Citric acid demineralization and subepithelial connective tissue grafts.
BACKGROUND
The present study was designed to evaluate the effect, if any, of citric acid root demineralization in the outcome of subepithelial connective tissue grafts performed to cover localized gingival recessions.


METHODS
Thirty-six patients participated, each providing one gingival recession; 19 received citric acid demineralization, while 17 did not. All were treated surgically with subepithelial connective tissue grafts and followed for 6 months. At baseline and 6 months, the following parameters were recorded: plaque index, gingival index, recession height, probing depth, recession width, and amount of keratinized tissue. Data were analyzed statistically to 1) evaluate the results achieved with each procedure individually over time and 2) compare the results obtained with the 2 procedures after 6 months.


RESULTS
Results showed significant reductions in recession height after 6 months independently of whether citric acid was applied or not (2.79+/-0.79 versus 2.56+/-0.73). Similarly, recession width was significantly reduced (3.74+/-1.19 versus 3.50 +/-0.73), and the width of keratinized tissue was significantly increased (2.47+/-1.6 versus 2.3+/-1.2). No significant changes in probing depth were found (-0.16+/-0.06 versus -0.13+/-0.81). No significant differences were found when both techniques were compared in any one of the parameters analyzed (all P >0.30).


CONCLUSIONS
It is concluded that: 1) the subepithelial connective tissue graft procedure provides a satisfactory solution in the treatment of localized gingival recessions, and 2) citric acid demineralization does not affect the clinical outcome of the surgical technique.
Caffesse
R G
RG
The University of Texas-Houston, Health Science Center, 77030-3402, USA.
De LaRosa
M
M
Garza
M
M
Munne-Travers
A
A
Mondragon
J C
JC
Weltman
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019343:Citric Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000637:transplantation; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005881:Gingiva / Q000473:pathology / Q000637:transplantation*; D005888:Gingival Pocket / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010512:Periodontal Index; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000187:drug effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D019343:Citric Acid