Abstract Periodontitis Stage III-IV, Grade C (PerioC) is a severe form of Periodontitis. The individual genetic background has been shown to be an important etiopathogenic factor for the development of this disease in young, systemically healthy, and non-smokers patients. Recently, after exome sequencing of families with a history of the disease, PerioC was associated with three single nucleotide variations (SNVs) – rs142548867 (EEFSEC), rs574301770 (ZNF136), and rs72821893 (KRT25) – which were classified as deleterious or possibly harmful by prediction algorithms. Objective Seeking to validate these findings in a cohort evaluation, this study aims to characterize the allele and genotypic frequency of the SNVs rs142548867, rs574301770, and rs72821893 in the Brazilian population with PerioC and who were periodontally healthy (PH). Methodology Thus, epithelial oral cells from 200 PerioC and 196 PH patients were harvested at three distinct centers at the Brazilian Southern region, their DNA were extracted, and the SNVs rs142548867, rs574301770, rs72821893 were genotyped using 5′-nuclease allelic discrimination assay. Differences in allele and genotype frequencies were analyzed using Fisher’s Exact Test. Only the SNV rs142548867 (C > T) was associated with PerioC. Results The CT genotype was detected more frequently in patients with PerioC when compared with PH subjects (6% and 0.5% respectively), being significantly associated with PerioC (odds ratio 11.76, p=0.02). Conclusion rs142548867 represents a potential risk for the occurrence of this disease in the Brazilian population.

Abstract The presence of a tooth-surface defect, such as a non-carious cervical lesion (NCCL), associated with sites of gingival recession (GR) defects creates a combined soft tissue/tooth defect (CD) that requires a different treatment plan. This study aimed to critically review the literature regarding the available treatment protocols for CDs and suggest a new decision-making process. NCCLs were classified as Class A-: the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) was visible and the root surface discrepancy was < 0.5 mm (no step); Class A+: CEJ was visible and the root surface discrepancy was > 0.5 mm (with a step); Class B-: unidentifiable CEJ without a step; Class B+: unidentifiable CEJ with a step. NCCLs affecting both root and crown surfaces (Class B) lead to CEJ destruction and consequently eliminate an important landmark used before and after root coverage procedures. The depth of the root surface discrepancy is vital owing to its possible impact on soft tissue adaptation after healing, which, in turn, may influence the treatment options, namely the use of graft and/or composites to compensate for the discrepancy. Clinically, a step with horizontal depth greater than 0.5 mm should be recognized as the minimum threshold value to define this condition. Extremely deep defects tend to assume a V-shaped topography. Therefore, extremely deep V-shaped defects were classified into subclasses A+V, a V-shaped defect, and B+V, a V-shaped defect with loss of CEJ, for management considerations. The treatment options, supported by the literature, and a decision-making process to deal with each condition are presented.

Abstract In the last decades, Periodontal Regeneration has been one of the most discussed topics in Periodontics, attracting the attention of researchers and clinicians. This can be justified by the evident and continuous progress observed in the field, characterized by a better understanding of the biological mechanisms involved, significant improvement of operative and technical principles, and the emergence of a wide range of biomaterials available for this purpose. Together, these aspects put the theme much in evidence in the search for functional and esthetic therapeutic solutions for periodontal tissue destruction. Despite the evident evolution, periodontal regeneration may be challenging and require the clinician to carefully evaluate each case before making a therapeutic decision. With a critical reassessment of the clinical and preclinical literature, the present study aimed to discuss the topic to answer whether Periodontal Regeneration is still a goal in clinical periodontology. The main aspects involved in the probability of success or failure of regenerative approaches were considered. A greater focus was given to intrabony and furcation defects, clinical conditions with greater therapeutic predictability. Aspects such as more appropriate materials/approaches, long-term benefits and their justification for a higher initial cost were discussed for each condition. In general, deep intrabony defects associated with residual pockets and buccal/lingual class II furcation lesions have predictable and clinically relevant results. Careful selection of the case (based on patient and defect characteristics) and excellent maintenance are essential conditions to ensure initial and long-term success.

