Abstract
Background and Objectives: Vestibular depth is essential for plaque control and oral hygiene, defined by its apical border at the mucogingival junction and various anatomical landmarks. Variations, such as a higher insertion of the mentalis muscle, can reduce keratinized gingiva, critical for a healthy periodontium. Researchers agree that 2 mm of keratinized gingiva and 1 mm of attached gingiva are benchmarks for periodontal health. Inadequate vestibular depth and reduced attached gingiva can lead to gingivitis, recession, and periodontitis. Conventional vestibular deepening techniques often result in loss of depth due to epithelialization and scar formation. Minimally invasive laser procedures, particularly diode lasers, have gained popularity for their reduced postoperative complications. This study compares the effectiveness of the Kazanjian technique and diode laser for vestibular deepening, aiming to evaluate the width of attached gingiva achieved.
Methods: A comparative study done in Duhok, Iraq during 2024; 30 systemically healthy patients with reduced attached gingiva in lower anterior teeth were divided into two groups. The width of attached gingiva and vestibular depth was recorded. The two techniques were performed to each assigned group. After a follow up period, the width of attached gingiva was re-measured and compared with each other.
Results: After analyzing data with t-test, the results revealed the absence of a statistically significant difference in the increase of gingiva width between the Kazanjian surgery (1.8333 mm) and the laser surgery group (1.5333mmn) as (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Both techniques were equally effective in achieving an increase in attached gingiva.