Histologic Evaluation of Early Papilla Healing after Augmentation with Injectable Hyaluronic Acid-A Proof of Concept.

Objectives

This human histological study's purpose was to histologically evaluate papillae's healing after hyaluronic acid (HA) gel augmentation at three healing time points after one injection with hyaDENT BG®.

Methods

Fifteen papillae from two patients with stage III, grade B periodontitis have been selected for this study. Every week for three weeks, five papillae were injected once with HA gel, and during the fourth week, the papillae were surgically removed as part of step 3 of the periodontal treatment. The histological analysis was performed on fifteen papillae, with five papillae corresponding to every timepoint of healing (weeks 1, 2, and 3). The primary outcome was considered to be the newly formed collagen fibers. The presence of residual HA, the integrity of epithelium or the presence of erosions/ulcerations, the presence and characteristics of inflammatory infiltrate, the presence of granulomatous reactions, and interstitial edema were considered to be secondary outcomes.

Results

From the first to the third week, newly formed connective tissue begins to appear, while the observed HA pools (vesicles) content decreases. The density of inflammatory infiltrate was higher in the first week after injection, decreasing considerably by week 3; however, it was still visible throughout the healing time points. A granulomatous reaction was present in only three samples, while no signs of ulceration or necrosis could be observed; however, epithelial erosions could be observed on some samples after the first week.

Conclusions

Papila augmentation with hyaluronic acid promotes new collagen formation from the second week of healing despite some foreign body granulomatous reactions.