Tooth loss in generalized aggressive periodontitis: Prognostic factors after 17 years of supportive periodontal treatment.

AIM: This retrospective longitudinal study assessed the risk of and prognostic factors for tooth loss in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) after periodontal treatment in a university setting. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients (1,505 teeth) were examined before (T0) and after active periodontal therapy (APT, T1) as well as after 17.4 ± 4.8 [range: 9-28] years of supportive periodontal therapy (SPT, T2). Descriptive statistics and a Cox-proportional-hazards shared-frailty model were applied. RESULTS: Overall, 98 and 134 teeth were lost during APT and SPT, respectively, with 0.14 ± 0.18 teeth being lost per patient and year. During SPT, three patients (5%) lost ≥10 teeth, 14 (25%) lost 4-9 teeth, 40 lost 0-3 (70%) teeth, respectively. One-third (n = 19) of all patients lost no teeth. Mean PPD of the teeth surviving SPT was stable from T1 (3.5 ± 1.1 mm) to T2 (3.4 ± 1.1 mm). Nearly, 84% of all survived teeth showed stable or improved bone level at T2. Risk of tooth loss was significantly increased in active smokers (HR[95% CI]: 4.94[1.91/12.75]), the upper dental arch (1.94[1,16/3.25]), with each mm of residual PPD (1.41[1.29/1.53]), teeth with furcation involvement (FI) (HR 4.00-4.44 for different degrees) and mobility (5.39 [2.06/14.1] for degree III). CONCLUSION: Within the provided conservative treatment regimen, GAgP patients lost only few teeth.

Congenitally missing maxillary lateral incisors: Long-term periodontal and functional evaluation after orthodontic space closure with first premolar intrusion and canine extrusion.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this investigation were to evaluate associations between orthodontic space closure (including first premolar intrusion and canine extrusion for esthetic reasons) and periodontal tissue deterioration over a 10-year period in subjects with one or both missing maxillary lateral incisors and to investigate the occurrence of signs or symptoms of temporomandibular disorder (TMD). METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study comprising patients treated by the same orthodontist. The agenesis group included 26 consecutive adolescent and young adult patients (9 male, 17 female) treated with space closure. The control group consisted of 32 orthodontic patients (12 male, 20 female) with no missing teeth and no need for extractions. In the agenesis group, full-mouth probing pocket depths and bleeding on probing were recorded at 6 locations for each of 657 teeth (3942 periodontal sites). In the control group, comparative data were collected for the maxillary first molars, premolars, canines, and lateral incisors, a total of 264 teeth (1584 periodontal sites). Mobility and gingival recession were also evaluated. Patients in both groups completed questionnaires concerning symptoms related to TMD. RESULTS: The full-mouth assessments in the agenesis group generally demonstrated periodontally healthy conditions, with probing depths below 4 mm and few bleeding sites. Some slight recessions were found, mostly on molars and second premolars, and there was normal mobility of first premolars that substituted for canines. Comparisons between the agenesis and control groups showed no statistically significant differences for the maxillary teeth regarding increased pocket depth (≥4 mm) or increased mobility. Interproximal sites in the agenesis group showed less bleeding on probing than in the control group; this was statistically significant. Anterior teeth in the agenesis group did not show any more recession than in the controls. In addition, we observed no difference in signs or symptoms between the 2 groups; this might be due to the limited sample size or the drawbacks of the surveys of TMD through subjects' recall. Thus, the long-term periodontal tissue health and the incidence of dysfunction or TMD signs were similar in the space-closure agenesis group and in the control group of nonextraction orthodontic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontic space closure including first premolar intrusion and canine extrusion in patients with missing lateral incisors does not incur risks for periodontal tissue deterioration or TMD in the long term.

[An 18 month evaluation of MM-MTA pulpotomy on primary decayed molars]. / Evaluation sur 18 mois de la pulpotomie au MM-MTA sur des molaires temporaires cariées.

