Document Type : Case report/ series
Authors
1 Associate Professor, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Periodontics, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
3 Dentist, School of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
4 Assistant Professor, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
5 Postgraduate Student of Orthodontics, Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
Abstract
Aim: Orthodontic treatment often leads to gingival hyperplasia, which may complicate oral hygiene and necessitate surgical interventions such as gingivectomy. This study compared the efficacy of ceramic burs versus scalpels in gingivectomy procedures for orthodontic patients, focusing on periodontal outcomes and pain.
Methods: This case series describes six orthodontic patients with gingival hyperplasia. The patients were between 15-25 years and were non-smokers. They underwent gingivectomy using two methods: ceramic burs (NTI® Soft Tissue Trimmers) and traditional scalpels. Preoperative oral hygiene instructions were given, and intraoral photographs were obtained. Clinical measurements included the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and bleeding index (BI). Bleeding, pain (using a visual analog scale), and periodontal indices were assessed at several time points postoperatively.
Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in gingival hyperplasia, PI, and mean GI. However, the ceramic bur group experienced lower postoperative pain compared to the scalpel group. One patient in the scalpel group required analgesics for pain management. The results highlighted the effective management of gingival hyperplasia with both methods but with a potential advantage in pain management for the ceramic bur group.
Conclusion: This study indicated that both ceramic burs and scalpels are effective for gingivectomy in orthodontic patients. Ceramic burs might offer a less painful alternative, although both methods effectively manage gingival hyperplasia. Further studies with a larger sample size and longer follow-ups are required to confirm the present findings and potentially recommend ceramic burs as a preferred method for gingivectomy.
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