Management of gingival black triangles

Key Points Suggests gingival black triangles are preventable in many situations and manageable in others. Highlights that gingival black triangles can be caused and also treated using restorative and orthodontic procedures. Provides a range of treatment options, most of which are applicable to general practice. Gingival black triangles (GBTs) are generally considered to be aesthetically unacceptable, have a multifactorial aetiology and a range of treatment options. This review covers the surgical and non-surgical management of GBTs. Surgical methods address recontouring, preserving or reconstructing the soft tissue including the interdental papilla as well as the alveolar bone. Non-surgical approaches include restorative techniques (including the use of prostheses and gingival-coloured materials), orthodontic movement, tissue engineering and tissue volumisers. This review covers the aetiology and management of GBTs, highlighting the importance of considering the options currently available when treating a lost dental papilla. A lack of longitudinal studies investigating the long-term outcomes of the options in management of GBTs presence is identified.