Etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of peri-implantitis: A European perspective.

Peri-implantitis is a plaque-associated pathological condition occurring in tissues around dental implants. It is characterized by inflammation in the peri-implant mucosa and progressive loss of supporting bone. Over the last 30 years, peri-implantitis has become a major disease burden in dentistry. An understanding of the diagnosis, etiology and pathogenesis, epidemiology, and treatment of peri-implantitis must be a central component in undergraduate and postgraduate training programs in dentistry. In view of the strong role of European research in periodontology and implant dentistry, the focus of this review was to address peri-implantitis from a European perspective. One component of the work was to summarize new and reliable data on patients with dental implants to underpin the relevance of peri-implantitis from a population perspective. The nature of the peri-implantitis lesion was evaluated through results presented in preclinical models and evaluations of human biopsy material together with an appraisal of the microbiological characteristics. An overview of strategies and outcomes presented in clinical studies on nonsurgical and surgical treatment of peri-implantitis is discussed with a particular focus on end points of therapy and recommendations presented in the S3 level Clinical Practice Guideline for the prevention and treatment of peri-implant diseases.

Two-piece zirconia implants supporting all-ceramic crowns: Six-year results of a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this prospective clinical trial was to present the 6-year outcomes of a two-piece yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (Y-TZP) implant system in partially edentulous patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-nine two-piece zirconia implants were placed in 32 patients systemically healthy. Zirconia abutments were connected with adhesive resin cement. Single-unit full-ceramic crowns were cemented. The cases have been followed for an average of 82.2 ± 5.86 months after loading (range 74.93-92.26 months). RESULTS: 24 participants with 39 implants were available for examination 6 years after loading. The cumulative implant survival rate was 83%. On an implant level, the cumulative mechanical complication rate was 17.5%, the cumulative technical complication rate was 13%, and the biological complication rate was 8%. After 6 years, subjects reported good satisfaction with the treatment: 3.7 ± 4.4 on a visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 to 100 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this prospective case series study, two-piece zirconia implants could offer an alternative for treatment of single edentulous spaces in the posterior region. The major complication on the long term of this pioneering system was the abutment fracture; however, due to the versatility of a two-piece implant system, replacement of the broken parts was possible.

Clinical and radiographic changes at tissue level implants with either a machined or a modified transmucosal neck surface: A 3-year multicentre randomized controlled proof-of-concept study.

BACKGROUND: Surface modification may yield enhanced soft tissue adhesion to transmucosal titanium implant necks. AIM: To evaluate and compare changes in soft tissues around implants with a modified hydrophilic sandblasted and acid-etched neck (mSLA; test) to those with a machined neck (M; control). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Implants with a diameter of 4.1 mm and a neck height of 1.8 mm were randomly inserted in healed sites with pristine bone of the posterior maxilla or mandible. The modified Sulcus Bleeding Index (mSBI) (primary outcome) was assessed at baseline (BL) and 6, 12 and 36 months. Secondary outcomes included the assessment of pocket probing depth (PPD), mucosal recession (REC) and clinical attachment level (CAL). Standardized radiographs were taken at time of implant placement, at BL and after 12 and 36 months. RESULTS: Of the 43 randomized subjects, 38 (19 test and 19 controls) completed the 36-month follow-up. Implant survival rates amounted to 95.5% (test) and 100% (control) (p > .05). At 36 months, 77.6% of test implants and 78.9% of control implants were without any bleeding sites (mSBI = 0; p > .05). The 36-month success rate was 86.4% in the test and 85.7% in the control group, respectively (p > .05). At 36 months, the mean radiographic bone level change from BL was 0.33 ± 0.69 mm at test implants and 0.12 ± 0.3 mm at control implants (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Tissue level implants with a hydrophilic mSLA transmucosal neck failed to yield clinical and radiographic benefits compared with implants with a machined neck up to 3 years.

