Assessment of the Salivary Concentrations of Selected Immunological Components in Adult Patients in the Late Period after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation-A Translational Study.

(1) The aim of the study was to analyze the salivary concentrations of lysozyme, lactoferrin, and sIgA antibodies in adult patients in the late period after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT). The relationship between these concentrations and the salivary secretion rate and the time elapsed after alloHSCT was investigated. The relationship between the concentrations of lysozyme, lactoferrin, and sIgA and the titer of the cariogenic bacteria S. mutans and L. acidophilus was assessed. (2) The study included 54 individuals, aged 19 to 67 (SD = 40.06 ± 11.82; Me = 39.5), who were 3 to 96 months after alloHSCT. The concentrations of lysozyme, lactoferrin, and sIgA were assessed in mixed whole resting saliva (WRS) and mixed whole stimulated saliva (WSS). (3) The majority of patients had very low or low concentrations of the studied salivary components (WRS-lysozyme: 52, lactoferrin: 36, sIgA: 49 patients; WSS-lysozyme: 51, lactoferrin: 25, sIgA: 51 patients). The levels of lactoferrin in both WRS and WSS were statistically significantly higher in the alloHSCT group than in the control group (CG) (alloHSCT patients-WRS: M = 40.18 µg/mL; WSS: M = 27.33 µg/mL; CG-WRS: M = 17.58 µg/mL; WSS: 10.69 µg/mL). No statistically significant correlations were observed between lysozyme, lactoferrin, and sIgA concentrations and the time after alloHSCT. In the group of patients after alloHSCT a negative correlation was found between the resting salivary flow rate and the concentration of lactoferrin and sIgA. The stimulated salivary flow rate correlated negatively with lactoferrin and sIgA concentrations. Additionally, the number of S. mutans colonies correlated positively with the concentration of lysozyme and sIgA. (4) The concentrations of non-specific and specific immunological factors in the saliva of patients after alloHSCT may differ when compared to healthy adults; however, the abovementioned differences did not change with the time after transplantation.

Tunnel technique with cross-linked hyaluronic acid in addition to subepithelial connective tissue graft, compared with connective tissue graft alone, for the treatment of multiple gingival recessions: 6-month outcomes of a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate differences in clinical and esthetic outcomes in the treatment of multiple gingival recession types 1 and 2, using the modified coronally advanced tunnel technique (MCAT) combined with subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG), with or without cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 patients with 266 multiple gingival recessions (GR) were enrolled in the study (133 recessions per group). MCAT was combined with SCTG and HA on the test side, while MCAT with SCTG was used on the control side. Clinical parameters were measured at baseline and 6 months post-operatively. Visual analogue scales (VAS) and questionnaires were used to assess patient-rated outcomes, and the root coverage esthetic score (RES) was used for professional esthetic evaluation. RESULTS: No significant improvement in root coverage was observed as a result of adding HA. After 6 months, mean root coverage (MRC) was 85% for SCTG + HA group and 83% for SCTG group (p = 0.9819). Complete root coverage (CRC) was observed in 91% (test) and 93% (control) of the cases (p = 0.9001). Professional assessment of soft tissue texture (STT) using RES showed a significant difference (0.94 versus 0.69, p = 0.0219) in favor of the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: Both treatments were similarly effective in treating multiple GRs and led to comparable improvements in clinical parameters. However, application of HA improved the appearance of soft tissue texture. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Adjunctive application of HA in the MCAT + SCTG procedure may improve STT results.

Oral Glucosamine in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review.

Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) occur frequently within the general population and are the most common non-dental cause of orofacial pain. Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ OA) is a degenerative joint disease (DJD). There have been several different methods of treatment of TMJ OA listed, including pharmacotherapy among others. Due to its anti-aging, antioxidative, bacteriostatic, anti-inflammatory, immuno-stimulating, pro-anabolic and anti-catabolic properties, oral glucosamine seems to be a potentially very effective agent in the treatment of TMJ OA. The aim of this review was to critically assess the efficacy of oral glucosamine in the treatment of TMJ OA on the basis of the literature. PubMed and Scopus databases were analyzed with the keywords: (temporomandibular joints) AND ((disorders) OR (osteoarthritis)) AND (treatment) AND (glucosamine). After the screening of 50 results, eight studies have been included in this review. Oral glucosamine is one of the symptomatic slow-acting drugs for osteoarthritis. There is not enough scientific evidence to unambiguously confirm the clinical effectiveness of glucosamine supplements in the treatment of TMJ OA on the basis of the literature. The most important aspect affecting the clinical efficacy of oral glucosamine in the treatment of TMJ OA was the total administration time. Administration of oral glucosamine for a longer period of time, i.e., 3 months, led to a significant reduction in TMJ pain and a significant increase in maximum mouth opening. It also resulted in long-term anti-inflammatory effects within the TMJs. Further long-term, randomized, double-blind studies, with a unified methodology, ought to be performed to draw the general recommendations for the use of oral glucosamine in the treatment of TMJ OA.