Pulpotomy is the most performed and controversial therapeutic in pediatric dentistry. Formocresol is known to have a toxic effect on living tissues, a mutagenic and carcinogenic potential with a systemic uptake of formocresol via pulpotomized teeth, other alternative products have been investigated. 40 molars were pulpotomized using Micro Mega Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MM-MTA), which eliminates the need for the use of formocresol. The effects of this material were evaluated both clinically and radiographically. Post-operative control examinations were performed at 1, 6, 12, and 18 months trying to detect spontaneous or stimulated pain, pathological tooth mobility, abscesses or fistulas, internal or external pathological tooth resorption, periapical bone destruction, or canal obliteration. Pain was absent at 18 months post operatively. Thirty six molar treated with the MM-MTA didn't show any mobility or pain, one molar presented a pathological resorption and one molar presented an abscess without a fistula at 12 month. The observations were compared to others related to formocresol, ferric sulfate, MTA, and laser pulpotomies, using the Chi-square test x2. The abundance of positive result strongly demonstrate that the MM-MTA pulpotomy on carious temporary molars is a promising technique.

Clinical success of stainless steel crowns placed under general anaesthesia in primary molars: an observational follow up study.

AIM: Quality assessment of stainless steel crowns (SSCs) placed in primary molars of high caries risk children after 1, 3 and 5 years of service time. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Out of 1149 SSCs placed 1, 3 or 5 years before the evaluation period in 558 children, 428 (37.2%) SSCs were clinically evaluated in 171 (30.6%) children aged between 1.1 and 8.6 years. Marginal adaptation, extension and proximal contacts of SSCs, plaque and gingival bleeding at SSC were assessed. Caries experience was recorded by WHO standards. RESULTS: Caries experience was 7.8 dmft/18.4 dmfs before treatment. The overall success rate of SSCs was 97.2%, regardless of the extent of carious lesions or pulp treatment of the tooth. Loss of SSCs (1.9%), pathological tooth mobility (0.7%) and perforation of the crown (0.2%) were scored as clinical failures. The majority of SSCs had sealed margins and the marginal extension reached sub-gingival level. Open proximal contacts occurred mesially and distally (21.7%, 20%). All qualitative defects increased with service time. Secondary caries was not diagnosed. Of the SSCs, 46.4% were free of dental plaque. Gingival bleeding after probing was observed in 72.1% of all SSCs. Gingivitis was significantly associated with increased dmft-values (OR=1.108, 95%CI: 1.03-1.19) and plaque at SSCs (OR=0.29, 95%CI: 0.18-0.47). Children with migration background exhibited significantly more often insufficient oral hygiene and higher rates of gingival bleeding and caries experience than did German children. CONCLUSIONS: SSCs are clinically successful restorations in primary molars of high caries risk children. High caries prevalence and insufficient oral hygiene were greater determining factors for the occurrence of gingivitis than the quality of the SSCs.

Treatment outcome of mineral trioxide aggregate: repair of root perforations-long-term results.

INTRODUCTION: This historical cohort study follows on a previously reported trial, with the aim of assessing the outcome for teeth with root perforations managed by the orthograde placement of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and identifying potential outcome factors for such treatment with a larger sample size and longer follow-up periods than in the first phase of the project. METHODS: The treatment outcomes of 64 root perforations repaired between 2000 and 2012 with MTA were investigated. The root perforations were located in different areas of the root. Calibrated examiners assessed clinical and radiographic outcomes by using standardized follow-up protocols 12-107 months after treatment (median, 27.5 months). Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative information was evaluated. The outcomes were dichotomized as healed or diseased. RESULTS: Of the 64 teeth examined (85% recall rate), 86% were healed. The univariate analyses (χ(2) tests) identified 2 potential prognostic factors, experience of the treatment providers (odds ratio, 2.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.39-11.74; P < .01) and placement of a post after treatment (odds ratio, 0.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.27; P < .01). In the multivariate stepwise logistic Cox regression, none of the potential prognostic factors displayed a significant effect on the outcome at the 5% level. CONCLUSIONS: MTA appears to have good long-term sealing ability for root perforations regardless of the location. The results of this historical cohort study confirm the results of the first phase of this project.

