Determination of serum and gingival crevicular fluid levels of omentin in healthy and rheumatoid arthritis subjects with and without periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess and correlate the serum and GCF levels of omentin with the periodontal status of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with and without periodontitis. METHODS: Forty-four patients were divided into four groups: group H: 11 systemically and periodontally healthy subjects; group P: 11 systemically healthy subjects with periodontitis; group RA: 11 periodontally healthy subjects with rheumatoid arthritis and group RA + P: 11 rheumatoid arthritis subjects with periodontitis. Periodontal parameters (plaque index, modified gingival index, probing depth, and clinical attachment level) were recorded and serum and GCF samples were collected for the estimation of omentin using ELISA. RESULTS: The mean value of plaque index, modified gingival index, probing depth, and clinical attachment level were significantly higher whereas serum and GCF omentin levels were found to be decreased in group IV when compared to the other groups. The significant correlation was found between the serum and GCF omentin levels with all the periodontal parameters. CONCLUSION: The omentin level in serum and GCF was found to be lower in RA patients with periodontitis. It is also inversely correlated with the periodontal parameters. Thus, omentin can serve as a significant diagnostic and therapeutic tool in both periodontal and rheumatoid disease.

Estimation of GCF and Salivary Levels of NT-proBNP in Systemically Healthy Subjects with Severe Chronic Periodontitis Before and After Periodontal Flap Surgery.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to estimate and compare the Saliva and GCF levels of NT-proBNP in systemically healthy subjects with severe chronic periodontitis before and after periodontal flap surgery. Materials and Methods: Twenty subjects were selected and divided into two groups based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Healthy Controls: 10 periodontally and systemically healthy subjects. Presurgery Group: 10 systemically healthy subjects with severe chronic generalized periodontitis. Postsurgery Group included Presurgery Group subjects who will undergo periodontal flap surgery. After the periodontal parameters were measured, GCF and saliva samples were collected. Postsurgery Group subjects underwent periodontal flap surgery and both periodontal parameters and GCF and saliva levels were reassessed after 6 months. Results: Presurgery Group showed a higher mean value of plaque index, modified gingival index, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level when compared to Healthy Controls and it was found to decrease after periodontal flap surgery (Postsurgery Group). Intergroup comparison (Presurgery Group vs Postsurgery Group) of the mean difference of salivary NT-proBNP was found to be statistically significant. GCF levels of NT-proBNP also decreased after periodontal flap surgery but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: NT pro-BNP levels were found to be higher in periodontitis group as compared to the controls. The levels decreased following surgical periodontal therapy, elucidating the role of periodontal treatment on the expression of NT-proBNP as a salivary and GCF marker. NT-proBNP could serve as a potential biomarker for periodontitis in saliva and GCF in future.

A clinical and histological evaluation of platelet-rich fibrin and CGF for root coverage procedure using coronally advanced flap: A split-mouth design.

The management of gingival recession associated with esthetic concerns and root hypersensitivity is challenging and its sequelae are based on the assessment of etiological factors and the degree of tissue involvement. Procedures using pedicle flaps, free soft-tissue grafts, combination of pedicle flaps with grafts, barrier membranes, and the use of platelet concentrates are all effective for this purpose. The use of the second-generation platelet concentrate, platelet rich fibrin (PRF) has been widely used. Lately, concentrated growth factor (CGF) has evolved as a promising regenerative material, wherein it also acts as a scaffold and accelerates wound healing due to its dense fibrin meshwork. A 21-year-old male patient presented with bilateral multiple gingival recessions due to faulty tooth brushing. Coronally advanced flap with Zuchelli's technique was planned as a treatment modality. Platelet concentrates PRF and CGF were placed bilaterally during the procedure, and the outcome of the treatment was compared. The percentage of root coverage was clinically evaluated, and histological evaluation was also done to assess the density of fibrin meshwork in the platelet concentrates. Nearly 100% of root coverage was achieved with both PRF and CGF membrane 3 months postoperatively. However, CGF showed satisfactory wound healing by the 10th-day postoperatively compared to PRF. As CGF operates on varying centrifugation to separate cells in the venous blood, thereby resulting in fibrin-rich blocks that are much larger, denser, and richer in growth factors as also shown histologically.

