Treatment of intrabony periodontal defects in controlled diabetic patients with an enamel matrix derivative: a split-mouth randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This split-mouth randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effect of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) associated with a simplified papilla preservation flap (SPPF) compared to SPPF alone in the surgical treatment of intrabony defects (ID) in type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirteen patients with controlled T2DM presenting with ID in at least two quadrants were included. In each patient, the test site (TS) was treated with SPPF plus EMD, whereas the control site (CS) was treated only with SPPF. Prior to surgery and at 6 months after intervention, the following parameters were evaluated: clinical attachment level (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), and gingival recession (GR). RESULTS: The TS and CS demonstrated a mean CAL gain of 3.31 ± 0.96 mm and 1.61 ± 1.12 mm, and a PPD reduction from 8.15 ± 0.98 to 3.00 ± 0.57 mm and 7.53 ± 0.96 to 4.69 ± 0.63 mm after 6 months, respectively. In both sites, the mean CAL gain and PPD reduction improved significantly after 6 months compared to baseline; however, the improvement was higher in the TS (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both surgical procedures presented with clinical improvements in controlled T2DM patients. However, the additional use of EMD showed enhanced clinical results after 6 months with regard to CAL gain and PPD reduction. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study showed a better PPD reduction and CAL gain when an EMD was applied in addition to SPPF. Therefore, EMD may be used to enhance clinical outcomes in periodontal ID of controlled T2DM patients.

Hydrophilic titanium surface modulates early stages of osseointegration in osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE: Using a mouse osteoporotic model, this study aimed to determine the influence of hydrophilic titanium surfaces on gene expression and bone formation during the osseointegration process. BACKGROUND: Based on the previous evidence, it is plausible to assume that osteoporotic bone has a different potential of bone healing. Therefore, implant surface modification study that aims at enhancing bone formation to further improve short- and long-term clinical outcomes in osteoporosis is necessary. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty female, 3-month-old mice were included in this study. Osteoporosis was induced by ovariectomy (OVX, test group) in 25 mice. The further 25 mice had ovaries exposed but not removed (SHAM, control group). Seven weeks following the ovariectomy procedures, one customized implant (0.7 × 8 mm) of each surface was placed in each femur for both groups. Implants had either a hydrophobic surface (SAE) or a hydrophilic treatment surface (SAE-HD). Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) content was measured by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) after 7 days. The femurs were analyzed for bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and bone volume fraction (BV) by nano-computed tomography (nano-CT) after 14 and 28 days. Same specimens were further submitted to histological analysis. Additionally, after 3 and 7 days, implants were removed and cells were collected around the implant to access gene expression profile of key osteogenic (Runx2, Alp, Sp7, Bsp, Sost, Ocn) and inflammatory genes (IL-1ß, IL-10, Tnf-α, and Nos2) by qRT-PCR assay. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA and paired t test with significance at P < .05. RESULTS: The amount of Ca and P deposited on the surface due to the mineralization process was higher for SAE-HD compared to SAE on the intra-group analysis. Nano-CT and histology revealed more BV and BIC for SAE-HD in SHAM and OVX groups compared to SAE. Analysis in OVX group showed that most genes (ie, ALP, Runx2) involved in the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling were significantly activated in the hydrophilic treatment. CONCLUSION: Both surfaces were able to modulate bone responses toward osteoblast differentiation. SAE-HD presented a faster response in terms of bone formation and osteogenic gene expression compared to SAE. Hydrophilic surface in situations of osteoporosis seems to provide additional benefits in the early stages of osseointegration.

A systematic review on the critical size defect model.

