Stick to your gums! Platelet concentrates and soft-tissue grafting 

A peer-reviewed course written by Maria L. Geisinger, DDS, MS and Jennifer H. Doobrow, DMD

Abstract

Gingival recession is a prevalent oral condition and can result in esthetic compromise, dentinal hypersensitivity (DH), and an increase in radicular caries rates. Thin periodontal phenotype is a common predisposing factor for gingival recession and many surgical interventions aim to both achieve root coverage and alter the periodontal phenotype through soft-tissue grafting. While many of these grafting procedures are predictable in improving soft-tissue quality and quantity around teeth and dental implants, patients often complain of discomfort at both the donor and recipient sites. Free gingival grafts (FGGs) and coronally advanced flaps (CAF) alone or in combination with subepithelial connective tissue graft (sCTG) and/or acellular dermal matrix (ADM) are among the most common surgical procedures employed to achieve root coverage and enhance periodontal phenotype. Platelet concentrates (PCs) have been used to improve the outcomes of soft-tissue grafting and postoperative morbidity. PCs contain platelets, growth factors, leukocytes, and stem cells that contribute to cell mitosis, collagen production, and angiogenesis, leading to healing and regeneration of hard and soft tissue. While data continue to emerge on the effects of PCs on the outcomes of soft-tissue grafting, there is a keen interest in the utilization of autologous products to enhance clinical outcomes. This course seeks to explore the biological and physiological properties, as well as the clinical characteristics of PCs that contribute to their role in wound healing and application to periodontal soft-tissue grafting. 

“Platelet concentrates and soft-tissue grafting” Educational objectives

At the conclusion of this course, the dental professional should be able to:

• Understand the prevalence, etiology, and treatment options for gingival recession.
• Discuss the applications of platelet concentrates for enhancing the outcomes of soft-tissue grafting procedures.
• Select the appropriate preparation protocol to achieve good and predictable results utilizing soft-tissue grafting and platelet concentrates.
• Evaluate the gaps in our current scientific knowledge regarding platelet concentrates and soft-tissue grafting procedures.

Jennifer Hirsch Doobrow, DMD, FACD, FICD, is a board-certified periodontist and owner and CEO of Periodontal and Implant Associates, Inc., located in Cullman, AL. She earned her DMD at the Medical University of South Carolina and received her certification in periodontics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She serves as a faculty member for the Pikos Institute, chair of the Alabama Dental Association Council on Budget and Auditing, and is a UAB Alumni Executive Council district representative. Dr. Doobrow is the secretary-treasurer for the Southern Academy of Periodontology and sits on several committees for the American Academy of Periodontology. She holds past-president positions in the Alabama Society of Periodontists and the Wilson Chenault Dental Study Club and is a director for a Seattle Study Club located in Cullman, AL. In 2012, Dr. Doobrow was recognized as one of the University of Georgia’s prestigious 40 Under 40. Most recently, Dr. Doobrow was selected as one of the Top 10 Young Educators in America for 2017 by the Seattle Study Club and was inducted as a fellow of the International College of Dentists, as well as a fellow of the American College of Dentists. She was also awarded the MUSC School of Dentistry Young Alumnus Award, the UAB School of Dentistry Outstanding Young Alumnus Award, and was featured on Lifetime Network’s The Balancing Act as well as on the Dentistry Uncensored podcast. She has authored numerous publications and lectures extensively throughout the United States on dental implants and periodontal regenerative therapies.

Maria L. Geisinger, DDS, MS, is a professor and director of advanced education in periodontology in the Department of Periodontology in the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Dentistry. Dr. Geisinger received her BS in biology from Duke University, her DDS from Columbia University School of Dental Medicine, and her MS and certificate in periodontology and implantology from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Dr. Geisinger is a diplomate in the American Board of Periodontology. She has served as the president of the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation and on multiple national and regional organized dentistry committees. She currently serves as chair of the ADA’s Council on Scientific Affairs and as a member of the American Academy of Periodontology’s Board of Trustees. She has authored over 45 peer-reviewed publications and her research interests include periodontal and systemic disease interaction, implant dentistry in the periodontally compromised dentition, and novel treatment strategies for oral soft- and hard-tissue growth. She lectures nationally and internationally on topics in periodontology and oral health care.

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