Abstract Heterogeneous cell populations of osteo/cementoblastic (O/C) or fibroblastic phenotypes constitute the periodontal dental ligament (PDL). A better understanding of these PDL cell subpopulations is essential to propose regenerative approaches based on a sound biological rationale. Objective Our study aimed to clarify the differential transcriptome profile of PDL cells poised to differentiate into the O/C cell lineage. Methodology To characterize periodontal-derived cells with distinct differentiation capacities, single-cell-derived clones were isolated from adult human PDL progenitor cells and their potential to differentiate into osteo/cementoblastic (O/C) phenotype (C-O clones) or fibroblastic phenotype (C-F clones) was assessed in vitro. The transcriptome profile of the clonal cell lines in standard medium cultivation was evaluated using next-generation sequencing technology (RNA-seq). Over 230 differentially expressed genes (DEG) were identified, in which C-O clones showed a higher number of upregulated genes (193) and 42 downregulated genes. Results The upregulated genes were associated with the Cadherin and Wnt signaling pathways as well as annotated biological processes, including “anatomical structure development” and “cell adhesion.” Both transcriptome and RT-qPCR showed up-regulation of WNT2, WNT16, and WIF1 in C-O clones. Conclusions This comprehensive transcriptomic assessment of human PDL progenitor cells revealed that expression of transcripts related to the biological process “anatomical structure development,” Cadherin signaling, and Wnt signaling can identify PDL cells with a higher potential to commit to the O/C phenotype. A better understanding of these pathways and their function in O/C differentiation will help to improve protocols for periodontal regenerative therapies.

Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos clínicos e microbiológicos de terapia periodontal cirúrgica e não cirúrgica no tratamento da periodontite agressiva generalizada (PAgG). Dezesseis pacientes portadores de PAgG foram incluídos neste estudo clínico, prospectivo, randomizado, de boca dividida. Os quadrantes superiores de cada paciente foram alocados em dois grupos: um grupo de terapia não-cirúrgica (NST) e um grupo de terapia cirúrgica (ST). Os parâmetros clínicos avaliados foram: índice de placa (PI), sangramento à sondagem índice (BoP), profundidade de sondagem (PD), nível clínico de inserção (CAL) e posição da margem gengival (GMP). Também foram determinadas as concentrações de Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) e Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) no biofilme subgengival. Os parâmetros clínicos e microbiológicos foram avaliados no início, 3, 6 e 12 meses após o tratamento. A terapia cirúrgica foi capaz de promover maior redução de PD em comparação com NST em bolsas profundas aos 12 meses (p<0,05) e em dentes posteriores aos 6 meses (p<0,05). Além disso, houve maior recessão gengival nos dentes posteriores do grupo ST no 6° mês (p<0,05). Entretanto, ST não promoveu ganho adicionais de inserção (CAL) em nenhum período do avaliação. A avaliação microbiológica não mostrou diferença estatística nos níveis de Aa e Pg, para ambos os grupos, em todos os períodos de acompanhamento. O tratamento cirúrgico promoveu benefícios clínicos similares ao tratamento não cirúrgico em pacientes com PAgG. Além disso, ambas as terapias não conseguiram reduzir os níveis Aa e Pg após terapia.

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate clinical and microbiological effects of surgical and nonsurgical periodontal therapy in generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) treatment. Sixteen GAgP patients were included in this randomized split-mouth design clinical trial. Maxillary quadrants were allocated into two groups: Nonsurgical Therapy (NST) and Surgical Therapy (ST). The following clinical parameters were assessed: plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing index (BoP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and gingival margin position (GMP). Concentrations of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) in the subgingival biofilm were also determined. Clinical and microbiological parameters were assessed at baseline (n=16), 3 (n=15), 6 (n=15) and 12 months (n=8) after treatment. ST was able to promote higher PD reduction compared to NST in deep pockets at 12 months (p<0.05) and in posterior teeth at 6 months (p<0.05). In addition, higher gingival recession was observed in posterior teeth of the ST group at the 6th month (p<0.05). However, ST failed to promoted additional CAL gain in any timepoint (p>0.05). Moreover, microbiological evaluation showed no statistical difference in levels of Aa and Pg for both groups at all follow-up periods. Surgical therapy promoted similar clinical benefits to GAgP therapy. Moreover, both therapies failed to reduce Aa and Pg levels at different follow-up times.

