Influence of Clinical Decontamination Techniques on the Surface Characteristics of SLA Titanium Implant.

The study aims: 1. To perform diode laser, titanium (Ti) brush, and Ti curette treatment on sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) Ti surfaces, with/without H2O2 and CHX, 2. To investigate the influence of decontamination techniques on implant surface topography and hydrophilicity. Diode laser, Ti brush, and Ti curette treatments were performed on the Grade 4 Ti discs, with/without treatment with 3% H2O2 solution or 0.2% CHX. Surface characteristics were investigated via SEM, optical profilometry, and water contact angle meter. SEM findings revealed flat and scratched areas when treated with Ti curette and Ti brush. For diode laser, SEM showed melting in specific areas. Ra and Rt values were lower in all test groups than in the control group (p < 0.05). The adjunctive chemical treatment showed negligible effects in SEM images and surface roughness measurements compared to laser and mechanical treatment-only groups. H2O2 treatment resulted in enhanced hydrophilicity in either treatment modalities with a significant difference compared to the negative control group (p < 0.05). In all test groups, the hydrophilicity was enhanced compared to the negative control group (p < 0.05). Diode laser treatment had the least disruptive effect on the Ti surface characteristics. The use of other mechanical methods caused significant alterations in the surface roughness.

Analysis of Biomarkers and Marginal Bone Loss in Platform-Switched and Nonplatform-Switched Implants: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objectives: To compare the peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) biomarker levels, peri-implant status, and marginal bone level (MBL) differences of implants restored with randomly assigned nonplatform-switched (NPS) or platform-switched (PS) abutments. Methods: Ninety-four implants in 27 subjects were included in this study. Receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) levels in PICF, peri-implant health, and the change in the MBL were evaluated at the time of restoration (T 1) and after 12 months (T 2). Results: The IL-1ß levels decreased and the RANKL, OPG, and MCP-1 levels increased from T 1 to T 2 (P < 0.05) in both groups. RANKL/OPG ratio at T 1, MCP-1 levels at T 2, and the MCP-1 change from T 1 to T 2 were lower in the PS group than in the NPS group (P < 0.05). MBL change was lower (0.51 ± 0.31 mm) in the PS group than that (0.75 ± 0.29 mm) in the NPS group at T 2 (P < 0.001). Peri-implant health status between the study groups was negligible. Conclusion: PS was superior to NPS regarding the preservation of MBL. Higher MCP-1 levels, altered RANKL/OPG ratio, and lower OPG levels in the NPS group could be associated with subclinical peri-implant bone remodeling.

An atypical form of necrotizing periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis/periodontitis are considered necrotizing periodontal diseases. This case report presents an atypical form of necrotizing periodontitis, which does not fit into this classification. METHODS: A 12-year-old child was referred to our clinic for gingival inflammation, extensive alveolar bone loss, and tooth mobility. Clinical and microbiologic examinations were carried out, and radiographs were taken. Clinical examination revealed soft and hard tissue destruction up to the mucogingival junction at the right maxillary premolar and mandibular incisors. Unusual infections or abnormalities in systemic functions were not detected through clinical and laboratory evaluations made at the Pediatrics Department, Istanbul University. Although an intensive established treatment protocol for necrotizing periodontitis was completed, management of long-standing health conditions could not be achieved because of recurrence of the disease, which caused us to repeat this treatment protocol at short intervals. RESULTS: Investigation led to a diagnosis of an atypical form of necrotizing periodontitis because the disease had a recurrent acute phase even under a standard treatment protocol. CONCLUSIONS: Our patient exhibits an unusual, necrotizing form of periodontal disease. The reason for the rapid rate of periodontal disease progression remains unclear.

