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A longitudinal evaluation of varying widths of attached gingiva
Author(s) -
Kennedy James E.,
Bird William C.,
Palcanis Kent G.,
Dorfman Howard S.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
journal of clinical periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.456
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1600-051X
pISSN - 0303-6979
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-051x.1985.tb00938.x
Subject(s) - dentistry , orthodontics , medicine
32 patients with bilateral areas of inadequate attached gingiva on the facial surface of homologous contralateral teeth have been followed for 6 years. Treatment consisted of scaling, root planing, oral hygiene and maintenance at 3‐ to 6‐month intervals or as needed to control inflammation. A free gingival graft was placed on one side (experimental), while the other side served as the unoperated control. Areas of inadequate attached gingiva on control sides, to include those with recession and no attached gingiva, did not demonstrate additional recession or further loss of attachment. Gingival inflammation and plaque were significantly reduced. On experimental sides, the dimension of keratinized and attached gingiva increased and was stable over 6 years. Areas which began with recession and no attached gingiva exhibited a reduction in recession and gain in clinical attachment following the placement of a gingival graft. Examination of patients who had discontinued participation in the study for a period of 5 years revealed a reestablishment of gingival inflammation on the control sides associated with additional recession. Similar changes were not observed in areas treated by a free graft. The findings demonstrate that it is possible lo maintain periodontal health and attachment through control of gingival inflammation despite the absence of attached gingiva.