Relationship between periodontics and restorative procedures: surgical treatment of the restorative alveolar interface (rai)--case series.

Maintenance of a healthy periodontium is fundamental for the long term success of prosthetic restorations. Thus, prosthetic procedures with subgingival margins may affect the periodontal health if the distances between the junctional epithelium and supracrestal connective tissue attachment aren't respected, or if there is insufficient space to maintain the health of the interproximal tissues, leading to gingival inflammation, connective tissue attachment loss and bone resorption. The restorative alveolar interface (RAI) technique was described as the portion of the root surface extending from the alveolar crest apically to the restorative margin coronally. RAI consists of modifying the restorative margin position into a healthier environment, respecting the biological width and therefore allowing effective plaque control. This paper describes four clinical cases with indication for the RAI technique for maintenance of periodontal health. The cases were associated with prostheses. All cases were evaluated at 90 days and exhibited a healthy periodontal tissue. Successful outcomes were observed in the different indications for the RAI technique.