"Microsurgical Technique for Augmentation of the Interdental Papilla: Three Case Reports"
International Journal of Periodontics and Restorative Dentistry
November/December 2008
Volume 28, Issue 6

The loss of interdental papillae as the result of trauma or inflammatory periodontal disease creates a significant challenge in the esthetic zone. Conventional surgical techniques are unpredictable because of small working spaces and limited blood supply to the area. Vertical releasing incisions can further jeopardize vascular channels and leave unattractive scarring upon healing. The application of microscopes and microsurgical instruments presents a new frontier for predictable esthetic results. This paper describes a predictable microsurgical technique for reconstruction of the interdental papillae. (Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent 2008;28:543�549.)

"Interdental Papilla Reconstruction: Classification and Clinical Management"
Canadian Journal of Restorative Dentistry & Prosthodontics
Winter 2010

In this paper, Drs. Nordland and Sandhu discuss the factors affecting surgical reconstruction of the lost interdental papillae. (Dr. Sandhu is the professor of periodontics and director at the School of Medicine and Dentistry at The University of Western Ontario.)

"A Conversation with Dr. Peter Nordland"
Dental Practice Report
January/February 2002 (42-47)

Beyond every general practitioner who excels in cosmetic and esthetic restorative dentistry, there usually stands a gifted periodontist who shares a similar passion for achieving symmetry and artistry. La Jolla, Calif.-based periodontist Dr. Peter Nordland is among a growing number of doctors within his specialty who have sharpened their focus on achieving optimum esthetics. Here clinical editor Dr. David Hornbrook, who has a close-working referral relationship with Dr. Nordland, explores specific ways GPs and periodontists can deliver better results for patients who are committed to appearance-enhancing treatment.

"The Role of Periodontal Plastic Microsurgery in Oral Facial Esthetics"
CDA Journal
Vol. 30, No. 11
November 2002 (831-837)

Periodontal plastic microsurgery incorporates the use of a surgical dissecting microscope in an attempt to increase visibility, minimize trauma, and enhance surgical results. This paper will attempt to demonstrate how periodontal plastic surgery utilizing periodontal microsurgery could contribute in the role of soft tissue modification to enhance the smile and ideally allow for improved oral facial esthetics.

"Periodontal Plastic Surgery: Esthetic Gingival Regeneration."
CDA Journal
November 1989

Regeneration can be accomplished even if root surfaces have been chronically exposed to bacterial endotoxins and calculus. This new attachment recreates the gingival unit with the formation of new cementum and the insertion of connective tissue fibers. Once regeneration is accomplished in the areas of previous recession, minimal sulcus depth can be expected. When total regeneration of the gingival unit can be attained back to the Cemento-Enamel Junction, the root dentinal sensitivity will be eliminated as will be the likelihood of root caries. Additionally, once a more natural gingival architecture can be created then the restorative efforts are made easier to allow a more ideal result to be achieved. Many papers have explained the predictability for root coverage.

"Oral Health"
SD Health
Spring 2009

Dr. Nordland was interviewed regarding periodontal disease and treatment by the San Diego Union Tribune.

"The effect of plaque control and root debridement in molar teeth."
Journal of Clinical Periodontology
Vol. 14, pages 223-236
1987

Double-Blinded research showed the world that molar teeth respond differently than all the other teeth in the mouth. This international journal is one of the most well respected in all of periodontics.

"A Classification System for Loss of Papillary Height"
Journal of Periodontology
Vol. 69, pages 1124-1126
1998

Doctors Nordland and Tarnow developed the current classification system for loss of the interdental papilla. Their classification system is the most widely used in the world and forms and basis for comparison of different treatment modalities for papilla augmentation.

"Tissue Engineering in Dentistry"
Clinics in Plastic Surgery
Vol. 30, pages 621-639
2003

In this 2000 book discussing tissue engineering in dentistry, Dr. Nordland showed the possibilities for soft tissue regeneration using microsurgical approaches. He showed the value of his own instruments as well as surgical magnification to achieve results never thought possible. He demonstrated multiple cases of oral plastic surgery for this plastic surgical journal.

"The Dental Microscope:
Why and How"
Evidence-based Technology
and Treatment
Periodontics and Dental Microscope
S&B Publishing
Pages 37-57
2011

Dr. Nordland contributed to the periodontal surgery chapter of the "Dental Microscope: Why and How" book providing clinical photographs of surgical cases and microinstruments that he developed.

Periodontics: The Scientific Way

Dr. Nordland's original scientific research using double-blinded studies involving the most unpredictable sites for periodontal therapy forms the basis for current scientific evidence based treatment in periodontics today.

Decision Making in Periodontology

Dr. Nordland's expertise in soft tissue surgery made him a natural choice to write the chapter on decision making for gingival augmentation.