Root coverage of multiple gingival recessions treated with coronally advanced flap associated with xenogeneic acellular dermal matrix or connective tissue graft: a 6-month split-mouth controlled and randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare xenogeneic dermal matrix (XDM) to connective tissue graft (CTG) associated with coronally advanced flap (CAF) in treating Miller's class I and II (RT1) multiple gingival recession in a split-mouth randomized clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with bilateral Miller's class I and II multiple recessions were selected. The patient's side receiving each treatment was randomly allocated to receive XDM or CTG. The clinical parameters were measured at baseline and 6 months of follow-up. RESULTS: At 6 months, no significant difference in the root coverage (RC) (95.28 ± 6.89% for CTG and 92.68 ± 7.35% for XDM) and the keratinized tissue (KT) gain (0.91 ± 0.46 mm for CTG and 0.74 ± 0.39 mm for XDM) was observed between groups (p > 0.05). The CTG group presented higher complete root coverage (CRC) than XDM (60% and 33%, respectively) (p = 0.045). Multiple logistic regression indicated that the XDM (p = 0.01) and the XDM and KT interaction (p = 0.02) negatively interfered in the CRC. A 1-mm increase in the baseline KT when using XDM increases almost 6 times the chance of achieving CRC, and XDM reached a similar CRC probability to CTG when the receptor area presented at least 2 mm of KT. CONCLUSIONS: Both treatments were effective for treating multiple gingival recession; similar KT gain, GR reduction, and RC were obtained for CTG and XDM, while CTG promoted higher CRC than XDM. Moreover, the amount of KT at baseline was determinant for CRC when treating multiple gingival recession with XDM. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: XDM produces limited CRC in sites with a reduced amount of KT. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC) number RBR-56NZQ6.

Locally applied statins as adjuvants to non-surgical periodontal treatment for chronic periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This review aimed at evaluating the effects of chronic periodontitis (CP) treatment with local statins as adjuncts to scaling and root planing (SRP), compared with SRP alone or with placebo. METHODS: Electronic and hand searches were conducted in three databases to select randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SRP + statins versus SRP alone. Random effects models were conducted to determine the clinical attachment level (CAL) gain as the primary outcome variable, and probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction, modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), and intrabony defect depth (IBD) as the secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 526 papers identified, 15 articles met the criteria for inclusion in this systematic review, and 13 in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed a statistically significant CAL gain (mean differences [MD] = 1.84 mm, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.45 to 2.23; p = 0.000), PPD reduction (MD = 1.69 mm, 95% CI = 1.37 to 2.04; p = 0.000), mSBI change (MD = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.57 to 0.84; p = 0.000), and IBD (MD = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.30 to 1.67; p = 0.000) attributed to SRP + statin treatment (6 months). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the collective evidence emerging from this systematic review and meta-analysis may support the use of locally applied statins as adjuncts to SRP in CP treatment, based on being an easy, low-cost alternative, with lesser adverse effects on bacterial resistance. These results should be interpreted with caution. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinicians might consider the use of SRP + statins as an adjunct over other alternative approaches, based on the results of the present review. The informed decision should be taken, considering the patient's values and preferences, and the intervention to be implemented by the clinician.

Influence of Transmucosal Height on Loss of Prosthetic Abutment Torque After Mechanical Cycling.

The aim of this study was to measure and record the universal transmucosal abutment height, and then evaluate whether it influenced loosening of the abutment screw by analyzing the torque and detorque values after mechanical cycling. Thirty-six implants, model CM Unitite, with internal conical connections (3.5 × 10 mm) and respective universal prosthetic abutments (n = 36, 3.25 × 6 mm), were divided into three groups (n = 12 each) with respective transmucosal heights of 0.8, 3.5, and 5.5 mm. Insertion torque of 20 Ncm was used in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. Afterward, the samples were submitted to fatigue tests consisting of 500,000 cycles at a frequency of 2Hz, a dynamic compressive load of 120N, and an angle of 30°. The detorque values were measured with a digital torque meter and tabulated to perform statistical analyses; a level of significance of 5% was adopted. The mean detorque values (SD) obtained were 22.83 (6.30), 22.5 (5.45), and 19.41 (4.69) Ncm for transmucosal abutments with heights of 0.8, 3.5, and 5.5 mm, respectively, and showed no statistically significant difference ( P = .262). The authors of this study concluded that the transmucosal height of prosthetic abutments submitted to mechanical fatigue did not influence the detorque values.

