Analyzing Oral Health Conditions in Sex Workers-A Comparative Retrospective Clinical and Radiographic Study.

This study highlights the oral health condition of female sex workers (SWs), who face increased risks associated with habits such as excessive alcohol and tobacco use. These behaviors heighten the likelihood of issues like oral cancer and dental diseases, underscoring the need for targeted health interventions. The study examines the oral health disparities between SWs and the general population (GP). A retrospective study analyzed the health records of 40 SWs and 40 controls matched by age and gender who were examined between 1 January 2020 and 30 May 2023. Intra-oral and panoramic radiographs, alongside clinical examination, were used to evaluate missing teeth, periodontal bone support, and caries. T-tests and chi-square tests were used to compare dental health indicators. A comparative analysis of these 80 patients revealed significant disparities: SWs had a higher incidence of missing teeth (5.8 ± 7.3 vs. 0.7 ± 1.4, p < 0.01) and caries (6.1 ± 6.2 vs. 0.8 ± 1.2, p < 0.05) compared to the GP. The DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) index was notably higher in SWs (16.1 ± 8.09) than in the GP (7.95 ± 5.48, p < 0.001). Additionally, 12% of SWs used removable dentures, unlike the GP. This study underscores significant oral health challenges in SWs, emphasizing the need for targeted healthcare strategies to improve their health conditions.

A novel nonsurgical therapy for peri-implantitis using focused pulsed electromagnetic field: A pilot randomized double-blind controlled clinical trial.

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy modulates the immune response and is successfully used in orthopedics to treat osteoarthritis and improve bone regeneration. This may suggest that this treatment may consequently reduce peri-implant soft tissue inflammation and marginal bone loss. To compare clinical, radiographic, and immunological results following nonsurgical treatment for peri-implantitis with or without PEMF therapy. Patients with peri-implantitis were included: pocket probing depth (PPD) between 6 and 8 mm with bleeding on probing (BOP); crestal bone loss between 3 and 5 mm. A novel healing abutment that contained active (test) or inactive (control) PEMF was connected. PEMF was administered via the abutment at exposure ratio of 1/500-1/5000, intensity: 0.05-0.5 mT, frequency: 10-50 kHz for 30 days. Nonsurgical mechanical implant surface debridement was performed. Patients were examined at baseline, 1 and 3 months. Clinical assessment included: plaque index, BOP, PPD, recession, and bone crest level which was radiography measured. Samples of peri-implant crevicular fluid were taken to analyze interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß). Twenty-three patients (34 implants; 19 control, 15 test) were included. At the follow-up, mean crestal bone loss was lower in the test group at 1 and 3 months (2.48 mm vs. 3.73 mm, p < 0.05 and 2.39 vs. 3.37, p < 0.01). IL-1ß levels were also lower in the test group at 2 weeks (72.86 pg/mL vs. 111.7, p < 0.05). Within all the limitation of this preliminary study, the test group improved clinical parameters after a short-term period compared to the control group.

The influence of radio frequency-based toothbrush on the accumulation of calculus and periodontal health: A randomized double-blind controlled prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The use of a toothbrush with radio frequency (RF) has shown to be of benefit regarding the reduction of plaque, calculus, and dental staining and improving teeth shade compared to conventional powered and manual toothbrushes. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of the RF toothbrush in the reduction of calculus accumulation and its effect on periodontal parameters as well as subject satisfaction as compared to an identical sham-tooth brush. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who are under a strict maintenance program were included. Patients were allocated to test (RF toothbrush) or control (sham) randomly and were examined at baseline, one and three months. Clinical photos were taken and a consequential calculus assessment via ImageJ software. Clinical assessment included the following: plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), and recession (REC). Patient satisfaction was assessed via a questionnaire. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients (29 control, 29 test) were included. At baseline mean PPD, BOP, PI, REC, and calculus accumulation were similar between the groups. Mean buccal calculus was lower in the test group at one month 4.0% versus 6.7%, p < .05. Calculus accumulation within the groups was lower in the test group at 1 and 3 months when compared to baseline at the buccal aspect (2.8% vs. 8.9%, p < .05% and 3.8% vs. 8.9%, p < .05) and lingual aspect (6.7% vs. 16.5%, p < .05% and 8.9% vs. 16.5%, p < .05). No statistically significant results were found regarding periodontal parameters PPD, BOP, PI, and REC. No difference was found between groups regarding patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: RF seems to have an additive effect on preventing calculus accumulation on the buccal aspect of anterior mandibular teeth at 1 month. Nevertheless, at 3 months, no difference between the toothbrushes is seen regarding calculus formation and maintaining periodontal health (ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier NCT04640857).