Treatment of gingival recession by coronally advanced flap in conjunction with platelet-rich fibrin or resin-modified glass-ionomer restoration: A clinical study.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to compare the outcome of coronally advanced flap (CAF) along with the use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) versus CAF in conjunction with a resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (RmGIC) for the management of Millers Class I and Class II gingival recession coupled with noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single and multiple Miller's Class I and Class II gingival recessions were chosen for the study. Twenty participants with total of 78 sites associated with NCCL bilaterally in the anterior and premolar region of maxilla were selected. Thirty-nine sites were treated with CAF and PRF and the remaining 39 sites were treated with CAF and RmGIC. Clinical parameters such as probing pocket depth, relative gingival recession, relative clinical attachment level, NCCL height, NCCL width, width of keratinized tissue, and keratinized tissue thickness were measured at baseline, 90th, and 180th day in both the groups. The presence or absence of dentin sensitivity (DS) was determined at baseline and 180th day. RESULTS: Both the groups showed optimal root coverage, with statistical significant difference in thickness of keratinized gingiva in Group I when compared to Group II from baseline to 90th day and from baseline to 180th day and also from 90th to 180th day. On comparing the DS between Group I and Group II from baseline to 180th day, Group II showed greater reduction in dentinal hypersensitivity as compared to Group I. CONCLUSION: The use of PRF along with CAF showed increased thickness of the keratinized tissue and the utilization of RmGIC resulted in decreased DS. Hence, the combination of CAF and PRF or CAF and RmGIC could provide a better treatment option in the management of gingival recession that is of esthetic concern.

Use of an amniotic membrane as a novel barrier in a tooth with a questionable prognosis.

The chief goal of combination therapy using guided tissue regeneration along with bone grafts is to optimally and predictably regenerate the periodontal attachment apparatus. The evolution of regenerative therapy along with careful patient selection and treatment planning can have positive results even in cases which are not ideal. The present case report describes a tooth with a questionable prognosis treated successively by endodontic then periodontal therapy using an amniotic membrane along with a bone graft to treat an intrabony defect. The follow-up, 12 months later showed a resolution of the interradicular lesion and a radiographic bone fill.

Minocycline Ointment as a Local Drug Delivery in the Treatment of Generalized Chronic Periodontitis - A Clinical Study.

INTRODUCTION: The primary goal in periodontal therapy includes removal of the etiological factors by mechanical periodontal treatment, which sometimes fail to eliminate the anaerobic infection at the base of the pocket and requires adjuvant chemical therapy. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 2% minocycline ointment when used as an adjunct to periodontal flap surgery and post-operative maintenance period for the treatment of generalized chronic periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 30 subjects comprising of 60 posterior sextants in a split mouth design in which 30 sextants were treated as experimental and 30 sextants as control with a probing pocket depth≥6mm. In Group A (experimental group) 30 sextants were treated with open flap debridement followed by the application of minocycline ointment as a local drug delivery. In Group B (control group) 30 sextants were treated with open flap debridement alone. Minocycline hydrochloride ointment was applied on the 0 day and 3(rd) month. The clinical parameters such as plaque index, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level and gingival bleeding index were recorded at 0 day, 3(rd) month and 6(th) month in both the groups. Paired and unpaired t-test were used to compare the means of the two groups. RESULTS: When Group A and Group B were compared, Group A showed significantly greater reduction in gingival bleeding index, probing pocket depth and gain in clinical attachment level than Group B, from 0 day to 3 months and from 0 day to 6 months. Group A showed significant reduction in plaque index than Group B when they were compared at 6 months. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that there was significant reduction in the clinical parameters with improvement in the periodontal status on application of minocycline ointment as an adjunct to periodontal flap surgery in generalized chronic periodontitis.

Management of Chronic Hyperplastic Pulpitis in Mandibular Molars of Middle Aged Adults- A Multidisciplinary Approach.

The molar tooth of children and young adults is a common site for chronic hyperplastic pulpitis (pulp polyp). It rarely occurs in middle aged adults. This condition is usually characterized by extensive involvement of the pulp, dictating the extraction of involved tooth. Extraction of permanent molars can lead to transient or permanent malocclusion, aesthetic, phonetic and functional problems. Here we report a case of pulp polyp in mandibular first molar of a 33-year-old woman that grew into the carious cavity. The aim of this case report is to describe the diagnosis of a chronic hyperplastic pulpitis involving the permanent molar as well as to describe its management in order to preserve them as a functional unit of the dentition.

Epigenetics and Periodontitis: A Contemporary Review.

Periodontitis is characterized by infection and inflammation of the tooth supporting structures. Few signs of susceptibility and recurrence after treatment are seen due to the outgrowth of various pathogenic microorganisms. Many studies have been done to understand the genetic basis of periodontal disease. An increased risk for periodontitis has been shown with the variations in genes related to the inflammatory response. Interestingly, some of the genes regulated by epigenetic modifications are modified in response to environmental stimuli. Conditions such as cancer, autoimmune or inflammatory diseases have been dispensed by epigenetic mechanisms. The understanding of these molecular mechanisms and the early detection of susceptibility may guide in future periodontal disease treatment and prevention.