Gingival Margin Stability in Esthetic Crown Lengthening Surgery Using Electronic Versus Conventional Scalpel: A Pilot...

This pilot split-mouth randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the stability of the gingival margin following esthetic clinical crown lengthening surgery performed with electronic scalpel versus conventional scalpel blade. Patients indicated for esthetic crown lengthening in non-molar area of the maxilla were selected. Gingivoplasty was performed using an electronic scalpel (test) and a conventional scalpel blade (control) in contralateral quadrants. Intraoral scanning was conducted preoperatively and postoperatively at 15 and 180 days. Gingival margin migration between 15 and 180 days of follow up was measured in millimeters using 3D model superimposition. Patient-reported outcomes were assessed using visual analogue scales. Fourteen patients were enrolled, and ten completed the 180-day follow-up. Gingival margin migration was minimal and comparable between groups, with no significant intra- or inter-group differences for any tooth type (p > 0.05). Median migration was 0.26 mm for the electronic scalpel group and 0.20 mm for the conventional scalpel group. Patient-reported outcomes were similar, with most participants reporting greater comfort with the electronic scalpel. Both electronic and conventional scalpels resulted in stable gingival margin positioning over 180 days, with minimal migration from early healing stages. These findings support the clinical use of either technique for esthetic crown lengthening procedures.