Revealing leukocyte populations in human peri-implantitis and periodontitis using flow cytometry.

OBJECTIVE: To identify, quantify, and characterize leukocyte populations in PI and periodontitis using flow cytometry. METHODS: Fresh biopsies from human PI and periodontitis lesions were processed to a single-cell suspension. The immune cell types were identified using flow cytometry. RESULTS: Twenty-one biopsies were obtained and analyzed corresponding to fourteen PI and seven periodontitis samples. Participants' average age was 63.95 ± 14.77 years without a significant difference between PI and periodontitis patients, the female/male ratio was 8/12, and mean PD was 8.5 ± 2.17. High similarity was found between periodontitis and PI in the main immune cell types. Out of the leukocytes, the PMN proportion was 40% in PI and 33% in periodontitis. T-cells 22% in PI and 18% in periodontitis. Similar proportions of B-cells 10% and macrophages 6% were found in PI and periodontitis. Dendritic and NK cells were found in low proportions (~ 1%) in PI and periodontitis. T-cell sub-analysis showed that CD4-positive were more prevalent than CD8-positive in both diseases (CD4/CD8 ratio of 1.2). CONCLUSION: With the use of flow cytometry analysis, the leukocyte populations in human peri-implantitis and periodontitis were classified. In PI and periodontitis, we identified similar proportions of specific (CD4/CD8) and innate (dendritic and NK) immune cells. These results corroborate previous histological studies. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Flow cytometry analysis can be used to identify and quantify immune cells in PI and periodontitis, including sub-classification of T cells (CD4/8) as well as detection of cells that require multiple markers for identification (such as dendritic cells).

Immediate loading full-arch rehabilitation using transmucosal tissue-level implants with different variables associated: a one-year observational study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present observational study was to investigate the application of transmucosal tissue-level implants in immediate loading full-arch rehabilitation with different variables associated. METHODS: Patients needing a full-arch implant rehabilitation were recruited and rehabilitated with four transmucosal tissue level implants. Data related to implants' diameters and lengths, jaw distributions, and presence of angulated abutments were collected. The following outcomes were evaluated: survival rate, marginal bone loss (MBL), Plaque Index (PI), bleeding on probing (BoP), probing depth (PD). Descriptive statistical analysis was reported and univariate linear regression models were built to assess a significant correlation between MBL and the different implant related factors. RESULTS: Twenty patients were rehabilitated for a total implant number of 80; 11 rehabilitations were performed on the maxilla, while 9 were performed on the mandible; 48 implants presented a 3.8 mm diameter and 32 implants presented a 4.25 mm diameter. Implants length varied between 10 to 15 mm; 40 tilted implants were connected to angulated abutment, while 40 straight implants were connected directly to the prostheses (no abutments). At the one year follow-up visit no implants failed resulting in an implant survival rate of 100%. The overall MBL was 1.19±0.30 mm. No statistically significant difference (P>0.05) was highlighted among any of the subgroups analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Despite different variables associated, tissue level implants seem to represent a valid option when applied in immediate loading full-arch rehabilitation. Further research and longer observational periods are encouraged to confirm the result.

Static and Fatigue Mechanical Performance of Abutments Materials for Dental Restorations.