Do dentists have better oral health compared to general population: a study on oral health status and oral health behavior in Kathmandu, Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Dentists are considered role models by the general population in regards to oral hygiene and oral health behavior. This study aimed to access the oral health status of dentists and laypersons, and compare the dentists' practice of preventive dentistry and oral self-care behaviors to that of the laypersons. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited 472 participants (195 dentists and 277 laypersons from the general population). Their oral health/hygiene behavior was assessed using a standardized close-ended multiple choice questionnaire. Oral examination was performed to assess caries using Decayed Missed Filled teeth (DMFT) index and periodontal status using Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN). RESULTS: Ninety-six percent of dentists brushed their teeth at least once daily, using fluoridated toothpaste and 80.5% twice daily. Although 94% of laypersons brushed their teeth once daily, they seldom used fluoridated toothpaste. Ten percent of participants in each group were caries free. The mean number of teeth present in the oral cavity (27.4 versus 25.4), mean number of teeth with caries (1.8 versus 3.7) and fillings (2.5 versus 0.4) were significantly different (p < 0.0001) between dentists and laypersons, respectively. Regarding the periodontal status, 82% of dentists had CPITN score of 0 whereas 71% of laypersons had the highest score 3 (p = 0.007), and 81% of the laypersons reported tooth mobility compared to 1% of dentists (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The participating dentists had better periodontal status and better self-reported oral health behaviors than the laypersons. Despite similar prevalence of caries in the two groups, the prevalence of decayed and unfilled teeth was lower among the dentists.

Retrospective evaluation of CAD/CAM cantilever reconstructions to restore compromised posterior teeth: a preliminary report.

PURPOSE: To describe the survival, clinical rating, and patient satisfaction of monolithic computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufacture (CAD/CAM) ceramic single unit cantilever crowns placed on hemisected molars and premolars after a follow-up of at least 12 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen consecutive patients (mean age, 56.8 years) with 16 restored two-unit cantilever crowns (5 premolars and 11 hemisected molar abutments) were reevaluated after an observation period of at least 12 months. Tooth mobility, plaque and bleeding scores, and pocket probing depths were assessed on both the restored and contralateral untreated teeth. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using a visual analog scale. RESULTS: The mean observation time was 25.7 ± 13.1 months. All restorations were in situ, and no significant biologic differences were observed between the treated and contralateral teeth. Clinical evaluation showed good performance, and patient satisfaction was recorded as excellent. CONCLUSION: The use of CAD/CAM ceramic single-unit cantilever crowns may be regarded as a conservative and cost-effective treatment modality with high patient acceptance in carefully selected patients.

An evidenced-based scoring index to determine the periodontal prognosis on molars.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study evaluates and assigns scores to six prognostic factors and derives a quantitative scoring index used to determine the periodontal prognosis on molar teeth. METHODS: Data were gathered on 816 molars in 102 patients with moderate-to-severe periodontitis. The six factors evaluated (age, probing depth, mobility, furcation involvement, smoking, and molar type) were assigned a numeric score based on statistical analysis. The sum of the scores for all factors was used to determine the prognosis score for each molar. Only patients with all first and second molars at the initial examination qualified for the study. All patients were evaluated a minimum of 15 years after treatment. RESULTS: The post-treatment time ranged from 15 to 40 years and averaged 24 years. When the study was completed, 639 molars survived (78%), and, of those surviving molars, 588 survived and were periodontally healthy (92%). In molars with lower scores (scores 1-3), the 15-year survival rates ranged from 98% to 96%. In molars with middle scores (scores 4-6), the 15-year survival rates ranged from 95% to 90%, and, for molars with higher scores (scores 7-10), the survival rates ranged from 86% to 67%. CONCLUSION: The present results indicate that the periodontal prognosis of molars diagnosed with moderate-to-severe periodontitis can be calculated using an evidence-based scoring index.