Short ultrasonic debridement with adjunctive low-concentrated hypochlorite/amino acid gel during periodontal maintenance: randomized clinical trial of 12 months.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the benefit of repeated subgingival cleaning with a low-concentrated hypochlorite/amino acid gel in subjects in maintenance care with residual pockets ≥ 5 mm. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Examiner masked, randomized two-arm parallel design. Thirty-two adult periodontal patients in maintenance phase, > 3 months after periodontal therapy, with at least one residual periodontal pocket ≥ 5 mm, were randomly assigned to treatment by subgingival ultrasonic debridement with the gel or ultrasonic debridement only. At months 0, 4, and 8, all sites presenting with a probing depth (PD) ≥ 5 mm were treated. Six sites were monitored on each tooth. The primary end point was the presence or absence of PD ≥ 5 mm after 12 months. Secondary clinical outcomes were oral tissue safety; patient acceptance; changes in PD; bleeding on probing; recession after 4, 8, and 12 months; and the presence or absence of six target microorganisms in treated pockets at baseline, after 7 days and 4 months. RESULTS: A total of 365 sites in 32 patients with PD ≥ 5 mm were treated at baseline. At the final evaluation at month 12, 47% of these sites in the test and 49% in the control group were still in this PD category. The difference between baseline and month 12 was significant in both groups (p < 0.01), whereas the difference between groups was not. Repeated short ultrasonic instrumentation with adjunctive administration of the test product resulted in a clinical attachment level (CAL) gain of 1.02 mm (p < 0.01) and led to - 0.97 mm of pocket reduction (p < 0.01) without inducing further recession. However, repeated short ultrasonic debridement without the gel led to a similar clinical outcome (p < 0.01). No adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Short ultrasonic instrumentation of residual pockets with PD ≥ 5 mm during maintenance visits resulted in a clinically relevant CAL gain and PD reduction in the order of 1 mm in 1 year, without inducing further recession. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study corroborates the benefit of regular maintenance care after periodontal therapy, including short debridement of the residual pockets.

Maintenance therapy for teeth and implants.

Maintenance care is mandatory for the long-term success of periodontal and implant treatment. As it is frequently necessary to treat recurrent or persisting disease, maintenance therapy goes beyond a true prophylaxis. During this lifelong therapy, both the patient and the dental team need to be working closely together. It is imperative to combine efforts to have the build-up of biofilm under control during maintenance and to reduce, as much as possible, the influence that risk factors may play in plaque accumulation as well as in the tissue inflammatory response. Guidelines to evaluate periodontal tissue response are described, and a maintenance protocol is outlined. The management of residual pockets is stressed, and a variety of treatment approaches are considered and evaluated. How to evaluate peri-implant tissues during maintenance is discussed, as is the protocol of the cumulative interceptive supportive therapy.

Periodontal status correlates with anti-citrullinated protein antibodies in first-degree relatives of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.

AIM: To evaluate periodontal status in first-degree relatives of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (FDR-RA) and detect correlation with the presence of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rheumatologic status and periodontal status were evaluated in a nested case-control study of FDR-RA with no diagnosis of RA at enrolment. The following parameters were assessed in 34 ACPA-positive (ACPA+) and 65 ACPA-negative (ACPA-) subjects: gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and clinical attachment level (CAL). We compared the two groups using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: In ACPA+ individuals, the mean, PD, BOP, CAL and number of sites per person with PD > 4 mm and BOP were significantly higher compared to the ACPA- group. All ACPA+ subjects had periodontitis: 44.1% presenting moderate and 47.1% severe periodontitis. ACPA- subjects had mainly mild (30.8%) and moderate (27%) periodontitis, differences being significantly different for both moderate periodontitis (p = 0.001) and severe periodontitis (p < 0.001). In multivariable analyses, ACPA status (p = 0.04) and age (p = 0.002) were significantly and independently associated with periodontal conditions. CONCLUSION: High prevalence and severity of periodontitis in FDR-RA was associated with seropositivity to ACPAs. This further strengthens the hypothesis that periodontitis may be a risk factor in the development of RA.

Risk factors for recurrence of periodontal disease in patients in maintenance care in a private practice.