The choice of the proper restorative material is essential for the long-term success of implant-supported rehabilitations. This study aimed to analyze and compare the mechanical properties of four different types of commercial abutment materials for implant-supported restorations. These materials included: lithium disilicate (A), translucent zirconia (B), fiber-reinforced polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) (C), and ceramic-reinforced polyether ether ketone (PEEK) (D). Tests were carried out under combined bending-compression conditions, which involved applying a compressive force tilted with respect to the abutment axis. Static and fatigue tests were performed on two different geometries for each material, and the results were analyzed according to ISO standard 14801:2016. Monotonic loads were applied to measure static strength, whereas alternating loads with a frequency of 10 Hz and a runout of 5 × 106 cycles were applied for fatigue life estimation, corresponding to five years of clinical service. Fatigue tests were carried out with a load ratio of 0.1 and at least four load levels for each material, and the peak value of the load levels was reduced accordingly in subsequent levels. The results showed that the static and fatigue strengths of Type A and Type B materials were better than those of Type C and Type D. Moreover, the fiber-reinforced polymer material, Type C, showed marked material-geometry coupling. The study revealed that the final properties of the restoration depended on manufacturing techniques and the operator's experience. The findings of this study can be used to inform clinicians' choice of restorative materials for implant-supported rehabilitation, considering factors such as esthetics, mechanical properties, and cost.

Digital photometric analysis of gingival response to periodontal treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The color is a major factor in determining inflammation status in most gingival indices. Current indices have limitations mainly due to subjective nature. Digital color analysis can provide objective and accurate measurements. Thus, the present study aimed to assess by digital tool the gingival color in the different stages of an active periodontal treatment. METHODS: Forty patients (19 males and 21 females) diagnosed with periodontitis (stage III/ IV, grade C) and treated surgically were included in the study. Clinical data (probing depth, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level, gingival index, and gingival recession) and photographs by digital single-lens-reflex (DSLR) camera were recorded before initial periodontal treatment, which included scaling and root surface debridement (T0); the same parameters were then re-evaluated 6-8 weeks (T1) and 3 months after periodontal surgery (regenerative/resective) (T2). Differences between clinical parameters were calculated. The color space defined by the International Commission on Illumination (CIELab) was used to analyze gingival color. RESULTS: In 56 periodontal surgical sites, 168 photographs were taken. The a*-value of the CIELab color system (higher a*- value translate to a stronger red color) was significantly reduced between T0 to T1 and further decreased at T2 (32.01, 29.28, and 27.45 respectively). Significant improvement in clinical parameters were found between T0 to T1 and T1 to T2. Sub-analysis of two distinct surgical interventions revealed that only regenerative procedure improved the a*-value, which was significantly correlated with pocket depth reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Photometric analysis can be used to assess gingival color change during periodontal treatment of patients with periodontitis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Gingival inflammation is a major factor in periodontal assessment; nevertheless, all current gingival inflammation indices are partially subjective and only semi-quantitative. The digital photometric analysis may allow for accurate and objective gingival color assessment during periodontal treatment.

Severe Complications Following Maxillary Sinus Augmentation Using Poly L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone-Coated Bovine Bone: A Retrospective Study.

PURPOSE: To describe the postoperative complications following lateral wall sinus augmentation using (poly L-lactideco-ε-caprolactone; PLCL) and natural polysaccharides polymers-coated bovine bone (PBB). The secondary aims were to examine histologic findings and to propose complication management alternatives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 61 subjects who underwent 67 lateral wall sinus augmentation procedures using PBB in the standard protocol. In cases that presented complications, treatment included additional antibiotic therapy, implant removal, or sinus reentry and total removal of the grafting material. In three cases, biopsy specimens were taken from the sinuses, and histologic analyses were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of postoperative complications was 32.8% (22 of 67 cases) in 18 of the patients (29.5%). The most prevalent symptoms were persistent pain (68.2%), swelling (63.6%), and oroantral fistula (54.5%). Radiographic signs appeared in 45.5% of the complications. A total of 24 implants failed; thus, an overall 80.3% survival rate was established at 19 months. The vast majority of complications (86.4%) were treated eventually with reentry surgery and revealed that the sinus was full with granulation tissue surrounding pieces of a nonossified rubber-like material. In cases where implants were placed, nonosseointegrated implants were surrounded by soft tissue. The sinus was cleaned thoroughly; the graft material remnants were removed together with inflamed parts of the sinus membrane, followed by chlorhexidine and saline lavages. In the biopsy specimens taken from the sinus cavity, there were no histologic features of new bone formation around the grafted material. CONCLUSION: Lateral wall maxillary sinus augmentation using PBB was associated with an acute sinus infection histologic appearance and with a 7-times-higher failure rate compared with previous reports. This serious adverse event suggests that PBB cannot be recommended for maxillary sinus augmentations.