RESUMO A engenharia de tecidos é um campo contemporâneo da ciência, que visa criar condições baseadas em princípios de biologia celular e molecular, bioengenharia e biomateriais para regenerar tecidos. As células tronco mesenquimais apresentam altas taxas de proliferação e são capazes de se diferenciar, sob certas condições, em multi-linhagens, sugerindo que elas têm grande potencial para atuar no campo da regeneração. As células tronco derivadas de tecidos dentais são uma fonte alternativa adequada de células mesenquimais uma vez que são de fácil acesso e têm baixa morbidade para o doador. Estudos demonstraram que elas já foram isoladas e caracterizadas a partir de diversos tecidos tais como polpa dentária, dentes decíduos esfoliados, ligamento periodontal, gengiva, folículo dental e papila apical. Entretanto, os estudos demonstram que há heterogeneidade entre essas populações e não existe um método padrão para selecionar as células-tronco dentais mais apropriadas para procedimentos regenerativos. O objetivo desta revisão é apresentar o conhecimento atual dos vários tipos de células-tronco derivadas de dentes e discutir as novas perspectivas para seu uso na engenharia de tecidos periodontais.

ABSTRACT Tissue engineering is a contemporary field of science, which aims to create conditions based on principles of cell and molecular biology, bioengineering and biomaterials to regenerate tissues. Mesenchymal stem cells present high proliferation rates and are able to differentiate into multilineages under certain conditions, suggesting that they have great potential to act in regeneration field. Tooth derived stem cells are a suitable alternative source of mesenchymal cells once they are easily accessible and have poor morbidity to the donor. Studies showed that they have been isolated and characterized from diverse tissues such as dental pulp, exfoliated deciduous teeth, periodontal ligament, gingiva, dental follicle and apical papilla. However studies show that there is heterogeneity among these populations and there is no standard method to select the most appropriate tooth derived stem cells for regenerative procedures. The aim of this review is to present the current perspective of the multiple types of tooth-derived stem cells and to discuss the basis for their use in periodontal tissue engineering.

Abstract Periodontitis develops as a result of a continuous interaction between host cells and subgingival pathogenic bacteria. The periodontium has a limited capacity for regeneration, probably due to changes in periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) phenotype. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of lipopolysaccharides from Porphyromonas gingivalis (PgLPS) on mesenchymal phenotype and osteoblast/cementoblast (O/C) potential of PDLSCs. PDLSCs were assessed for Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) expression by immunostaining technique. After, cells were exposed to PgLPS, and the following assays were carried out: (i) cell metabolic activity using MTS; (ii) gene expression for IL-1β, TNF-α and OCT-4 by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR); (iii) flow cytometry for STRO-1 and CD105, and (iv) osteogenic differentiation. PDLSCs were positive for TLR2. PgLPS promoted cell proliferation, produced IL-1β and TNF-α, and did not affect the expression of stem cell markers, STRO-1, CD105 and OCT-4. Under osteogenic condition, PDLSCs exposed to PgLPS showed a similar potential to differentiate toward osteoblast/cementoblast phenotype compared to control group as revealed by mineralized matrix deposition and levels of transcripts for RUNX2, ALP and OCN. These results provide evidence that PgLPS induces pro-inflammatory cytokines, but does not change the mesenchymal phenotype and osteoblast/cementoblast differentiation potential of PDLSCs.

