Effect of surgical defect coverage on cervical dentin hypersensitivity and quality of life.
BACKGROUND
Root exposure due to gingival recession (GR) can cause cervical dentin hypersensitivity (CDH), which is characterized by tooth pain. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of surgical defect coverage on CDH and quality of life in patients with GR.


METHODS
Twenty-five GRs in maxillary canines and premolars were treated with coronally positioned flap plus connective tissue graft. GR dimensions, amount of keratinized gingiva, and clinical attachment level were evaluated. CDH was assessed by thermal and evaporative stimuli. Quality of life was assessed by use of the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire. All parameters were evaluated at baseline and after 3 months.


RESULTS
Statistically significant reduction in CDH (P <0.001), significant reduction in impact of oral health on quality of life (P <0.001), and significant changes in periodontal parameters were observed after 3 months. Mean defect coverage of 67.90% was achieved, with full coverage in 11 cases. Percentage defect coverage showed no correlation with air blast-stimulated CDH (P = 0.256) or cold stimulus (P = 0.563). The OHIP-14 physical disability dimension was correlated with the amount of keratinized tissue (P = 0.010) and also with defect coverage (P = 0.035).


CONCLUSIONS
Surgical defect coverage may reduce CDH and improve patient quality of life, by keratinized gingiva augmentation and impact on physical disability, irrespective of amount of defect coverage.
Department of Dentistry, Federal University of Jequitinhonha and Mucuri Valleys, Diamantina, MG, Brazil.
Dhelfeson Willya
DW
Douglas de Oliveira
Daniel Pedro
DP
Marques
Ivan Cândido
IC
Aguiar-Cantuária
Olga Dumont
OD
Flecha
Patricia Furtado
PF
Gonçalves
D000328:Adult; D001641:Bicuspid / Q000473:pathology; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000637:transplantation; D003481:Cuspid / Q000473:pathology; D003807:Dentin Sensitivity / Q000145:classification / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005881:Gingiva / Q000473:pathology / Q000637:transplantation; D005889:Gingival Recession / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007633:Keratins; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010812:Physical Stimulation; D011788:Quality of Life; D013524:Surgical Flaps / Q000637:transplantation; D019237:Tooth Cervix / Q000473:pathology; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000473:pathology; D055815:Young Adult
D007633:Keratins