.9 mm (mean root coverage: 80%). CAL gain amounted to 4.2+/-1.3 mm, 60% of the defects showing CAL gain > or =4 mm. KG increased from 1.9+/-1.2 mm at presurgery examination to 3.1+/-0.9 mm at baseline examination. At 4-year examination, no significant changes from baseline RD, CAL and KG recordings were observed. Differences in baseline-4 year changes between smokers and non-smokers were not statistically significant. The results of the present study demonstrate that clinical outcome achieved following GTR procedure in gingival recession defects can be maintained over periods up to 4 years.

Adult↗