Periodontal Evaluation for a New Alkasite Restorative Material in Noncarious Cervical Lesions: A Randomized-Controlled Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the periodontal condition adjacent to Cention N (CN) restorations applied for noncarious cervical lesions (NCCL) compared with resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RM-GIC) restorations in terms of plaque accumulation, attachment loss, and gingival inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a double-blind split-mouth three-armed randomized-controlled clinical trial. The study arms are RM-GIC (FUJI II LC), CN + adhesive system, and CN + retentive groove. The study included 25 restorations per arm. Follow-ups were performed at 1 week, 3, 6, and 9 months after the application of the restorations. The periodontal condition was evaluated using the plaque index (PI), the bleeding on probing index (BOP), and the probing depth (PD). Appropriate tests were used to perform statistical analyses (α = 0.05). RESULTS: There was no significant difference between Cention N and RM-GIC regarding the studied variables. However, after the application of the restorations, it was noted that the PI and the PD mean values increased. The average increase after 9 months was 0.06 and 0.34 for PI and PD, respectively, with that of PD being significant. It was also noted that the percentage of positive BOP sites increased at the 1-week follow-up for all study groups and afterward dropped to near preintervention values at the 3-month and later follow-ups. CONCLUSIONS: The two ion-releasing materials Cention N and RM-GIC have a comparable and clinically acceptable effect on the gingival tissue when restoring NCCLs. The combined effect of the gingival retraction cord and the rubber dam clamp on the periodontal tissues might be more important to consider, especially in relation to the probing depth. Future long-term studies are needed to evaluate the effect of Cention N on the subgingival biofilm in comparison with nonion-releasing restorative materials, and subsequently, its effect on gingival inflammation. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This clinical trial was registered in clinicaltrial.gov clinical registry under protocol #NCT05593159.

Effect of scaling on serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels and periodontal parameters in systemically healthy women of reproductive age group with gingivitis.

OBJECTIVE: Varying levels of sex hormones across the menstrual cycle in young systemically healthy females may alter tissue responses to plaque, resulting in increased gingival inflammation. Also, higher severity and prevalence of gingivitis has been demonstrated in adult women than men, attributed to hormonal changes. Further, it has been reported that gingivitis raises the levels of systemic inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein. This interventional trial aimed to evaluate the effect of supragingival scaling on serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels along with periodontal parameters in systemically healthy women of reproductive age with natural gingivitis. METHOD AND MATERIALS: In total, 57 women of reproductive age were enrolled into two groups. The test group (n = 30) comprised systemically healthy women with gingivitis who received supragingival scaling. The control group (n = 27) included systemically and periodontally healthy women. Periodontal parameters (Gingival Index, Plaque Index, pocket probing depth, bleeding on probing) and serum hsCRP levels were recorded at baseline for both the groups. Follow-up of test group participants was done at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: Serum hsCRP and periodontal parameters were significantly higher in the test group than in the control group at baseline, and this decreased significantly after treatment in the test group at the 6-month follow-up (P ≤ .05). Gingival Index, bleeding on probing, and hsCRP in the test group at 6 months were reduced to the baseline levels of systemically and periodontally healthy women. CONCLUSION: Treatment of gingival inflammation can help in lowering the systemic and local inflammation to the levels of systemically and periodontally healthy women.

The effects of scaling and root planing plus home oral hygiene maintenance in Stage I/II periodontitis population: A 24-week randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of powered and manual toothbrushing following scaling and root planing on bleeding on probing and other clinical indicators of periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a randomized, examiner-blind, parallel-design, 24-week clinical study. Eligible subjects were 18-75 years of age with Stage I or II periodontitis. All subjects received scaling and root planing (SRP) within 28 days of enrollment. Thereafter, subjects were randomized to twice daily at-home use of either a powered toothbrush (PTB) or a manual toothbrush (MTB). Randomization was balanced for gender and periodontitis stage. No other oral hygiene aids were permitted. Subjects were evaluated every 4 weeks for the following measures: bleeding on probing (BOP), surface plaque (MPI), probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level until Week 24. RESULTS: Of 328 randomized subjects, 299 subjects completed the study. For BOP at Week 24, the Least Squares (LS) Mean, standard error (SE) reduction from baseline was 0.24 (0.01) for the PTB group and 0.02 (0.01) for the MTB group, resulting in a statistically significant treatment difference of 0.22 (0.01), p-value < 0.0001. There were also concomitant reductions in MPI and PPD at Week 24, resulting in statistically significant (p-value < 0.0001) LS Mean (SE) treatment differences of 0.86 (0.04) and 0.24 (0.01), for MPI and PPD, respectively. CONCLUSION: When combined with SRP, daily home oral hygiene maintenance including a powered toothbrush significantly reduced clinical symptoms of periodontitis and surface plaque levels compared to a manual toothbrush in a Stage I/II periodontitis population. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04254770).