Clinical performance and satisfaction of removable prostheses with self-adjusting magnetic attachments.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Conventional magnetic attachments have rigid assemblies and are unable to compensate for the movement of the prosthesis under function, which may result in the deepening of periodontal pockets and an increase in the mobility of abutment teeth. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance and satisfaction of participants with removable prostheses with self-adjusting magnetic attachments that allow vertical and rotational movement. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The clinical performance of 17 prostheses with 22 self-adjusting magnetic attachments in 16 participants was analyzed for a mean of 3.1 years. Periodontal indices, including probing pocket depth and tooth mobility, were measured at denture placement (baseline) and from 0.5 to 5 years after insertion. Control data were obtained from the remaining teeth, which were restored by resin or metal coping. Prosthetic parameters, including the reduction of retention in self-adjusting magnetic attachments, reline, or fracture of dentures, were also recorded. A visual analog scale questionnaire on participant satisfaction with stability, comfort, and cleaning of the prostheses was completed. The Wilcoxon signed rank test and 1-way analysis of variance (α=.05) were performed on data collected at the time of prostheses placement and final follow-up evaluation. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in terms of probing pocket depth and tooth mobility between the baseline and postinsertion data for self-adjusting magnetic attachments and control teeth. Retention in all prostheses was stable, without reduction. Higher visual analog scale scores for "easy cleaning" were noted. CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference between baseline and postinsertion was noted regarding the periodontal condition of self-adjusting magnetic attachments and control teeth with resin or metal coping materials.

Periodontal conditions in patients with Marfan syndrome - a multicenter case control study.

BACKGROUND: Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a disorder of the connective tissues. Alterations of the elastic fibers may manifest in different tissues especially in the skeletal, cardiovascular and ocular system. Oral manifestations like orthodontic or skeletal anomalies and fragility of the temporomandibular joint have been well described by various authors. However, no data are available regarding a possible periodontal involvement of MFS. Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate for the first time if MFS may increase the susceptibility to periodontitis. METHODS: A comprehensive periodontal examination including documentation of probing pocket depth, gingival recession, clinical attachment level, and bleeding on probing was conducted in all patients. In addition, dental conditions were assessed by determining the Index for Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth (DMFT) and a self-administered questionnaire was filled out by patients. For statistical analysis, the unpaired t-Test was applied (level of significance: p < 0.05). Both groups were matched concerning well known periodontal risk factors like age, gender and smoking habits. RESULTS: 82 participants, 51 patients with MFS (30 female and 21 male, mean age: 40.20 ± 15.35 years) and 31 sound controls (17 female and 14 male, mean age: 40.29 ± 13.94 years), were examined. All assessed periodontal and dental parameters were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our data, patients with MFS did not reveal a higher prevalence of periodontitis compared to the control group. However, Marfan patients showed a tendency to more inflammation signs, which can be explained by the crowded teeth. Therefore, a regular professional cleaning of the teeth is recommendable (i.e., 6 months intervals) in order to reduce the bacterial biofilm in the oral cavity and thus resulting in a decreased risk of systemic diseases, specifically endocarditis.

Survival and success rates of autotransplanted premolars: a prospective study of the protocol for developing teeth.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this prospective clinical trial was to examine the predictability of the protocol for premolar transplantation when applied by an inexperienced surgeon. Additional objectives were to examine the hard and soft tissues and to compare the findings with control premolars and also to record the patients' opinions of the treatment provided. METHODS: The sample comprised 23 consecutively transplanted developing premolars in 19 patients. Their mean age at surgery was 12 years 8 months (range, 9 years 10 months-17 years). The mean observation time was 35 months (range, 6-78 months). Plaque accumulation, pocket depth, gingival recession, mobility, and pulp sensitivity were recorded for the transplanted and the control teeth. Standardized radiographs were used to examine hard tissues and crown-to-root ratios. Questionnaires were used to register each patient's opinion about the treatment and its outcome. RESULTS: The survival rate was 100%, and the success rate was 91.3%. No significant differences were recorded between transplanted and control teeth. The patients' perceptions of the surgical management and the treatment outcome were favorable. CONCLUSIONS: The protocol for autotransplantation of developing premolars in growing patients was successfully adopted, regardless of lack of previous experience with this type of treatment.