OBJECTIVES: To systematically review the literature data regarding the critical size defect (CSD) in adult rat calvaria and to determine which defect dimensions could be considered as being critical size. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search was conducted at Ovid Medline and Embase up to July 2012. Studies presenting with at least one of the primary outcomes of interest (number of defects with complete closure and the percentage of new bone formation (%NBF) in rat calvaria) were included. Screening, data extraction and quality assessment were conducted independently and in duplicate. RESULTS: From 1461 citations, 257 full-text papers were screened and 61 papers were included in the analysis. Fourteen of 937 evaluated defects presented complete closure. Only 7 and 6 untreated sites in 5.0- and 6.0-mm-diameter defects, respectively, showed complete closure. A great variability among the preclinical models was seen, and the meta-analysis result showed a high heterogeneity regarding the mean %NBF. The mean %NBF according to the defect dimension was as follows: 18.29% and 21.44% for 5.0 mm central single defects at 1 and 3 months, respectively; 17.55%, 20.24% and 22.65% for 5.0 mm bilateral defects; 9.81%, 12.56% and 7.96% for 8.0 mm single defect; 11.18%, 9.48% and 26.24% for 9.0 mm single defects at 1, 2 and 3 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: Calvarial defects with a diameter of 5.0 mm could be considered as a CSD. However, there is a necessity for further standardization of the rat calvaria model to enable more accurate comparison among future studies.

Evaluation of Salivary Glucose and Salivary Cortisol in Association with Periodontitis in People with Type II Diabetes: A Case-control Study.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between type II diabetes mellitus (DM) and periodontal disease (PD) has been discussed in recent years and may vary according to the patient's location, sex, age and family history. OBJECTIVE: In view of this possible association between periodontitis and DM, this study aimed to evaluate salivary glucose and salivary cortisol levels with periodontitis (staging and degree) in people with type II diabetes compared to non-diabetic individuals. METHODS: This was a case-control study, with 60 participants divided into two groups: DM2- people with type II diabetes (n=30) and NDM- non-diabetic individuals (n=30). For both, a clinical form and periogram were filled out, and blood samples (glycemia, glycated hemoglobin, and cortisol) and saliva (glucose and cortisol) were collected. RESULTS: The diagnosis of periodontitis was 100% in the DM2 group and 80% in the NDM group. As for staging and degree, in the DM2 group, 70% of the participants were in stage IV and 86.67% were in grade C, while in the NDM group, 58.3% of the participants were in stage I and 70.8% were in grade A. Significant differences were observed for the following variables: bleeding to probing and clinical attachment level. The laboratory data presented significant results regarding serum glucose, salivary glucose, and glycated hemoglobin. CONCLUSION: Regarding the influence of salivary glucose and cortisol on periodontal status (staging and degree), these had higher means in the DM2 group when compared to the NDM group. An association of salivary glucose and cortisol levels with the periodontal condition presented by type II diabetic individuals compared to non-diabetic individuals is suggested.

Treatment of root perforations with resin ionomer cement and connective tissue graft: a case report.

The clinical practice of endodontic therapy is relatively common, especially in the anterior of the mouth, with easy access to cavities and in cases of mechanical debridement. However, problems such as perforation of the root canal can occur during treatment, and can cause periodontal tissue damage and esthetic problems. The treatment of root canal perforation consists of periodontal and endodontic therapy, as well as selecting the best material for perforation repair. This is a case report of iatrogenic root perforation on an anterior tooth that required combined restorative, periodontal, surgical, and endodontic approaches. The case describes the use of a subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) on a resin ionomer-restored root surface for the treatment of root perforation and periodontal damage caused by an iatrogenic procedure, with a 12-month follow-up. This case report shows that SCTG can successfully treat root perforations associated with a resin ionomer-restored root surface.

Treatment efficacy of gingival recession defects associated with non-carious cervical lesions: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: This systematic review aimed to compare the efficacy, defined in terms of the mean percentage of root coverage (mRC), of surgical treatment approaches combined with adhesive restorations of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) to that of root coverage alone in patients with a single gingival recession (GR) and NCCL. METHODS: A literature search was conducted to identify longitudinal studies reporting the mRC following treatment for the correction of GR defects associated with NCCLs using a combination of surgical and restorative techniques in systemically and periodontally healthy patients. RESULTS: The search resulted in the retrieval of 12,409 records. Seven publications met the inclusion criteria for the qualitative synthesis of data. The mRCs ranged from 69% to 97%. In the medium term, the gingival margin position was more stable when a connective tissue graft (CTG) was used, independently of whether restoration of teeth with NCCLs was performed. CONCLUSIONS: The strength of the evidence was limited by methodological heterogeneity in terms of study design as well as the unit and period of analysis, which precluded a meta-analysis. Although no definitive conclusion could be drawn due to the lack of sufficient evidence to estimate the effectiveness of the interventions, CTG-based procedures contributed to gingival margin stability regardless of the performance of restoration to treat NCCLs.