AIM: To assess periodontal and dental conditions in individuals in maintenance care after periodontal therapy in private practice, and to identify risk factors for recurrence of disease and tooth loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred patients attending a routine recall visit were included. All had been treated for periodontal disease and were in maintenance since ≥ 2 years. RESULTS: Examinations took place 18.0 (±8.71) years after the start of periodontal therapy. A total of 40.1 ± 22.5 recall visits were registered during this time. 91% of the participants had an initial diagnosis of chronic, 9% of aggressive periodontitis. The average participant was 46 years old and had 26 teeth. 283 of 2,549 initially present teeth were lost, half of them being molars. Periodontal and endo-periodontal complications accounted for only 16 lost teeth. The prevalence of all probing depth (PD) categories decreased significantly. The longer the time, the more frequent the recall visits, and the more was spent during the maintenance phase, the greater was the reduction. Multivariate analysis rendered BMI and smoking as factors influencing number of sites with PD ≥ 4 mm and bleeding on probing. CONCLUSION: Tooth loss and periodontal tissue damage can be contained over prolonged periods if periodontal disease is treated and patients attend regular maintenance care.

Experimental mucositis/gingivitis in persons aged 70 or over: microbiological findings and prediction of clinical outcome.

OBJECTIVES: To assess in persons aged 70 years or older the microbiological alterations occurring around implants and natural teeth during and after 3 weeks of undisturbed plaque accumulation. Furthermore, to test the predictive value of several markers at baseline for the extent of inflammation around implants and teeth after this period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty partially edentulous participants with titanium implants refrained from oral hygiene practices while being clinically monitored in weekly intervals for 21 days. Teeth and implants were then cleaned, oral hygiene resumed, and the participants were further monitored. Levels of six subgingival plaque microorganisms, the plaque index (PI), and the gingival index (GI) were assessed before (baseline), during (days 0, 7, 14, 21), and after plaque accumulation (days 28, 42). Six microorganisms; demographic and clinical variables at day 0 were further evaluated as potential predictors for presence of GI > 1 at days 21 and 28. RESULTS: The detection frequency of the selected bacteria did not differ between implants and teeth at any time point. Bacteria counts decreased in the preparatory phase and increased in the plaque accumulation phase. Patterns observed at implants and teeth were similar. Only Parvimonas micra at day 21 reached significantly higher counts at implants than teeth. For the prediction of clinical outcome at day 21, in the multivariable model, only implant vs. tooth was significant indicator for the primary outcome (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the analysis of subgingival/submucosal samples revealed only minor differences between implants and teeth during the development and resolution of inflammation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Within the limitations of our study, with plaque accumulation, elders develop more inflammation around implants than around teeth, in spite of similar bacterial profiles.

Microbial colonization of the periodontal pocket and its significance for periodontal therapy.

The aim of this paper was to evaluate strategies for periodontal therapy from the perspective of periodontal disease being a consequence of microbial colonization of the periodontal pocket environment. In classic bacterial infections the diversity of the microbiota decreases as the disease develops. In most cases of periodontitis, however, the diversity of the flora increases. Most incriminating bacteria are thought to harm tissues significantly only if present in high numbers over prolonged periods of time. Clinical trials have repeatedly demonstrated that scaling and root planing, a procedure that aims to remove subgingival bacterial deposits by scraping on the tooth surface within the periodontal pocket, is effective. At present, for the therapy of any form of periodontal disease, there exists no protocol with proven superiority, in terms of efficiency or effectiveness, over scaling and root planing plus systemic amoxicillin and metronidazole. Some exponents advocate rationing these drugs for patients with a specific microbial profile. However, the evidence for any benefit of bacteriology-assisted clinical protocols is unsatisfactory. Treated sites are subject to recolonization with a microbiota similar to that present before therapy. The degree and speed of recolonization depends on the treatment protocol, the distribution patterns of periodontal microorganisms elsewhere in the oral cavity and the quality of the patient's oral hygiene. To limit the use of antibiotics and to avoid accumulation of harmful effects by repeated therapy, further efforts must be made to optimize procedures addressing the microbial colonization and recolonization of the periodontal pocket.

Periodontitis: Consensus report of workgroup 2 of the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions.