Effect of 24% EDTA root conditioning on the outcome of modified coronally advanced tunnel technique with subepithelial connective tissue graft for the treatment of multiple gingival recessions: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate effects of root conditioning with 24% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on the 12-month outcomes after treatment of multiple gingival recessions (GR) with modified coronally advanced tunnel (MCAT) and subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with 142 GR were treated (72 test sites: SCTG + EDTA and 70 control sites: SCTG). Average and complete root coverage (ARC, CRC), gain in keratinized tissue width (KTW), gain in gingival thickness (GT), root esthetic coverage score (RES), and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were evaluated at 12 months post-operatively. RESULTS: Differences between pre- and post-operative values were statistically significant only within but not between treatment modalities. At 12 months, ARC was 86.0% for SCTG + EDTA-treated and 84.6 for SCTG-treated defects (p = 0.6636). CRC was observed in 90.2% (tests) and 91.4% (controls) of all cases (p = 0.9903). Professional assessment of esthetic outcomes using RES showed highly positive results reaching the value of 8.9 in case of test sites and 8.7 for control sites (p = 0.3358). Severity of pain and swelling did not differ between sites, regardless of whether EDTA was used. CONCLUSIONS: Test and control sites presented similarly positive outcomes related to root coverage, periodontal and esthetic parameters, and patient satisfaction and self-reported morbidity with no statistical differences between them 12 months after surgery. No significant differences in evaluated variables were observed between sites treated with and without 24% EDTA. Clinical relevance Considering the limitations of the present study, the use of 24% EDTA for root conditioning did not improve 12-month outcomes after treatment of multiple RT1 and RT2 gingival recessions with MCAT and SCTG. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03354104.

Modified coronally advanced tunnel technique with enamel matrix derivative in addition to subepithelial connective tissue graft compared with connective tissue graft alone for the treatment of multiple gingival recessions: prognostic parameters for clinical treatment outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate factors that influence 12-month outcomes after treatment of multiple gingival recessions (GR) with modified coronally advanced tunnel (MCAT) and subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) with enamel matrix derivative (EMD) (tests) or without (controls). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with 150 GR were treated. Logistic regression models were used to identify baseline parameters that could predict 12-month average root coverage (ARC), complete root coverage (CRC), root esthetic coverage score (RES), gain in keratinized tissue width (KTW), and gain in gingival thickness (GT). RESULTS: The likelihood of ARC > 85% increased sevenfold (odds ratio [OR] = 7.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.43-12.12), of achieving CRC: 21-fold (OR = 21.23; 95% CI = 10.21-45.32), and of gaining RES = 10: tenfold (OR = 10.23; 95% CI = 5.78-32.23) in favor of EMD-treated sites. With each 1-mm2 increase in baseline avascular exposed root surface area (AERSA), the odds of failure (ARC ≤ 85%, not achieving CRC and postoperative GT ≤ 2 mm) increased almost fourfold (OR = 3.56; 95% CI = 1.98-10.19), fourfold (OR = 4.23; 95% CI = 1.11-9.02), and nearly sixfold (OR = 5.76; 95% CI = 2.43-12.87), respectively. The greater the baseline GT, the more likely the chance of achieving CRC (OR = 10.23; 95% CI = 8.37-16.23) and RES = 10 (OR = 5.50; 95% CI = 3.34-16.43). All models exhibited fair to excellent discrimination and satisfactory calibration. CONCLUSIONS: Based on logistic regression, EMD application improved postoperative ARC, CRC and RES; baseline AERSA predicted 12-month ARC, CRC, and GT gain, whereas baseline GT was a predictor of achieving CRC and perfect RES. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Additional use of EMD, lower baseline AERSA, and greater baseline GT significantly increase the odds of obtaining better outcomes 12 months after MCAT + SCTG technique.

