Periodontal reconstructive surgery with improved papilla architecture: Case report with 24 months of follow‐up

Why is this case new information? This is a case report describing the use of a completely resorbable ossifying collagen sponge with intentional overfill of the periodontal defect. This surgical technique allowed the clinician to improve the reduced interdental papilla architecture together with filling of the defect. This outcome represents a difficult and unpredictable goal for traditional periodontal reconstructive therapy. What are the keys to successful management of this case? Proper diagnosis and treatment planning Adequate and minimally invasive nonsurgical preoperative preparation of the soft tissues Graft trimming and proper adaptation Soft tissue management with mucogingival approach (split thickness papilla incision-flap elevation-sutures) What are the primary limitations to success in this case? Inadequate preoperative nonsurgical therapy Poor handling of soft tissue Inadequate graft shaping Strict adherence to pre- and postoperative oral hygiene and maintenance PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Bone or bone substitutes can be used to rebuild lost supporting bone in dental repairs. A female patient at risk of tooth loss because of gum infection and with a gap between two of her teeth was surgically treated with an ossifying collagen sponge (OSSIX Bone, Dentsply Sirona/Regenerative Solutions, Charlotte, NC, USA), covered by an ossifying collagen membrane (OSSIX Plus, Dentsply Sirona/Regenerative Solutions, Charlotte, NC, USA). This ossifying collagen sponge can be shaped as needed. This allowed the clinician to intentionally overfill during the procedure to treat the patient. Surgery was successful, with the patient's condition and defects repaired. She did not experience infection, pain, swelling, or discomfort as a result of the treatment. This is a novel use of this ossifying collagen sponge substitute. More studies may confirm the suitability of the bone substitute used in this case more generally in similar dental repair procedures.