Periodontal ligament mesenchymal stem cells (PDLMSCs) are an important alternative source of adult stem cells and may be applied for periodontal tissue regeneration, neuroregenerative medicine, and heart valve tissue engineering. However, little is known about the impact of bacterial toxins on the biological properties of PDLSMSCs, including self-renewal, differentiation, and synthesis of extracellular matrix.Objective: This study investigated whether proliferation, expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and osteogenic differentiation of CD105-enriched PDL progenitor cell populations (PDL-CD105+ cells) would be affected by exposure to bacterial lipopolysaccharide fromEscherichia coli(EcLPS).Material and Methods : Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression was assessed in PDL-CD105+ cells by the immunostaining technique and confirmed using Western blotting assay. Afterwards, these cells were exposed to EcLPS, and the following assays were carried out: (i) cell viability using MTS; (ii) expression of the interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) genes; (iii) osteoblast differentiation assessed by mineralization in vitro, and by mRNA levels of run-related transcription factor-2 (RUNX2), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and osteocalcin (OCN) determined by quantitative PCR.Results : PDL-CD105+ cells were identified as positive for TLR4. EcLPS did not affect cell viability, but induced a significant increase of transcripts for IL-6 and IL-8. Under osteogenic condition, PDL-CD105+ cells exposed to EcLPS presented an increase of mineralized matrix deposition and higher RUNX2 and ALP mRNA levels when compared to the control group.Conclusions : These results provide evidence that CD105-enriched PDL progenitor cells are able to adapt to continuous Escherichia coli endotoxin challenge, leading to an upregulation of osteogenic activities.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the potential adjunctive benefits of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) when used with guided-tissue regeneration (GTR) and bioactive glass (BG) in the treatment of Class II furcation lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Bilateral Class II furcation lesions were surgically created and allowed to become chronic in the mandibular third premolars of 9 dogs. The defects were randomly assigned to: A) GTR+BG and B) GTR+BG+PRP. Similar defects were created in the maxillary third premolars and received the same treatments after 45 days. Dogs were sacrificed 90 days after the first treatment. The histometric parameters evaluated were: connective tissue adaptation, new cementum, new bone, mineralized bone area, non-mineralized bone area, and residual BG particle area. RESULTS: Data analysis showed a superior length of new cementum and a greater mineralized bone area for group B in both periods (p<0.05). The non-mineralized bone area was greater in the control group (p<0.05) in both periods. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that the use of PRP in the treatment of Class II furcation defects may enhance the amount of new cementum and provide a more mineralized bone in a shorter period of time.

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a influência da inalação da fumaça de cigarros (IFC) sobre os períodos iniciais de reparo ósseo alveolar. Quarenta ratos Wistar foram aleatoriamente divididos em teste: animais expostos à IFC, que se iniciou 3 dias antes das extrações mantendo-se até o sacrifício (n=20)e controle (animais que não foram expostos à IFC; n=20). Os animais tiveram seus segundos molares inferiores extraídos bilateralmente (n=5/grupo/período) e foram sacrificados nos dias 3, 7, 10 e 14 dias após a cirurgia. Imagens digitalizadas foram analisadas de acordo com os seguintes parâmetros histométricos: tecido osteóide (OT), área remanescente (RA), tecido mineralizado (MT) e tecido não mineralizado (NMT) em cada alvéolo. Análise intergrupo mostrou que não houve diferença estatisticamente significante aos 3 dias (p>0,05) para todos os parâmetros. Aos 7 dias, a IFC influenciou negativamente (p?0,05) o preenchimento ósseo mostrando diferença estatisticamente significante para os parâmetros tecido não mineralizado e defeito remanescente (MT: 36%, NMT: 53%, RA: 12%; and MT: 39%, NMT: 29%, RA: 32%, para controle e teste, respectivamente). No entanto, não houve diferença estatisticamente significante (p>0,05) aos 10 e 14 dias. Conclui-se que a IFC pode afetar o reparo ósseo alveolar inicial, o que pode ser crítico para a quantidade e qualidade da nova formação óssea em fumantes.