Socket Preservation Using Xenograft Does Not Impair Implant Primary Stability in Sheep: Clinical, Histological, and Histomorphometric Study.

Implant primary stability, which depends mainly on the amount and quality of bone, is important for implant survival. Socket preservation aims to reduce bone volumetric changes after tooth extraction. This animal study aims to examine whether preserving a ridge by using xenograft impairs the primary stability of the implant. Eighteen artificial bone defects were prepared in 4 sheep (5- and 8-mm length). Defects were randomly grafted with xenografts: Bio-Oss (BO), Bio-Active bone (BB), or left for natural healing (control). After 8 weeks, bone biopsy was harvested and dental implants installed. During installation, peak insertion torque (IT) was measured by hand ratchet, and primary stability by the Osstell method. Histomorphometric analysis showed a higher percentage of new bone formation in the naturally healed defects compared to sites with xenograft (control: 68.66 ± 4.5%, BB: 48.75 ± 4.34%, BO: 50.33 ± 4.0%). Connective tissue portion was higher in the BO and BB groups compared to control (44.25 ± 2.98%, 41 ± 6%, and 31.33 ± 4.5%, P < .05, respectively). Residual grafting material was similar in BO and BB (7 ± 2.44%, 8.66 ± 2.1%, respectively). Mean IT and implant stability quotient (ISQ) values were not statistically different among the groups. A positive correlation was found between IT and ISQ (r = 0.65, P = 0). In conclusion, previously grafted defects with xenograft did not influence primary stability and implant insertion torque in delayed implant placement. These results may be attributed to a relatively high bone fill of the defect (∼50%) 2 months after grafting.

A nonsurgical treatment of peri-implantitis using mechanic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory treatment: 1 year follow-up.

AIMS: The study's aim was to assess the clinical outcome 6 and 12 months after a nonsurgical treatment of peri-implantitis per se or in conjunction with a combination of local antiseptic and anti-inflammatory treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Included were 69 patients with periodontitis, with 106 implants, diagnosed with peri-implantitis. Peri-implantitis was defined as radiographic bone loss ≥3 mm, probing depth (PD) ≥ 6 mm, with bleeding on probing. Group M peri-implantitis was treated with ultrasonic debridement and soft tissue curettage. Group P had additional implant surface treatment with rotatory hand piece composed of chitosan bristle, soft tissue curettage combined with application of 0.95% hypochlorite and 1 mg minocycline HCl. RESULTS: After 6 months, both groups demonstrated significant reduction of mean plaque index, PD, and clinical attachment level (0.71 ± 0.57, 0.81 ± 0.55; 4.77 ± 0.73 mm, 4.42 ± 0.5 mm; 5.03 ± 0.86 mm, 5.13 ± 0.73 mm; respectively) and bleeding on probing. After 6 and 12 months, group P showed significantly better PD results compared to group M. The bleeding was significantly less in group P after 12 months (15.3% ± 6.2, 25.1% ± 8.2, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive treatment with local antiseptic and anti-inflammatories during mechanical phase was positively associated with inflammation reduction and connective tissue reattachment.