Reproducibility of Manual Periodontal Probing Following a Comprehensive Standardization and Calibration Training Program.

Background: Clinical standardization and calibration training is recommended to increase the reproducibility of periodontal probing, but its impact on manual periodontal probing outcomes has received little attention. This study examined the reproducibility of manual periodontal probing performed by a periodontist after completion of a comprehensive standardization and calibration training program. Methods: A newly-educated periodontist was subjected to an individualized periodontal probing standardization and calibration training program involving approximately 24 total hours of lecture, bench-top, and clinical instruction/evaluation. Satisfactory completion of each portion of the training program required ≥ 95% intra-examiner agreement within 1 mm between initial and repeat measurements, and a ≥ 90% level of exact agreement with measurements by a "gold standard" examiner. The periodontist then evaluated bleeding on probing (BOP) and performed duplicate measurements of probing depth (PD) and the distance between the cementoenamel junction and gingival margin (CEJ-GM) with a manual periodontal probe on 567 periodontal sites exhibiting ≥ 5 mm PD with BOP in 39 adults. Clinical periodontal attachment level (CAL) was calculated for each site as (PD) - (CEJ-GM). Results: Intra-examiner measurement error (the standard deviation for a single measurement) was found to be 0.21 mm for PD, 0.15 mm for CEJ-GM, and 0.26 mm for CAL. Replicate assessments of PD and CAL yielded excellent exact agreement kappa scores of 0.86 and 0.87, respectively. Greater intra-examiner measurement error was found at periodontal sites with more gingival inflammation as measured by higher BOP index scores. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that a rigorous periodontal probing standardization and calibration training program facilitates acquisition of highly reproducible PD and CAL assessments in moderate to deep inflamed periodontal pockets with a manual periodontal probe. Similar formal hands-on training should be incorporated into dental education programs and clinical research studies to improve the diagnostic performance of manual periodontal probing of the periodontium.

Low association between bleeding on probing propensity and the salivary aMMP-8 levels in adolescents with gingivitis and stage I periodontitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Bleeding on probing (BOP) is a widely accepted measure used in periodontal diagnostics. Previous studies suggest that several factors can affect BOP propensity. The aim of this study was to investigate the relative impact of different local and modifying factors on BOP levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The oral health of five hundred and forty-four adolescents (two birth cohorts) aged 15-17 years living in Kotka, Finland, was examined including periodontal probing depth, visible plaque index, root calculus, and BOP. Whole saliva samples were collected and measured for active matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) by time-resolved immunofluorometric assay (IFMA). RESULTS: Bacterial plaque/calculus accumulation (oral hygiene) had a major influence on BOP levels. The relative impact was several times greater compared with the extent of periodontal pocketing, aMMP-8 levels, smoking, toothbrushing, or gender. Furthermore, BOP levels were significantly elevated among adolescents with poor oral hygiene than good oral hygiene even if adjusted for the extent of periodontal pocketing (P < .001). BOP levels could be low even if several ≥ 4 mm deep periodontal pockets existed. The difference in the extent of periodontal pocketing was not significant between the two birth cohorts of adolescents (P = .731). CONCLUSIONS: BOP levels can be regarded as an important indicator of the extent of bacterial challenge and its adverse effects on the gingival inflammation. However, the level of oral hygiene may mask the association between the extent of gingival bleeding and the severity of the periodontal inflammatory condition. Thus, relying on BOP levels (below 10% or 20%) may provide insufficient information about the periodontal treatment need of an adolescent depending on his/her level of oral hygiene. Yet, more research is needed to confirm the results, also in adult populations.

