Treatment of multiple adjacent gingival recessions using leucocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin with coronally advanced flap: a 12-month split-mouth controlled randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This split-mouth randomized study aimed to assess efficacy of leucocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) versus connective tissue graft (CTG) in achieving root coverage (RC) for multiple adjacent gingival recessions (MAGRs) throughout 12-month period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study enrolled 59 teeth from 12 patients with Miller Class I MAGRs ≥ 2 mm on bilateral or contralateral sides. Patients were randomly assigned to receive coronally advanced flap (CAF) with either CTG (control) or L-PRF (test) treatment. Various parameters, including plaque and gingival index, clinical attachment level, recession depth, probing depth, recession width (RW), papilla width (PW), keratinized tissue width (KTW), gingival thickness (GT), percentage of RC, complete root coverage (CRC), and location of the relative gingival margin concerning the cemento-enamel junctions (GMCEJ) after CAF, were recorded at baseline, 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-surgery. On June 29, 2021 the study was registred to ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04942821). RESULTS: Except KTW and GT gain, all clinical parameters, RC, and CRC were similar between the groups at all follow-up periods (p > 0.05). The higher GT and KTW gains were detected in the control group compared to test group at 12 months (p < 0.05). Both RC and CRC were positively associated with initial PW and GMCEJ, but negatively with initial RW (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The current study concludes that L-PRF were equally effective as CTG in treating MAGRs in terms of RC and CRC. Additionally, RC and CRC outcomes appeared to be influenced by GMCEJ, PW, and RW. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: L-PRF could represent a feasible substitute for CTG in treating MAGRs.

Assessment of Reliability of Three Indices Measuring Gingival Overgrowth.

Objectives: Numerous indices have been used to grade the severity of gingival overgrowth which led to suspicion regarding the results concerning its prevalence and pathogenicity. The aim of this study was to assess the concordance of three different gingival overgrowth indices, which were used widely in previous studies, and check their reliability and reproducibility. Material and Methods: A total of 30 full-mouth plaster casts and 90 intra-oral photographs collected from 30 patients diagnosed with gingival overgrowth were included in our study. Three trained examiners performed measurements twice on plaster casts using gingival hyperplasia index (A index) and hyperplastic index (B index). Intraoral photographs were assessed also twice using (C index). Results: Concordance of intra-examiner and inter-examiner reliability of the recorded measurements was carried out for each index using weighted kappa (K), with a confidence interval of 95%. The A index revealed intra-examiner total kappa values between 0.724-0.876 for horizontal measurement and 0.512-0.823 for vertical measurement, and inter-examiner total kappa values between 0.255-0.626 horizontally and 0.235-0.279 vertically. The B index presented intra-examiner total kappa values between 0.587-0.868 horizontally and 0.653-0.855 vertically; and inter-examiner total kappa values between 0.393-0.595 and 0.372-0.635 for horizontal and vertical measurements, respectively. The C index achieved the highest intra-examiner concordance with total kappa values between 0.758-0.855 and inter-examiner total kappa values between 0.716-0.804. Conclusions: The C index evaluated through intraoral photographs is considered the most reliable and applicable method to be utilized. The C index is suggested to be used in large scale populations with its definite detailed criteria.

Occlusion of dentinal tubules on periodontally involved teeth by dentifrice containing stannous fluoride and sodium fluoride.

PURPOSE: This study examined the occlusion effect of a dentifrice containing stannous fluoride (SnF2) and sodium fluoride (NaF) on periodontally involved teeth in comparison with healthy teeth using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in comparison with a dentifrice containing NaF alone. METHODS: Sixty dentine samples obtained from single-rooted premolars, 15 of them extracted for orthodontic reasons (Group H) and 15 because of periodontal destruction (Group P), were included in the study. Each group of specimens was further divided into subgroups: HC and PC (control), H1 and P1 (treated with SnF2 and NaF), and H2 and P2 (treated with NaF). The samples were brushed twice a day for 7 days, kept in artificial saliva, and examined by SEM. The diameters of open tubules and the numbers of tubules were assessed at ×2,000 magnification. RESULTS: The H and P groups showed similar diameters of open tubules. The numbers of open tubules in Groups H1, P1, H2, and P2 were significantly lower than in Groups HC and PC (P < 0.001), and consistent with the percentages of occluded tubules. Group P1 had the highest percentage of occluded tubules. CONCLUSIONS: Although both dentifrices were found to successfully occlude dentinal tubules, the dentifrice containing SnF2 and NaF provided the highest degree of occlusion in periodontally involved teeth.

Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis as adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment in periodontitis: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical and microbiological effects of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis DN-173010 containing yogurt as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment in periodontitis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective randomized controlled clinical study registered with NCT05408364 under clinical trial registration. Thirty periodontitis patients were divided into 2 groups at random. As adjunctive to supra and subgingival instrumentation, the test group consumed Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis DN-173010 containing yogurt while the control group consumed natural yogurt, once daily for 28 days. The plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline, 28th day, and 3rd month. Microbiological analysis was performed using culture method by obtaining subgingival plaque samples from 2 periodontal sites with 4≤PD≤6 mm at the same time points. RESULTS: The inter-group comparisons of PI, GI, and BOP as well as the changes between the measurement time points were statistically significant in favor of the test group. There were no significant differences in terms of PD and CAL changes between the study groups at all times (∆baseline-28 days, ∆baseline-3 months) (p>0.05). The number of patients presenting subgingival Bifidobacterium species was significantly greater in the test group than the control group at the 28th day (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The administration of probiotics has shown beneficial effects, albeit limited, on clinical and microbiological outcomes in the management of periodontitis patients. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Daily consumption of probiotic yogurt may be supportive for supra and subgingival instrumentation.

Different scaling and root planing strategies in Turkish patients with aggressive periodontitis: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare clinical, cytokine and microbiological responses after quadrant-based scaling and root planing (Q-SRP), full-mouth SRP (FM-SRP) and full-mouth disinfection (FMD) in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP), which is currently termed as generalized stage-III and grade-C periodontitis. METHODS: Forty-two patients with GAgP were randomly assigned into groups as Q-SRP, FM-SRP or FMD with chlorhexidine. Clinical parameters were recorded, and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and subgingival plaque samples were collected at baseline, 3 and 6 months after treatment. GCF levels of interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-17 were analysed using ELISA. Quantities of six bacterial species were determined using qPCR. RESULTS: Clinical parameters improved significantly in all groups at 3 and 6 months (p < 0.05). Percentage of sites with probing depth >6 mm was lower in the FMD than Q-SRP group at 3 and 6 months (p < 0.05). FMD showed significantly higher percentage of pocket closure compared with Q-SRP and FM-SRP at both 3 and 6 months after treatment (p < 0.05). The IL-1ß levels decreased only in the FMD group (p < 0.05), whereas no changes were found in IL-17 levels in any group. The levels of five out of six bacterial species decreased at 3 and/or 6 months only in the FMD group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The FMD treatment appears to offer superior outcome than Q-SRP and could be the first choice for patients with GAgP.

Clinical Efficacy of Conventional and Diode Laser-Assisted Frenectomy in Patients with Different Abnormal Frenulum Insertions: A Retrospective Study.

Objective: This retrospective study aimed to assess the recurrence of frenulum attachment and clinical parameters following conventional and diode laser-assisted frenectomy in patients with abnormal frenulum insertions. Material and methods: The records of 429 patients who underwent maxillary labial frenectomy between 2016 and 2018 were screened. A total of 70 records were included and evaluated based on gender, age, frenulum type, presence of diastema, periodontal disease, and surgical technique. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and probing depth (PD) were evaluated at baseline and 6 weeks postoperatively. Recurrence was determined by assessing the alteration in the distance from the frenulum attachment to the mucogingival junction (FMGJ) at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 months. Results: Out of 70 patients (female/male 47/23; age 35.24 ± 11.69 years), 32.9% presented gingival, 38.6% papillary, and 28.6% papilla-penetrating frenulum attachments. Clinical parameters and mean FMGJ values between the conventional (n = 36) and diode laser (n = 34) groups demonstrated no differences at baseline (p > 0.05). PI and GI were significantly higher in the conventional group (p < 0.001), whereas PD was similar (p > 0.05) at 6 weeks. No recurrence was observed in any of the patients at the sixth week. Moreover, 31 participants in the conventional group and 33 participants in the diode-laser group, a total of 64 patients (91.43%), did not present recurrence after 12 months. Conclusions: Within the limits of the study, considering the absence of recurrence in all types of abnormal frenulum insertions in both treatment groups, it was concluded that the diode laser could be used effectively as an alternative to the conventional frenectomy technique.