Prospective randomized controlled clinical trial to compare hard tissue changes following socket preservation using alloplasts, xenografts vs no grafting: Clinical and histological findings.

PURPOSE: To compare dimensional changes and bone quality of two different grafting materials used for socket preservation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients requiring extraction were recruited and randomly assigned to receive: biphasic calcium sulfate/ hydroxyapatite (BCS/HA); bovine derived xenograft (BDX) or no grafting (Control). Ridge width (at -3 and -6 mm) and vertical distance from a stent were measured at the time of extraction/grafting. Measurements were repeated at reentry and core biopsies were harvested. RESULTS: Baseline vertical distance for the BDX, C and BCS/HA groups were 7.45 ± 3.1, 7.69 ± 4.2, and 6.75 ± 3.5 mm, respectively (P = .830). Post-op, C group had greater vertical loss (1.71 ± 0.4 mm) compared to BCS/HA (0.65 ± 0.5) and BDX (0.25 ± 0.2 mm), P = .059. Mean baseline width at -3 mm was 8.69 ± 1.1 mm, 8.31 ± 1.4 mm, and 9.0 ± 1.1 mm, respectively (P = .509). Post-op, this width was reduced by 2.96 ± 0.3 mm (C), 1.56 ± 0.4 mm (BDX), and 0.5 ± 0.4 mm (BCS/HA), P = .001. Mean ridge width at -6 mm for the C (6.5 ± 1.7 mm) was significantly smaller than BCS/HA (7.95 ± 2.8 mm) and BDX (8.85 ± 1.9 mm), P = .043. Histologically, the BDX group had greater residual scaffold material and less vital bone compared to the BCS/HA group. Pain scores were relatively low for all groups. CONCLUSIONS: BCS/HA may be used for socket preservation with similar or better results compared to BDX. The significance of greater residual scaffold found in the BDX group is yet to be determined.

Dimensional changes in the sinus membrane following maxillary sinus augmentation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this retrospective study was to measure the sinus membrane's dimensional changes following maxillary sinus augmentation via a lateral approach, and to examine the variables affecting changes in the membrane's thickness. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Sixty-six sinuses corresponding to 50 patients (15 males and 35 females) who underwent lateral wall maxillary sinus augmentation (34 unilateral and 16 bilateral) were retrospectively evaluated. The sinus membrane thickness was measured on cross-sectional cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans which were performed prior to and 9 to 11 months' post maxillary sinus augmentation. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Mann Whitney U test were both used to compare between baseline and postoperative sinus membrane thickness. Pearson correlation tests were used to analyze correlations between graft height and sinus membrane thickness changes. RESULTS: The mean age was 53 ± 4 years (45 to 71 years). A total of 132 CBCT scans were analyzed pre- and postoperatively (n = 66). The mean thickness of the sinus membrane before the procedure was 2.61 ± 3.61 mm, while the mean thickness of the membrane after the procedure was 2.94 ± 3.51 (P > .20). Thin membranes at baseline (< 1.56 mm) thickened by a mean of 2.21 ± 2.34 mm, range -0.413 to 10.62 mm, (P < .0001); thicker membranes (≥ 1.56 mm) lost 1.46 ± 3.96 mm thickness, range -7.8 to 9.31 mm (P < .0001). A moderate negative correlation between the baseline membrane thickness and change in thickness was observed (P < .0001, r = -.52). No correlation was found between the graft height and changes in the sinus membrane thickness. CONCLUSION: Lateral wall maxillary sinus augmentation seems to affect the sinus membrane thickness. These changes are associated with the preoperative thickness of the membrane.

Clinical and Patient-Related Outcomes of a Tapered Implant System With Switched Platform Conical Abutments: A Private Practice Field Trial.