Oral health and inflammation in patients with end-stage renal failure.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients have an increased risk of atherosclerotic complications. In both hemodialysis (HD) patients and the general population, it has become evident that inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic complications. Oral and dental problems in ESRD patients could be an important source of inflammation, thus treatment of these problems is important to protect these patients from potential infections. The decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index is an indicator of oral and dental health status. Our aim was to analyze and compare salivary flow rate (SFR), salivary pH (SpH), salivary buffering capacity (SBC), and DMFT index and plaque index (PI) values in PD patients to HD patients and healthy controls (C) and establish the relationship between these parameters and C-reactive protein (CRP). METHODS: 76 PD patients, 100 HD patients, and 111 Cs were included in the study. SFR (milliliters/minute) was measured in stimulated whole saliva, SpH was measured using the Merck indicator, and SBC was measured according to the method of Ericsson: 1 mL whole saliva was added to 3 mL 0.005 N HCl and a stream of air was passed through this mixture for 20 minutes. Finally, DMFT index and PI values were calculated. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in age or gender distribution among PD, HD, and C groups. There was also no significant difference in time on dialysis between PD and HD groups. SFR was significantly lower in the PD and HD groups than in the C group (1.30 +/- 0.83 and 0.70 +/- 0.32 vs 1.64 +/- 0.45 mL/min) and lower in the HD than in the PD group (p < 0.001). SpH (8.35 +/- 0.43 and 8.12 +/- 0.74 vs 7.16 +/- 0.76) and SBC (7.39 +/- 0.47 and 6.82 +/- 0.70 vs 5.08 +/- 0.73) were significantly higher in the PD and HD groups than in the C group and higher in the PD than in the HD group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001 respectively). The numbers of filled teeth were significantly higher in the PD than in the HD and C groups (p < 0.001). DMFT index was significantly higher in the PD than in the HD group (p < 0.001). Finally, PI values were significantly higher in the PD and HD groups than in the C group (p < 0.001) and higher in the HD than in the PD group, although this was not statistically significant. In the present study, we also found higher CRP values in HD than in PD patients and a positive correlation between CRP and PI values in PD patients. CONCLUSIONS: PD patients have higher SFR, SpH, and SBC values than HD patients; however, higher DMFT index and higher numbers of filled teeth were observed in PD patients. Compared to healthy controls, patients on dialysis had worse dental and periodontal findings, which might have a role in microinflammation in this group of patients.

Hypoplasminogenemia with ligneous periodontitis: a failed local therapeutic approach.

BACKGROUND: Hypoplasminogenemia is a rare condition that is associated with ligneous conjunctivitis, a form of chronic conjunctivitis characterized by firm, fibrin-rich, pseudomembranous lesions on the tarsal conjunctivae and oral lesions. Pseudomembranes may develop on the gingivae, and there may be periodontal involvement. METHODS: Several therapeutic approaches have been developed to treat such patients, but they have had limited effect. We used gingivectomies, topical heparin, and corticosteroids to treat periodontal lesions in an 18-year-old girl. RESULTS: This approach had no benefit. CONCLUSION: The question remains about how best to manage patients with hypoplasminogenemia.

Adjunctive use of antibiotics in periodontal therapy.

Periodontal diseases are infectious diseases with a mixed microbial aetiology and marked inflammatory response leading to destruction of underlying tissue. Periodontal therapy aims to eliminate pathogens associated with the disease and attain periodontal health. Periodontitis is generally treated by nonsurgical mechanical debridement and regular periodontal maintenance care. Periodontal surgery may be indicated for some patients to improve access to the root surface; however, mechanical debridement alone may not be helpful in all cases. In such cases, adjunctive systemic antibiotic therapy remains the treatment of choice. It can reach microorganisms at the base of the deep periodontal pockets and furcation areas via serum, and also affects organisms residing within gingival epithelium and connective tissue. This review aims to provide an update on clinical issues regarding when and how to prescribe systemic antibiotics in periodontal therapy. The points discussed are the mode of antibiotic action, susceptible periodontal pathogens, antibiotic dosage, antibiotic use in treatment of periodontal disease, and mechanism of bacterial resistance to each antibiotic.

