Comparative evaluation of vascular and clinical changes in micro and macrosurgical techniques in the management of mucogingival problems

BACKGROUND: Mucogingival surgery is performed to resolve the problems arising due to high frenum attachment and shallow vestibular depth (VD). The surgical procedures are mainly indicated to prevent gingival recession and for esthetic reasons. The aim of this study was to compare the degree of vascularization in the treatment of mucogingival problems by both microsurgical and macrosurgical techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two participants with aberrant frenum and shallow VD were randomly selected for frenectomy, frenotomy, and vestibular deepening either by a microsurgical (test) or macrosurgical (control) approach. Fluorescein angiography was performed at 1, 7, and 14 days after the surgical procedures. In addition, patient's satisfaction scores were recorded postoperatively. RESULTS: Angiographic evaluation at test site revealed a statistically significant vascularization at 1, 7, and 14 days after the surgical procedure when compared to control sites. Probing pocket depth(PPD) in both the groups in vestibular deepening procedure decreased from 1 month to 6 months, but the reduction was insignificant. There was significant reduction in VD in both the groups over a period of 6 months. Microsurgical approach in all three procedures was superior in terms of patient satisfaction than macrosurgical approach. Mean surgical time spent in vestibular deepening and frenectomy procedures was highly significant in micro group as compared to the macro group. CONCLUSION: This clinical study indicates that microsurgical approach improved the percentage of vascularization and patient satisfaction compared with macrosurgical approach.