The aim of this prospective cohort observational field trial was to examine 1-year survival and success rates of a recently introduced tapered implant system with switched platform conical abutments and to evaluate patient related outcomes of therapy. Partially edentulous patients aged between 18 and 75 years, with available bone height for dental implants ≥10 mm desiring to restore the missing tooth/teeth with implant supported restoration, were recruited by 7 periodontists in their respective private practices. Dental implants were installed according to standard implant therapy protocol. Three to 6 months postoperatively, after evaluating interim implant success, implants were restored by the referring dentists. Patient, Ramfjord teeth, and implant data, including baseline and 1-year postoperative, were collected. A total of 60 patients were recruited and received 117 implants. Complete 1-year clinical and radiographic data were available for 83 and 65 implants, respectively. Two implants failed during the first year, resulting in a 1-year survival rate of 98.3%. Mean implant probing pocket depth was 2.29 ± 0.84 mm. Mean radiographic bone distance from implant's shoulder at the mesial and distal sites at 1 year was 0.66 ± 0.5 and 0.79 ± 0.64mm, respectively, resulting in a success rate of 95.4%. Patient subjective evaluation of therapy exhibited a median pain experience of 1 and median esthetics, function, and general satisfaction evaluation of 10 on a scale of 1 to 10. The tapered conical connection dental implant system, used in private dental practices, shows good 1-year survival and success rates that are similar to other implant systems on the market.

Biocompatibility and osteoconductivity of PLCL coated and noncoated xenografts: An in vitro and preclinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Cells, scaffolds, and growth factors are the key components in bone tissue engineering. Scaffold composition, topography, and architecture influence the amount of regenerated bone in the implantation site. The aims of the study were to compare viability and proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) seeded onto two commercial xenografts: Bio-Oss (BO) and bioactive bone bovine (BB). Next, these materials were compared for histomorphometric bone formation in a socket preservation model in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MSCs were seeded onto monolayers of BO or BB granules. Cell viability and proliferation were evaluated after incubation of 0, 2, 20, and 48 h. A total of 24 Sprague Dawley rats underwent unilateral extraction of maxillary molars. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: natural healing (nongrafted socket) or socket preservation with either BO or BB. Rats were sacrificed after 8 weeks, and histomorphometric analysis was done to evaluate bone formation and residual scaffold at the extraction site. RESULTS: Differences in the metabolic activity of MSCs that were seeded onto BO or BB was observed at 2 h after seeding: the metabolic activity was elevated compared to baseline in the BB (P = .046) and not changed in the BO wells (P = .84). After 20 h, the metabolic activity of MSCs seeded onto BO was decreasing (P = .005), while cell viability was not changed in the BB group (P = .356). Intergroup comparison revealed higher metabolic activity of MSCs seeded on BB after 48 h compared with BO (P = .016). The in vivo results demonstrated differences in socket healing between the groups: percentage of new bone was higher in the BB compared to BO group (39.1 ± 14.3 vs. 23.7 ± 10.8%, respectively, P = .096). Connective tissue portion was higher in the BO group compared with BB (73.7 ± 11.1 vs. 49.6 ± 13.7%, respectively, P = .018). Residual grafting martial was higher in the BB (11.34 ± 4.18 vs. 2.62 ± 1.23%, P = .011). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrating higher vitality and proliferation of MSCs seeded onto BB. Furthermore, following ridge preservation, higher percentage of new bone and lower residual scaffold were found in the BB compared with BO. This enhanced regenerative response might be the result of an enhancement of metabolic activity in cells attached to it. Further research will be needed to understand the precise mechanism.

Photometric CIELAB Analysis of the Gingiva: A Novel Approach to Assess Response to Periodontal Therapy.

BACKGROUND: A new photometric method is introduced for assessment of gingival condition and changes after periodontal therapy. METHODS: Clinical data (probing depth [PD], plaque index [PI], gingival index [GI], bleeding on probing [BOP], and clinical attachment level) and photographs from 53 participants (26 males and 27 females) undergoing initial periodontal treatment were used for this analysis. Each maxillary anterior area was photographed before and 3 months after treatment. Digital image analysis was performed around one incisional tooth, and color data were expressed in terms of L*, a*, and b* values in accordance with the CIELAB color space. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was used for within-group comparisons of disease resolution, as well as means and standard deviations of clinical parameters and ΔL, Δa, and Δb values from baseline to re-evaluation. RESULTS: Significant reduction in mean PI, GI, PD, and BOP were found after treatment in all groups (P <0.001). Significant differences (P <0.05) were recorded by diagnosis of chronic periodontitis in the a* coordinate when comparing treatment results with the baseline (P <0.004). CONCLUSION: Results of this study suggest potential benefit in using photometric analysis to assess gingival changes after therapy.

