Interdental papilla loss: treatment by hyaluronic acid gel injection: a case series

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this prospective clinical trial was to examine the clinical and patient outcomes following esthetic reconstruction of interdental papilla loss in anterior teeth, using an injectable, non-animal-based, hyaluronic acid gel.

Materials and methods: Ten systemically healthy adults, with at least one anterior site with class I or II interdental papilla loss, were recruited. Following local anesthesia, ∼0.2 ml of hyaluronic acid gel was injected directly into the base of the papilla. The injection was repeated twice 21 days later. Patients were seen monthly for follow-up. Lost papilla surface area was calculated from digital clinical photographs taken at baseline and at 4 and 6 months postoperatively. Differences in lost papilla surface area between baseline and postoperative time points were statistically analyzed. Participants completed questionnaires (satisfaction surveys).

Results: Seventeen sites (13 maxillary, 4 mandibular) were treated in 9 females who completed the study. The lost inderdental papilla area at baseline and at the 4- and 6-month postoperative visits was 1.2 ± 1.8 mm(2) (mean ± SD), 0.6 ± 0.9 mm(2), and 0.7 ± 0.7 mm(2), respectively. Differences between baseline and postoperative visits were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Two thirds of the patients would choose to undergo the procedure again.

Conclusions: Use of hyaluronic acid gel to treat interdental papilla loss resulted in significant improvement at 6 months. Patients expressed satisfaction with the obtained improvement and dissatisfaction with the associated procedure discomfort.

Clinical relevance: Treatment of interdental papilla loss (black triangle) by hyaluronic acid gel injection appears a promising modality to address this esthetic patient concern.

Keywords: Esthetics, Dental; Gingiva; Hyaluronic acid; Incisor; Injections; Surgical procedures, minimally invasive.