Glycohemoglobin levels with severity of periodontitis in non-diabetic population.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease is closely related to type 2 diabetes and is an important complication of diabetes. There are few studies about the relationship the glycohemoglobin levels with severity of periodontitis in non-diabetic population. We therefore planned this study to evaluate the glycohemoglobin levels with severity of periodontitis in non-diabetic population. METHODS: This study was conducted on 50 age and gender matched subjects in each of the three groups (according to the grades of mobility in periodontitis), a total of 150 non-diabetic periodontitis patients (Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3 mobility) and 50 non-diabetic periodontitis patients with Grade 0 mobility (controls), in collaboration with the Department of Periodontics of Dental College and Department of Biochemistry, PGIMS, Rohtak, Haryana. After obtaining informed consent, fasting venous blood samples of all the non-diabetic periodontitis patients of all grades were collected aseptically for HbA1c, plasma glucose, and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) estimation. RESULTS: A total of 150 non-diabetic periodontitis patients (Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3 mobility) and 50 age and gender matched controls participated in the study. There was no significant difference in fasting plasma glucose and postprandial plasma glucose in non-diabetic periodontitis patients with Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3 mobility as compared to controls, non-diabetic periodontitis patients with Grade 1 mobility as compared to Grade 2, non-diabetic periodontitis patients with Grade 1 mobility as compared to Grade 3 and non-diabetic periodontitis patients with Grade 2 mobility as compared to Grade 3. Glycohemoglobin and serum C-reactive protein levels were significantly increased in non-diabetic periodontitis patients with Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3 mobility as compared to controls, non-diabetic periodontitis patients with Grade 1 mobility as compared to Grade 3 and non-diabetic periodontitis patients with Grade 2 mobility as compared to Grade 3. The difference of serum C-reactive protein levels were significant. However, glycohemoglobin levels were non-significant between non-diabetic periodontitis patients with Grade 1 and Grade 2 mobility. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence of association between periodontitis and increased glycohemoglobin increases attention to the diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis, consequently improving the patient's oral health and prevention of occurrence in future diabetes. An understanding of these correlations is important to allow dental health care providers to inform patients with periodontitis of their increased risks and to counsel such patients to seek additional medical assessment or intervention as indicated.

Validation of the cone beam computed tomography-based stereolithographic surgical guide aiding autotransplantation of teeth: clinical case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcome of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based surgical planning and transfer technique for tooth autotransplantation versus conventional autotransplantation. STUDY DESIGN: The study material comprised 40 pediatric subjects in whom 48 teeth were transplanted following a case-control design. While the study group (mean age 11 years) underwent CBCT imaging for surgical planning and transfer via stereolithographic tooth replica fabrication, the historical control group (mean age 12 years) was subjected to conventional autotransplantation. RESULTS: The CBCT-based preoperative planning and the use of a tooth replica decreased the extra-alveolar time and reduced the number of positioning trials with the donor tooth. In the control group, 6 patients showed 1 or more complications, while this was noticed for only 2 study patients. CONCLUSION: CBCT-based surgical planning of tooth autotransplantation may benefit from a shorter surgical time, while being a less invasive technique, causing fewer failures than a conventional approach.

Do we really know how to evaluate tooth prognosis? A systematic review and suggested approach.

