Adverse effects associated with a bioabsorbable guided tissue regenerationdevice in the treatment of human gingival recession defects. A clinicopathologic case report

This clinicopathologic case report documents an adverse effect associated w ith the use of a polylactic acid-based barrier in the treatment of human gi ngival recession defects. A total of 27 consecutively treated patients, in whom guided tissue regeneration with a polylactic acid barrier was used to correct gingival recession defects, were evaluated. This adverse effect con sisted of a midradicular-apical swelling, generally asymptomatic, with no a pparent predilection for gender, age, tooth type or location (maxilla/mandi ble), or surgical procedure. It was observed in 14 of 27 (52%) patients and 22 of 41 (54%) defects. The swelling decreased in size-overtime and inmost cases, it completely resolved within 12 months postsurgery. Histopathologi c evaluation of a 14-week specimen indicated characteristics (multinucleate d giant cells, foamy macrophages) consistent with a foreign body reaction. These findings suggest that patients undergoing GTR procedures with synthet ic absorbable devices for the treatment of gingival recession defects shoul d be advised of the possible occurrence of such an adverse effect.