Periodontal Plastic Surgery to Improve Aesthetics in Patients with Altered Passive Eruption/Gummy Smile: A Case Series Study. (30th September 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cairo, Francesco; Graziani, Filippo; Franchi, Lorenzo; Defraia, Efisio; Pini Prato, Giovan Paolo
• Other Names: Waseem Ahmad Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: International journal of dentistry. Volume 2012(2012)
• Publication Date: 2012-09-30
• Subjects: Dentistry -- Periodicals; Dentistry; Dentistry -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 617.6
• DOI: 10.1155/2012/837658
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-8728

Abstract

Abstract : Altered passive eruption/gummy smile is a common challenge in patients requiring aesthetic treatment. A specific surgical protocol was designed and tested in patients with altered passive eruption. Standardized preoperative X-rays were used to assess crown length at baseline and to place submarginal incisions. Osseous respective therapy was performed to achieve biological width. Clinical outcomes were recorded 6 months after surgery. Eleven patients with a total of 58 teeth were treated with flap surgery and osseous resective therapy at upper anterior natural teeth. At the last followup, a significant and stable improvement of crown length was obtained when compared to the baseline (P < 0.0001 ). All patients rated as satisfactory in the final outcomes (final VAS value = 86.6). In conclusion, this study showed that periodontal plastic surgery including osseous resection leads to predictable outcomes in the treatment of altered passive eruption/gummy smile: A careful preoperative planning avoids unpleasant complications and enhances postsurgical stability of the gingival margin.