Maxillary Sinus Elevation Using the Bone Ring Technique with Immediate Implantation: A Case Report.

Compared to other areas of the oral cavity, an edentulous posterior maxilla poses a unique challenge for implant placement. The most important aspect to consider is the maxillary sinus. This paper describes a case in which the bone ring technique was used to raise the floor of the maxillary sinus, followed by immediate implantation. A 37-year-old woman presented with a ridge defect in the left maxilla and the absence of teeth 26 and 27 (FDI tooth-numbering system) on the same side. The treatment plan involved the extraction of tooth 25, periodontal regeneration on the distal face of tooth 24, and concomitant raising of the maxillary sinus (using the bone ring technique) with simultaneous implantation. The bone ring technique promotes bone augmentation, raises the maxillary sinus, and reduces the surgical time, surgical costs, and length of the rehabilitation period. In the case presented herein, bone tissue stability around the implants, ridge maintenance, and gingival margin stability were found at the 1-year follow-up after rehabilitation.

Anxiety and fear of dental treatment among users of public health services.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present investigation was to determine the degree of anxiety and fear in patients treated at the dental school clinics of the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (Brazil) regarding the different types of treatment offered. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample was made up of 400 patients from both genders over 18 years of age treated between July and October 2007. Data collection was carried out through the administration of validated questionnaires by a calibrated researcher. The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) and Gatchel's Scale were used to evaluate the degree of anxiety and fear among the patients. RESULTS: There was a 23.0% prevalence of dental anxiety; 9.5% were very anxious, 13.5% were anxious and 77.0% were not anxious. Women were more anxious than men (20.7% and 11.3%, respectively, P = 0.995). The age group that exhibited the highest prevalence of anxiety was 30 to 39 years (29.3%). Regarding fear, 13.5% felt extreme fear; 30.5% felt moderate fear and 56% felt no fear. Schooling was the only significant socioeconomic factor for both anxiety and fear. In the association between fear and anxiety, 38.9% of the patients with extreme fear were classified as very anxious. CONCLUSION: The majority of individuals were classified as non-anxious and without fear regarding dental procedures.

Stress evaluation of different implant lengths on atrophic edentulous mandibles with fixed full-arch implant-supported prosthesis: a finite element analysis.

Finite element analysis was used to compare the effect of different implant lengths on atrophic mandible with full-arch fixed prostheses. Four models were constructed with different implant lengths: 4, 6, 8 and 10 mm. A 100-N occlusal load was applied. The stress at the bone level, implant, and prosthetic components were obtained. Similar behavior was observed for all groups, except for 4 mm, which showed more discrepant values ​​for all prosthetic components. Although longer implants presented better biomechanical behavior, the 4 mm implant seems to be a viable alternative for severely atrophic mandibles, however, further studies need to be carried out.

Bone Ring Technique for the Treatment of Vertical and Horizontal Bone Defects with Immediate Implants: A Report of Two Cases.

In dental implant surgery, bone grafts are used for the reconstruction and reestablishment of alveolar bone volume and to improve bone architecture for better positioning of an implant. The present report describes the use of the bone ring technique for vertical and horizontal bone augmentation with simultaneous implant placement. This is a simple technique for acquiring donor bone in a ring shape and performing 3D reconstruction of bone defects, with an increase in the alveolar crest, using autogenous bone in a surgical procedure together with implant placement. Block bone grafts taken from the mentum can be used for predictable bone augmentation of up to 6 mm in the horizontal and vertical dimensions. The thickness of the bone ring collected from the mentum is very important. It cannot be too thin due to the risk of fracture, nor can it be too thick, as its contour could become deformed when placed in the receptor site. For stabilization and synthesis, a horizontal mattress suture is performed at the receptor site without promoting tension, and simple sutures are used for the complete co-optation of the flap and consequent stabilization of the clot. In the present type of bone defect, single-stage implant placement may be useful to shorten the overall treatment period.