The usage of a lactobacilli probiotic in the non-surgical therapy of peri-implantitis: A randomized pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: Examine the clinical and microbiological benefits of a dual-strain Lactobacillus reuteri probiotic on the non-surgical therapy of initial peri-implantitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized, double-blind study targeted patients with initial peri-implantitis, that is peri-implantitis with a maximum mean probing pocket depth of 6 mm and maximum 3 mm bone loss compared with loading. A full-mouth prophylaxis was performed and the peri-implantitis sites were debrided. Subsequently, local application of the study drops was carried out at the peri-implantitis sites and the study lozenges were handed out. The patients in the probiotic group received drops and lozenges containing L. reuteri (ATCC PTA 5289 & DSM 17938), those in the control group received placebo products. At the implant level the measurements of interest were bleeding, probing pocket depth and plaque. Full-mouth bleeding and plaque scores were also recorded. Microbiological samples were taken from the tongue, saliva and subgingivally around the implants. RESULTS: All clinical parameters were significantly decreased after 12 and 24 weeks. At the implant level the only statistically significant difference was a greater decrease in plaque levels in the probiotic versus the control group (p = .002 at 24 weeks). At the full-mouth level, the only intergroup difference was the greater decrease in full-mouth bleeding on probing sites in the probiotic group compared with the control group (p < .001 at 24 weeks). Concerning the microbiological outcomes, no significant differences could be found at any time point, neither intra- nor intergroup. CONCLUSIONS: No adjunctive effects of the use of L. reuteri probiotics in the treatment of peri-implantitis were found.

To what extent does smoking affect gingival bleeding response to supragingival plaque? Site-specific analyses in a population-based study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of smoking on the site-specific association between bleeding on gingival probing and supragingival plaque and to assess whether this differs in different regions of the dentition. METHODS: Data from a representative sample of 1911 adults (20-79 years old) in Northern Norway were analyzed. Periodontal examinations consisted of full-mouth recordings of periodontal probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and presence of supragingival plaque. Smoking status and background characteristics were self-reported by questionnaire. The association between plaque and BOP was assessed in several three-level (subject, tooth, and site) random intercept logistic regression models adjusted for PD, smoking status, socioeconomic factors, and body mass index. In a further model, it was assessed whether the association between supragingival plaque and BOP differed in different parts of the dentition. RESULTS: For plaque-free sites, bleeding tendency was lower in smokers, the odds ratio (OR) was 0.773 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.678-0.881 as compared to non-smokers (OR: 1; ref., P < .001). The odds of BOP at plaque-covered sites in non-smokers were increased twofold (OR: 2.117; 2.059-2.177). Albeit bleeding tendency was slightly increased in plaque-covered sites in smokers, it was considerably lower as compared to plaque-covered sites in non-smokers (OR: 1.459; 1.282-1.662, P < .001). Smoking ≥ 20 pack-years further attenuated the association. In smokers, the odds of BOP were reduced in all parts of the dentition, lower and upper anterior and posterior teeth ( χ ( 4 ) 2 = 32.043, P < .001). When restricting the data to younger adults (20-34 year old), smoking had only a slight effect on the association between plaque and BOP. For plaque-free and plaque-covered sites, differences in ORs were not statistically noticeable (P = .221 and P = .235, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Smoking considerably attenuates the site-specific association between plaque and BOP with a dose-dependent effect. The effect of smoking did not differ across tooth types.

Active Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 Point-of-Care (PoC)/Chairside Mouthrinse Test vs. Bleeding on Probing in Diagnosing Subclinical Periodontitis in Adolescents.

This cross-sectional study compares the effectiveness of an active MMP-8 (aMMP-8) point-of-care (PoC)/chairside mouthrinse test to the conventional bleeding on probing (BOP) (cutoff 20%) test in detecting subclinical periodontitis/pre-periodontitis in Finnish adolescents. The study was carried out at the Kotka Health Center, Finland. A total of 47 adolescents (30 boys/17 girls) aged 15⁻17 were first tested with the aMMP-8 PoC test, followed by a full-mouth evaluation of clinical parameters of oral health including periodontal, oral mucosal, and caries assessment. A periodontist performed these clinical examinations. The aMMP-8 PoC test result had much stronger association with subclinical periodontitis than the BOP 20% test (2.8⁻5.3 times stronger in terms of odds ratio). The aMMP-8 PoC test had ≥2 times higher sensitivity than the BOP 20% test with, generally, the same specificity. Further, the aMMP-8 PoC test had generally better accuracy and lower false negative percentages. The aMMP-8 PoC test seemed to be more effective than the conventional BOP test in detecting subclinical periodontitis/pre-periodontitis in adolescents reducing the risk of their undertreatment. However, the sample size may be a limiting factor, and more studies are needed to confirm our results for both adolescents and adults.