Short term effects of periodontal therapy on inflammatory markers in patients with type-2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of periodontal therapy on glycosylated hemoglobin and fasting blood glucose and serum levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in chronic periodontitis (CP) patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and in controls. METHODS: A total of 30 periodontal patients, 15 of which were systemically healthy (control group), and 15 were T2DM patients (test group) were included in this study. This prospective study was carried out at Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey between February 2011 and December 2013. Plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, periodontal probing depth, and clinical attachment level were assessed and recorded at baseline, one, and 3 months after therapy. Serum samples were collected at the same time-points and analyzed using Luminex assay for the levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α. The change in the metabolic control was also monitored. RESULTS: All clinical parameters were significantly improved after the periodontal therapy in both groups (p less than l0.001). Glycosylated hemoglobin levels were decreased; however, the difference was not significant (p more than 0.05). Fasting blood glucose levels were decreased one month after therapy, and increased at 3 months. Patients with T2DM had significantly higher levels of circulating IL-8 at each time point, and TNF-α (p less than 0.05) at baseline. The IL-4 and IL-10 levels were decreased at one month after therapy (p more than 0.05). CONCLUSION: Periodontal therapy has limited impact on the serum levels of IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-α. Metabolic control levels were not influenced by periodontal therapy.

Impact of metronidazole and amoxicillin combination on matrix metalloproteinases-1 and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases balance in generalized aggressive periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: Generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) is a complex periodontal disease affecting the entire dentition with a rapid destruction of the periodontium and resulting in loss of teeth. We hypothesized that better clinical healing of adjunctive use of amoxicillin plus metronidazole combination may be related to the effect of this combination therapy to restore imbalance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP) which is associated with connective tissue and alveolar bone destruction in patients with GAgP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight subjects diagnosed with GAgP were recruited. Patients were randomly assigned to test or control groups. MMP-1/TIMP-1 ratio was compared between groups receiving scaling and root planning (SRP) alone (control) or in combination with amoxicillin plus metronidazole (test). Clinical periodontal variables were measured. Gingival crevicular fluid samples were obtained and analyzed for MMP-1 and TIMP-1. Measurements were taken at baseline and repeated at 3 and 6 months after therapy. RESULTS: Total MMP-1 levels were significantly decreased in both groups (P < 0.05) at 3 and 6 months. MMP-1 concentration levels showed a similar pattern to MMP-1 total levels decreasing significantly at 3 months (P < 0.05). TIMP-1 concentration levels increased in the test group throughout the study period, while the difference did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05). TIMP-1/MMP-1 balance was restored in test group at 6 months significantly better than the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that metronidazole and amoxicillin combination as an adjunct to SRP results in better clinical healing through restoring TIMP-1/MMP-1 balance.

Clinical evaluation of free gingival graft shrinkage in horizontal and vertical dimensions.

PURPOSE: To assess the shrinkage of Free Gingival Graft (FGG) in horizontal and vertical dimensions and calculate the changes in the surface area of the transplanted tissue in a 3 months period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: total of 30 FGG were placed aiming to increase attached gingiva around recession sites. Vertical recessions, horizontal recessions, surface area, plaque index, gingival index, periodontal probing depth and clinical attachment level were assesed at baseline, 1 and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Graft shrinkage between baseline and 1 month was more evident than 1 to 3 months in either dimensions. Both horizontal and vertical dimensions were significantly decreased (p<0.001) at 1 and 3 months post operatively. There was no significant change in PI and GI scores postoperatively compared to baseline (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The shrinkage of vertical and horizontal dimensions of the grafts were almost equal unlike the literature. In addition, the different dimensional changes observed in individual level deserve further research.

The role of activated cytotoxic T cells in etiopathogenesis of periodontal disease: does it harm or does it heal?

The objective of this study was to determine the phenotypic profile of blood mononuclear cells, specifically CD8(+)/CD28(+) cells, in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) and chronic periodontitis (CP) in peripheral blood and in blood obtained from periodontal defect site which might contribute to tissue damage. 13 GAgP, 11 chronic periodontitis (CP) and 5 healthy controls (H) were included in the study. Plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BoP), periodontal probing depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded. Blood from the base of periodontal defect site and peripheral blood from the antecubital vein were obtained. Relative counts of CD45(+), CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8(+)/CD28(+), CD8(+)/CD28(-), CD19(+), CD16(+)/CD56(+)/CD3, CD3(+)/CD16(+)/CD56(+) receptors were determined with two color flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies. BoP, PPD and CAL were significantly higher in both periodontitis groups than healthy controls (p <0.05). Activated cytotoxic T cells, CD8(+)/CD28(+) cells, were significantly elevated in GAgP and CP groups compared to HC both in blood obtained from defect site and blood obtained from systemic circulation (p <0.05). GAgP and CP patients have an increased levels of activated cytotoxic T cells as a result of inflammation which may cause severe tissue damage that lead to severe and rapid loss of periodontal tissues.