Evaluation of Patient's Perceptions, Healing, and Reattachment After Conventional and Diode Laser Frenectomy: A Three-Arm Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the conventional and diode laser techniques in terms of patient's perceptions, epithelization, reattachment, and periodontal clinical parameters in the treatment of abnormal papillary frenum. Materials and methods: Forty-eight patients with abnormal papillary frenum were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly assigned into three groups; conventional frenectomy operation (C group), diode laser-assisted frenectomy (L group), and diode laser-assisted frenectomy with conventional horizontal incision on the periosteum (L + P group). Postoperative pain, discomfort in speaking, and chewing scores were assessed with visual analogue scale (VAS) at postoperative 3rd hour and on days 1, 7, 14, 21, and 45. Epithelialization process of the wound surface was evaluated by hydrogen peroxide solution applied to the wound on days 7, 14, 21, and 45 following operations. The distance between the frenum attachment point and mucogingival junction (FMGJ) was recorded at baseline, postoperative 45th day, and 6th month to assess the reattachment of the frenum. Plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, and probing depth were recorded at baseline and postoperative 7th, 14th, 21st, and 45th days. Results: On the 1st and 7th day after operation, VAS pain score in the C group was significantly higher than in the L and L + P groups (p < 0.017). Difficulty in speaking and chewing scores were significantly lower in the L and L + P groups compared to the C group at postoperative 3rd hour and 7th day (p < 0.017). The FMGJ and epithelization period demonstrated no difference among the groups at any time point (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our results suggest that diode laser provides better postoperative patient's perceptions than the conventional technique in frenectomy operation. In addition, both conventional and laser-assisted frenectomy surgeries prevent the frenum reattachment regardless of periosteal horizontal incision.

Cytotoxicity of Different Nano Composite Resins on Human Gingival and Periodontal Ligament Fibroblast Cell Lines: An In Vitro Study.

The aim of this study is to determine the cytotoxicity of three different nano composite resins (CRs) on human gingival fibroblast (hGF) and periodontal ligament fibroblast (hPDLF) cell lines. These CRs selected were nanohybrid organic monomer-based Admira Fusion (AF), nanohybrid Bis-(acryloyloxymethyl) tricyclo 5.2.1.0.sup.2,6 decane-based Charisma Topaz (CT), and supra nano filled resin-based Estelite Quick Sigma (EQS). MTT assay was performed to assess the cytotoxicity of CRs at 24 h and one week. AF and EQS applied on hGF cells at 24 h and one week demonstrated similar cytotoxic outcomes. Cytotoxicity of CT on hGF cells at one week was higher than 24 h (p = 0.04). Cytotoxicity of CT on hGF cells was higher at 24 h (p = 0.002) and one week (p = 0.009) compared to control. All composites showed higher cytotoxicity on hPDLF cells at one week than the 24 h (AF; p = 0.02, CT; p = 0.02, EQS; p = 0.04). AF and EQS demonstrated lower cytotoxicity on hPDLF cells than the control group at 24 h (AF; p = 0.01, EQS; p = 0.001). CT was found more cytotoxic on hPDLF cells than the control (p = 0.01) and EQS group (p = 0.008) at one week. The cytotoxicity of CRs on hGF and hPDLF cells vary, according to the type of composites, cell types, and exposure time.

Comparison of Root Surface Wear and Roughness Resulted from Different Ultrasonic Scalers and Polishing Devices Applied on Human Teeth: An In-Vitro Study.