Effect of a single-tufted toothbrush on the control of dental biofilm in orthodontic patients: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of a single-tufted toothbrush combined or not with a conventional toothbrush to control dental biofilm in healthy orthodontic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty orthodontic patients were randomly assigned to receive three different treatments: Group 1-conventional toothbrush; Group 2-single-tufted toothbrush and Group 3-combination of single-tufted and conventional toothbrushes. Stained plaque index (SPI), visible plaque index (VPI) and gingival bleeding index (GBI) were recorded. The data were analysed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Wilcoxon test was used for intragroup comparison and Friedman test for the intergroup comparison (α = 5%). RESULTS: Intragroup analysis showed that VPI and SPI significantly decreased (P < 0.05) after 72 hour in Group 3. Anterior and posterior teeth did not show any significant statistical differences after 72 hour (P > 0.05), but VPI values in the labial surfaces were different to Group 3 (P < 0.05) in comparison with the other groups after 72 hour. Group 3 showed a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.05) for SPI in the interproximal surfaces when compared with Group 1. CONCLUSION: The combination of single-tufted and conventional toothbrushes was effective for controlling dental biofilm formation in orthodontic patients.

Microwave radiation is effective at disinfecting dental stone surfaces without changing their physical properties.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of different microwave radiation regimens for disinfection of type IV dental stone surfaces and to assess the influence of these regimens on surface roughness and dimensional change following disinfection. Three hundred cylindrical (20 × 2-mm) test specimens were made in type IV stone and divided into subgroups of 20 according to the microorganisms tested (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, or Candida albicans) and the 900-W microwave radiation protocol (cycles of 3, 5, or 7 minutes; a positive control; or a negative control). To test physical changes, 80 test specimens were made with the same dimensions except that they had 2 parallel and symmetrical indentations measuring 8 × 4 mm. These specimens were divided into 4 subgroups of 20 each (a subgroup for each radiation time and a negative control). The mean dimensional change and roughness data were analyzed by mixed models for repeated measures and Tukey-Kramer tests. Disinfection was analyzed with descriptive statistics. For E coli and C albicans, all radiation times proved effective at sterilizing the test specimens. For S aureus, sterilization was achieved with 5 and 7 minutes of exposure; however, colonies were observed in 10 Petri dishes (50%) exposed to 3 minutes of microwave radiation. No statistically significant difference in dimensional change or surface roughness was observed for any radiation regimen (P > 0.05).

One stage, full-mouth, ultrasonic debridement in the treatment of severe chronic periodontitis in smokers: a preliminary, blind and randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this clinical trial was to assess the performance of a full-mouth ultrasonic debridement protocol in the treatment of severe chronic periodontitis in comparison with scaling and root planing in a quadrant-wise procedure in smokers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The trial consisted of 30 participants presenting with periodontitis divided into 3 groups: Group FMUD - full-mouth ultrasonic debridement, i.e., one session of 45 minutes of ultrasonic instrumentation for smokers (n = 10), Group SRP- scaling and root planing performed in a quadrant-wise manner for smokers (n = 10), and Group Control - SRP for nonsmokers (n = 10), treated following the same protocol as the SRP group. The parameters evaluated were: plaque/bleeding on probing indices, probing pocket depth, relative recession, and relative probing attachment level at baseline, 45, 90 and 180 days after therapy. RESULTS: Full-mouth ultrasonic debridement and scaling and root planing resulted in comparable gain of attachment 6 months after therapy. Both groups exhibited probing pocket depth reduction at all experimental periods as compared to baseline. Smokers, however, had less probing pocket depth reduction and relative probing attachment level gain compared to non-smokers, despite the mechanical protocol used (p < 0.05). Moreover, at 180 days, nonsmokers presented with fewer sites requiring re-treatment (probing pocket depth > 5 mm and bleeding on probing) than smokers (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Full-mouth ultrasonic debridement and scaling and root planing result in comparable clinical outcomes for the treatment of smokers with severe chronic periodontitis. Despite the non-surgical technique used, smokers had a less favorable clinical response than non-smokers.

