Healing of Periodontal Suprabony Defects following Treatment with Open Flap Debridement with or without Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Application.

Background and Objectives: This randomized, double-arm, multicentric clinical trial aims to compare the clinical outcomes following the treatment of suprabony periodontal defects using open flap debridement (OFD) with or without the application of hyaluronic acid (HA). Materials and Methods: Sixty systemically healthy patients with at least two teeth presenting suprabony periodontal defects were randomly assigned with a 1:1 allocation ratio using computer-generated tables into a test (OFD + HA) or control group (OFD). The main outcome variable was clinical attachment level (CAL). The secondary outcome variables were changes in mean probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival recession (GR), full-mouth plaque score (FMPS), and full-mouth bleeding score (FMBS). All clinical measurements were carried out at baseline and 12 months. Results: Sixty patients, thirty in each group, were available for statistical analysis. The mean CAL gain was statistically significantly different (p < 0.001) in the test group compared with the control group (3.06 ± 1.13 mm vs. 1.44 ± 1.07 mm). PPD reduction of test group measurements (3.28 ± 1.14 mm) versus the control group measurements (2.61 ± 1.22 mm) were statistically significant (p = 0.032). GR changes were statistically significant only in the test group 0.74 ± 1.03 mm (p < 0.001). FMBS and FMPS revealed a statistically significant improvement mostly in the test group. Conclusions: Suprabony periodontal defects could benefit from the additional application of HA in conjunction with OFD in terms of improvement of the clinical parameters compared with OFD alone.

Comparative Study of Systemic vs. Local Antibiotics with Subgingival Instrumentation in Stage III-IV Periodontitis: A Retrospective Analysis.

To improve the clinical and microbiological outcomes of non-surgical mechanical periodontal therapy, the adjunctive use of antimicrobials has been utilized in treating moderate-to-severe periodontitis. In our study, the retrospective design included previously collected health-related patient data, obtained from the printed and digital charts of patients who received systemic or local antibiotic adjuncts to SI (subgingival instrumentation). A total of 34 patients (diagnosed with generalized Stage III/IV periodontitis) met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were evaluated. The samples were tested for the following bacterial strains: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans), Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), Prevotella intermedia (P. intermedia), Tanererella forsythia (T. forsythia), and Treponema denticola (T. denticola). The inter-group comparisons of the bacterial species did not show statistically significant differences between groups. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical effects after SI and the adjunctive use of systemically administered (SA) AMX (amoxicillin) + MET (metronidazole) (administered for 7 days), with locally delivered (LDD) piperacillin + tazobactam in step 2 of periodontal therapy. Results: Overall, all parameters were improved in the groups, with a significant difference in inter-group comparison regarding the full-mouth bleeding score (FMBS) (p < 0.05) in favor of the SA group, and the p-value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Statistically significant PPD (probing pocket depth) reductions and CAL (clinical attachment level) gains were observed in both groups at the 3-month follow-up. In conclusion, within the limitations, the outcomes of this study suggest that SI, with adjunctive local or systemic antibiotic therapy, provided comparable clinical improvements. Systemic AMX + MET protocols were more efficacious with regard to the reduction in FMBS. Follow-up studies with larger patient numbers are needed to further investigate this effect.

A Low-Cost Protocol Using the Adjunctive Action of Povidone-Iodine Irrigations and Sodium Hypochlorite Rinsing Solution in Step 2 of Periodontal Therapy for Patients with Stage III-IV Periodontitis: A Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

