Er,Cr:YSGG Laser for Deepithelialization in Gingival Recession.

Summary

Abstract: Introduction: The deepithelialized free gingival graft (DGG) technique provides high-quality connective tissue grafts (CTGs) with predictable outcomes for recession cov-erage. This study evaluates a novel method of free gingival graft (FGG) deepithelialization using an Er,Cr:YSGG laser (LDEE) for treating multiple gingival recessions. Methods: A split-mouth study was conducted on 46 (n=46) recessions in 9 patients (23 per test and control group). Sites were randomized. Full-thickness palatal grafts were harvested with a scalpel. In the test group (LDEE), deepithelialization was performed extraorally using an Er,Cr:YSGG laser (2780 nm; 2.5 W, 83.3 mJ, 30 Hz, 600 µm tip). In the control group (DEE), a 15c scalpel was used. All CTGs were applied using the modified coronally advanced tunnel (TUN) technique. Clinical parameters-recession depth (RD), keratinized tissue width (KT), gingival thickness (GT), pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), pink esthetic score (PES), approximal plaque index (API), mean root coverage (MRC), and complete root coverage (CRC)-were assessed at baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), and 6 months (T2). Results: Both LDEE and DEE groups showed significant improvements in RD, KT, GT, PD, and CAL over time (p \< 0.001). At T1 and T2, KT was significantly higher in the LDEE group (T1: 3.73±0.72 mm; T2: 3.98±0.76 mm) compared to the DEE group (T1: 3.21±0.61 mm; T2: 3.44±0.74 mm; p \< 0.05). Other parameters (RD, GT, PD, CAL) showed no statistically significant intergroup differences at any time point (p \> 0.05). After 6 months, MRC was 95% and CRC 82.6% for LDEE, compared to 94.8% and 82.6% for DEE (p \> 0.05). PES scores were similar between groups at all time points (p \> 0.05). Conclusion: Both laser- and scalpel-deepithelialized grafts effectively treated gingival recessions. LDEE combined with TUN resulted in significantly greater KT width compared to DEE + TUN.

Conditions

• Gingival Recession, Localized
• Keratinized Tissue
• Gingival Thickness
• Pocket Depth

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Laser Deepithelialization of Free Gingival Graft

Extraoral deepithelialization of harvested free gingival graft using Er,Cr:YSGG laser (2780 nm, 2.5 W, 83.3 mJ, 30 Hz, 600 μm tip) before placement in gingival recession treatment.

PROCEDURE

Scalpel Deepithelialization of Free Gingival Graft

Extraoral deepithelialization of harvested free gingival graft using a 15c surgical scalpel blade before placement in gingival recession treatment.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Wroclaw Medical University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

70 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2021-02-01

Primary Completion

2022-08-31

Completion

2022-08-31

Countries

• Poland

Study Locations