A new periodontitis classification scheme has been adopted, in which forms of the disease previously recognized as "chronic" or "aggressive" are now grouped under a single category ("periodontitis") and are further characterized based on a multi-dimensional staging and grading system. Staging is largely dependent upon the severity of disease at presentation as well as on the complexity of disease management, while grading provides supplemental information about biological features of the disease including a history-based analysis of the rate of periodontitis progression; assessment of the risk for further progression; analysis of possible poor outcomes of treatment; and assessment of the risk that the disease or its treatment may negatively affect the general health of the patient. Necrotizing periodontal diseases, whose characteristic clinical phenotype includes typical features (papilla necrosis, bleeding, and pain) and are associated with host immune response impairments, remain a distinct periodontitis category. Endodontic-periodontal lesions, defined by a pathological communication between the pulpal and periodontal tissues at a given tooth, occur in either an acute or a chronic form, and are classified according to signs and symptoms that have direct impact on their prognosis and treatment. Periodontal abscesses are defined as acute lesions characterized by localized accumulation of pus within the gingival wall of the periodontal pocket/sulcus, rapid tissue destruction and are associated with risk for systemic dissemination.

What is the impact of titanium particles and biocorrosion on implant survival and complications? A critical review.

OBJECTIVES: To compile the current evidence regarding the association between the release of titanium particles and biologic complications of dental implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a critical review. We searched the literature using the terms "corrosion," "allergy," "hypersensitivity," or "particles" together with "titanium," "Ti," "TiO2. " The bibliographies of identified publications and previously published review articles were scanned to find additional related articles. We included clinical studies, in vivo and in vitro experiments. RESULTS: Titanium particles and degradation products of titanium have been detected in oral and nonoral tissues. Particles are released from surfaces of dental implants because of material degradation in a process called tribocorrosion. It involves mechanical wear and environmental factors, notably contact to chemical agents and interaction with substances produced by adherent biofilm and inflammatory cells. In vitro, titanium particles can interfere with cell function and promote inflammation. A temporal association between exposure to titanium and occurrence of tissue reactions suggested hypersensitivity in a limited number of cases. However, there is poor specificity as the observed reactions could be initiated by other factors associated with the placement of implants. Titanium particles are commonly detected in healthy and diseased peri-implant mucosa alike, at low levels even in gingiva of individuals without titanium implants. Rather than being the trigger of disease, higher concentrations of titanium in peri-implantitis lesions could be the consequence of the presence of biofilms and inflammation. CONCLUSION: There is an association between biocorrosion, presence of titanium particles, and biological implant complications, but there is insufficient evidence to prove a unidirectional causal relationship.

The diagnosis of peri-implantitis: A systematic review on the predictive value of bleeding on probing.

OBJECTIVES: Bleeding on gentle probing (BOP) is the key parameter to the diagnosis of mucositis, while changes in crestal bone levels, along with clinical signs of inflammation, are required for the diagnosis of peri-implantitis. This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on the evaluation of BOP as a predictive measure for peri-implantitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic search was performed through Medline and EMBASE databases, followed by a hand search through previous reviews and reference lists. Screening, study selection, data extraction and evaluation of publication bias were conducted by two independent examiners. Clinical studies reporting on the prevalence of peri-implantitis, BOP and/or suppuration (SUP) after more than 1 year of functional loading were selected. Meta-analyses were conducted to combine the proportions of peri-implantitis among BOP- and/or SUP-positive subjects and implants across studies. Subgroups were created and compared to investigate potential sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: Thirty-one studies were selected for analysis. Inconsistent definitions of peri-implantitis were reported across the studies. Twenty-nine studies reported data on implant-level and twenty publications reported on subject-level. The combined proportion of peri-implantitis was 24.1% (95% CI 19.3-29.7) in BOP-positive implants and 33.8% (95% CI 26.7-41.6) for BOP-positive cases. However, the degree of variability among studies was high; the prediction intervals were 10.3-69.3 and 6.9-57.8, respectively. Evidence of asymmetry or publication bias could not be statistically detected. Short observation periods were significantly associated with lower proportions of peri-implantitis among BOP-positive implants. CONCLUSIONS: For BOP-positive implants, there was a 24.1% chance to be diagnosed with peri-implantitis; while for BOP-positive patients, there was a 33.8% probability to be diagnosed with peri-implantitis. This probability varied across study populations. Clinicians should be aware of the considerable false-positive rate of BOP to diagnose peri-implantitis.