The aim of the present study was to compare the root surface wear and roughness, resulted from the professional dental hygiene instruments, including ultrasonic dental scalers, rubber prophy cups, and nylon bristle brushes, on the extracted human mandibular incisor teeth. Teeth (n = 80) were randomly assigned into eight groups according to the applied scaler type (Ma = Magnetostrictive, Pi = Piezoelectric), degree of power (M = Medium, F = Full), and angulation (0° and 45°). In the second stage, the specimens (n = 40) were further divided into two groups according to the applied polishing device (nylon bristle brush or rubber prophy cup). Laser scanner and contact profilometer devices were used for the surface analysis. Both ultrasonic instruments tested in our study produced rougher surfaces when full power was used at a 0° angle (p < 0.01). The highest wear (0.82 ± 0.07 mm3) and roughness values (0.30 ± 0.01 µm) were detected in the PiF0 group. Polishing performed with a rubber prophy cup resulted in almost twice the wear as well as a smoother surface when compared to polishing performed with a nylon bristle brush (p < 0.001). Variations in the application parameters of ultrasonic scalers and the type of polishing instrument might lead to significantly different root-surface characteristics.

Peri-implantitis and Severity Level.

OBJECTIVES: Different diagnostic criteria were used for diagnosis of peri-implant diseases. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore prevalence of peri-implant diseases and subclassify peri-implantitis based on different levels of radiographic and clinical findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred patients having 655 dental implants were included in this study. In addition to clinical measurements, standard long-cone parallel technique was used to evaluate marginal bone level around implants. Following diagnosis of peri-implant diseases, peri-implantitis was further subclassified using a severity leveling in terms of marginal bone level and probing depth. RESULTS: Mean age of 200 subjects was 52.8 ± 12.2 years and 63% were females. In total, bleeding on probing was present in 93% and suppuration in 27% of implants. On subject basis, 2.5% were diagnosed as healthy, 28% with peri-implant mucositis (PM), and 69.5% with peri-implantitis, whereas on implant basis, 3.6% were healthy, 36% presented PM, and 60.4% peri-implantitis. Furthermore, when severity leveling was applied, peri-implantitis prevalence changed markedly and ranged from 14.5 to 31.0% at the subject level and from 10.0 to 22.0% at the implant level. Subgingival restoration margins were observed in 70.6% of patients for implants with PM and in 44% patients for implants with peri-implantitis. Most of the implants with peri-implantitis were with platform match (71.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Applying different thresholds to the peri-implantitis definition yielded different prevalence rates ranging from 10 to 31%. As no established diagnostic criteria are being used today, results from clinical studies may not reflect the true disease prevalence.

Efficacy of adjunctive photodynamic therapy in the treatment of generalized aggressive periodontitis: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: Generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) is a distinct type of periodontal disease characterized by rapid loss of attachment and alveolar bone occurring in young individuals. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) was introduced in periodontology as an adjunctive approach to non-surgical periodontal treatment (NPT) in periodontitis patients. In this trial, the aim was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological effects of adjunctive PDT to NPT in patients with GAgP. METHODS: In this prospective controlled clinical study, 24 systemically healthy, non-smoking subjects with GAgP were enrolled. Subjects were randomly assigned into a control group (n = 12) treated with NPT only or to a test group (n = 12) treated with NPT and PDT. Plaque index, sulcus bleeding index (SBI), probing depth (PD), relative attachment level, gingival recession, and tooth mobility were recorded at baseline and on day 63. Microbiological samples were obtained from the sites with PD ≥ 5 mm at both time periods and evaluated for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola via micro-IDent® test. RESULTS: Clinical and microbial parameters declined significantly in both groups after the treatments (P < 0.01). The comparisons between the groups showed that only the full mouth SBI score of the test group was significantly lower than the control group on day 63 (P < 0.05). Although the reduction in periodontopathogens of the test group was greater than the control group, there was no significant difference between the groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that in the treatment of GAgP, usage of PDT as an adjunct to NPT does not lead to any beneficial effects on the investigated clinical and microbiological parameters except for SBI. Nevertheless, the statistically significant difference for the SBI score demonstrates that PDT may have additional effect on the reduction in gingival bleeding. Lasers Surg. Med. 51:167-175, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Esterified Hyaluronic Acid Fibers on Bone Regeneration in Rat Calvarial Defects.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) constitutes one of the major components of the extracellular matrix domain in almost all mammals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the regenerative capacity of HA matrix in rat calvarial bone defects and compare with those of different combinations of resorbable collagen membrane (M) and bovine-derived xenograft (G). Twenty-four 3-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 200-250 g were included. Control group was created by leaving one defect empty from 2 critical size defects with 5 mm diameter formed in the calvarial bones of 8 rats. In the same rats, the other defect was treated with HA matrix alone. One of the 2 defects formed in other 8 rats was treated with HA+G and the other with HA+M. One of the 2 defects formed in the remaining 8 rats was treated with G+M and the other with HA+G+M. The animals were sacrificed at 4 weeks. Histologic, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. Both HA matrix alone and its combinations with G and M supported new bone formation (NBF). However, NBF was significantly greater in G+M and HA+G+M groups compared to control and HA alone (P<0.001). Bone morphogenetic protein-2 was expressed with varying degrees in all groups, without any difference among them. Within the limitations of the present study, HA matrix, used alone or in combination with G and M, did not contribute significantly to bone regeneration in rat calvarial bone defects.