Impact of tooth loss due to periodontal disease on the prognosis of rehabilitation.

When periodontal disease is diagnosed, it is difficult to predict the clinical response of treatment of a tooth over time because the result of treatment is affected by several factors and will depend on the maintenance and support of periodontal treatment. Rehabilitation with removable dental prostheses, fixed prostheses, and dental implants makes it possible to restore the function and esthetics of patients with tooth loss due to periodontal disease. The predictive factors of tooth loss in periodontitis patients should be assessed by dentists to inform their clinical decision-making during dental treatment planning. This will provide detailed individualized information and level of risk of patients considered suitable for dental rehabilitation. Therefore, the aim of this article was to review the subject of "Impact of tooth loss due to periodontal disease on the prognosis of rehabilitation" and the effect of fixed, removable, and implant-supported prostheses in periodontal patients.

Non-surgical treatment of gingival overgrowth induced by nifedipine: a case report on an elderly patient.

Drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO) is a significant problem for periodontologists and this side effect is frequently associated with three particular drugs: phenytoin, cyclosporin A and nifedipine. A case report of gingival overgrowth induced by nifedipine in an elderly patient treated with non-surgical periodontal therapy is described. A 75-year-old male with generalised gingival overgrowth reported the problem of oral malodour and significant gingival bleeding. The medical history revealed a controlled hypertensive state and Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA) 3 years prior to consultation. The diagnosis was gingival overgrowth associated with nifedipine, no other risk factors being identified. The patient had been taking nifedipine for 18 months, but after the consultation with the patient's doctor, nifedipine was suspended, as the hypertension was controlled. Treatment consisted of meticulous oral hygiene instruction, scaling, root surface instrumentation and prophylaxis. Six months after the first intervention, clinical parameters revealed a significant improvement with a considerable reduction in gingival overgrowth, demonstrating the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy in severe cases of gingival overgrowth. Non-surgical treatment of DIGO is a far less invasive technique than surgical approaches and has demonstrated an impressively positive treatment response. It should therefore be considered as a first treatment option for DIGO.

Polymorphisms of the vitamin D receptor gene (FOKI, CDX2, and GATA) and susceptibility to chronic periodontitis in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals: A case-control study.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the distribution of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) (variants FOKI [rs2228570], CDX2 [rs47908762], and GATA [rs4516035]) in the vitamin D receptor in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic periodontitis (DM2 + CP), CP alone, and healthy individuals, and to investigate the relationship with susceptibility to CP. METHODS: In total, 280 individuals (116 with DM2 + CP, 95 with CP alone, and 69 healthy individuals) were genotyped using real-time polymerase chain reaction with allele-specific probes. Significant differences (P < .05) were found among the groups with regard to socio-epidemiological variables (sex, marital status, income, smoking habit, and schooling) and clinical-epidemiological variables (age, number of teeth, probing depth, clinical attachment loss, gingival bleeding index, and visible plaque index). RESULTS: The C allele was significantly more frequent among the healthy individuals (34.8%) than those with DM2 + CP (23.5%) (odds ratio [OR] = .58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: . 35-.94, P = .022). Likewise, the CC allele was significantly more frequent among healthy individuals (11.6%) than those with DM2 + CP (2.6%) (OR = .17, 95% CI: .03-.79, P = .015). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the presence of these variants could lead to a lower susceptibility to DM2 and CP. No other significant differences among groups were found for the other SNP investigated.

Factors Influencing the Presence of Papilla between Adjacent Implants and between a Tooth and an Implant.