Supportive peri-implant therapy following anti-infective surgical peri-implantitis treatment: 5-year survival and success.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate clinical outcomes of supportive peri-implant therapy (SPIT) following surgical treatment of peri-implantitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four partially dentate patients with 36 dental implants diagnosed with peri-implantitis were treated by an anti-infective surgical protocol followed by regular supportive therapy. SPIT included removal of supra- and submucosal biofilm at the treated implants using titanium or carbon fibre curettes, or ultrasonic devices. In addition, professional prophylaxis (calculus/biofilm removal) at other implants/teeth and oral hygiene reinforcement was provided. Clinical measurements and radiographs were obtained at 1, 3 and 5 years. A successful treatment outcome was defined as implant survival with the absence of peri-implant probing depths (PD) ≥ 5 mm with concomitant bleeding/suppuration and absence of progression of peri-implant bone loss. RESULTS: Twelve months after treatment, there was 100% survival of the treated implants and 79% of patients (19 of 24) had a successful treatment outcome according to the defined success criteria. At 3 years, 75% of the patients (18 of 24) had a successful treatment outcome, two patients (8%) were lost to follow-up (LTF), while 8% lost an implant, and two patients had recurrence of peri-implantitis. Between 3 and 5 years, an additional two patients were LTF, and an additional two patients each lost one implant. Thus, at 5 years 63% of patients (15 of 24) had a successful treatment outcome. Complete resolution of peri-implantitis, defined as absence of bleeding at all sites, was achieved in 42% of implants (N = 15) at 5 years. CONCLUSION: Five years following regular supportive therapy, the peri-implant conditions established following peri-implantitis surgery were maintained in the majority of patients and implants. Some patients had recurrence of peri-implantitis and some lost implants over the 5-year period.

Drugs and diseases: Summary and consensus statements of group 1. The 5th EAO Consensus Conference 2018.

OBJECTIVES: The task of this working group was to update the knowledge about the use of drugs and biologicals affecting healing of soft tissue and bone during implant treatment or procedures associated with it. Moreover, the impact of titanium particles and biocorrosion on complications and implant survival has been analysed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature in the areas of interest (platelet concentrates, antiresorptive drugs as well as implant-host interaction) was screened using systematic reviews for the former two areas, whereas a narrative critical review was performed for the latter topic. Two manuscripts on platelet concentrates, one manuscript on antiresorptive drugs and one manuscript on the effects of biocorrosion, were presented for group analysis with subsequent discussion in the plenum and final consensus approval. RESULTS: Results and conclusions of the individual reviews of the three topics are presented in the respective papers. Conclusions of the group on strengths and weaknesses of available evidence as well as consensus statements and directions for further research are provided in this study. The following papers were subject to group discussions and formed the basis for the consensus statements: Stähli A, Strauss FJ, Gruber R. () The use of platelet-rich-plasma to enhance the outcomes of implant-related therapies: a systematic review Strauss FJ, Stähli A, Gruber R. (2018) The use of platelet-rich-fibrin to enhance the outcomes of implant-related therapies: a systematic review Mombelli A, Hashim D, Cionca N. () What is the impact of titanium particles and bio-corrosion on implant survival and complications? A critical review Stavropoulos A, Bertl K, Pietschmann P, Pandis N, Morten Schiødt, Klinge B. () The effect of antiresorptive drugs on implant therapy: a systematic review.

