Nonincised Papillae Surgical Approach (NIPSA) in Periodontal Regeneration: Preliminary Results of a Case Series.

A new surgical approach has been developed to optimize the preservation of the gingival margin and papillae when treating periodontal defects. The flap is raised by one mucosal incision far away from the marginal tissues. This case series reports on the effectiveness of a nonincised surgical approach (NIPSA) in conjunction with a hydroxyapatite-based graft biomaterial and enamel matrix derivative in treating intrabony defects. Ten defects in 10 patients were treated. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 18 months (mean: 10.8 +/- 4.7 months). Probing pocket depth was 9.6 +/- 2.3 mm before surgery and 2.3 +/- 0.5 mm postsurgery. Clinical attachment level (CAL) decreased from 10.4 +/- 2.7 mm to 3.1 +/- 0.87 mm postsurgery. The gingival papilla height, keratinized tissue width, and buccal gingival margin remained stable over time. No wound dehiscence was recorded. Mean Early Healing Index was 1.5 +/- 0.7. Results show a substantial CAL gain, limited postsurgical shrinkage, minimal morbidity, and early healing.