The utility of gingival crevicular fluid matrix metalloproteinase-8 provides site-specific diagnostic value for periodontal grading.

INTRODUCTION: Matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), and its active form aMMP-8, was identified as a potential biomarker of periodontal tissue destruction. It is present at different concentrations in various oral fluids. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected from periodontal pockets ≥ 6 mm of 24 untreated patients using paper points and clinical parameters were recorded. 12 subjects were diagnosed with periodontitis stage III grade B, and 12 others with periodontitis stage III grade C. After thorough preparations, samples were collected following manufacturers' instructions and analyzed using a commercially available test system for aMMP-8 evaluation (aMMP-8 Test) and Periotron 8000 together with Quantikine kits for assessment of total MMP-8 concentration (controls). Microbiological evaluation of the same pockets was carried out using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Concentrations of both total MMP-8 and aMMP-8 in GCF were higher in the case of periodontitis grade C, compared to periodontitis grade B, but reached statistical significance only in the case of total MMP-8 (77.17 ng/ml and 18.73 ng/ml respectively; p = 0.0104). Positive correlations were found between total MMP-8 and aMMP-8 levels and the prevalence of Fusobacterium nucleatum, mean probing pocket depth of all pockets, % of pockets ≥ 6 mm, as well as probing pocket depth of pocket from which GCF samples were collected. CONCLUSIONS: GCF concentration levels of both total MMP-8 and aMMP-8 correlated with severity of periodontal destruction, whereas total MMP-8 appeared to be a preferable method for differentiation of periodontal grading. However, the aMMP-8 Test was easier and more convenient to handle.

Tunnel technique with enamel matrix derivative in addition to subepithelial connective tissue graft compared with connective tissue graft alone for the treatment of multiple gingival recessions: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of the modified coronally advanced tunnel technique (MCAT) combined with subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) with or without enamel matrix derivative (EMD), in the treatment of gingival recession types 1 and 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 patients with 150 multiple gingival recessions (GR) were included in the study. On one side, MCAT was combined with SCTG and EMD (tests), whereas MCAT with SCTG was applied on the contralateral side (controls). Clinical parameters were measured at baseline and 6 months after surgery. Visual analog scales (VAS) and questionnaires were used to assess patient-reported outcomes and the root coverage esthetic score (RES) for professional esthetic evaluation. RESULTS: MCAT+SCTG+EMD was not superior with regard to root coverage. At 6 months, average root coverage (ARC) was 87.4% for SCTG+EMD-treated and 90.9% for SCTG-treated defects (p = 0.4170). Complete root coverage (CRC) was observed in 86.7% (tests) and 85.3% (controls) of the cases (p = 0.9872). Significantly less pain was reported using VAS (p = 0.0342) post-operatively in the SCTG+EMD group. Professional assessment of esthetic outcomes using RES showed a significant difference (9.25 versus 8.71, p = 0.0103) in favor of the test group. CONCLUSIONS: Both treatment modalities were equally effective in treatment of multiple GR and led to similar improvements in clinical parameters. However, the application of EMD as an adjunct resulted in less post-operative pain and better professionally assessed esthetic outcomes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Patients' early morbidity and 6-month esthetic outcomes following GR coverage with MCAT might be influenced by means of EMD utilization.

Treatment of intrabony defects with modified perforated membranes in aggressive periodontitis: a 4-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: (1) To assess long-term outcomes 4 years following guided tissue regeneration (GTR) of intrabony defects in patients diagnosed with aggressive periodontitis (AgP) and (2) to identify predictors of clinical attachment level (CAL) gain and bone/graft density gain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 15 patients, two deep intrabony defects were randomly treated with xenogenic graft plus modified perforated membranes (MPM, tests) or xenogenic graft plus standard collagen membranes (CM, controls). After 4 years, clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated and compared with outcomes at baseline and after 1 year. RESULTS: After 4 years, 14 test sites and 13 control sites were available for analysis. One tooth was lost as a result of root fracture. There were significant improvements in all evaluated parameters after 1 and 4 years in relation to baseline, but no differences were observed between tests and controls. However, some non-significant changes were found between 1 and 4 years. Regression analyses showed that recurrence of periodontitis was a significant predictor for CAL gain (p = 0.001) and bone/graft density gain (p = 0.024) from 1 to 4 years. CONCLUSIONS: GTR of intrabony defects in AgP with either standard or modified CM yielded similarly successful and maintainable clinical benefits for compromised teeth 4 years following the surgery. The use of MPM showed no additional benefit. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study demonstrates that most of the positive outcomes of GTR in AgP may be preserved over 4 years. Periodontitis recurrence might influence long-term outcomes.