In severe stages of periodontitis, conventional periodontal therapy and maintenance care are usually insufficient due to the viral and bacterial etiology; thus, a mechanical approach alone may not be sufficient to eliminate a substantial portion of subgingival pathogens, especially in deep periodontal sites. Background and Objectives: This single-blind, randomized clinical trial aimed to compare the clinical and microbiological efficacy of a low-cost protocol using povidone-iodine and sodium hypochlorite formulations as adjuncts to non-surgical therapy for patients with stage IV periodontitis when compared with chlorhexidine, the most commonly employed substance to date for antimicrobial regimens in periodontal therapy. Materials and Methods: Forty-five patients were randomly divided into two groups: control (subgingival instrumentation, chlorhexidine-assisted) and test (antiviral medication, subgingival instrumentation with povidone-iodine, sodium hypochlorite rinsing solution, and antibiotics). Clinical measurements and microbiological analyses were performed at baseline and after three months. Results: After three months, notable differences were found in the bacterial detection scores for Porphyromonas gingivalis (a significant reduction in detection frequency was observed in the test compared to the control (p = 0.021)), and there were significant reductions in detection in the test group for Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola, showing undetectable levels (p < 0.0001 for both). In the test group, the pocket probing depth median value was reduced significantly (p = 0.0005); similarly, bleeding on probing showed a marked decrease (p < 0.0001). However, changes in clinical attachment loss and full-mouth plaque score were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Using the proposed protocol, substantial improvements in clinical and microbiological parameters were obtained when compared with the current antimicrobial recommendations.

Clinical and Radiological Characterization of the Long-Term Association between Unaffected/Minimally Affected Implants and History of Severe Periodontitis: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this research were to compare, retrospectively, the clinical and radiographic modifications of periodontal parameters and peri-implant conditions and to analyze the relationship between the changes in periodontal parameters and peri-implant conditions over a mean follow-up period of 7.6 years in a treated population with progressive/uncontrolled periodontitis and at least one unaffected/minimally affected implant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen partially edentulous patients having 77 implants inserted, with a mean age of 54.84 ± 7.60 years, were matched for age, gender, compliance, smoking status, general health, and implant characteristics. Periodontal parameters were evaluated in the remaining teeth. Means per teeth and implants were used when making comparisons. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed between baseline and final examination in teeth for tPPD, tCAL and MBL. Furthermore, at 7.6 years, statistically significant differences existed between implants and teeth with regard to iCAL and tCAL (p = 0.03). Multiple regression analyses were performed and revealed a significant association regarding iPPD and CBL with smoking and periodontal diagnosis. In addition, FMBS was significantly associated with CBL. Unaffected/minimally affected implants were found more frequently in the posterior mandible, with longer lengths (>10 mm) and small diameters (<4 mm), including in screwed multi-unit bridges. CONCLUSIONS: The study results appear to reflect minimally affected mean crestal bone-level loss around implants in comparison to the marginal bone-level loss around teeth when exposed to uncontrolled severe periodontal disease over a mean period of observation of 7.6 years, while the unaffected/minimally affected implants seemed to benefit from a combination of clinical factors, including posterior mandibular position, smaller diameters, and screwed multi-unit restorations.

A Placebo-Controlled Trial to Evaluate Two Locally Delivered Antibiotic Gels (Piperacillin Plus Tazobactam vs. Doxycycline) in Stage III-IV Periodontitis Patients.

Background and objectives: this study aims to evaluate the clinical and microbiological effects of a single subgingival administration of a locally delivered antibiotic gel containing piperacillin plus tazobactam and compare it with a slow-release doxycycline (14%) gel and a placebo gel, following subgingival instrumentation (SI) in patients with severe periodontitis. Materials and methods: sixty-four patients diagnosed with stage III-IV periodontitis were enrolled, were randomly assigned into three groups, and were treated additionally with a single subgingival administration of piperacillin plus tazobactam gel (group A); doxycycline gel (group B); and placebo gel (group C). The primary outcome variable was the change in mean probing pocket depth (PPD) 6 months after the intervention. Secondary outcome variables were changes in mean full-mouth bleeding score (FMBS); full-mouth plaque score (FMPS); overall bleeding index (BOP); pocket closure; and clinical attachment level (CAL), along with changes in the numbers of five keystone bacteria: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a.), Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g.), Prevotella intermedia (P.i.), Tannerella forsythia (T.f.), and Treponema denticola (T.d.). Intergroup and intragroup differences were evaluated at 3 and 6 months. Results: at baseline, the three groups were comparable. An improvement in clinical parameters such as PPD, CAL, and BOP between groups was observed at 3 and 6 months, but without statistical significance (p > 0.05). At 6 months, the intragroup analysis showed a significant reduction in clinical parameters. Even though the piperacillin plus tazobactam group showed slightly higher PPD reduction, this was not statistically significant when compared to both control groups. Conclusions: The groups had similar results, and subgingival instrumentation can be executed without adjunctive antimicrobials, reducing the costs for the patient and the working time/load of the professional.