Evaluation of soft tissues around single tooth implants in the anterior maxilla restored with cemented and screw-retained crowns.

Implant-supported restorations can be attached as screw-retained or cemented prostheses. In both situations, the characteristics of the soft tissues around the implants are crucial for oral rehabilitation and patient satisfaction. Therefore, this study uses the Pink Esthetic Score (PES), which allows evaluation of gingival esthetics around implants, to evaluate the soft tissues around implants in the anterior maxilla rehabilitated with cemented prostheses (CP) and screw-retained prostheses (SP). Forty implants placed in the anterior maxilla were evaluated, and these had been rehabilitated with prosthetic crowns for a minimum of 1 year. Periodontal examination was performed to evaluate probing depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) of the implant and the corresponding natural tooth. The total mean (±SD) PES for SP was 10.73 (±1.98) and 10.41 (±2.67) for CP, which was not statistically significant (P ≥ .05). Periodontal examination revealed that CP and SP showed no difference for BOP (P ≥ .05). Differences were only detected in PD when comparing the reference teeth of both groups to CP and SP (P ≤ .05). The present study demonstrates that the PES proved to be an efficient index to assess peri-implant tissues, and that the type of crown retention does not influence the health and quality of the soft tissues around implants.

Histologic and histomorphometric analysis of two biomaterials of xenogenous origin for maxillary sinus elevation: a clinical study.

Objective: This study analyzed two xenogenous biomaterials based on deproteinized bovine bone mineral applied for maxillary sinus elevation. Method and materials: Fourteen patients were submitted to maxillary sinus augmentation with one of the following biomaterials: Criteria Lumina Bone Porous (test group) or Geistlich Bio-Oss (control group), both of large granules (1 to 2 mm). After 6 months, trephine biopsies were collected at the time of implant placement: 27 samples (11 patients) in the test group; 7 samples (3 patients) in the control group. Biopsies were analyzed by descriptive histology and histomorphometry, in which the percentages of newly formed bone, residual biomaterial particles, and connective tissue were evaluated. Results: Histomorphometry showed means for test and control groups, respectively, of 32.41% ± 9.42% and 26.59% ± 4.88% for newly formed bone, 22.89% ± 4.58% and 25.00% ± 4.81% for residual biomaterial, and 44.70% ± 9.54% and 48.41% ± 3.36% for connective tissue. There were no differences between groups (P > .05). Conclusion: This study concluded that Criteria Lumina Bone Porous presented similar histologic and histomorphometric characteristics to Geistlich Bio-Oss 6 months after sinus elevation surgery, identifying the tested biomaterial as an interesting alternative for bone augmentation in the maxillary sinus.

Preliminary findings on the possible role of B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) on diabetes-related periodontitis.

The possible role of B-cell growth and differentiation-related cytokines on the pathogenesis of diabetes-related periodontitis has not been addressed so far. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of diabetes mellitus (DM) on the gene expression of proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) and B-lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS), two major cytokines associated to survival, differentiation and maturation of B cells in biopsies from gingival tissue with periodontitis. Gingival biopsies were obtained from subjects with periodontitis (n = 17), with periodontitis and DM (n = 19) as well as from periodontally and systemically healthy controls (n = 10). Gene expressions for APRIL, BLyS, RANKL, OPG, TRAP and DC-STAMP were evaluated using qPCR. The expressions APRIL, BLyS, RANKL, OPG, TRAP and DC-STAMP were all higher in both periodontitis groups when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the expressions of BLyS, TRAP and RANKL were significantly higher in the subjects with periodontitis and DM when compared to those with periodontitis alone (p < 0.05). The mRNA levels of BLyS correlated positively with RANKL in the subjects with periodontitis and DM (p < 0.05). BLyS is overexpressed in periodontitis tissues of subjects with type 2 DM, suggesting a possible role of this cytokine on the pathogenesis DM-related periodontitis.

