Cytomorphometric and Clinical Changes in Gingival Tissue after Subgingival Tooth Preparation-A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Dental prosthodontics
• Oral pathology
• Cytology

Background:

• Subgingival finish lines in metal-ceramic crown preparations can induce gingival inflammation and cellular damage.
• Understanding these gingival responses is crucial for managing fixed prosthodontic treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate clinical signs of inflammation and cytomorphological changes in gingival tissue post-tooth preparation.
• To assess the reversibility of gingival tissue changes after dental procedures.

Main Methods:

• Study involved 19 patients undergoing upper canine preparation for crowns.
• Gingival and bleeding indexes were measured before and after preparation.
• Gingival swabs were analyzed using direct smears for cytomorphometric analysis.

Main Results:

• Gingival indexes significantly increased (p < 0.001) immediately after tooth preparation, indicating inflammation.
• These indexes decreased over time, suggesting reversible gingival changes.
• Cytological analysis revealed no significant differences in most parameters, but increased circularity, integrated optical density, MinFeret, and roundness were observed at 72 hours post-preparation.

Conclusions:

• Tooth preparation for crowns with subgingival margins causes transient gingival inflammation and cellular alterations.
• The observed gingival changes are reversible, highlighting the tissue's adaptive capacity.
• This study provides novel insights into the pathogenetic events occurring in gingival tissues during fixed prosthodontic treatment.