A comparative evaluation of papillary reconstruction by modified Beagle's technique with the Beagle's surgical technique: A clinical and radiographic study

BACKGROUND: To assess and compare the effectiveness of two surgical procedures (Beagle's technique and modified Beagle's technique) for the reconstruction of the lost interproximal dental papilla. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty sites were selected based on the selection criteria which included patients within the age group of 20–50 years and the presence of Class I and Class II recession of the papilla in the maxillary anterior region. They were divided randomly into Group A and Group B. Group A sites were treated with modified Beagle's technique, whereas Group B sites were treated by the Beagle's technique. The patients were recalled at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postsurgery. Parameters including classification of loss of papilla height (Nordland and Tarnow), change in vertical dimension, mesiodistal dimension and area of the papillary defect, and radiographic parameters (papilla height and bone crest-root apex distance) were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: At 6-month postsurgery, there was a statistically significant reduction in vertical dimension, mesiodistal dimension, and area of the papilla defect in Group A compared to Group B. At 6-month postsurgery, there was an increase in the height of the papilla in Group A, whereas there was a decrease in the height of the papilla in Group B. At 6-month postsurgery too, there was a reduction in the mean bone crest-root apex distance in both groups. CONCLUSION: Thus, the modified Beagle's technique is an easy and effective technique when compared to the Beagle's surgical technique for papilla reconstruction.