Periodontal treatment is based on tooth prognosis evaluation. Different approaches for determining tooth prognosis have been described in the literature. The vast majority are based on clinical and radiographic findings, as well as patient-related factors. The availability of various systems for assigning tooth prognosis complicates both the assignment process and the communication between clinicians regarding patient status and treatment plan. In addition, performance evaluation of several systems reveals that the accuracy of prediction differs between teeth of various conditions in most methods, as well as the factors providing significant predictive power. As a standardized prognostic classification system is still lacking, an overall evaluation based on a uniform dataset could provide an objective comparison of all methods, and help progress towards developing novel approaches. The main features of such approaches should include the selection of predictive factors, their assigned weights in accordance with different tooth conditions, and the estimated period of time applicable for reevaluation of prognosis. In this paper, we propose a different approach for prognosis evaluation, suggesting reevaluating tooth prognosis at several time points during the treatment plan, and taking into consideration some of the most important issues of patient compliance, oral hygiene, and plaque control. The suggested approach attempts to address prognosis from a different perspective, viewing the process as a dynamic and recurring evaluation embedded within each step of the treatment plan. Due to the fact that accurate tooth prognosis evaluation is still (and might forever be) unavailable, a more humble and less aggressive approach should be adopted, trying to preserve more and extract less.

Clinical and microbiologic effects of lingual cervical coverage by removable partial dentures.

PURPOSE: The effect of gingival coverage by removable partial dentures (RPDs) on bacterial accumulation has not been sufficiently established. The aim of this study was to evaluate the periodontal and microbiologic reactions to mandibular major connectors. It was hypothesized that the use of a lingual plate increases the risk of periodontal disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen subjects (mean age: 69.0 years) received oral hygiene instructions and ultrasonic debridement prior to examination. Each subject received an experimental RPD incorporating either a lingual bar or lingual plate for the first 8 weeks and was then switched to the other option for the next 8 weeks. Clinical parameters (Plaque Index, Gingival Index, probing depth, and tooth mobility) were recorded. Subgingival plaque samples were collected from the periodontal pocket in the test site to measure the colonization of periodontal pathogens after the use of each denture. RESULTS: The mean probing depth was significantly greater after use of the lingual plate compared to the lingual bar (P < .05), whereas the type of connector did not affect the levels of any of the microbial species. All subjects that exhibited at least one bacterial species showed smaller numbers of microorganisms at the second examination than at the first. CONCLUSIONS: The lingual cervical coverage did not precipitate the accumulation of anaerobic microorganisms, although it could potentially induce gingival inflammation. The results suggest that a lingual plate can be used as safely as a lingual bar if oral and denture hygiene are carefully monitored.

Correlation of tooth mobility with systemic bone mineral density and periodontal status in Indian women.

Imbalanced bone remodelling associated with osteopaenic or osteoporotic conditions can lead to a net bone loss throughout the skeleton, including the oral cavity, possibly leading to tooth mobility. This study investigated possible associations between systemic bone mineral density and both tooth mobility and periodontal status in peri-menopausal women. Subjects comprised 119 dentate, peri-menopausal Indian women between 40 and 54 years old. Clinical parameters recorded were systemic bone mineral density (BMD), tooth mobility in terms of Periotest value (PTV score), clinical attachment loss (CAL), pocket depth (PD), plaque index (PI) and sulcular bleeding index (SBI). Statistical analysis was performed to assess correlations between PTV score and T-score. PTV score correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with T-score, PD and CAL. The partial correlation coefficient between PTV score and T-score after adjusting for confounders was -0.3676 (P < 0.05). Results of one-way analysis of variance showed a significant difference between mean PTV scores for osteoporotic, osteopaenic and normal patients. In this population of peri-menopausal women, systemic bone mineral density represented an independent factor associated with tooth mobility.

Closure of the alveolar cleft by bone segment transport using an intraoral tooth-borne custom-made distraction device.

PURPOSE: The fact that bone transportation generates not only bone but also surrounding soft tissues makes it an ideal technique for tissue regeneration. This study evaluates bone segment transport using an intraoral tooth-borne distraction device for alveolar cleft closure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with an alveolar cleft were enrolled in the study. They were treated at the Al-Azhar University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, between 2004 and 2007. Anterior transportation of the posterior dentoalveolar segment was performed by use of an intraoral tooth-borne custom-made distractor. Clinical evaluations included the following: preoperative and postoperative intraoral photographs, vitality testing of the teeth in the transport segment, cast analysis, and measurement of tooth mobility. Radiographic evaluations included occlusal films, orthopantomography, and computed tomography and 3D computed tomography for volumetric and densitometric evaluations of the distracted bone. RESULTS: After distraction was completed, the transported segments were positioned 1 to 4 mm superior to the occlusal plane. The radiographic evaluation showed residual triangular bone deficits that were closed through gingivoperiosteoplasty or bone grafting. Once the transported segments came in contact with the alveolar bone of the normal side, the intervening fibrous tissue at the docking site was removed, and docking-site surgery was then performed. The results obtained from both clinical examinations and radiographic imaging showed complete closure of the alveolar clefts. CONCLUSIONS: Maxillary alveolar bone transport offers an alternative technique in the latest treatment of the alveolar cleft.