Lithium chloride improves bone filling around implants placed in estrogen-deficient rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the ability of lithium chloride (LiCl) to increase bone filling (BF) around threaded titanium implants inserted in estrogen-deficient rats and, thein-vitro effects of this drug on osteoblast-like cell viability, proliferation, mineralization and expression of bone-related markers. DESIGN: In vivo: Rats received sham surgery plus water (Estrogen-sufficient group), ovariectomy plus water (Estrogen-deficient group) or ovariectomy plus LiCl (150 mg/kg/every other day) (LiCl/estrogen-deficient group). On the 21st day after ovariectomy/sham surgeries, a threaded titanium implant was inserted in the rat tibia. BF and the number of TRAP + cells were assessed at 10, 20 and 30 days after implant placement. In vitro: Osteosarcoma SAOS-2 cells were exposed to 0, 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 mM of LiCl; cell proliferation, viability, mineralization (alizarin red staining) and gene expressions of RUNX-2, OCN, OPN, BSP and ALP (Real Time PCR) were estimated in the cultures. RESULTS: In vivo: The estrogen-sufficient and LiCl/estrogen-deficient groups demonstrated higher percentages of BF, within the limits of implant threads, than the estrogen-deficient group at 20 and 30 days (p < 0.05). The number of TRAP + cells was lower in LiCl/estrogen-deficient than in the estrogen-deficient group at all experimental times (p < 0.05). In vitro: Cell cultures exposed to LiCl (0.01 or 0.05 mM) exhibited larger areas of mineralized matrix than the non-exposed cultures (p < 0.05) and demonstrated the highest expressions of the genes investigated. CONCLUSION: LiCl treatment improved BF around threaded titanium implants inserted in estrogen-deficient rats and stimulated matrix mineralization and overexpression of bone-formation markers in osteoblastic cells in culture.

DC-STAMP and TACE Levels are Higher in Patients with Periodontitis.

Although periodontitis is one of the commonest infectious inflammatory diseases in humans, the mechanisms involved with its immunopathology remain ill understood. Numerous molecules may induce inflammation and lead to bone resorption, secondary to activation of monocytes into osteoclasts. TACE (TNF-α converting enzyme) and DC-STAMP (dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein) appear to play a role on bone resorption since TACE induces the release of sRANKL (soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-ß ligand) whereas DC-STAMP is a key factor in osteoclast induction. The present study evaluated the levels of TACE and DC-STAMP in patients with and without periodontitis. Twenty individuals were selected: 10 periodontally healthy participants undergoing gingivectomy for esthetic reasons and 10 diagnosed with periodontitis. Protein levels of such molecules in gingival tissue were established using Western blotting. Protein levels of both TACE and DC-STAMP were higher in the periodontitis group than in the control group (p<0.05; Student t-test). In conclusion, TACE and DC-STAMP protein levels are elevated in patients with periodontitis, favoring progression of bone resorption.

Viability and collagen secretion by fibroblasts on titanium surfaces with different acid-etching protocols.

BACKGROUND: From the consolidation of surface treatments of dental implants and knowledge on the cellular mechanisms of osseointegration, studies have highlighted the importance of a connective tissue seal against the implant to prevent contamination from the oral environment and consequent biofilm formation. OBJECTIVE: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate whether different titanium surface treatments using acid solutions promoted an increase in collagen secretion, proliferation, and viability of fibroblasts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Commercially pure grade-4 titanium disks (6 × 2 mm) were treated with different acid solutions (hydrochloric, nitric, and sulfuric) for 20 and 60 min, respectively, obtaining mean surface roughness of 0.1 to 0.15 µm and 0.5 to 0.7 µm. Human fibroblasts were seeded onto different surfaces and assessed after 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h for cell proliferation and viability using Trypan blue staining and MTT, respectively, as well as the secretion of type I collagen on to such surfaces using ELISA. Machined titanium surfaces were used as controls. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Fisher's LSD test for multiple comparisons, adopting a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in cell proliferation for the different surfaces analyzed. Cell viability was significantly lower on the machined surface, after 48 h, when compared to the groups treated with acid for 20 or 60 min, which did not differ from each other. The expression of type I collagen was lowest on the acid-treated surfaces. CONCLUSION: The results showed that the acid treatment proposed did not promote fibroblast proliferation and viability nor favor type I collagen synthesis.

