Interdental papilla loss: treatment by hyaluronic acid gel injection: a case series

similar to 0.2 ml of hyaluronic acid gel was injected directly into the base of the papilla. The injection was repeated twice 21 days later. Patients were seen monthly for follow-up. Lost papilla surface area was calculated from digital clinical photographs taken at baseline and at 4 and 6 months postoperatively. Differences in lost papilla surface area between baseline and postoperative time points were statistically analyzed. Participants completed questionnaires (satisfaction surveys). Seventeen sites (13 maxillary, 4 mandibular) were treated in 9 females who completed the study. The lost inderdental papilla area at baseline and at the 4- and 6-month postoperative visits was 1.2 +/- 1.8 mm(2) (mean +/- SD), 0.6 +/- 0.9 mm(2), and 0.7 +/- 0.7 mm(2), respectively. Differences between baseline and postoperative visits were statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Two thirds of the patients would choose to undergo the procedure again. Use of hyaluronic acid gel to treat interdental papilla loss resulted in significant improvement at 6 months. Patients expressed satisfaction with the obtained improvement and dissatisfaction with the associated procedure discomfort. Treatment of interdental papilla loss (black triangle) by hyaluronic acid gel injection appears a promising modality to address this esthetic patient concern.