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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
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Anterior High-Resolution Optical Coherence Tomography in the Diagnosis and Therapeutic Monitoring of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia
Published on: August 9, 2024
Technical note: clinical observations of a modified BOPT protocol with advanced surface refinement
1Department of Fixed Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Aleppo, Aleppo, Syrian Arab Republic. kassabradan@gmail.com.
The Saudi Dental Journal
|July 28, 2026
Summary
This study shows a modified Biologically Oriented Preparation Technique (BOPT) improves gingival thickness and maintains stable margins around zirconia restorations. The protocol integrates piezoelectric tools and ultra-polished zirconia for enhanced peri-restorative tissue health.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Periodontology
- Prosthodontics
Background:
- Optimizing gingival thickness (GT) and marginal stability is crucial for long-term success of fixed prostheses.
- The Biologically Oriented Preparation Technique (BOPT) aims to harmonize tooth preparation with periodontal biotype.
- Novel modifications integrating advanced instrumentation and materials may further enhance BOPT outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the 12-month biological and periodontal outcomes of a modified BOPT protocol.
- To assess the impact of piezoelectric refinement and ultra-polished zirconia on gingival thickness and marginal stability.
- To investigate peri-restorative tissue health, including bleeding on probing and gingival stippling.
Main Methods:
- A prospective case series involving four patients with 35 teeth treated with a modified BOPT protocol.
- Integration of piezoelectric ultrasonic tips for subgingival finish-line refinement.
- Application of a four-step ultra-polishing protocol for zirconia restorations and subgingival mechanical polishing.
- Periodontal variables including GT, margin stability, plaque index, bleeding on probing, and stippling were recorded at multiple time points up to 12 months.
Main Results:
- Stable gingival margins with no recession observed at 12 months.
- Significant increase in gingival thickness, particularly in thin phenotypes (0.59 mm to 1.14 mm).
- Favorable soft-tissue response with minimal bleeding and reappearance of gingival stippling.
Conclusions:
- The modified BOPT protocol shows promising results for soft-tissue thickening and short-term marginal stability.
- Integration of piezoelectric refinement and meticulous zirconia polishing supports excellent biological integration and tissue maturation.
- This tissue-friendly, biologically guided approach enhances peri-restorative harmony and phenotype stability around fixed restorations.