Effects of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), present in dentifrice, on volatile sulphur compound (VSC) formation in morning bad breath.

The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the effects of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), present in a commercial dentifrice, on the formation of volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) and tongue coating in a panel of periodontally healthy subjects. A two-step blinded, crossover, randomized study was carried out in 25 dental students with healthy periodontium; these were divided into two experimental groups: SLS (dentifrice with SLS) and WSLS (dentifrice without SLS). The volunteers received the designated dentifrice and a new toothbrush for a 3x/day brushing regimen for 2 periods of 30 days. A seven-day washout interval was used between the periods. The assessed parameters were: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), organoleptic breath (ORG), VSC levels by portable sulphide monitor before (H1) and after (H2) cleaning of the tongue, tongue coating wet weight (TC) and benzoyl-DL-arginine-naphthylamide (BANA) test from tongue coating samples. The intra-group analysis showed a decrease in the median of organoleptic scores from 3 to 2 after 30 days for the SLS group (p < 0.05). The inter-group analysis showed lower values in ORG and H1 for the SLS group (p < 0.05). There was no difference between the amount of TC in SLS and WSLS groups. In the BANA test, the presence of SLS did not affect the BANA number of +/- results (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), present in dentifrice, appears to prevent VSC formation in morning bad breath regardless of the amount of tongue coating in periodontally healthy subjects.

Peri-implant diseases may be associated with increased time loading and generalized periodontal bone loss: preliminary results.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of peri-implant diseases around Branemark system implants in Brazilians and the possible relationship with periodontal bone loss, systemic condition, and demographic profile. A total of 113 individuals were enrolled in this study, and they received 347 implants. The implants were clinically and radiographically examined and diagnosed as healthy implants, mucositis, or peri-implantitis. The demographic and systemic profiles of the individuals were assessed via questionnaires, and the time of loading was obtained from files. The presence of periodontal bone loss in partially edentulous patients was determined by standardized radiographic evaluation. With regard to implants, the prevalence was 60.5% (n = 210), 32% (n = 111), and 7.5% (n = 26) for healthy tissues, mucositis, and peri-implantitis, respectively. No correlation was found between peri-implant tissue conditions and socioeconomic status, body mass index, smoking status, gender, age, diabetes mellitus, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. Statistically significant positive correlations were found in implants with mucositis and peri-implantitis in relation to time of loading and with peri-implantitis in relation to periodontal bone loss in the 4 quadrants (P < .05). Presence of peri-implant diseases may be associated with the increasing time of loading and generalized periodontal bone loss.

Microbiological analysis of tongue dorsum coating in patients hospitalized in ICU / Análise microbiológica da saburra em dorso lingual de pacientes internados em UTI

ABSTRACT Objective: ssess quantitatively and qualitatively tongue coating microbiota in ICU patients. Methods: Analytical observational study, convenience sample comprising 65 patients was included for medical report analysis and collection of general data, tongue coating assessment through visual inspection and microbiological sample collection for further laboratory analysis. The collection was performed by a single examiner using a sterile swab introduced and rubbing the posterior portion of the tongue close to the oropharynx. Results: Most patients (60%) belonged to the female sex, at mean age of 74.2 years. The main reasons for hospitalization were lung issues (26.2%) - prevailing associated comorbidities were diabetes (43.1%) and high blood pressure (66.2%). The mean length of stay in the ICU was one day. All patients presented tongue dorsum coating. There were Candida albicans (37%), Streptococcus parasanguinis (26.1%) and Streptococcus mitis (32.6%) in 1/3 of lingual extension. Streptococcus mitis (p=0,0265) was the most prevalent species. Conclusion: There was no significance between the amount of coating and number of observed species, although all assessed patients had presented coating. The most prevalent microorganisms were Candida albicans, Streptococcus parasanguinis and Streptococcus mitis.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar quantitativa e qualitativamente a microbiota da saburra lingual em pacientes internados em UTI. Métodos: Estudo observacional analítico, amostra de conveniência composta por 65 pacientes para análise de laudo médico e coleta de dados gerais, avaliação da saburra lingual por inspeção visual e coleta de amostra microbiológica para posterior análise laboratorial. A coleta foi realizada por um único examinador por meio de swab estéril introduzida e fricção na porção posterior de língua próxima à orofaringe. Resultados: A maioria dos pacientes (60%) pertencia ao sexo feminino, com média de idade de 74,2 anos. Os principais motivos de internação foram problemas pulmonares (26,2%) - as comorbidades associadas predominantes foram diabetes (43,1%) e hipertensão arterial (66,2%). O tempo de internação médio na UTI foi de um dia. Todos os pacientes apresentavam saburra do dorso da língua. Havia Candida albicans (37%), Streptococcus parasanguinis (26,1%) e Streptococcus mitis (32,6%) em 1/3 da extensão lingual. Streptococcus mitis (p=0,0265) foi a espécie mais prevalente. Conclusões: Não houve significância entre a quantidade de recobrimento e o número de espécies observadas, embora todos os pacientes avaliados tenham apresentado recobrimento. Os microrganismos mais prevalentes foram Candida albicans, Streptococcus parasanguinis e Streptococcus mitis.