Ridge Preservation Using Composite Alloplastic Materials: A Randomized Control Clinical and Histological Study in Humans.

AIM: To evaluate (clinically, histologically, and histo-morphometrically) the use of composite materials (Biphasic calcium sulphate [BCS] with ß Tri-Calcium Phosphate (ß-TCP) and Hydroxyapatite [HA]) in extraction socket sites and compare it to un-disturbed natural healing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective clinical trial of 36 patients (40 extraction sockets) were randomly assigned to either test or control group. Alveolar ridge horizontal dimension was measured in the middle of the socket at crest and 3 and 6 mm subcrestally. Crestal vertical height was measured at baseline surgery and at 4 month re-entry, at which time bone core biopsies were harvested from the center of the edentulous ridge. Histo-morphometric evaluation of the samples was performed using hematoxylin & eosin stains and morphometric software. RESULTS: The change in horizontal ridge width was higher in the control compared to the experimental group: 2.28 ± 2.36 mm versus 0.03 ± 2.32 mm (p = .007) at -3 mm and 2.28 ± 2.43 versus 0.035 ± 3.05 (p = .02) at -6 mm, for the experimental and control sites, respectively. The vertical distance form bone crest to neighboring horizontal line interconnecting the neighboring teeth was minimal in both groups (0.307 ± 2.01 mm versus 0.14 ± 2.03 mm [p = 0.41]). Residual scaffolds occupied 15.99 ± 11.4% of the volume in the grafted (test) sites while bone area fraction was not statistically different among the groups (47.7 ± 10.6% versus 52.6 ± 11.6%, test versus control, respectively p = .39). The percentage of connective tissue in the control group was significantly higher that test group (36.3 ± 19.4% versus 46.7 ± 10.6% test versus control, respectively, p = .013). CONCLUSION: Ridge preservation technique using a combination of two synthetic bone grafts ß-TCP and HA with BCS resulted in greater stability in the horizontal dimension after 4 months.

Periodontal Conditions and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Level in Gingival Crevicular Fluid of Scleroderma Patients.

BACKGROUND: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic disease with prominent vasculopathy, inflammation, production of autoantibodies, and tissue fibrosis. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory oral condition manifesting as microbial infection, inflammation and destruction of the alveolar bone. In both conditions tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) and other proinflammatory cytokines play an important role in pathogenesis. OBJECTIVES: To assess the periodontal status in SSc patients and compare these parameters to TNFα level in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of SSc patients and healthy controls. METHODS: Twenty SSc patients and 20 controls underwent periodontal examination, including probing depth (PD), plaque index (PI), gingival-index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and measurement of TNFα levels in collected GCF. RESULTS: SSc patients had a greater PD (3.74 ± 0.32 mm vs. 3.35 ± 0.31 mm, P > 0.003), GI (1.53 ± 0.34 vs. 1.12 ± 0.54, P > 0.049), and non-significantly higher BOP than controls. TNFα levels in GCF were higher in SSc patients (1.63 ± 0.36 vs. 1.15 ± 0.34 pg/ml, P = 0.001). Periodontitis parameters correlated with several SSc variables; PI in particular was higher in patients with longer disease duration, sclerodactyly, more severe skin involvement, and SSc activity score. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with SSc have higher indices of periodontal inflammation and higher TNFα level in GCF than did healthy individuals. These changes probably reflect the complexity of factors that influence oral health in SSc. Common pathologic pathways may be responsible for the association between SSc and periodontitis, which requires further study.