Is the progression rate of periodontitis related to subgingival biofilm composition or gingival crevicular fluid IL-1ß and MMP-8 concentrations?

AIM OF THE STUDY: To analyze the composition of subgingival biofilm and to assess the concentration of IL-1 and MMP-8 in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from deep periodontal pockets in patients with severe periodontitis to determine whether the presence of specific microbial species or the severity of the host's immune response can be helpful in assessing the dynamics of disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 30 individuals with periodontitis Grade B and 19 subjects with periodontitis Grade C. Quantitative and qualitative microbiological analysis of flora in pockets ≥ 7 mm was performed for the presence of selected periopathogens of the orange, red complex and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans using real-time PCR. The concentrations of IL-1 and MMP-8 in GCF were evaluated with the ELISA method. RESULTS: There were no differences in the composition of the subgingival biofilm depending on the diagnosis. The concentration of MMP-8 in GCF was significantly higher in periodontitis Grade C than in periodontitis Grade B (61 ng/µl and 37 ng/µl respectively, p = 0.039). The concentration of IL-1ß was similar in both groups. No significant correlations were observed between the occurrence of individual periopathogens and concentrations of MMP-8 and IL-1ß depending on the diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontitis grade may not be distinguished according to microbial analysis of subgingival biofilm or to concentration of IL-1ß in GCF. On the other hand, higher concentrations of MMP-9 in GCF from deep pockets may be helpful in detecting subjects particularly prone to occurrence and rapid progress of periodontitis.

Treatment of intrabony defects with modified perforated membranes in aggressive periodontitis: subtraction radiography outcomes, prognostic variables, and patient morbidity.

OBJECTIVES: The main objectives of this study were (1) to evaluate bone/graft density alterations by digital subtraction radiography; (2) to determine factors associated with favorable clinical and radiographic outcomes, and (3) to report on patient morbidity after guided tissue regeneration (GTR) in aggressive periodontitis (AgP) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adapting a split-mouth design, 30 comparative intrabony defects in 15 patients were randomly treated with xenogenic graft plus modified perforated membranes (MPM, tests) or xenogenic graft plus standard collagen membranes (CM, controls). The time period of observation was 12 months. RESULTS: There were significant improvements in clinical and radiographic parameters within each group, without intergroup differences. However, higher PPD reduction for three-wall defects was noted in MPM sites (5.22 versus 3.62 mm; p = 0.033). Moreover, a significant gain in bone/graft density of 4.9% from 6 to 12 months post-operatively was observed in test sites. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that morphology of intrabony defects was a predictor of CAL gain (p = 0.06), while independent prognostic variables effecting changes in bone/graft density were radiographic defect depth (p = 0.025) and radiographic angle (p = 0.033). The majority of patients reported some discomfort, pain, and edema with mild intensity without any significant differences between treatment modalities. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated enhanced bone/graft density gain after GTR with MPM, which may indicate greater area of new bone formation. Independent variables effecting treatment outcomes were intrabony defect morphology, radiographic defect depth, and radiographic angle. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study supports the regenerative treatment of intrabony defects in AgP patients and identifies some variables with prognostic value.

Salivary interleukin 6, interleukin 8, interleukin 17A, and tumour necrosis factor α levels in patients with periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis share risk factors and inflammatory pathways that could be related to cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, IL-17A, and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The aim of this study was to compare periodontal status and salivary levels of selected cytokines between patients diagnosed with RA and periodontitis. RA patients were assessed for the potential influence of anti-rheumatic therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and six patients were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. Medical assessment and periodontal examination were performed in 35 patients with chronic periodontitis, in 35 patients with RA and chronic periodontitis, and in 36 controls. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were analysed for IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, and TNF-α. RESULTS: Significant differences in biomarkers and periodontal parameters were found among groups. Study groups exhibited higher mean pocket depth (PD), number of PD > 4 mm, and mean clinical attachment loss, when compared with controls. The RA group had lower bleeding on probing index and PD, but higher values of plaque indices than the periodontitis group. Concentration of evaluated cytokines were higher in the RA and periodontitis groups, compared with controls. The periodontitis group showed also higher levels of IL-6, IL-17A, and TNF-α in comparison to RA. RA patients were treated with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and glucocorticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS: Salivary levels of IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, and TNF-α can be affected by periodontitis, RA, and presumably DMARDs. DMARD therapy appears to reduce destructive and inflammatory processes in periodontal tissues because lower values of PD, BOP, and salivary levels of IL-6, IL-17A, and TNF-α were found in RA.

