Chirurgia estetica e ricostruttiva parodontale e peri-implantare
Perio Aesthetics: Francesco Cairo’s Book on Periodontal and Peri-Implant Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery
Within the field of periodontology and implant dentistry books, Perio Aesthetics – Periodontal and Peri-Implant Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery by Francesco Cairo stands out as a comprehensive work devoted to the modern surgical management of hard and soft tissues around teeth and implants.
The book guides readers through the main procedures of periodontal plastic surgery, mucogingival surgery, and peri-implant reconstruction: from gingival augmentation and recession coverage to gummy smile treatment, periodontal regeneration, and hard- and soft-tissue reconstruction in implant-supported restorations in the aesthetic zone.
More than a simple collection of techniques, Perio Aesthetics presents a way of approaching aesthetic and reconstructive surgery based on the integration of scientific evidence, clinical appropriateness, surgical precision, and respect for the patient’s needs.
A Reference for Modern Aesthetic Periodontology
Over the past twenty years, periodontology and implant dentistry have undergone profound development. Surgical procedures have become increasingly refined, less invasive, and more focused on the long-term stability of clinical outcomes.
At the same time, the meaning of aesthetics has changed. It is no longer only about achieving a visually pleasing result, but about correctly reconstructing tissue architecture while restoring form, function, health, and harmony to the smile.
This integration of aesthetics and reconstruction is the central theme of Francesco Cairo’s book. In the preface, the author presents aesthetic reconstruction not as an optional addition to treatment, but as an increasingly important and predictable part of contemporary clinical practice.
The volume therefore approaches periodontal and implant therapy from a modern perspective, in which the quality of the result depends on accurate diagnosis, appropriate surgical indications, and biologically sound tissue management.
Scientific Evidence, Clinical Method, and Ethics
One of the distinguishing features of Perio Aesthetics is the balance it achieves between scientific research and everyday clinical practice.
The book does not merely demonstrate how to perform a surgical technique. It also helps clinicians understand:
- when treatment is truly indicated;
- which procedure should be selected;
- what outcomes can reasonably be expected;
- which factors may influence the prognosis;
- what real benefit the patient may receive.
In Maurizio Tonetti’s foreword, the book is described through three core principles: Italian clinical excellence as a method, scientific evidence as a guide, and ethics as a central value in clinical practice. The knowledge presented therefore addresses not only the “how,” but also the “whether,” “what,” “when,” and above all the “why” of every procedure.
This approach makes the book useful both for clinicians who are developing their skills and for experienced periodontists who wish to compare their protocols with a systematic and up-to-date clinical method.
Francesco Cairo’s Experience Applied to Clinical Practice
Francesco Cairo is a clinician, researcher, and lecturer whose work focuses on periodontology, implant dentistry, and plastic and reconstructive surgery around teeth and implants.
In the curriculum included in the book, he is presented as Associate Professor at the University of Florence, Director of the Oral Surgery Specialisation School, and founder of the three-year full-time Master’s programme in Periodontology and Implant Dentistry recognised by the European Federation of Periodontology. His scientific activity also includes more than 120 international publications and major awards in periodontal research.
Perio Aesthetics brings together this clinical and academic experience and transforms it into a structured educational pathway. Readers are guided from essential anatomical and biological knowledge to the planning and execution of advanced reconstructive procedures.
From Anatomy to Surgical Planning
Every periodontal and peri-implant treatment must begin with a thorough understanding of tissue anatomy and biology.
For this reason, the opening chapters are devoted to the anatomy of the periodontium and peri-implant mucosa, with detailed coverage of:
- the dentogingival unit;
- connective tissue;
- periodontal ligament;
- root cementum;
- alveolar bone;
- biologic width;
- periodontal phenotypes;
- vascularisation and innervation;
- the osseointegration process;
- the characteristics of peri-implant mucosa.
These foundations help readers understand the differences between tissues surrounding natural teeth and those surrounding implants, enabling clinicians to select techniques that are compatible with tissue biology and the healing potential of each individual case.