Potential impact of lingual retainers on oral health: comparison between conventional twistflex retainers and CAD/CAM fabricated nitinol retainers : A clinical in vitro and in vivo investigation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of a novel computer-fabricated lingual nitinol retainer compared to a conventional lingual flexible spiral wire twistflex retainer on oral health. METHODS: The study was based on a retrospective controlled clinical study with pilot character, an in vitro investigation of material-dependent biofilm formation and an analysis of biofilm formation after intraoral incubation. Sixty-one patients with completed fixed orthodontic treatment and retention phase for at least 6 months with twistflex retainers (group 1, n = 31) or computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) nitinol retainers (group 2, n = 30) were included and examined regarding plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depths, bleeding on probing (BOP) and marginal recessions (MR). Material-dependent biofilm formation of twistflex, untreated nitinol and electropolished nitinol wire samples were assessed (1) in vitro: using optical density (OD) measurement of 10 samples of each and (2) in vivo: using histomorphometric analysis of 18 samples of each. RESULTS: Patients treated with nitinol retainers had significant better oral health indices (PI1 = 1.29 ± 0.06, PI2 = 0.94 ± 0.06; GI1 = 0.71 ± 0.05, GI2 = 0.56 ± 0.04; BOP1 = 0.11 ± 0.01, BOP2 = 0.08 ± 0.01; PD1 = 1.79 ± 0.03 mm, PD2 = 1.59 ± 0.04 mm) except for MR (0.08 ± 0.03 mm versus 0.08 ± 0.02 mm) compared to twistflex retainers. After 24 h intraoral incubation nitinol retainers demonstrated significant less biofilm formation compared to twistflex retainers. In the in vitro investigation the temporary significant differences between the groups were compensated in the end. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results it can be assumed that nitinol-made CAD/CAM developed lingual retainers have a positive effect on oral health.

Added Sugar Consumption and Chronic Oral Disease Burden among Adolescents in Brazil.

Chronic oral diseases are rarely studied together, especially with an emphasis on their common risk factors. This study examined the association of added sugar consumption on "chronic oral disease burden" among adolescents, with consideration of obesity and systemic inflammation pathways through structural equation modeling. A cross-sectional study was conducted of a complex random sample of adolescent students enrolled at public schools in São Luís, Brazil ( n = 405). The outcome was chronic oral disease burden, a latent variable based on the presence of probing depth ≥4 mm, bleeding on probing, caries, and clinical consequences of untreated caries. The following hypotheses were tested: 1) caries and periodontal diseases among adolescents are correlated with each other; 2) added sugar consumption and obesity are associated with chronic oral disease burden; and 3) chronic oral disease burden is linked to systemic inflammation. Models were adjusted for socioeconomic status, added sugar consumption, oral hygiene behaviors, obesity, and serum levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6). All estimators of the latent variable chronic oral disease burden involved factor loadings ≥0.5 and P values <0.001, indicating good fit. Added sugar consumption (standardized coefficient [SC] = 0.212, P = 0.005), high IL-6 levels (SC = 0.130, P = 0.036), and low socioeconomic status (SC = -0.279, P = 0.001) were associated with increased chronic oral disease burden values. Obesity was associated with high IL-6 levels (SC = 0.232, P = 0.001). Visible plaque index was correlated with chronic oral disease burden (SC = 0.381, P < 0.001). Our finding that caries and periodontal diseases are associated with each other and with added sugar consumption, obesity, and systemic inflammation reinforces the guidance of the World Health Organization that any approach intended to prevent noncommunicable diseases should be directed toward common risk factors.

