Oral health education and therapy reduces gingivitis during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Pregnant women demonstrate increases in gingivitis despite similar plaque levels to non-pregnant counterparts. AIM: To evaluate an intensive protocol aimed at reducing gingivitis in pregnant women and provide pilot data for large-scale randomized controlled trials investigating oral hygiene measures to reduce pregnancy gingivitis and alter maternity outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty participants between 16 and 24 weeks gestation with Gingival Index (GI) scores ≥2 at ≥50% of tooth sites were enrolled. Plaque index (PI), gingival inflammation (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment levels (CAL) were recorded at baseline and 8 weeks. Dental prophylaxis was performed at baseline and oral hygiene instructions at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks. Pregnancy outcomes were recorded at parturition. Mixed-model analysis of variance was used to compare clinical measurements at baseline and 8 weeks. RESULTS: Statistically significant reductions in PI, GI, PD, and CAL occurred over the study period. Mean whole mouth PI and GI scores decreased approximately 50% and the percentage of sites with PI and GI ≥2 decreased from 40% to 17% and 53% to 21.8%, respectively. Mean decreases in whole mouth PD and CAL of 0.45 and 0.24 mm, respectively, were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Intensive oral hygiene regimen decreased gingivitis in pregnant patients.

Clinical and histologic assessment of lateral alveolar ridge augmentation using a synthetic long-term bioabsorbable membrane and an allograft.

BACKGROUND: Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is a widely used procedure for augmenting alveolar ridge width prior to placement of endosseous implants. Various graft materials and barrier membranes (non-resorbable and bioabsorbable) have been used in GBR. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of a new bioabsorbable, synthetic polyglycolic acid/trimethylene carbonate (PGA/TMC) barrier membrane with an increased absorption time in conjunction with a combination of assayed demineralized bone matrix and cortical cancellous chips uniformly dispersed in a thermoplastic biologic carrier. METHODS: At 72 potential implant sites in 38 subjects, ridge width at the crest and 4 mm apical to the crest was measured before and 6 months after a GBR procedure using the long-term (LT) PGA/TMC membrane and an allograft in a thermoplastic carrier. Before placement of endosseous implants, 48 biopsy specimens were obtained from the augmentation sites and analyzed histomorphometrically. RESULTS: The GBR procedure increased the mean ridge width at the crest from 2.4 to 5.2 mm. This 216% change from baseline was significant (P <0.001). The mean width 4 mm apical to the crest increased from 4.4 to 7.5 mm, a significant (P <0.001) 174% change. The histomorphometric analysis showed that the biopsy specimens consisted, on average, of 57% bone (36% graft material and 21% new bone) and 43% soft tissue and space. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the LT PGA/TMC barrier membrane, used in conjunction with an allograft, provides lateral alveolar ridge augmentation comparable to that achieved with other materials without the necessity for bone-graft harvesting or a second procedure to remove the barrier membrane.

Creation of a Zone of Immobile Connective Tissue with Acellular Dermal Matrix Allografts.

Acellular dermal matrix allografts (ADMs) have been hypothesized to create a zone of immobile connective tissue (ICT) extending apical to the mucogingival junction (MGJ). This 12-month prospective randomized trial investigated the presence of ICT after the use of two commercially available ADMs with coronally advanced flaps in the treatment of Miller Class I and II recession defects. This study demonstrated that the use of either type of ADM resulted in predictable root coverage and a zone of ICT extending apical to the MGJ by 1.88 to 2.69 mm. Hence, minimal keratinized gingival width should not preclude the use of ADMs.

Optimizing Connective Tissue Integration on Laser-Ablated Implant Abutments.

Focused Clinical Question: The integration of connective tissue (CT) to a laser-ablated abutment with a microgrooved surface at the apical millimeter (LL) has been documented in both animal and human studies. How should the healing be influenced to optimize the CT integration on abutment surfaces? Summary: When smooth machined titanium (ST) abutments were placed, epithelial attachment was found on abutments, but no CT integration was noted. On LL abutments, a zone of epithelial attachment and CT integration was noted. When an ST abutment was switched for an LL abutment, the soft tissue was inconsistent; however, when an LL abutment was placed after the removal of a prior LL abutment, CT integration was observed. Conclusions: Consistent CT integration was observed on LL abutment surfaces after implant placement. Switching LL abutments with new LL abutments consistently led to CT integration. This was not consistent when an ST abutment was switched for an LL abutment. Plaque and gingival indices were comparable between teeth and abutments. Probing depth (PD) was lower around teeth. There was no difference in PD between abutments. CT integration on LL abutments was optimized by initial healing occurring on an LL abutment or by creation of a CT wound before insertion of the abutment.

Is Laser Disinfection an Effective Adjunctive Treatment to Bone Augmentation for Peri-Implantitis? A Review of Current Evidence.

