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| GUEST EDITORIAL |
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| Year : 2009 | Volume
: 1
| Issue : 3 | Page : 0 |
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Guest Editorial
PD Miller
Jr. D.D.S., Clinical Professor, College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| Date of Web Publication | 23-Feb-2011 |
Correspondence Address:
P D Miller
Jr. D.D.S., Clinical Professor, College of Dental Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
USA
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
How to cite this article:
Miller P D. Guest Editorial. J Int Clin Dent Res Organ 2009;1:0 |
 New Frontiers in Periodontal Plastic Surgery
In the 1980's mucogingival surgery evolved into periodontal plastic surgery and today comprises a major component of the modern periodontal practice. Root coverage grafting in areas of gingival recession remains a major focus of periodontal plastic surgery. Esthetic crown lengthening, soft tissue grafting around implants, site development and socket preservation along with ridge augmentation are other components of periodontal plastic surgery.
New frontiers would include techniques that are simpler to perform, less painful for patients and producing even more esthetic outcomes. New technology will markedly influence these evolving techniques. Tissue engineering, growth factors, modifying chemicals or other agents will enhance healing while processed animal tissues and embryonic human tissue will play major roles.
The development of new instruments and modifying standard instruments for microsurgery will continue. Enhanced vision with the surgical microscope will be improved and with competition will become less expensive thus making microsurgery more practical. The same will be true of dental lasers.
While periodontal plastic surgery procedures by definition enhance esthetics there is generally an underlying functional basis that is being addressed. Working with insurance companies to understand the functional components and benefitting accordingly will require effort in the future.
Just as the orthodontist sees a significant number of self referred patients. Developing a self referral base for periodontal plastic surgery should be a focus. This will require marketing efforts not only by organized periodontics but also by individual practioners.
Although periodontists may develop a niche practice in this area it is doubtful that periodontal plastic surgery will develop into a specialty. There is a possibility that it may follow the medical model and become a sub specialty of periodontics.
It is therefore evident that new frontiers in any discipline goes beyond techniques and products. There are social and cultural arenas that must be addressed if periodontal plastic surgery is to achieve its ultimate goal.
P.D. Miller Jr. D.D.S.
Clinical Professor
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