Aim: This prospective trial aimed to evaluate stability of the marginal gingiva (MG) subsequent esthetic crown lengthening (ECL) surgery over a one year in subjects with thick periodontal biotype (PB) versus thin PB
Materials and methods: 20 subjects needed an ECL in the maxillary anterior esthetic zone were grouped into two groups; group 1 (G1) comprised of 10 subjects with thick PB and group 2 (G2) consisted of 10 subjects with thin PB. All subjects were assessed at baseline pre-surgery (BL), immediately post-operative (0M), 3 months (3M), 6 months (6M) and 12 months (12M) for the clinical outcomes; clinical crown height (CCH), width of keratinized tissue (WKT), Gingival Sulcus Depth (GSD) and Tissue Rebound (TR)
Results: Thick PB showed significant gradual regain in GSD and TR at 3M, 6M and 12M. Thin PB showed stable GSD and MG during the same periods with significant difference between both groups. WKT decreased significantly after BL and gradually regained some width at 12M. Loss of gained CCH was observed in thick PB and considered statistically significant at 12M follow up.
Conclusions: The biotype of the periodontium and respect of 3 mm ostectomy impact the stability of MG following ECL surgery. Notably, a significant degree of TR and regaining of GSD and CCH was observed in participants with thick PB at the 12M follow-up.