Coronally positioned flap for treatment of restored root surfaces: a 6-month clinical evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinically the treatment of gingival recession associated with non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) by resin modified glass ionomer cement (RMGI) or microfilled resin composite (MRC) and coronally positioned flap (CPF) at 6 months following surgery. METHODS: Fifty-nine patients were assigned to one of three treatments: root exposure without NCCL treated with CPF (group 1); root exposure with NCCL treated with RMGI restoration plus CPF (group 2); or root exposure with NCCL treated with MRC restoration plus CPF (group 3). Clinical measurements that were assessed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after surgery included plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP); probing depth (PD), recession reduction (RR), clinical attachment level gain (CALG), keratinized tissue height (KTH), keratinized tissue thickness (KTT), percentage of root coverage (RC), and percentage of restored root coverage (RRC). RESULTS: Intra- and intergroup analyses demonstrated no significant differences in PI, BOP, PD, RR, CALG, KTH, or KTT (P >0.05) among the groups at any time. At 6 months, the mean RC was 80.83% +/- 21.08% for group 1; the mean RRCs were 71.99% +/- 18.69% and 74.18% +/- 15.02% for groups 2 and 3, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in RRC between groups 2 and 3. CONCLUSION: All treatments showed root coverage improvement without damage to periodontal tissues, supporting the use of CPF for treatment of root surfaces restored with RMGI or MRC as being effective over the 6-month period.

Clinical and Immunoinflammatory Evaluation of One-Stage Full-Mouth Ultrasonic Debridement as a Therapeutic Approach for Smokers With Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis: A Short-Term Follow-Up Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the effect of one-stage full-mouth ultrasonic debridement (OSFMUD) on clinical and immunoinflammatory parameters in smokers with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP). METHODS: Fourteen smoking and 14 non-smoking patients with GAgP were selected. After initial supragingival therapy, patients were treated by OSFMUD. Full-mouth parameters evaluated were: 1) plaque index (PI); 2) bleeding scores (BS); 3) probing depth (PD); and 4) clinical attachment level (CAL). Clinical evaluation was performed, and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected for selected sites (ss) at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months. GCF was analyzed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for: 1) receptor activator of nuclear factor-κ B ligand (RANKL); 2) osteoprotegerin (OPG); 3) interleukin (IL)-6; and 4) tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, whereas secreted osteoclastogenic factor of activated T-cells (SOFAT) was evaluated by Western blotting. RESULTS: Significant reduction (P <0.05) was observed between baseline and 6 months for: 1) PI; 2) BS; and 3) PD, with no difference between smoking and non-smoking patients (P >0.05). Regarding CAL, only non-smoking patients showed a significant decrease (P <0.05). Significant reduction (P <0.05) was observed in both groups for: 1) PIss; 2) PDss; 3) bleeding on probing; and 4) relative CAL. Smoking and non-smoking patients presented significantly decreased levels of IL-6 and TNF-α over time (P <0.05); however, no difference was observed between groups (P >0.05). RANKL was significantly different (P <0.05) only for non-smokers at 6 months, whereas OPG was not significant (P >0.05). SOFAT expression was significantly lower (P <0.05) after OSFMUD for non-smokers only. CONCLUSION: Considering the clinical and immunoinflammatory parameters evaluated in this short-term follow-up study, it can be concluded that OSFMUD can be used as an alternative treatment for smokers with GAgP.