The book also examines the essential concepts of periodontal pathology and therapy, from gingivitis and mucositis to periodontitis and peri-implantitis. It then introduces the general principles of surgery, incision patterns, flap thicknesses, suturing materials, and wound-healing mechanisms.
Gingival Augmentation Around Teeth
A significant part of Perio Aesthetics is devoted to procedures for increasing gingival tissue.
The book analyses clinical indications, the historical evolution of the techniques, and the different treatment options available for increasing the quantity or modifying the characteristics of the soft tissues around teeth.
The procedures discussed include:
- free gingival grafts;
- connective tissue grafts;
- techniques involving periosteal exposure;
- the use of biomaterials;
- management of sites that have already undergone previous surgery.
The aim is not to present a single solution for every clinical situation, but to help readers select the most appropriate procedure according to anatomy, phenotype, clinical indication, and expected outcome.
Palatal Graft-Harvesting Techniques
Management of the donor site is a crucial step in mucogingival surgery.
The book therefore devotes an entire chapter to palatal graft harvesting, covering the anatomy of the donor area, neurovascular structures, the histological characteristics of the mucosa, and healing by primary and secondary intention.
Several harvesting techniques are examined, including:
- the trap-door technique;
- the parallel-incision technique;
- the single-incision technique;
- the L-shaped incision technique;
- free graft harvesting;
- harvesting from the maxillary tuberosity.
Each approach is evaluated in terms of accessibility, visibility, control of graft thickness, invasiveness, and possible complications.
In the extract from the book, for example, the L-shaped incision technique is described step by step. The text highlights its potential to provide control over flap and graft thickness, while also underlining the experience required and the possible risks of bleeding, dehiscence, or infection.
Periodontal Plastic Surgery for Single Gingival Recessions
Gingival recessions are one of the main areas of application of periodontal plastic surgery.
The book begins by discussing the aetiology, diagnosis, and classification of single recessions, before analysing the clinical and aesthetic goals of root coverage.
Particular attention is given to prognostic factors related to:
- the patient;
- the affected tooth;
- anatomical characteristics;
- the selected technique;
- flap and graft management.
The procedures described include the coronally advanced flap, the combination of a flap and connective tissue graft, collagen matrices, the laterally positioned flap, and other root-coverage techniques.
Readers are guided not only through surgical execution but also through the evaluation of healing, aesthetic outcomes, and long-term stability.
Multiple Recessions and Tunnel Techniques
The treatment of multiple gingival recessions requires even more careful planning because it involves several teeth and a larger area of soft tissue.
Perio Aesthetics analyses the main variations of the multiple coronally advanced flap, with or without vertical releasing incisions and with either complete or selective use of connective tissue grafts.
A dedicated section examines tunnel techniques, including:
- the traditional tunnel technique;
- the modified coronally advanced tunnel;
- the laterally closed modified tunnel;
- combined tunnel and coronally advanced flap approaches.
The structure of the chapter allows clinicians to compare different procedures and understand how the choice of technique should depend on the extent of the recessions, papillary conditions, periodontal phenotype, and site anatomy.
Gummy Smile Treatment and Clinical Crown Lengthening
The treatment of a gummy smile requires an accurate diagnosis of the factors responsible for excessive gingival display.
The book examines clinical crown lengthening in the aesthetic zone, beginning with the concept of biologic width and the rationale behind the procedure. It then analyses altered passive eruption, diagnostic criteria, and the main surgical options.
The procedures illustrated include:
- gingivectomy;
- apically positioned flap;
- resective osseous surgery;
- management of prosthetic cases in the anterior region.
The goal is to restore harmonious proportions between the teeth, gingival margins, and smile, avoiding standardised approaches and selecting treatment according to anatomy and diagnosis.
Regenerative Periodontal Surgery
Another central part of the book is devoted to regenerative periodontal surgery.
