Regeneration of the interdental soft tissues following denudation procedures

The present study investigated the location of the gingival margin, following denudation of the interdental alveolar bone. In seven patients apically positioned flap procedures were performed in such a way that complete interdental denudation was achieved. Teeth showing interdental osseous craters were excluded from the study. Three years post-treatment a mean pocket depth of 2.17 mm was found. No differences in attachment level prior to and 3 years after treatment could be assessed. Results showed a mean distance of 4.33 mm between the location of the gingival margin 3 years post-treatment and the bone level during surgery. This finding is discussed in relation to the question of how much alveolar bone should be removed if, in case of extensive carious lesion or crown fracture, the cervical outline of the restoration is located near the bone level.