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Management of excessive gingival display using botulinum toxin type A: a descriptive study
Fernando de Oliveira Andriola1, Gabriela Sperotto Chieza2, Juliano Cavagni3
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2492, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Av. Ipiranga, 6681, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Botulinum toxin type A effectively treats excessive gingival display (EGD) by temporarily weakening muscles. Significant results were observed up to 180 days post-treatment, with some patients showing no EGD after this period.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Plastic Surgery
- Neurology
Background:
- Excessive gingival display (EGD) is a condition where a significant amount of gingival tissue is visible during smiling.
- Botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium botulinum, causes temporary muscle paralysis and has emerged as a potential treatment for EGD.
- Limited research exists on the long-term efficacy and duration of botulinum toxin for EGD correction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness and duration of botulinum toxin type A in treating anterior excessive gingival display.
- To evaluate the sustained impact of botulinum toxin injections on gingival exposure over a 180-day period.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 15 patients with EGD received botulinum toxin type A injections.
- Gingival display was measured using a standardized instrument before and at multiple intervals (7, 14, 90, 120, 180 days) post-injection.
- Statistical analysis, including repeated-measures ANOVA and Bonferroni correction, was employed to analyze the data.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant reduction in gingival display was observed as early as 7 days after botulinum toxin application.
- After 180 days, approximately 25% of patients no longer exhibited EGD.
- Mild adverse effects were reported in 46.7% of the participants.
Conclusions:
- Botulinum toxin type A is an effective treatment modality for correcting excessive gingival display.
- The therapeutic effects of botulinum toxin type A for EGD persist for at least 180 days, demonstrating significant long-term impact.