Periodontal condition of patients with autoimmune diseases and the effect of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α therapy.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of autoimmune diseases (AIs), as well as anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) therapy on the clinical and immunologic parameters of the periodontium. METHODS: Thirty-six AI patients (12 rheumatoid arthritis [RA], 12 psoriatic arthritis, and 12 systemic sclerosis) were recruited together with 12 healthy (H) and 10 RA patients receiving anti-TNF-α therapy (RA+). Periodontal indices including plaque index, gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were measured, and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected from five deepest pockets using papers strips. The TNF-α level was analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Analysis of variance test was used for statistical comparison between groups, whereas Pearson linear correlation coefficient test was used to examine the association between TNF-α and periodontal status indices. RESULTS: The three AI subgroups were very similar in clinical and immunologic parameters. GI was greater in the AI patients compared to the H and RA+ groups (1.91 ± 0.54, 1.21 ± 0.67, and 1.45 ± 0.30, respectively, P = 0.0005). AI patients exhibited significantly more BOP than H and RA+ (46.45% ± 17.08%, 30.08% ± 16.86%, and 21.13% ± 9.51%, respectively, P = 0.0002). PD in H and RA+ groups were lower than in the AI (3.47 ± 0.33, 3.22 ± 0.41, and 3.91 ± 0.49 mm, P = 0.0001). Number of sites with PD >4 mm was higher in AI patients compared to H and RA+ (42.44 ± 17.5 versus 24.33 ± 15.62 versus 33.3 ± 6.6, P = 0.0002). GCF TNF-α was higher among the AI patients (1.67 ± 0.58 ng/site) compared to 1.07 ± 0.33 ng/site for the H group and 0.97 ± 0.52 ng/site for the RA+ group (P = 0.0002). A significant positive correlation was found between PD and TNF-α levels in the GCF (r = 0.4672, P = 0.0002), BOP (r = 0.7491, P = 0.0001), and GI (r = 0.5420, P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AI diseases have higher periodontal indices and higher TNF-α levels in GCF than H controls. Anti-TNF-α treatment appears to reverse this phenomenon.

Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha therapy and periodontal parameters in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) therapy on the clinical and immunologic parameters of the periodontium. METHODS: Ten patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who routinely received infusions of infliximab, 200 mg (RA+), 10 patients with RA without anti-TNF-alpha therapy (RA-), and 10 healthy controls (C) were included. Clinical parameters, including the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (AL), and bleeding on probing (BOP), were assessed, and total gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) TNF-alpha level was determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Analysis of variance with Scheffe modification and the Pearson correlation test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The ages of the patients ranged from 22 to 76 years (mean, 50.73 +/- 9.1 years). The mean PI was similar among the groups. However, mean inflammatory parameters in the three groups varied significantly; GI was greater in the RA- group compared to RA+ and C groups (P = 0.0042). The RA+ group exhibited less BOP than RA- and C groups (21.1% +/- 3.0%, 45.9% +/- 6.2%, and 39.1% +/- 7.2%, respectively; P = 0.0146). The mean PD in the RA+ group was shallower than in RA- and C groups (3.22 +/- 0.13 mm, 3.85 +/- 0.22 mm, and 3.77 +/- 0.20 mm, respectively; P = 0.055). Clinical AL in the RA+ group was lower than in RA- and C groups (3.68 +/- 0.11 mm, 4.52 +/- 0.26 mm, and 4.35 +/- 0.24 mm, respectively; P = 0.0273). TNF-alpha levels in the GCF of the RA+ group were the lowest compared to RA- and C groups (0.663, 1.23, and 0.949 ng/site, respectively; P = 0.0401). A significant positive correlation was found between TNF-alpha levels in the GCF and clinical AL (r = 0.448; P = 0.0283). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with RA receiving anti-TNF-alpha medication had lower periodontal indices and GCF TNF-alpha levels. Thus, suppression of proinflammatory cytokines might prove beneficial in suppressing periodontal diseases.