Comparison of manual toothbrushes with different bristle designs in terms of cleaning efficacy and potential role on gingival recession.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to compare the efficacy of plaque control and potential effects on gingival recession of the toothbrushes with angled and straight bristles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 40 healthy dental students (25 females and 15 males; age range: 23-25 years) participated and two study groups were constituted. Participants were randomly distributed into two groups to use either angled or standard design manual tooth brushes with soft bristles. Oral hygiene indicators and soft tissue levels were monitored for 6 months. Plaque index, gingival index (GI), probing depth, clinical attachment level, and bleeding on probing were measured at six sites. Vertical recession (VR) and horizontal recession (HR) were also recorded. All measurements were repeated at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: Plaque scores were reduced significantly at 6 months compared to baseline in both groups (P < 0.05 and P < 0.005 in criss-cross and standard design brushes, respectively). Mean GI scores of the criss-cross design were reduced significantly at 6 months (P < 0.05). Inter-group comparisons revealed that gingival recession (GR) values were not statistically significant (P > 0.05) at baseline, 3 and 6 months suggesting no pronounced impact of bristle design in terms of GR (VR = 0.596, HR = 0.572; VR = 0.884, HR = 0.572; VR = 0.884, HR = 0.572 in the groups). CONCLUSIONS: Bristle design has little impact on plaque removal capacity of a toothbrush. Both designs are safe enough to prevent GR as long as soft bristle material is used.

Efficacy of amoxicillin and metronidazole combination for the management of generalized aggressive periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of metronidazole-amoxicillin combination on clinical and microbiologic parameters in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients were randomly included. The test group (n = 12) received amoxicillin-metronidazole combination and scaling and root planing; the control group (n = 16) received scaling and root planing alone. In addition to the clinical examinations, subgingival plaque samples were analyzed for total cultivable bacteria and the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia (previously T. forsythensis), Treponema denticola, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens, Prevotella pallens, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans) using polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: All clinical parameters improved significantly compared to baseline (P <0.05) in both groups. There was a statistically significant reduction of pockets and clinical attachment gain in the combined group compared to the control group (P <0.05). Total counts of bacteria also decreased significantly at 3 and 6 months in both groups (P <0.05). T. denticola and T. forsythia were the most prevalent bacteria throughout the study. T. denticola showed a continuous decrease over 6 months in the test group, whereas no change was seen in the control group beyond 3 months. P. gingivalis decreased significantly at 3 months (P <0.05), whereas T. forsythia was the only pathogen decreased below detection limits by the combination therapy with a significant difference compared to the control group (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study suggest that combined amoxicillin and metronidazole use as an adjunct to scaling and root planing leads to better clinical healing compared to mechanical treatment alone. The polypharmaceutical approach used results in a significant and substantial decrease in T. forsythia and prevents its recolonization for 6 months, suggesting that T. forsythia may determine the long-term stability of periodontal treatment outcomes.

Effect of educational level on oral health in peritoneal and hemodialysis patients.

Background. In previous studies, the oral and dental health statuses were compared in hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients without taking into account the effect of educational levels on oral health. Hence we aimed to make a comparison of these parameters based upon the subjects educational levels. Patients and Methods. 76 PD (33 males, 43 females-mean age: 44 +/- 12 years) and 100 HD (56 males, 44 females-mean age: 46 +/- 14 years) patients were included. The number of decayed, missing and filled teeth were detected, DMFT index was calculated and plaque index (PI) values were assessed. Results. Significantly higher numbers of filled teeth (P < .001) and lower PI values (P < .01) in the PD group were detected with higher educational levels, whereas no significance was detected in the HD group. Higher DMFT index values were assessed in the lower educated and high school levels in PD than HD patients (P < .05). Higher numbers of filled teeth (P < .05) were detected in the secondary school level in PD patients. This difference was even more significant in the high school level (P < .001). Conclusion. We assume that PD patients, who were found to be in a higher educational level, are more caring for their oral health as compared to HD patients.