AIM: The aim this study was to evaluate the factors that influence the presence or absence of the interproximal papilla between implants adjacent to the teeth or other implants, through clinical and radiographic evaluation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The non-probabilistic sample comprised 44 patients of both genders aged between 21 and 68 years, rehabilitated with 114 osseointegrated implants. Through a retrospective clinical study, the patients were divided according to the presence or absence of the interproximal papilla: Group 1 - Absence of Papilla, Group 2 - Partial Presence of Papilla and Group 3 - Total Presence of Papilla. The success of the implants, the periodontal biotype, and the vertical and horizontal distances of the interproximal regions included in the study were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 114 implants, 46.5% were considered unsuccessful, and bleeding was present in 29.8%. The periodontal biotype presented as thin and scalloped was found in 85.1% of the regions. The evaluation of the groups according to the confirmation of the interproximal space showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.007), with 61.9% of the wide and long interproximal spaces classified as Group 1, while 31% of the narrow and short interproximal spaces were classified as Group 3. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the morphology of the interproximal space was the factor that was most strongly associated with the presence or absence of the interproximal papilla.

Morphological variations of the labial frenum, type of attachment and presence of diastemas: integrative review / Variações morfológicas do freio labial, tipo de inserção e presença de diastemas: revisão integrativa

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of the present literature review was to compile data on the frequency of morphological and attachment types of the upper and lower labial frenum in different populations and investigate the association between the attachment level of the upper labial frenum and the occurrence of diastemas. Methods: Searches were conducted between May and June 2021 in the Medline (via Ovid), Google Scholar and CAPES databases. Thirty-eight studies that evaluated frenum morphology, frenum morphology and attachment or frenum morphology, attachment and the occurrence of diastemas were selected for the extraction of data. Results: Based on the data compiled in this review, the most common morphological and attachment types were labial frenum normale and mucosal attachment. The papillary and papilla penetrating types of attachment were more associated with the occurrence of diastemas. Conclusion: Longitudinal studies are needed to investigate this correlation in children and adults.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo dessa revisão de literatura é compilar dados referentes a frequência de tipos morfológicos e de inserção do freio labial superior ou inferior, em diferentes populações, além de avaliar a relação entre o nível de inserção do freio labial superior e a ocorrência de diastemas. Métodos: Foram consultadas as bases de dados Medline (via Ovid), o Google acadêmico e o portal periódicos CAPES. A pesquisa foi realizada no período compreendido entre os meses de maio e junho de 2021. Foram selecionados para a extração de dados 35 estudos, que avaliação a morfologia do freio ou morfologia e inserção ou morfologia, inserção e presença de diastemas. Resultados: A partir dos dados compilados por essa revisão, foi possível estabelecer que os tipos morfológicos e de inserção mais comuns foram freio labial simples e inserção em mucosa. Com relação ao tipo de inserção e a ocorrência de diastemas, os tipos papilar e papilar penetrante foram os mais associados à sua ocorrência. Conclusão: Há necessidade de estudos longitudinais que avaliem essa correlação em crianças e populações adultas.

Oral Lichenoid Lesion Manifesting as Desquamative Gingivitis: Unlikely Association? Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this report is to present a clinical case of oral lichenoid lesions associated with amalgam restorations with the presence of desquamative gingivitis for a nine months follow up period. CASE REPORT: The histopathologic characteristics and direct immunofluorescence were compatible with Oral Lichenoid Lesion (LLO). Diagnosis was based on a synthesis of all available information, including medical history, clinical examination, histopathology and the results of specific tests, such as the patch test, which confirmed allergy to thimerosal, an organic compound of mercury. DISCUSSION: The replacement of amalgam restorations has brought improvements to the instrument, as evidenced by the disappearance of desquamative gingivitis, aspect erythematosus and erosive lesions. The fading does not complete the same, however, indicates the need to continue has been under continuous observation, the patient, having in view the possibility of the existence of an underlying lichen planus.

Evaluation of DEFB1 polymorphisms in individuals with chronic periodontitis and diabetes mellitus type 2 in a population of northeastern Brazil.