Relationships between initial probing depth and changes in the clinical parameters following non-surgical periodontal treatment in chronic periodontitis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between initial probing depth (IPD) and changes in clinical parameters following non-surgical periodontal treatment (NPT) in chronic periodontitis patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 1672 periodontal pockets having 3mm≤IPD≤9mm of depth in 15 chronic periodontitis patients were included. NPT consisting of oral hygiene instructions, scaling and root planing was applied in two sessions. Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level, gingival recessions (GR) were measured before and eight weeks after treatment. Pocket sites were grouped according to their IPD and root number as single- or multi-rooted teeth. RESULTS: Other than the sites having 3 mm IPD, PD reduction and GR increase were significant in all groups (p<0.001). Attachment gains (AG) were significant in all single-rooted teeth (p<0.001) again except those having IPD=3mm. However, AG was significant in multi-rooted teeth having only 7mm≤IPD≤9mm (p<0.05). Positive correlations were observed between IPD and PD reduction, GR increase and AG in single-rooted teeth (p<0.001). Furthermore, positive correlations were found between IPD and PD reduction and GR increase in multi-rooted teeth (p<0.001), but there was no correlation between IPD and AG. CONCLUSION: NPT may lead to positive association between IPD and PD reduction as well as GR increase, which is independent from tooth root anatomy.

The Influence of a Bifidobacterium animalis Probiotic on Gingival Health: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: There is growing interest in the use of probiotics in periodontal therapy; however, until now, most research has focused on lactobacilli probiotics. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of 4-week use of yogurt supplemented with Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis DN-173010 versus a placebo yogurt, followed by a 5-day non-brushing period. METHODS: Individuals were included in this single-mask, randomized, controlled study if probing depth (PD) was ≤3 mm and attachment loss was ≤2 mm. After professional prophylaxis, they were randomized into two groups receiving yogurt containing either placebo or B. animalis for 28 days, followed by a 5-day non-brushing period. Outcome measures were plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), PD, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) volume, and total amount and concentration of interleukin (IL)-1ß in GCF. These were measured at baseline, after 28 days of study product use, and subsequently after 5 days of plaque accumulation. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients were analyzed. No intergroup differences could be detected before and after intake of study products. However, after plaque accumulation, significantly better results for all parameters were seen in the probiotic group compared with the control group (P <0.001): lower PI and GI, less BOP, less increase in GCF volume, and lower IL-1ß total amount/concentration. CONCLUSION: The use of a probiotic yogurt supplemented with B. animalis can have a positive effect on plaque accumulation and gingival inflammatory parameters after refraining from oral hygiene practices.

Treatment of lateral periodontal cyst with guided tissue regeneration.