Comparison of periodontal and peri-implant inflammatory parameters among patients with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-diabetic controls.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to compare periodontal and periimplant inflammatory parameters (plaque index [PI], bleeding on probing [BOP], probing depth [PD] and marginal bone loss [MBL]) among patients with prediabetes, type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-diabetic controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients with prediabetes (Group-1), 43 patients with T2DM (Group-2) and 42 controls (Group-3) were included. Demographic data was recorded using a questionnaire. Full mouth and periimplant clinical (PI, BOP and PD) were assessed and the radiographic MBL were measured on digital radiographs. In all groups, haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were also measured. p values less than .05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean HbA1c levels of participants in groups 1, 2 and 3 were 6.1%, 8.4% and 4.8%, respectively. The mean duration of prediabetes and T2DM among patients in groups 1 and 2 were 1.9 ± 0.3 and 3.1 ± 0.5 years, respectively. Periodontal and periimplant PI, BOP, PD and MBL were higher in groups 1 (p < .05) and 2 (p < .05) than group 3. There was no difference in these parameters in groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal and periimplant inflammatory parameters were worse among patients with prediabetes and T2DM compared with controls; however, these parameters were comparable among patients with prediabetes and T2DM.

Periodontal treatment and HbA1c levels in subjects with diabetes mellitus.

It has earlier been reported that individuals with poorly controlled diabetes have severe periodontal disease (PD) compared to well-controlled diabetes. This longitudinal interventional study compared periodontal treatment outcomes with HbA1c level changes in four groups of diabetic and non-diabetic patients with or without PD, respectively. HbA1c, bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index and periodontal pocket depth (PPD) 4 < 6 mm and ≥6 mm were recorded at baseline to 3 months after non-surgical treatment and 3-6 months for surgical treatment in subjects with or without T2D, and with or without PD. A total of 129 patients were followed from baseline to 6 months. Diabetics with PD and without PD showed reductions in HbA1c levels with a mean value of 0·3% after 3 months and mean values of 1% and 0·8%, respectively, after 6 months. Diabetics with PD showed higher levels of BOP versus non-diabetics without PD (P < 0·01) and versus diabetics without PD (P < 0·05) at baseline. After 6 months, diabetics with PD showed higher number of PPD 4 < 6 mm versus diabetics without PD (P < 0·01) and non-diabetics with PD (P < 0·01). Diabetics without PD showed higher levels of PPD 4 < 6 mm versus non-diabetics without PD (P < 0·01). Surgical and non-surgical periodontal treatment in all groups improved periodontal inflammatory conditions with a decrease in HbA1c levels in a period of three and 6 months. No change was seen in the number of pockets PPD 4 < 6 mm in diabetic subjects with PD after non-surgical and surgical treatment.

Periodontal Inflammatory Conditions Among Smokers and Never-Smokers With and Without Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

BACKGROUND: There is a dearth of studies regarding the influence of cigarette smoking on periodontal inflammatory conditions among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of the present study is to assess periodontal inflammatory conditions among smokers and never-smokers with and without T2DM. METHODS: One hundred individuals (50 patients with T2DM [25 smokers and 25 never-smokers] and 50 controls [25 smokers and 25 never-smokers]) were included. Information regarding age, sex, duration and daily frequency of smoking, duration and treatment of diabetes, and oral hygiene was recorded using a questionnaire. Periodontal parameters (plaque index [PI], bleeding on probing [BOP], probing depth [PD], clinical attachment loss [AL], and marginal bone loss [MBL]) were measured. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were also recorded. RESULTS: Mean age, monthly income status, and education levels were comparable among smokers and never-smokers with and without T2DM. Mean HbA1c levels were significantly higher among patients with T2DM (8.2% ± 0.1%) compared with controls (4.4% ± 0.3%) (P <0.05). Smokers in the control group were smoking significantly greater numbers of cigarettes (15.5 ± 2.5 cigarettes daily) compared with smokers with T2DM (6.2 ± 2.1 cigarettes daily) (P <0.05). Periodontal parameters were comparable among smokers and never-smokers with T2DM. Among controls, periodontal parameters (PI [P <0.05], AL [P <0.05], PD ≥4 mm [P <0.05], and MBL [P <0.05]) were significantly higher in smokers than never-smokers. Never-smokers with T2DM had worse periodontal status than smokers and never-smokers in the control group (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal inflammatory conditions are comparable among smokers and never-smokers with T2DM. Among controls, periodontal inflammation is worse among smokers than never-smokers.

