Interdental papilla management: a review and classification of the therapeutic approaches

Abstract

Several reasons contribute to the loss of interdental papillae and the establishment of "black triangles" between teeth. The most common reason in the adult population is loss of periodontal support because of plaque-associated lesions. However, abnormal tooth shape, improper contours of prosthetic restorations, and traumatic oral hygiene procedures may also negatively influence the outline of the interdental soft tissues. Several surgical and nonsurgical techniques have been proposed to treat soft tissue deformities and manage the interproximal space. The nonsurgical approaches (orthodontic, prosthetic, and restorative procedures) modify the interproximal space, thereby inducing modifications to the soft tissues. The surgical techniques aim to recontour, preserve, or reconstruct the soft tissue between teeth and implants. This review categorizes the various approaches in different clinical situations.