The aim of this study was to evaluate, histometrically, the bone healing of the molar extraction socket just after cigarette smoke inhalation (CSI). Forty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to a test group (animals exposed to CSI, starting 3 days before teeth extraction and maintained until sacrifice; n=20) and a control group (animals never exposed to CSI; n=20). Second mandibular molars were bilaterally extracted and the animals (n=5/group/period) were sacrificed at 3, 7, 10 and 14 days after surgery. Digital images were analyzed according to the following histometric parameters: osteoid tissue (OT), remaining area (RA), mineralized tissue (MT) and non-mineralized tissue (NMT) in the molar socket. Intergroup analysis showed no significant differences at day 3 (p>0.05) for all parameters. On the 7th day, CSI affected negatively (p<0.05) bone formation with respect to NMT and RA (MT: 36%, NMT: 53%, RA: 12%; and MT: 39%, NMT: 29%, RA: 32%, for the control and test groups, respectively). In contrast, no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) were found at days 10 and 14. It may be concluded that CSI may affect socket healing from the early events involved in the healing process, which may be critical for the amount and quality of new-bone formation in smokers.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar a utilização pré-emptiva de medicamento inibidor da COX-2 (cicloxigenase-2) com uma droga antinflamatória esteroidal amplamente utilizada, para o controle da dor e edema após cirurgia periodontal para aumento de coroa. Trinta pacientes que necessitavam de cirurgia periodontal foram aleatoriamente designados a receber uma das seguintes medicações: inibidor seletivo da COX-2 ou a droga antinflamatória esteroidal, 60 min antes do procedimento cirúrgico. Para avaliar a ansiedade do paciente, a escala de ansiedade ao tratamento dental de Corah foi aplicada antes da cirurgia. Com a utilização de escala analógica visual a extensão de dor/desconforto durante o período trans-cirúrgico e imediatamente após a cirurgia foi mensurada. Adicionalmente, a intensidade de dor/desconforto e edema foram avaliados no periodo pós-operatório tardio 4, 8, 12 e 24 h após o procedimento cirúrgico. Com relação à ansiedade, não foi observada diferença estatística entre os grupos (p>0,05). Com relação à extensão de dor/desconforto durante os períodos trans-cirúrgico e pós operatório imediato e tardio, os dados não demonstraram diferenças entre o grupo que recebeu o inibidor seletivo da COX-2 e o aintinflamatório esteroidal (p>0,05). A avaliação do edema, intragrupo, não revelou diferença estatística durante as primeiras 24 h em nenhum dos grupos estudados (p>0,05). Em conclusão, ambas as drogas antiinflamatórias utilizadas apresentaram um potencial similar no controle da dor e edema após cirurgia periodontal.

The aim of the present study was to compare the pre-emptive use of a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor with a well established steroidal anti-inflammatory drug for pain and edema relief following periodontal surgery for crown lengthening. Thirty patients requiring periodontal surgery were randomly assigned to receive one of the following medications: selective COX-2 inhibitor or steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, 60 min before the surgical procedure. To examine patient anxiety, a Corah's dental anxiety scale was applied before surgery. Using a visual analog scale, the extent of pain/discomfort during the trans-operative period and immediately after the surgery was measured. Additionally, intensity of pain/discomfort and edema were examined 4, 8, 12 and 24 h postoperatively. With regard to anxiety, no statistical differences between the groups were observed (p>0.05). With respect to the extent of pain/discomfort during the trans-operative, immediate and late postoperative period, data demonstrated no significant differences (p>0.05) between the COX-2 inhibitor and steroidal groups. With regard to edema, intragroup analysis did not reveal any statistically significant difference (p>0.05) during the 24 h following surgery in either group. In conclusion, both anti-inflammatory drugs presented a similar potential for pain and edema relief following periodontal surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate, histomorphometrically, the association of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and bioactive glass (BG) in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nine mongrel dogs were included in the study. Three-wall intrabony defects were surgically created at the mesial and distal aspect of first mandibular molar and exposed to plaque accumulation for 1 month. The defects were randomly assigned to the groups: control, BG, PRP, PRP+BG. Dogs were sacrificed 90 days after the surgeries. The histometric parameters evaluated were: length of sulcular and junctional epithelium, connective tissue adaptation, new cementum, new bone, defect extension and area of new bone filling the defect. RESULTS: A superior area of new bone was observed in PRP+BG and BG (13.80±2.32 mm² and 15.63±2.64 mm², respectively) when compared to the other groups (8.19±1.46 mm² and 8.81±1.47 mm² for control and PRP, respectively). No statistically significant differences were observed in the remaining parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this study, it may be concluded that PRP failed to provide statistically significant improvements in the histometric parameters.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of topically applied povidone-iodine (PVP-I) used as an adjunct to non-surgical treatment of interproximal class II furcation involvements. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients presenting at least one interproximal class II furcation involvement that bled on probing with probing pocket depth (PPD) >5 mm were recruited. Patients were randomly chosen to receive either subgingival instrumentation with an ultrasonic device using PVP-I (10%) as the cooling liquid (test group) or identical treatment using distilled water as the cooling liquid (control group). The following clinical outcomes were evaluated: visible plaque index, bleeding on probing (BOP), position of the gingival margin, relative attachment level (RAL), PPD and relative horizontal attachment level (RHAL). BAPNA (N-benzoyl-L-arginine-p-nitroanilide) testing was used to analyze trypsin-like activity in dental biofilm. All parameters were evaluated at baseline and 1, 3 and 6 months after non-surgical subgingival instrumentation. RESULTS: Six months after treatment, both groups had similar means of PPD reduction, RAL and RHAL gain (p>0.05). These variables were, respectively, 2.20±1.10 mm, 1.27±1.02 mm and 1.33±0.85 mm in the control group and 2.67±1.21 mm, 1.50±1.09 mm and 1.56±0.93 mm in the test group. No difference was observed between groups at none of the posttreatment periods, regarding the number of sites showing clinical attachment gain >2 mm. However, at 6 months posttreatment, the test group presented fewer sites with PPD >5 mm than the control group. Also at 6 months the test group had lower BAPNA values than control group. CONCLUSION: The use of PVP-I as an adjunct in the non-surgical treatment of interproximal class II furcation involvements provided limited additional clinical benefits.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os resultados clínicos e centrados no paciente após abordagem cirúrgica minimamente invasiva (CMI) associada à aplicação das proteínas derivadas da matriz do esmalte (PDE) no tratamento de defeitos infra-ósseos. Doze pacientes apresentando um sítio com profundidade de sondagem >5 mm e sangramento à sondagem , associado à evidência radiográfica de defeito infra-ósseo, foram tratados com CMI e aplicação das PDE. Os parâmetros clínicos foram avaliados imediatamente antes do procedimento e após 3 e 6 meses. A percepção de dor e desconforto do paciente durante o período trans-cirúrgico e ao longo da primeira semana de pós-operatório, bem como a satisfação estética 6 meses após o tratamento, foram avaliadas por meio de questionários. Os resultados mostraram que o uso da CMI associada à aplicação de PDE promoveu melhoras estatisticamente significantes nos parâmetros clínicos, mínima dor e desconforto e máxima satisfação estética aos pacientes. Dentro dos limites do estudo, foi demonstrado que a associação de CMI e PDE, no tratamento de defeitos infra-ósseos, é capaz de promover satisfatórios resultados clínicos e centrados no paciente.