Gingival bleeding on probing: relationship to change in periodontal pocket depth and effect of sodium hypochlorite oral rinse.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the potential of gingival bleeding on probing to serve as a predictor of future periodontal breakdown. It also assessed the ability of 0.25% sodium hypochlorite twice-a-week oral rinse to convert periodontal pockets showing bleeding on probing to nonbleeding sites. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed as a randomized, single-blinded, clinical trial in parallel groups. Seven periodontitis patients rinsed twice-weekly for 3 mo with 15 mL of a fresh solution of 0.25% sodium hypochlorite, and five periodontitis patients rinsed with water. The 12 study patients received no subgingival or supragingival scaling. Clorox(®) Regular-Bleach was the source of sodium hypochlorite. At baseline and 3-mo visits, gingival bleeding was assessed within 30 s after probing to full pocket depth using an approximate force of 0.75 N. RESULTS: A total of 470 (38%) of 1230 periodontal pockets in the bleach-rinse group revealed bleeding on probing at the initial visit but not at the 3-mo visit; only 71 (9%) of 828 pockets in the control group became bleeding-negative during the study (p < 0.001). Bleeding on probing in 4- to 7-mm-deep pockets decreased by 53% in the bleach-rinse group but increased by 6% in the water-rinse group (p < 0.001). Ninety-seven pockets showed depth increases of ≥ 2 mm after 3 mo: 60 (62%) of those pockets exhibited bleeding on probing at both the initial and the 3-mo visits; 24 (25%) bled at only one of the two visits; and 13 (13%) never demonstrated gingival bleeding (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Persistent gingival bleeding on probing was associated with an increased risk for periodontal breakdown, and the absence of gingival bleeding seemed to be a useful, although not perfect, indicator of disease stability. Twice-weekly oral rinsing with dilute bleach (0.25% sodium hypochlorite) produced a significant reduction in bleeding on probing, even in deep unscaled pockets. Sodium hypochlorite constitutes a valuable antiseptic in periodontal self-care.

Management of shortened dental arches and periodontal health: 5-year results of a randomised trial.

In a multicentre randomised trial (German Research Association, grants DFG WA 831/2-1 to 2-6, WO 677/2-1.1 to 2-2.1.; controlled-trials.com ISRCTN97265367), patients with complete molar loss in one jaw received either a partial removable dental prosthesis (PRDP) with precision attachments or treatment according to the SDA concept aiming at pre-molar occlusion. The objective of this current analysis was to evaluate the influence of different treatments on periodontal health. Linear mixed regression models were fitted to quantify the differences between the treatment groups. The assessment at 5 years encompassed 59 patients (PRDP group) and 46 patients (SDA group). For the distal measuring sites of the posterior-most teeth of the study jaw, significant differences were found for the plaque index according to Silness and Löe, vertical clinical attachment loss (CAL-V), probing pocket depth (PPD) and bleeding on probing. These differences were small and showed a slightly more unfavourable course in the PRDP group. With CAL-V and PPD, significant differences were also found for the study jaw as a whole. For CAL-V, the estimated group differences over 5 years amounted to 0.27 mm (95% CI 0.05; 0.48; P = 0.016) for the study jaw and 0.25 mm (95% CI 0.05; 0.45; P = 0.014) for the distal sites of the posterior-most teeth. The respective values for PPD were 0.22 mm (95% CI 0.03; 0.41; P = 0.023) and 0.32 mm (95% CI 0.13; 0.5; P = 0.001). It can be concluded that even in a well-maintained.patient group statistically significant although minor detrimental effects of PRDPs on periodontal health are measurable.

Short-term evaluation of dental implants in a diabetic population: an in vivo study.

PURPOSE: The study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of implant supported tooth replacement in diabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved placement of implants (UNITI implants, Equinox Medical Technologies, Zeist, Holland, diameter of 3.7 mm and length 13 mm) in five diabetic patients (three females and two males) of age ranging from 35-65 years with acceptable metabolic control of plasma glucose. All patients included in the study were indicated for single tooth maxillary central incisor replacement, with the adjacent teeth intact. The survival of the restored implants was assessed for a period of three months by measurement of crestal bone heights, bleeding on probing and micro flora predominance. Paired t-test was done to find out the difference in the microbial colonization, bleeding on probing and crestal bone loss. P values of less than 0.05 were taken to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: Results indicated that there was a significant reduction in bleeding on probing and colonization at the end of three months and the bone loss was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The study explores the hypothesis that patients with diabetes are appropriate candidates for implants and justifies the continued evaluation of the impact of diabetes on implant success and complications.