The volume explores the biological principles of regeneration and the factors that can influence healing, such as plaque control, smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, tooth mobility, endodontic status, and defect morphology.
It examines the indications for treating suprabony, intrabony, and furcation defects, as well as papilla-preservation techniques and different flap designs.
The book also covers:
- pre-surgical management of the defect;
- minimally invasive techniques;
- the NIPSA approach;
- sutures;
- bone grafts;
- biomaterials;
- biological products;
- selection of the procedure according to the defect;
- long-term stability of treatment outcomes.
Regeneration is therefore presented as a process requiring the correct integration of diagnosis, biology, morphology, and surgical technique.
Implant Dentistry and Reconstruction in the Aesthetic Zone
Implant therapy in the anterior region is one of the most complex areas of modern implant dentistry.
Perio Aesthetics examines the reconstruction of the edentulous ridge and implant-prosthetic planning in the aesthetic zone, analysing the functional and aesthetic problems that can occur after tooth extraction.
Several soft-tissue reconstruction techniques are described, including:
- onlay grafts;
- inlay grafts;
- combined grafts;
- the roll-flap technique;
- pouch procedures;
- the connective tissue platform technique;
- prosthetic conditioning of the ridge.
The book also explores implant timing, distinguishing between immediate placement, early placement after soft-tissue healing, early placement after partial bone healing, and late placement.
This approach helps readers understand that aesthetic success depends not only on osseointegration, but also on coordinated planning of the implant, the surrounding tissues, and the future prosthetic restoration.
Hard-Tissue Reconstruction Around Implants
The chapter devoted to hard tissues examines the dimensional changes that occur after tooth extraction and the procedures available for preserving or reconstructing the alveolar ridge.
Readers can explore:
- alveolar bone healing;
- ridge preservation;
- horizontal guided bone regeneration;
- vertical guided bone regeneration;
- biomaterials for GBR;
- maxillary sinus-floor elevation;
- evidence-based outcomes;
- possible complications.
Guided Bone Regeneration is therefore presented within a broader treatment pathway, in which bone augmentation must be planned according to implant position, defect anatomy, and the desired prosthetic outcome.
Peri-Implant Soft-Tissue Management
The stability and aesthetics of implant-supported restorations also depend on the quality and volume of the peri-implant soft tissues.
The book analyses augmentation procedures performed before implant placement, during implant insertion, or at second-stage surgery.
The techniques discussed include:
- free gingival grafts;
- connective tissue grafts;
- collagen matrices;
- apically positioned flaps;
- the roll technique;
- reconstruction of the peri-implant papilla;
- coverage of peri-implant mucosal recessions;
- tissue conditioning and prosthetic finalisation.
Particular attention is devoted to complex aesthetic cases, in which surgical management must be coordinated with prosthetic planning to achieve natural and stable tissue architecture.
From Theory to Practice Through Surgical Images and Videos
One of the key strengths of Perio Aesthetics is its highly visual approach.
The book contains approximately 632 pages, 11 chapters, more than 2,100 images, and a collection of surgical videos recorded through the operating microscope. The procedures are presented sequentially, with clinical photographs, diagrams, tables, advantages, limitations, and documented cases.
The presentation of the book specifically highlights the detailed, step-by-step description of the techniques, supported by images and videos that make the proposed surgical procedures easier to understand.
The video content includes procedures such as:
- connective tissue graft harvesting;
- free gingival grafts;
- coverage of single and multiple recessions;
- tunnel techniques;
- gummy smile treatment;
- periodontal regeneration;
- immediate implant placement;
- horizontal and vertical GBR;
- maxillary sinus-floor elevation;
- peri-implant soft-tissue augmentation.
The book therefore also functions as a surgical atlas, allowing readers to observe the different operative stages and relate them to the biological and clinical principles explained in the text.
Postoperative Care and Complication Management
A surgical procedure does not end with the final suture.
For this reason, Perio Aesthetics includes an appendix devoted to postoperative patient management and possible immediate or delayed complications.
