The use of a bioabsorbable barrier for regenerative management of marginal tissue recession. I. Report of 100 consecutively treated teeth.
BACKGROUND
Periodontal plastic surgical procedures aimed at coverage of exposed root surfaces have evolved into routine treatment modalities. The present study was designed to assess the effectiveness and the predictability of a bioabsorbable barrier in the treatment of human recession defects utilizing a single-step surgical procedure.


METHODS
One hundred consecutive single and multiple adjacent Miller Class I, II, and III buccal recession defects in 41 patients were treated with a combination of a bioabsorbable barrier and coronally advanced flap technique. Clinical parameters were recorded immediately prior to surgery, at 3 months, and after a minimum of 6 months.


RESULTS
A highly significant reduction in recession depth from a mean value of 3.2 +/- 0.9 mm preoperatively to 0.3 +/- 0.5 mm postoperatively, corresponding to a mean root coverage of 92. 7% +/- 14.1%, was obtained. Complete (100%) root coverage was obtained in 75% of the sites. Factors adversely affecting root coverage were membrane exposure postoperatively and preoperative recession depth > or =4 mm. In addition, inferior results were achieved at mandibular incisor and maxillary molar sites. Factors having no effect on root coverage included maxillary versus mandibular sites and single versus multiple adjacent sites.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of guided tissue regeneration in periodontal plastic surgery is highly predictable, and highly esthetic root coverage can be gained without requiring a second surgical procedure or a second surgical site and is, therefore, an attractive alternative to conventional grafting techniques.
Boltchi
F E
FE
Department of Periodontics, Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A&M University System, Dallas, USA. farhad@ont.com
Allen
E P
EP
Hallmon
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WW
D000328:Adult; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005260:Female; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000628:therapy*; D016557:Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D008875:Middle Aged; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013997:Time Factors; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D008567:Membranes, Artificial