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Three patients with multiple Miller Class III recession defects with substantial bone loss were treated with hard tissue augmentation with the goal to prevent future recessions. The surgery involved a full-thickness mucoperiosteal coronally advanced flap, bone grafting, and primary flap closure. Freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA) in combination with plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) was grafted during the procedure. After more than 6 months, the treated sites showed soft tissue maturation and esthetic tissue blending. Clinically, an increase in convexity of alveolar ridge and soft tissue was observed, as well as a marked reduction in recession depth and gain in width of keratinized mucosa. Cone beam computed tomography showed a gain in buccal bone thickness. The use of FDBA in combination with PRGF appears to have potential for the treatment of Miller Class III defects by providing improved hard and soft tissue profiles.

The coronal advancement of surgical flaps and subsequent shift of the mucogingival junction during bone augmentation procedures are common. These mucogingival alterations may become a challenge to manage in the maxillary anterior region among patients with a high lip line upon smiling or high esthetic demands. To further complicate matters, the presence of physiologic gingival pigmentation in the esthetic zone creates challenges of its own. In this case, a free gingival graft from the buccal gingiva of the maxillary molars was used to correct the mucogingival deformity created from a guided bone regeneration procedure.

The purpose of this study was to objectively define and quantify triangular, square, and square/tapered maxillary central incisors. In this study, the shape of maxillary central incisor crowns was investigated in 100 healthy individuals. The results showed that when the contact surface/crown length ratio is less than 43%, the tooth is triangular in shape; when the ratio is more than 57%, the tooth is square in shape; and when the ratio is between 43% and 57%, the tooth is defined as square/tapered. Since it has been shown that the morphologic characteristics of the gingiva and periodontium are partly related to the shape of the teeth, a means of truly defining the shapes of the incisors is now available. This is significant in predicting esthetics, bone volume, and susceptibility to recession, pocketing in the natural dentition, and ridge shrinkage for prosthetic tooth replacement.

Crown width/length ratios have been considered an important aspect in the esthetic zone. Because previous investigations focused on Caucasian populations, limited information is available on other ethnic groups to propose a comprehensive approach to anterior maxillary teeth. The purpose of this study was to analyze the dimensions of anatomical crowns of maxillary anterior tooth groups with respect to width, length, and width/length ratios among an Asian population. The tooth dimensions presented in this investigation may serve as guidelines for treatment planning in restorative dentistry and periodontal surgery for this particular ethnic group.

The purposes of this prospective, randomized, controlled clinical investigation were to evaluate the performance of motorized ridge expanders (MREs) and to compare their results with those achieved using lateral ridge augmentation (LRA). Eight subjects with bilateral ridge deformities were selected. One technique was used on the right side and the other on the left. Implants were placed 6 months after bone augmentation procedures. All measurements were recorded at 2 and 5 mm from the most coronal aspect of the crest. The augmentation achieved with both techniques was statistically significant: 1.2 mm for LRA and 1.5 mm for MRE 2 mm from the crest and 1.5 mm for LRA and 1.6 mm for MRE at 5 mm from the crest. The differences between the two techniques were statistically insignificant. The amount of expansion achieved in the MRE sites appeared to be negatively correlated with the thickness of the cancellous bone (P < .05), and it was not affected by the thickness of the cortical plate. The MRE technique appears to be as effective as the LRA technique in augmenting the thickness of atrophic ridges. Defects treated with MREs showed less bone width contraction during the first 6 months of healing.

The aim of this report is to present a new treatment strategy for gingival recession. The use of platelet concentrate gel in a collagen sponge carrier combined with a bioabsorbable membrane and coronally advanced flap procedure is demonstrated in two patients. In both patients, the recession defects treated were equal to or greater than 2 mm. Complete root coverage was achieved in both cases. The patients were satisfied with the esthetic result and appreciated the excellent soft tissue contour and texture. This technique requires further investigation.

The goal of this report is to present a novel treatment strategy for mucogingival defects. The use of platelet concentrate gel in a collagen sponge carrier, combined with a coronally positioned flap procedure, is presented in two cases. Complete root coverage was achieved in both cases. Optimal esthetic results, with excellent soft tissue contour and texture, were observed. The patients were satisfied with the appearance. This technique warrants further investigation.

The use of acellular dermal matrix to correct soft and hard tissue defects involving implants is described through three case reports. Correction of a ridge deformity caused by a root fracture, submerging of an existing implant and correction of recession defects around adjacent teeth, and ridge preservation for implant placement are presented. The use of acellular dermal matrix prevented the need for a second surgical site for donor material and the possible attendant postoperative complications. It also enhanced patient comfort and satisfaction with the procedure. All three cases demonstrated excellent functional and esthetic results for both the patients and professionals involved in the therapy.