The topics covered include:
- pain control;
- anti-inflammatory medication;
- corticosteroid therapy;
- bleeding management;
- the use of antibiotics;
- suture removal;
- postoperative oral hygiene;
- patient instructions;
- intraoperative complications;
- infectious complications;
- postoperative traumatic complications.
The inclusion of this section makes the book more complete and realistic because it considers not only the correct performance of surgery, but the patient’s entire clinical pathway.
A Book for Clinicians Seeking to Advance in Periodontology and Implant Dentistry
Perio Aesthetics is intended for:
- periodontists;
- implant dentists;
- oral surgeons;
- dentists performing mucogingival surgery;
- clinicians interested in peri-implant tissue management;
- postgraduate students and trainees;
- experienced practitioners wishing to update and compare their protocols.
Its systematic structure makes the book suitable both for professionals beginning an advanced training pathway and for experienced clinicians seeking a reference for indications, technical variations, and operative details.
Why Read Perio Aesthetics?
Perio Aesthetics is not merely a book about gingival recessions or soft-tissue surgery. It is a work that integrates periodontology, implant dentistry, regeneration, prosthodontics, and aesthetics within a single clinical pathway.
The breadth of the subjects covered, the focus on scientific evidence, the quality of the visual documentation, and the detailed description of the procedures make the book a valuable tool for understanding not only how to operate, but above all how to establish the correct treatment indication.
For readers seeking a Francesco Cairo book on periodontal and peri-implant aesthetic surgery that comprehensively covers gingival recessions, gummy smile treatment, periodontal regeneration, aesthetic implant dentistry, and tissue reconstruction, Perio Aesthetics represents one of the most complete works currently available in Italian.
Frequently Asked Questions About Perio Aesthetics
1. What is Francesco Cairo’s book Perio Aesthetics about?
Perio Aesthetics is a book devoted to periodontal and peri-implant aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. It covers tissue anatomy and biology, gingival recessions, palatal graft harvesting, gummy smile treatment, periodontal regeneration, implant dentistry in the aesthetic zone, and hard- and soft-tissue reconstruction around implants.
2. Who is Perio Aesthetics intended for?
The book is intended for periodontists, implant dentists, oral surgeons, dentists, postgraduate students, and professionals interested in mucogingival and peri-implant surgery. It can be used both by those approaching the subject and by experienced clinicians wishing to update their protocols.
3. Which gingival-recession techniques are covered?
The book analyses the coronally advanced flap, connective tissue grafts, collagen matrices, laterally positioned flaps, procedures for multiple recessions, and different variations of tunnel techniques.
4. Does the book also cover implant surgery?
Yes. A significant part of the book is devoted to implant placement in the aesthetic zone, implant timing, ridge reconstruction, horizontal and vertical GBR, and peri-implant soft-tissue management.
5. Does the book include surgical images and videos?
Yes. The volume contains more than 2,100 images and numerous surgical videos recorded through the operating microscope. The visual content covers periodontal, mucogingival, regenerative, and peri-implant procedures, making the different operative stages easier to understand.
6. Why purchase Perio Aesthetics?
Because it brings together the biological foundations, clinical indications, and principal techniques of aesthetic and reconstructive surgery around teeth and implants in a single work. Its evidence-based approach, documented clinical cases, and step-by-step descriptions make it a useful tool for improving treatment planning and clinical quality.
Chapters and Topics
- Periodontal and peri-implant anatomy and conditions of health
- Concepts of periodontal pathology and therapy. Principles of surgery
- Gingival augmentation around teeth
- Palatal graft harvesting
- Periodontal plastic surgery for single recessions
- Periodontal plastic surgery for multiple recessions
- Clinical crown lengthening in the aesthetic zone and gummy smile treatment
- Regenerative periodontal surgery
- Treatment strategies for edentulous ridge reconstruction and implant-prosthetic therapy in the aesthetic zone
- Hard-tissue reconstruction around implants
- Soft-tissue management around implants
- Appendix: postoperative care and complications