Lateral periodontal cyst (LPC), originated from epithelial rests in the periodontal ligament, is a noninflammatory cyst on the lateral surface of the root of a vital tooth. LPC is generally asymptomatic and presents a round or oval uniform lucency with well-defined borders radiographically. In this case report, clinical, histological and radiographical findings and periodontal treatment of 32-year-old female patient, who was referred to Department of Periodontology Clinic of Faculty of Dentistry, Marmara University with a painless hyperplastic lesion on the distobuccal site of the tooth number 12, were presented. The tooth number 12 was vital and a well-defined round radiolucent area with corticated borders was determined radiographically. Preliminary diagnosis was LPC based on clinical and radiographical findings. Mechanical periodontal treatment consisted of oral hygiene instructions, scaling and root planing was applied and flap operation was performed to gain access to the lesion. Following enucleation of the lesion, alveolar bone destruction shaped as a tunnel from labial to palatinal site was observed. The bone cavity was grafted with bovine-derived xenograft, followed by placement of a resorbable collagen membrane. Tissues removed from of the lesion were examined histologically. Hematoxylen-eosin stained sections showed vasculature granulomatous structure underlying squamous epithelium, and destructed bone spaces, all of which were consisted with LPC. Acceptable clinical healing was achieved at 6 months follow-up period. Satisfactory clinical and radiographical outcome can be achieved in the treatment of LPC using regenerative periodontal approach.

Changes in soluble adhesion molecules in gingival crevicular fluid following periodontal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation of periodontal tissues during postoperative wound healing is mediated by cell surface adhesion molecules. Soluble forms of these antigens have also been identified and shown to be important in immunoregulatory processes, but have previously not been investigated during periodontal repair and regeneration. The present study has examined the presence and possible changes in soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1; CD54) and lymphocyte function-associated antigen-3 (sLFA-3; CD58) in gingival crevical fluid (GCF) following periodontal surgery. METHODS: GCF samples were collected from four groups: 1) a guided tissue regeneration (GTR) test; 2) a GTR control, at least one complete tooth unit away from the periodontal defect; 3) a conventional flap (CF) surgery; and 4) a crown lengthening (CL). Sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of sICAM-1 and sLFA-3 in the GCF samples. RESULTS: A marked increase in GCF volumes was found in all sites after surgery, although a persistent increase was associated only with the period of membrane retention at the GTR test sites. In addition, sICAM-1 and sLFA-3 were found in the GCF of healthy as well as diseased sites prior to treatment and the total amounts of both increased transiently following surgical intervention, especially sLFA-3. However, the concentrations of these GCF components, particularly sICAM-1, tended to decrease. CONCLUSIONS: The temporal decrease in the concentration of sICAM-1 and sLFA-3 in GCF may serve to enhance inflammatory reactions at surgically-treated periodontal sites, thereby limiting repair and regeneration in the periodontium. These soluble adhesion molecules may thereby be of potential therapeutic value and might also be useful markers for monitoring periodontal wound healing.

Effect of gallium arsenide diode laser on human periodontal disease: a microbiological and clinical study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The present study is aimed to describe short-term results on selected microbiological and clinical parameters obtained by treatment with soft laser in conjunction with methylene blue and/or mechanical subgingival debridement in human periodontal disease. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients, in whom each dental quadrant was randomly designated to receive one of four types of treatment procedures, were included in the study. Groups of quadrants received: scaling/root planing (SRP); laser application (L); SRP combined with L (SRP/L); oral hygiene instructions (OHI). Four single rooted teeth (one in each quadrant), having an interproximal site with a probing depth of 4 mm mesio-buccally, were selected in each patient. The selected teeth were first assessed for microbiological (one site/tooth) and then for clinical variables (six sites/tooth). Supragingival irrigation with methylene blue was performed prior to laser application. The microbiological (proportions of obligate anaerobes) and clinical measurements (plaque and gingival indices, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth) were evaluated over a period of 32 days. RESULTS: Only the SRP/L and SRP groups provided significant reductions in the proportions of obligate anaerobes before and after treatments with no significant differences in between. Parallel to the microbiological changes, both SRP/L and SRP resulted in similar clinical improvements, whereas L alone revealed a limited effect similar to OHI. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of this study, methylene blue/soft laser therapy provided no additional microbiological and clinical benefits over conventional mechanical debridement.