AIMS: The role of genetic variations in genes related to innate response, as ß-defensin-1 (DEFB1), in the context of chronic periodontitis (CP) and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2), is still not clear. The present study evaluates the distribution of DEFB1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) 5'-untranslated (5'UTR) region and its relation with the CP in DM2 individuals in northeastern Brazilians. METHODS: Two hundred and eighty individuals participated in the study, being 116 DM2+CP, 95 CP, and 69 healthy individuals. Three known DEFB1 functional SNPs [-52 G > A (rs1799946), -44 C > G (rs1800972), -20 G > A (rs11362)] were genotyped with allele-specific assays. RESULTS: Association was found for the DEFB1 -20 G > A SNP. The G allele, the GA and GG genotypes were significantly (P < 0.05) more frequent in the DM2+CP (59.5%, 50%, and 34.5%, respectively) and CP (61%, 44.2%, and 38.9%, respectively) than in healthy individuals (26.8%, 36.2%, and 8.7%, respectively). The GCG and ACG combinations (-52, -44, -20) were significantly more frequent among DM2+CP and CP than in the healthy individuals. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that genetic variations of DEFB1 gene (SNP-20: G allele and GA and GG genotypes) and the DEFB1 5'UTR haplotypes (GCG and ACG) may be associated with a susceptibility to CP in DM2 individuals as well as CP individuals without DM2.

Levels of serum sclerostin, metabolic parameters, and periodontitis in -postmenopausal women with diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease defined by hyperglycemia, which is associated with periodontal disease and exerts an effect on bone metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine serum levels of sclerostin in postmenopausal women with diabetes and determine a possible association with periodontal disease. Sixty-one postmenopausal women (32 with diabetes and 29 without diabetes) were evaluated. Blood was collected for biochemical analysis and the determination of serum sclerostin. The participants were also submitted to a clinical examination for the evaluation of periodontal status. A total of 75.4% of the volunteers had periodontal disease and levels serum sclerostin were altered in 48.7% of the patients with diabetes. In the diabetic population, mean levels of LDL (p = 0.035) and urea (p = 0.032) were higher in the patients without periodontal disease and the plaque index was higher in those with periodontal disease (p = 0.039). The prevalence of periodontal disease and the levels serum sclerostin were high in the postmenopausal women analyzed, but the data do not allow the determination of whether periodontal disease is related to high levels of this peptide.

Polymorphisms of Il-10 (-1082) and RANKL (-438) Genes and the Failure of Dental Implants.

Background. Genetic polymorphisms in certain cytokines and chemokines have been investigated to understand why some individuals display implant flaws despite having few risk factors at the time of implant. Purpose. To investigate the association of genetic polymorphisms in interleukin- (IL-) 10 [-1082 region (A/G)] and RANKL [-438 region (A/G)] with the failure of dental implants. Materials and Methods. This study included 90 partially edentulous male and female patients who were rehabilitated with a total of 245 Straumann dental implants. An implant was considered a failure if any of the following occurred: mobility, persistent subjective complaint, recurrent peri-implant infection with suppuration, continuous radiolucency around the implant, probing depth ≥ 5 mm, and bleeding on probing. Buccal mucosal cells were collected for analysis of RANKL438 and IL-10. Results. The implant success rate in this population was 34.4%. The mutant allele (G) in RANKL had an incidence of 52.3% and mutant allele (A) in IL-10 was observed in 37.8%. No statistically significant difference was detected between the failure of the implant and the genotypes and allelic frequencies. Conclusion. No association was detected between the genetic polymorphisms of RANKL (-438) and IL-10 (-1082) and the failure of dental implants in the population studied.

Evaluation of the effect of tacrolimus on periodontitis induced in rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study was to investigate the effect of tacrolimus (FK506) on periodontitis induced in rats. DESIGN: Periodontal disease was induced in 30 Wistar rats which were then randomly divided into two groups: treatment with a daily injection of 0.9% saline (1mL/day) and treatment with a daily injection of FK506. After periods of 10, 15 and 30days the animals were killed and separate radiographs of the right and left hemimandibles were obtained. One calibrated examiner measured the periodontal bone support (PBS) in the images, after the following treatments: S, saline without ligature; SL, saline with ligature; T, FK506 without ligature; TL, FK506 with ligature. The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Tukey test (p<0.01). RESULTS: The radiographic results were similar at all evaluation time points. The S treatment had a higher PBS averaging at 10, 15 and 30days, which was statistically significant different compared with the SL treatment and TL treatment, but not significantly different from the T treatment. The SL and TL treatments showed no statistically significant differences between them. CONCLUSIONS: Tacrolimus used for up to 30days showed no protective or aggravating effects on alveolar bone loss.