(39) Soft Tissue Volume Change following VISTA plus Autogenous Connective Tissue Graft: an exploratory study using a 3D digital analysis.

Introduction:

Background: Phenotype modification therapy has emerged as one of the main treatment objectives of periodontal plastic surgery. However, long-term data on the stability of gingival volume gains are not available. This study examined the kinetics of mucosal volume gain as a measure of phenotype modification therapy, following treatment of multiple gingival recession defects with Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access (VISTA).

Methods: Material and

Method: Six patients with 14 teeth having recession type (RT) II were treated using VISTA and subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG). Scanned images of study casts at pre- and post-operative periods (6-66 months) were digitally superimposed for quantitative evaluation of soft tissue volume changes.

Results:

Results: Mucosal volume gains was significantly increased following VISTA plus SCTG. Papilla volume was also increased and volume increased and papilla height was statistically correlated. The gingival volume gains remained relatively stable up to 66 month post-operatively.

Conclusions:

Conclusion: Treatment of multiple gingival recession defects with VISTA and SCTG led to stable gingival volume gains and shows promise as a strategy for phenotype modification therapy.

Lead Author's Contributions to the Research Project. : The Lead Author was responsible for the data collection, performing the data analysis.