Retrospective long-term evaluation of autotransplantation of premolars to the central incisor region.

AIM: This retrospective case-series study aimed to examine the long-term outcomes of autogenously transplanted premolars. METHODOLOGY: Twelve patients in whom donor premolars were used to replace maxillary central incisors lost by trauma were clinically and radiologically monitored. Standardized clinical and radiographic records were systematically obtained during the follow-up period of 14 years, to determine the influence of specific clinical criteria on the overall success rate of transplantation. RESULTS: The success rate of premolar autotransplantation in the maxillary central incisor area was 80% after 14 years follow-up. The highest success rate occurred in those teeth transplanted with two-thirds of full root development. Complete pulp obliteration was positively related to autotransplant viability, followed by root formation in the bony crypt. CONCLUSIONS: Autotransplantation of donor teeth, at the stage of ½ to ¾ of their expected root length, can provide a successful treatment solution for over 14 years.

Correlation of levels of interleukin-1ß in gingival crevicular fluid to the clinical parameters of chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: IL-1ß is a potent stimulator of bone resorption and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontal destruction. Therefore, this study was designed to compare the levels of IL-1ß of chronic periodontitis patients with the healthy subjects. Another objective of this study was to correlate IL-1ß levels with the clinical parameters of the periodontal disease progression. METHODS: For this study, total 60 subjects were chosen (30- healthy and 30-chronic periodontitis). Simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S), gingival index (GI), periodontal disease index (PDI), probing depth (PD), tooth mobility, bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded for all the subject. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected and subjected for ELISA for estimation of IL-1ß. RESULTS: At the periodontal diseased sites, the IL-1ß levels increased at least 2-fold as compared with healthy subjects. This increase was highly significant (p = 0.0000). Within the test group, IL-1ß levels correlated positively and significantly with PDI, PD, BOP and tooth mobility. The correlations of IL-1ß with PD (p = 0.000) and IL-1ß with BOP (p = 0.0004) were highly significant. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: These data suggest that amount of GCF IL-1ß is closely associated with periodontal status. This relationship may be valuable in monitoring periodontal disease activity. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: It could be stated from this study on IL- 1ß that there seem to be a strong correlation between periodontal tissue destruction and IL-1ß. Furthermore IL-1ß level could also differentiate between active and inactive periodontal lesions.

Caries and periodontal disease in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) has been associated with aging, reduced fine motor skills, and malnutrition caused by eating soft sticky foods and a decreased liquid intake, which may contribute to the onset of caries, periodontal disease, and tooth loss. The objective of this study was to investigate the oral health of 101 patients with PD (mean age: 66.2 ± 10.5 years) and compare them to 75 control subjects (CO) (mean age 71 ± 10.53). Patients with PD had poorer oral health than the control group (papilla bleeding index: PD 6.97 ± 8.34; CO 2.12 ± 2.73). Lower frequencies of daily toothbrushing (PD: 1.69 ± 0.83; CO: 2.08 ± 0.80), longer time since the last dentist visit (PD: 1.94 ± 1.49; CO: 1.21 ± 0.60 years), and reduced salivary flow (PD: 2.69 ± 0.94; CO: 3.53 ± 1.11 ml). All of these factors may be related to the gingival recession and tooth mobility found in our patients with PD. Individuals with PD, their caregivers, and their physicians need to focus more on their oral health and quality of oral hygiene.