Background:Simvastatin (SMV), a new locally delivered drug of class statins, is a specific competitive inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-2-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase. Statins, besides having lipid-lowering abilities, also have pleiotropic effects like host modulation and bone regeneration. The present study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of SMV, 1.2 mg, in an indigenously prepared biodegradable controlled-release gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP).Materials and Methods:A total of 60 sites, with pocket depth ≥5 mm, two from each of 30 patients after SRP, were categorized into two treatment groups, for subgingival placement of placebo (Gp 1) or SMV (Gp 2). Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and at 1, 3 and 6 months comprising plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL). The osseous changes were evaluated radiographically by measuring vertical gain, INFRA 1 and angle of the defect, INFRA 2 from baseline to 6 months.Results:All subjects tolerated the drug, without any post-application complication. The treatment improved the periodontal condition in both the groups but significant reductions in PPD (p= 0.04), and INFRA 1 (p= 0.000), along with gain in CAL (p= 0.02) and INFRA 2 (p= 0.000) were observed in Gp 2. In one site, an unexpected 5 mm decrease in INFRA 1 was found.Conclusion:Local drug delivery of SMV enhanced the beneficial effect of SRP, in pocket reduction, gain in CAL and bone fill.

Gingival recessions are one of the most prevalent periodontal diseases. Hypersensitivity and esthetics are the major concerns associated with recession defects. There are various treatment modalities for its management, but recently, minimally invasive techniques have gained much importance because of lower patient morbidity and comparable results when compared to conventional techniques. This case series represents a 6-month follow-up of a recently introduced pinhole surgical technique where the percentage of root coverage was found to be statistically significant.

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Gingival recession is defined as apical migration of marginal gingival tissue causing the exposure of root surface. Abnormal brushing techniques, trauma, anatomical presence of tooth, caries, and improper oral hygiene measures are some of the problems leading to gingival recession. Several treatment modalities such as coronary advanced flaps and free gingival grafts have been used for the treatment of gingival recession defects and showed good results. However, while treating multiple gingival recessions, some new treatment modalities were introduced in literature. Vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access (VISTA) as a minimally invasive technique for root coverage was introduced with various advantages such as no secondary surgical site needed for harvestment of donor tissue and it provides excellent esthetic results with decreased patient morbidity. The present case report emphasizes on the treatment of multiple gingival recessions in the maxillary anterior teeth region using VISTA with titanium-prepared platelet-rich fibrin.

Double lip is an unusual clinical finding, considered to be a developmental anomaly, and usually involving the upper lip more frequently than the lower lip. It may be seen in isolation or in association with Ascher's syndrome. It is caused by excessive areolar tissue and noninflammatory labial mucosa gland hyperplasia of pars villosa. During smiling, the lip is retracted, and the mucosa is positioned over the maxillary teeth, resulting in “cupid's bow” appearance. The incidence of this anomaly is not known. It has been reported in cleft patients, following lip trauma, and as a consequence of lip-biting habits. It might pose esthetic or functional problems and may be a reason for psychological stress to the affected individual because of over shown hyperplastic lip tissue. Surgical treatment is indicated for the correction of this disfigurement. Various surgical techniques have been suggested to address the double upper lip anomaly. All of these involve the excision of excessive mucosa and the underlying tissue. This case series puts forward the surgical management of this rare anomaly in a relatively simple manner. Double lip is a subject of interest to the dental clinicians because they usually are the first professionals to detect, identify, and treat this uncommon condition.

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