Group 4 ITI Consensus Report: Risks and biologic complications associated with implant dentistry.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of Working Group 4 was to address topics related to biologic risks and complications associated with implant dentistry. Focused questions on (a) diagnosis of peri-implantitis, (b) complications associated with implants in augmented sites, (c) outcomes following treatment of peri-implantitis, and (d) implant therapy in geriatric patients and/or patients with systemic diseases were addressed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four systematic reviews formed the basis for discussion in Group 4. Participants developed statements and recommendations determined by group consensus based on the findings of the systematic reviews. These were then presented and accepted following further discussion and modifications as required by the plenary. RESULTS: Bleeding on probing (BOP) alone is insufficient for the diagnosis of peri-implantitis. The positive predictive value of BOP alone for the diagnosis of peri-implantitis varies and is dependent on the prevalence of peri-implantitis within the population. For patients with implants in augmented sites, the prevalence of peri-implantitis and implant loss is low over the medium to long term. Peri-implantitis treatment protocols which include individualized supportive care result in high survival of implants after 5 years with about three-quarters of implants still present. Advanced age alone is not a contraindication for implant therapy. Implant placement in patients with cancer receiving high-dose antiresorptive therapy is contraindicated due to the associated high risk for complications. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnosis of peri-implantitis requires the presence of BOP as well as progressive bone loss. Prevalence of peri-implantitis for implants in augmented sites is low. Peri-implantitis treatment should be followed by individualized supportive care. Implant therapy for geriatric patients is not contraindicated; however, comorbidities and autonomy should be considered.

Zirconia dental implants: where are we now, and where are we heading?

Despite decades of titanium as the gold standard in oral implantology, the search for alternatives has been growing. High esthetic standards and increasing incidence of titanium allergies, along with a rising demand for metal-free reconstructions, have led to the proposal of ceramics as potential surrogates. Following numerous experimental studies, zirconium dioxide (zirconia) has earned its place as a potential substitute for titanium in implantology. Yet, despite zirconia's excellent biocompatibility and tissue integration, low affinity to plaque and favorable biomechanical properties, early failures were significantly higher for zirconia implants than for titanium implants. Technical failure as a result of fracture of the material is also a major concern. So far, zirconia implants have been mainly manufactured as one-piece implant systems because of the material's limitations. Nevertheless, various two-piece systems have been progressively emerging with promising results. Screw-retained abutments are desirable but present a major technical challenge. Innovation and technical advances will undoubtedly lead to further improvement in the reliability and strength of zirconia implants, allowing for novel designs, connections and reconstructions. Additional clinical studies are required to identify all relevant technical and biological factors affecting implant success and patients' satisfaction. However, the evidence for a final verdict is, at present, still incomplete.

Oral health of pediatric liver transplant recipients.

To evaluate oral health conditions in pediatric liver transplant recipients, with special focus on caries, green staining of the teeth, gingival bleeding, and gingival overgrowth. 40 patients (mean age 11.6 years) were examined at a routine follow-up visit, 6 months to 16 years after liver transplantation at the Swiss Center for Liver Disease in Children. After the medical examination, participants were further examined for the presence of dental caries, periodontal disease, GE, and GTC. The mean decay, missing, and filled teeth (dmft/DMFT) score was 3.8. 45% of the participants presented at least one carious lesion. Two-third of the participants had more than 20% of sites with the presence of plaque and gingival inflammation. Signs of GE were found in 18% and GTC in 30% of the participants. A positive correlation was identified between GTC and peak serum bilirubin (P<.001) and primary diagnosis of cholestatic disease (P=.04). Gingival inflammation was associated with plaque (P<.001), use of immunosuppressive medication (P=.04), and was more pronounced in children with cholestatic disease (P=.007). Children and young adults with liver transplants presented a rather poor oral health status. Liver transplant physicians should counsel patients for regular dental follow-up in order to avoid serious dental infections.

Role of microbial biofilms in the maintenance of oral health and in the development of dental caries and periodontal diseases. Consensus report of group 1 of the Joint EFP/ORCA workshop on the boundaries between caries and periodontal disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The scope of this working group was to review (1) ecological interactions at the dental biofilm in health and disease, (2) the role of microbial communities in the pathogenesis of periodontitis and caries, and (3) the innate host response in caries and periodontal diseases. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A health-associated biofilm includes genera such as Neisseria, Streptococcus, Actinomyces, Veillonella and Granulicatella. Microorganisms associated with both caries and periodontal diseases are metabolically highly specialized and organized as multispecies microbial biofilms. Progression of these diseases involves multiple microbial interactions driven by different stressors. In caries, the exposure of dental biofilms to dietary sugars and their fermentation to organic acids results in increasing proportions of acidogenic and aciduric species. In gingivitis, plaque accumulation at the gingival margin leads to inflammation and increasing proportions of proteolytic and often obligately anaerobic species. The natural mucosal barriers and saliva are the main innate defence mechanisms against soft tissue bacterial invasion. Similarly, enamel and dentin are important hard tissue barriers to the caries process. Given that the present state of knowledge suggests that the aetiologies of caries and periodontal diseases are mutually independent, the elements of innate immunity that appear to contribute to resistance to both are somewhat coincidental.