Is the Diagnosis of Generalized Stage IV (Severe) Periodontitis Compatible with the Survival of Extended Stabilizing Prosthetic Restorations? A Medium-Term Retrospective Study.

The aim of the study was to identify the most relevant patient-related factors directly involved (alone or in combinations) in the long-term survival and functionality of the abutment teeth of extensive stabilizing bridges and removable prosthesis, in patients treated for Stage IV periodontitis, adhering to SPT over a period of at least 5 years. Seventy-six patients treated between 2000-2022, rehabilitated with FDPs and RDPs, adhering to SPT for at least 5 years were included. Patient-related factors influencing retention of RDPs and FDP, survival rates in regular (RCs) and irregular compliers (ICs), and incidence of biological and technical complications were assessed. During a follow-up of 69 months, from 57 patients with FDPs and 19 patients with RDPs, 39 (51.32%) were ICs, while 37 (48.68%) were RCs. An overall statistically significant association (p = 0.04) was identified between biological complications and the type of prostheses. The RDP patients had more complications than FDP patients. In 5.26% of the RDP patients, root caries were identified, and 10.53% were diagnosed with a periapical (endodontic) lesion, while 3.51% of the FDPS patients presented root caries. In five (6.57%) cases, abutment loss resulted in the loss of the prosthesis. Statistically significant correlations were observed between systemic diseases and tooth loss, and between type of tooth lost and the reason for tooth loss, irrespective of the type of prosthesis. A total of 66.67% of the lost incisors, 85.71% of the lost premolars, and 88.89% of the lost molars occurred due to periodontal causes. Furthermore, 93% of the FDPs and RDPs were still in place and in function.

Clinical and microbiological effects of a single application of sodium hypochlorite gel during subgingival re-instrumentation: a triple-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to assess the clinical and microbiological effects of a single subgingival administration of sodium hypochlorite gel (NaOCl) and compare it with 1% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel and a placebo gel following mechanical re-instrumentation during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-two patients who had been treated for stage III-IV periodontitis and enrolled in SPT were included in the study based on following criteria: (1) active periodontal therapy completed at least 6 months before enrollment in the study, (2) presence of at least 4 non-adjacent sites with probing pocket depths (PPDs) ≥ 4 mm with bleeding on probing (BOP), or presence of 5-8 mm PPDs with or without BOP. All sites presenting PPD ≥ 4 mm and BOP at baseline and 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-up timepoints were subgingivally re-instrumented with ultrasounds. Selected patients were randomly assigned into three groups and treated additionally with a single subgingival administration of NaOCl gel (group A); 1% CHX gel (group B); and placebo gel (group C). Main outcome variable was pocket closure at 12 months. Secondary outcome variables were changes in mean PPD, BOP, and clinical attachment level (CAL) along with changes in the numbers of the following five keystone bacterial pathogens: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a.), Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g.), Prevotella intermedia (P.i.), Tannerella forsythia (T.f.), and Treponema denticola (T.d.). RESULTS: At 12 months, pocket closure was obtained in 77.5% in the NaOCl treated sites. The reduction in PPD was higher with CHX than with NaOCl, although a statistically significant adjunctive effect for NaOCl (P = 0.028) was only observed in comparison with placebo only. Mean CAL improved in all groups and at all timepoints, compared to the baseline (P < 0.05). However, after 6 months, CAL gain was statistically significantly higher in the NaOCl treated group than following application of CHX (P = 0.0026). CONCLUSION: In SPT patients, a single adjunctive use of a NaOCl gel may provide benefits in controlling inflammation and residual pockets. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN Registry of Clinical Trials (ISRCTN11387188). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A baseline single application of NaOCl gel in conjunction with mechanical debridement may achieve substantial pocket closure in patients enrolled in SPT; treatment time, cost, and applicability considerations should be taken into account when selecting this therapy.