Cervical margin relocation: case series and new classification system

Purpose: The present clinical study aimed to investigate the safety and feasibility of cervical marginal relocation (CMR) procedures in cases of deep caries involving supracrestal tissue attachment (STA). Materials and methods: Fifteen patients were selected from those attending the Studio Ghezzi Dental Clinic, Settimo Milanese, Milan, Italy. After following an oral hygiene program with specific counseling sessions, the selected patients were included in a periodic supportive periodontal therapy program. Depending on the treatment they received, the patients were divided into three groups according to a new classification system: a) Class 1: Nonsurgical CMR; b) Class 2a: Surgical CMR (gingival approach); c) Class 2b: Surgical CMR (osseous approach). The primary and secondary outcomes were pocket depth (PD) on probing and residual bleeding on probing (BOP) after 1 year. Results: No differences were found among the three CMR approaches for PD (overall mean value after 1 year: 2.5 ± 0.64 mm; overall mean value after 5.7 years: 2.3 ± 0.49 mm) or residual BOP (40% of the cases after 1 year). Conclusion: Based on the study results, the authors can conclude that CMR procedures do not negatively affect the periodontal health status of patients when the connective compartment of the STA is not violated.