This case series evaluated the clinical performance and patient-centered outcomes after a minimally invasive surgical technique (MIST) associated with enamel matrix protein derivative (EMD), for the treatment of intra-bony defects. Twelve patients presenting teeth with probing depth >5 mm and bleeding on probing associated with radiographic evidence of intra-bony defect were treated by MIST associated with EMD. Clinical parameters were measured at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Patient perception during the intraoperative period and during the first postoperative week was evaluated. The use of MIST with EDM promoted significant improvements in clinical parameters, minimal pain/discomfort and maximum esthetics satisfaction. Within of limits of the present study, it could be shown that MIST combined with EMD for the treatment of intra-bony defects promotes satisfactory clinical and patient-centered outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the crown shape on the outcomes of root coverage procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty patients with Miller class I gingival recessions in maxillary canines or premolars were selected. The recession areas were treated using the subepithelial connective tissue grafting. The following clinical parameters were analyzed: crown length (CL) and width (CW), recession height and width, probing depth, clinical attachment level, width and thickness of the keratinized tissue and percentage of root coverage achieved. These measurements were recorded at baseline and 6 months after the surgical procedure. The CW/CL ratio was calculated for each tooth and the median obtained (0.83). Patients were then ranked into two groups, according to the shape of the tooth with gingival recession: Group A - square crown shape (CW/CL values above 0.83) and Group B - long and narrow crown shape (CW/CL values below 0.83). RESULTS: No statistically significant differences (p>0.05) were found between groups in any of the clinical parameters at baseline. After 6 months, both groups presented improved clinical outcomes for all parameters analyzed compared to baseline (p>0.05). The mean percentages and standard deviations of root coverage achieved in Group A and Group B was 91.37 (16.75) and 85.49 (23.55), respectively (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Crown shape did not influence the root coverage obtained with the subepithelial connective tissue graft technique.