Dental implants in the elderly population: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review was conducted to evaluate the outcome of dental implant therapy in elderly patients (≥65 years). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Online database and hand searches were systematically performed to identify studies reporting on dental implants placed in the partially/completely edentulous jaws of elderly patients. Only prospective studies reporting on regular-diameter (≥3 mm), micro-rough surface implants were included in this review. Two investigators performed the search and data extraction. An inter-investigator reliability was verified using kappa statistics (κ). A meta-analysis was performed on implant survival rates, while the mean peri-implant marginal bone level changes (PI-MBL), technical/mechanical complications, and biological complications were reported descriptively. RESULTS: The systematic search yielded 2221 publications, of which 11 studies were included for statistical analyses. The calculated κ for the various parameters extracted was κ = 0.818-1.000. A meta-analysis was performed on the post-loading implant survival rates at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years. The random-effects model revealed an overall 1-year implant survival of 97.7% (95% CI: 95.8, 98.8; I2  = 0.00%, P = 0.968; n = 11 studies). The model further revealed an overall implant survival of 96.3% (95% CI: 92.8, 98.1; I2  = 0.00%, P = 0.618; n = 6 studies), 96.2% (95% CI: 93.0, 97.9; I2  = 0.00%, P = 0.850; n = 7 studies), and 91.2% (95% CI: 83.4, 95.6; I2  = 0.00%, P = 0.381; n = 3 studies) for 3, 5, and 10 years, respectively. The reported 1-year average PI-MBL ranged between 0.1 and 0.3 mm, while the reported 5- and 10-year PI-MBL were 0.7 and 1.5 mm, respectively. Information obtained pertaining to the technical and biological complications in the included studies was inadequate for statistical analysis. The frequent technical/mechanical complications reported were abutment screw loosening, fracture of the overdenture prostheses, activation of retentive clips, ceramic chipping, and fractures. The common biological complication reported included peri-implant mucositis, mucosal enlargement, bone loss, pain, and implant loss. CONCLUSIONS: This review provides robust evidence favoring dental implant therapy in elderly patients as a predictable long-term treatment option, in terms of implant survival, clinically acceptable PI-MBL changes, and minimal complications. Therefore, age alone should not be a limiting factor for dental implant therapy.

Experimental mucositis and experimental gingivitis in persons aged 70 or over. Clinical and biological responses.

OBJECTIVES: To compare in persons aged 70 years or older the clinical and inflammatory changes occurring around implants and natural teeth during and after a phase of undisturbed plaque accumulation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty partially edentulous participants with titanium implants refrained from oral hygiene practices while being clinically monitored in weekly intervals for 21 days. Teeth and implants were then cleaned, oral hygiene resumed, and the participants were further monitored for 3 weeks. Twelve biomarkers were assessed in gingival and peri-implant crevicular fluid (GCF, PCF). RESULTS: During 3 weeks of oral hygiene abstention, the gingival index (GI) continuously increased. On day 21, there were significantly more sites with GI >1 at implants than at teeth. After restarting oral hygiene, the GI decreased markedly in both groups. Throughout the experiment, the plaque index was significantly higher on teeth than on implants. The different biomarkers reacted variably. IL-1ß increased significantly with plaque accumulation. IL-1ß, GM-CSF, TNF-α, and IFN-γ were significantly higher in GCF compared to PCF at day 21. IL-8 decreased significantly in GCF up to day 14. MIP-1ß decreased significantly in GCF, but not in PCF. At the 3-week follow-up, the levels of all biomarkers assessed in GCF and PCF had returned to baseline values. CONCLUSIONS: In an elderly cohort, plaque accumulation induced an inflammatory reaction around both teeth and implants. Although there was less plaque accumulation on implants, the peri-implant mucosa showed a stronger clinical response than gingiva.