Treatment of intrabony defects with modified perforated membranes in aggressive periodontitis: a 12-month randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic efficacy of guided tissue regeneration with a modified perforated collagen membrane (MPM) or standard collagen membrane (CM) in the treatment of intrabony defects in patients with aggressive periodontitis (AgP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen AgP patients were included in the study. Two single intrabony defects of at least 3 mm depth with ≥ 6 mm probing pocket depth (PPD) from each patient were randomly assigned to either xenogenic graft plus MPM (test group) or xenogenic graft plus CM (control group). PPD, clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival recession (GR) were recorded at baseline and at 12 months. The radiographic assessments included the measurements of defect depth (DD), change in alveolar crest position (ACP), linear defect fill (LDF), and percentage defect fill (%DF). RESULTS: After treatment, PPD, CAL, DD, and ACP values improved significantly in both groups, without statistical differences between them. However, with respect to LDF and %DF, the 12-month radiographic analysis at MPM-treated sites showed a significant improvement compared to the 6-month outcomes, that was not observed at control sites (additional LDF of 0.4 ± 0.5 mm, p = 0.010 and %DF of 6.4 ± 7.6%, p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Both strategies proved effective in the treatment of intrabony defects in patients with AgP. Nonetheless, enhanced LDF and %DF 12 months postoperatively at MPM-treated sites may stem from cellular and molecular migration from the periosteum and overlying gingival connective tissue through barrier's pores. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Modification of CM may have positive ramifications on periodontal regeneration.

The impact of periodontal treatment on inflammatory markers and cellular parameters associated with atherosclerosis in patients after myocardial infarction.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyze whether periodontal treatment affects the cardiovascular risk profile of patients after myocardial infarction (MI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 30 patients with chronic periodontitis (ChP). Sociodemographic and medical variables were collected. Patients were provided with scaling and root planing (SRP) 3 months after MI (1st visit). Periodontal examination and blood tests were performed immediately before SRP, then 1 month and 6 months after treatment (2nd and 3rd visit, respectively). RESULTS: A statistically significant decrease in blood hsCRP concentration and a decrease in the number of white blood cells (WBC) and neutrophils between the first and the second visit were observed. At 6 months after SRP, the mean platelet volume (MPV) had increased with respect to the value at 1 month after treatment. Multivariate analysis showed that the associations between: 1) change in LDL-C concentration and change in approximal plaque index value (b = -0.546, p = 0.005); 2) change in the number of monocytes and change in the plaque index value (b = 0.616, p = 0.01); 3) change in MPV and change in probing pocket depth (b = 0.567, p = 0.018) are all independent of the classic cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results indicate the existence of a relationship between the state of periodontal tissues on one hand and mediators of atherosclerosis and the number of immunologically competent cells on the other hand.

Gingiva as a new and the most accessible source of mesenchymal stem cells from the oral cavity to be used in regenerative therapies.

Since the discovery of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs), many researchers have focused their attention on new sources of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Consequently, MSCs that display self-renewal capacity, multidifferentiation potential and immunomodulatory properties have been isolated from human oral tissues, including tooth, periodontal ligament, and gingiva. Oral MSCs involve dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), stem cells from exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED), periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs), dental follicle stem cells (DFCs), stem cells from apical papilla (SCAP) and gingival stem cells (GMSCs). Current research on oral stem cells is expanding at an unprecedented rate. That being the case, a plethora of in vitro differentiation assays, immunodeficient animal transplantations and preclinical trials have demonstrated that these cells exhibit strong potential for both regenerative dentistry and medicine. Oral MSCs have proved their capability to repair cornea, dental pulp, periodontal, bone, cartilage, tendon, neural, muscle and endothelial tissues without neoplasm formation as well as to treat inflammatory diseases and immune disorders. This article describes the current understanding of oral MSCs and their prospective applications in cell-based therapy, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Special attention is placed on GMSCs as they are easily accessible and may be obtained in a convenient and minimally invasive way.