Preliminary Findings on the Role of Sclerostin in the Osseointegration Process Around Titanium Implants.

PURPOSE: Studies have recognized the importance of Wnt/ß-catenin signals in osteoblastogenesis. Sclerostin is a glycoprotein product of the SOST gene that inhibits Wnt/ß-catenin signaling and reduces osteoblastogenesis. To date, there is little evidence regarding the role of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway and its inhibitors in the osseointegration process. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of sclerostin in bone healing around titanium implants inserted in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen Wistar rats received an implant with primary stability in a tibia, while the contralateral tibia received an implant without primary stability, representing experimental models of implant success and failure, respectively. Animals were then euthanized 7, 14, or 21 days later (five each day). Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the specimens for sclerostin-positive cells. RESULTS: The proportion of cells positive for sclerostin was significantly higher around implants without primary stability than those with primary stability at 7 and 14 days after implant placement (P < .05). There were no differences between groups for the proportion of cells positive for sclerostin at 21 days after implant insertion (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Sclerostin expression is upregulated around implants inserted without primary stability, in comparison with that around implants inserted with primary stability, in the tibia of rats. This preliminary evidence reinforces the importance of primary implant stability from the biologic viewpoint.

Microvessel Density Evaluation of the Effect of Enamel Matrix Derivative on Soft Tissue After Implant Placement: A Preliminary Study.

Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) is commonly used in periodontal therapy and has been used successfully for periodontal regeneration. In addition, this material has a possible angiogenic effect that has been associated with enhanced wound healing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of EMD on microvessel density (angiogenesis) on the soft tissues surrounding newly placed implants after 14 days. Five patients were selected, each requiring at least one implant on each side of the maxilla, in a split-mouth experimental design. The implants were placed in a two-stage procedure. Each side was then randomized as test or control. On the test side, 0.1 mL of EMD was topically applied to the soft tissues surrounding the implants, while the control side did not receive any treatment. Second-stage surgery was performed after 14 days. A 6-mm punch biopsy was performed for each implant, with the samples subsequently prepared for histology and immunohistochemistry. Quantitative vascularization analysis was performed, which involved counting three areas or "hotspots" containing vessels strongly positive for CD34 and CD105, a pan-endothelial and new vessel marker, respectively. There was no significant difference between test and control groups when evaluating the formation of new blood vessels. The total number of blood vessels, however, was significantly higher in the group treated with EMD (test group). Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that topical application of EMD on the soft tissues surrounding newly placed implants resulted in an increased number of blood vessels at 14 days, suggesting that EMD may play a beneficial role in this aspect of wound healing.

Long-term Short Implants Performance: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Essential Assessment Parameters.

Lack of standard criteria in the outcome assessment makes it difficult to draw conclusions on the clinical performance of short implants and, under these circumstances, determine the reasons for implant failure. This study evaluated, through a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis, the essential parameters required to assess the long-term clinical performance of short and extra-short implants. Electronic databases (Pubmed-MEDLINE, Cochrane Library Database, Embase, and Lilacs) were searched by two independent reviewers, without language limitation, to identify eligible papers. References from the selected articles were also reviewed. The review included clinical trials involving short dental implants placed in humans, published between January 2000 and March 2014, which described the parameters applied for outcome's measurements and provided data on survival rates. Thirteen methodologically acceptable studies were selected and 24 parameters were identified. The most frequent parameters assessed were the marginal bone loss and the cumulative implant survival rate, followed by implant failure rate and biological complications such as bleeding on probing and probing pocket depths. Only cumulative implant survival rate data allows meta-analysis revealing a positive effect size (from 0.052 (fixed) to 0.042 (random)), which means that short implant appears to be a successful treatment option. Mechanical complications and crown-to-implant (C/I) ratio measurement were also commonly described, however, considering the available evidence; no strong conclusions could be drawn since different methods were used to assess each parameter. By means of this literature review, a standard evaluation scheme is proposed, being helpful to regiment further investigations and comparisons on future studies.