Focused Clinical Question: In patients with endosseous dental implants that demonstrate peri-implantitis, does surgical bone augmentation with adjunctive laser implant surface disinfection have an effect on implant survival rates, and do these rates differ based on laser treatment modality? Clinical Scenario: A 55-year-old female presents 10 years after implant placement at sites #18 and #20 (Fig. 1). She demonstrates a 9-mm probing depth mesially and distally at implant #20. Bleeding on probing is present at all six sites around implant #20. The patient has not noted any discomfort, and suppuration has not been noted on clinical examination. Her medical history is significant for osteoarthritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and anxiety. She reports taking ibuprofen as needed for pain, 150 mg ranitidine twice daily, and 20 mg citalopram daily. The patient is concerned about the possibility of implant loss and states that she wants to save and treat the implant, if possible. During flap reflection, a circumferential defect at implant #20 is noted intrasurgically (Fig. 2).

Effect of intensive oral hygiene regimen during pregnancy on periodontal health, cytokine levels, and pregnancy outcomes: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Data are limited on the potential effect of intensive oral hygiene regimens and periodontal therapy during pregnancy on periodontal health, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum cytokines, and pregnancy outcomes. METHODS: A clinical trial was conducted on 120 community-dwelling, 16- to 35-year-old pregnant women at 16 to 24 weeks of gestation. Each participant presented with clinical evidence of generalized, moderate-to-severe gingivitis. Oral hygiene products were provided, together with instructions for an intensive daily regimen of hygiene practices. Non-surgical therapy was provided at baseline. Oral examinations were completed at baseline and again at 4 and 8 weeks. In addition, samples of blood and GCF were collected at baseline and week 8. Mean changes in clinical variables and GCF and serum cytokine levels (interleukin [IL]-1ß, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) between baseline and week 8 were calculated using paired t test. Pregnancy outcomes were recorded at parturition. RESULTS: RESULTS indicated a statistically significant reduction in all clinical variables (P <0.0001) and decreased levels of TNF-α (P = 0.0076) and IL-1ß (P = 0.0098) in GCF during the study period. The rate of preterm births (<37 weeks of gestation) was 6.7% (P = 0.113) and low birth weight (<2,500 g) was 10.2% (P = 1.00). CONCLUSIONS: Among the population studied, intensive instructions and non-surgical periodontal therapy provided during 8 weeks at early pregnancy resulted in decreased gingival inflammation and a generalized improvement in periodontal health. Large-scale, randomized, controlled studies are needed to substantiate these findings.

Efficacy of micronized acellular dermal graft for use in interproximal papillae regeneration.

The aim of this study was to evaluate interdental papillary reconstruction based on a micronized acellular dermal matrix allograft technique. Thirty-eight papillae in 12 patients with esthetic complaints of insufficient papillae were evaluated. Decreased gingival recession values were found postoperatively (P < .001). Chi-square analysis showed significantly higher postoperative Papilla Index values (chi-square = 43, P < .001), further supported by positive symmetry statistical analysis values (positive kappa and weighted kappa values). This procedure shows promise as a method for papillary reconstruction.

Intravenous Bisphosphonates for Osteoporosis and Implant Placement.

Focused Clinical Question In a patient receiving intravenous infusion of nitrogen containing bisphosphonates for management of osteoporosis, is surgical implant treatment contraindicated because of the risk of impaired bony wound healing and osteonecrosis of the jaw? Clinical Scenario A 64-year-old postmenopausal woman who leads a busy life and works full time as a business executive presents with a fracture of her maxillary central incisors teeth #8 and #9. She has been a periodontal maintenance patient for the past 20 years with excellent oral hygiene. One month earlier, she experienced trauma to her anterior teeth by walking into a closed patio door. She appears younger than her stated age, and her overall health is good except for a history of postmenopausal osteoporosis diagnosed using a bone mineral density evaluation with a T-score at lumbar spine of -2.6. Currently, her only medication is a yearly intravenous infusion of zoledronic acid, which she has received for the past 3 years. The reason for this visit is to inform her that the teeth have a hopeless prognosis based on the progressive symptoms and will need to be extracted, and to discuss treatment options, risks, benefits, and alternatives.

Host Modulation for Smokers Undergoing Periodontal Maintenance: A Review of Current Evidence.

Focused Clinical Question In patients presenting with generalized moderate to severe chronic periodontitis and continuing to smoke, does host modulation improve the maintenance of alveolar bone support and clinical attachment level? Clinical Scenario A 45-year-old woman with a 25-pack-year history of smoking presents for comprehensive periodontal therapy including four quadrants of regenerative surgery and is now receiving supportive care at 3-month intervals. Clinical examination reveals excellent oral hygiene, and the patient resists a referral for smoking cessation. The patient is anxious about the potential for tooth loss. See Figures 1 to 3 for clinical presentation.

Soft tissue considerations in implant site development.

Healthy soft tissue surrounding a dental implant is essential for health, function, and esthetics. The development of the tooth includes the formation of a biologic connection between the living tissues that has to be created during the healing process after placement of the implant. The success of dental implants is dependent on the establishment of a soft-tissue barrier that is able to shelter the underlying osseous structures and the osseointegration surrounding the implant body. The esthetics of a dental implant prosthesis depends on the health and stability of the peri-implant mucosa. Understanding of soft-tissue healing and maintenance around dental implants is paramount for implant success. This article discusses the soft-tissue interface, aspects of soft-tissue health, and esthetics during treatment planning and therapy.