Oral health in postmenopausal and premenopausal women after myocardial infarction in Poland: a preliminary study.

INTRODUCTION: Age and hormonal disorders are recognized factors impacting the periodontium and the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, but as yet the relationship between these two conditions in postmenopausal (post-M) and premenopausal (pre-M) women in Poland has not been assessed. The aim of this study was to compare the periodontal status in women after myocardial infarction (MI) with women without MI history and to determine risk factors for periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 35 women hospitalized due to MI, average age 54.7 ± 9.4 years, and 96 women randomly drawn from the general population, average age 56.1 ± 10.0 years. All women were checked for periodontitis risk factors (education, socioeconomic status, tobacco smoking, stress), and underwent dental examination. RESULTS: The lowest number of teeth was found in post-M women after MI (median = 8), whereas pre-M women without MI history had 25 teeth. Edentulousness occurred more frequently in post-M women compared with pre-M women (12.2% vs. 0%), the same was observed for advanced periodontitis (28.4% vs. 21.1%). The severity of periodontitis was highest in the post-M subgroup (more than half demonstrated advanced periodontitis or edentulousness). The most important risk factor for periodontitis, regardless of age, was the level of education. In post-M women the second risk factor was smoking, while in pre-M women negative stress. CONCLUSIONS: The status of oral health in post-M women is unsatisfactory, particularly in those affected by cardiovascular diseases. It is necessary to take preventive and educational measures targeted at these women.

Tunnel technique and subepithelial connective tissue graft, with or without cross-linked hyaluronic acid, in the treatment of multiple gingival recessions: 12-month outcomes of a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the influence of the adjunctive application of a cross-linked hyaluronic acid (HA) in the treatment of multiple gingival recessions, using a modified coronally advanced tunnel (MCAT) technique and subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) (MCAT+SCTG±HA). METHODS: A randomized, split-mouth, double-masked comparison of the effects of MCAT+HA+SCTG (test) versus MCAT+SCTG (control) in the treatment of multiple, contralateral gingival recessions with clinical, esthetic, and histological evaluations was carried out. All samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, Verhoeff-Van Gieson, and Alcian blue stain for semiquantitative evaluation. The primary outcome variable was 12-month mean root coverage (MRC). RESULTS: Twenty-four patients with 266 gingival recessions received both control and test treatments (133 recessions per group). 12-month MRC of the MCAT+HA+SCTG group was not significantly different from the MCAT+SCTG group with 84.32%±  34.46% and 85.71%±  36.43%, respectively (p = 0.991). Both treatment modes produced favorable esthetic outcomes (root coverage esthetic score [RES] 9.51±  1.01 tests vs. 9.26±  1.10 controls, p = 0.7292). However, the application of HA improved soft tissue texture (p = 0.0091). The remaining end point measures did not differ significantly between groups. Histological evaluation showed a significantly greater number of elastic fibers and a moderate increase in collagen fiber density in biopsy samples taken from the test sides when compared to the control sides (p = 0.0419 and p = 0.300, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: MCAT+SCTG is an effective procedure in the treatment of multiple recession Type 1 (RT1) and RT2 recessions. There were no statistically significant differences in evaluated clinical treatment outcomes in the MCAT+HA+SCTG group compared to the MCAT+SCTG group within a period of 12 months. The application of HA increased collagen and elastic fiber density.

Relationship between the Status of Third Molars and the Occurrence of Dental and Periodontal Lesions in Adjacent Second Molars in the Polish Population: A Radiological Retrospective Observational Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of third molars on caries, external root resorption, and alveolar bone loss on the distal surface of adjacent second molars. A total of 2488 panoramic radiographs of adult Poles were evaluated. Third molars were classified, according to eruption status, into non-impacted, partially, or completely impacted, and according to angulation into horizontal, mesioangular, vertical, and distoangular. Completely impacted third molars were assigned as reference group. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals for the occurrence of the above-mentioned pathologies were 1.39 (1.09-2.21), 6.51 (3.72-10.11), and 2.42 (1.22-4.09), respectively, for second molars with adjacent erupted third molars and 1.54 (1.11-2.82), 10.65 (7.81-20.19), and 5.21 (3.38-10.81), respectively, when partially impacted third molars were next to second molars. The ORs of lesions were significantly higher for horizontally and mesioangularly impacted third molars. Within the limitation of a radiological study, it might be concluded that the presence of erupted third molars is a risk factor for caries, while the presence of impacted third molars increases the risk of root resorption and bone loss on the distal surface of second molars.

Entire Papilla Preservation Technique with Enamel Matrix Proteins and Allogenic Bone Substitute for the Treatment of Isolated Intrabony Defects: A Prospective Case Series.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of a modified entire papilla preservation technique (EPPT) in the treatment of isolated intrabony defects in patients diagnosed with stage III periodontitis. A total of 18 intrabony defects were treated: 4 one-wall, 7 two-wall, and 7 three-wall. Mean probing pocket depth reductions of 4.33 mm (P < .0001), clinical attachment level gains of 4.87 mm (P < .0001), and radiographic defect depth reductions of 4.27 mm (P < .0001) were observed at 6 months. Changes in gingival recession and keratinized tissue were not statistically significant. It can be concluded that the proposed modification of the EPPT is useful in the treatment of isolated intrabony defects.

Effects of Interleukin-1 Genotype on the Clinical Efficacy of Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment of Polish Patients with Periodontitis.

(1) Background: Periodontitis is a chronic multifactorial inflammatory disease associated with dysbiotic plaque biofilms and characterized by progressive destruction of the tooth-supporting apparatus. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of basic periodontal treatment depending on the interleukin-1 genotype in adult Poles. (2) Methods: Sixty subjects aged 39-64 years were examined. At initial presentation (T1), at 6-8 weeks (T2), and 16-18 weeks (T3) after treatment completion, the following percentages were recorded: surfaces with plaque, pockets bleeding, pocket depth, and change in the attachment level. During the T1 examination, the genotype for IL-1 was determined using the GenoType® PST test. (3) Results: Thirty subjects had genotype IL+ and the other thirty were IL-. During the T1 examination no significant differences were observed between patients. The study showed an increase of all the tested clinical parameters after 6-8 weeks. This increase continued up to the T3 examination. A significant reduction in the percentage of plaque surfaces after 6-8 weeks was observed, which was sustained after 16-18 weeks for both genotypes. For both genotypes, a significant decrease in the percentage of bleeding pockets was observed at the T2 examination, which persisted through until examination T3. For both studied genotypes, after 6-8 weeks, a significant shallowing of pockets was observed. In patients with the IL- genotype, a further significant shallowing of pockets was observed after 16-18 weeks. A significant reconstruction of epithelial attachment was observed between the T1 and T2 examinations, averaging 0.55 mm in patients with the IL+ genotype, and 0.77 in patients with the IL- genotype. (4) Conclusions: The results of our study show that the IL-1 genotype, may be one of the factors affecting the healing process after non-surgical periodontal treatment in adult Poles.

Efficacy of Guided Tissue Regeneration Using Frozen Radiation-Sterilized Allogenic Bone Graft as Bone Replacement Graft Compared with Deproteinized Bovine Bone Mineral in the Treatment of Periodontal Intra-Bony Defects: Randomized Controlled Trial.

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) using two biomaterials as bone replacement grafts in the treatment of periodontal intra-bony defects. (2) Methods: Using a split-mouth design, 30 periodontal intra-bony defects were treated with either frozen radiation-sterilized allogenic bone grafts (FRSABG tests) or deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM, controls) combined with a bioabsorbable collagen membrane in 15 patients. Clinical attachment level gains (CAL-G), probing pocket depth reductions (PPD-R), and radiographic changes in linear defect fill (LDF) were evaluated 12 months postoperatively. (3) Results: The CAL, PPD, and LDF values improved significantly in both groups 12 months after the surgery. However, in the test group, the PPD-R and LDF values were significantly higher compared to the controls (PPD-R 4.66 mm versus 3.57 mm, p = 0.0429; LDF 5.22 mm versus 4.33, p = 0.0478, respectively). Regression analysis showed that baseline CAL was a significant predictor for PPD-R (p = 0.0434), while the baseline radiographic angle was a predictor for CAL-G (p = 0.0026) and LDF (p = 0.064). (4) Conclusions: Both replacement grafts when used for GTR with a bioabsorbable collagen membrane yielded successful clinical benefits in teeth with deep intra-bony defects 12 months postoperatively. The use of FRSABG significantly enhanced PPD reduction and LDF.