The Modified Apically Repositioned Flap Technique and Its Potential to Create Attached Gingiva in Areas with No Keratinized Tissue: A Long-Term (1 to 11 Years) Retrospective Case Series Study.

The modified apically repositioned flap (MARF) technique has been previously published as a successful method to increase the zone of attached gingiva with numerous advantages, such as simplicity, predictability, and long-term stability. However, this technique has only been used in areas with at least 0.5 mm of attached gingiva, presurgically. In the current study, the MARF technique was utilized in 21 sites (teeth) with no attached gingiva and only mucosa comprising the marginal tissue. The long-term follow-up results over the course of 1 to 11 years (average follow-up: 3.2 years) show a statistically significant increase of 3.6 ± 0.8 mm for keratinized tissue and of 2.21 ± 0.83 mm for attached gingiva, and no increases in probing depths or marginal tissue recession. These results indicate that the MARF procedure has generated keratinized tissue and attached gingiva in areas with a presurgical absence of these tissues.

Rieger Syndrome: Rehabilitation With Dental Implants.

INTRODUCTION: Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome (ARS), also known as Rieger syndrome, is a rare autosomal dominant condition defined by craniofacial, ocular, dental, periumbilical, and systemic anomalies. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report describes in detail a multidisciplinary approach to successfully restore the oral function and esthetics of a 22-year-old patient diagnosed with ARS. The patient's clinical evaluation revealed that the area corresponding with teeth #13, #12, #11, #21, #22, and #23 was occupied by four malformed and/or deciduous teeth. The four anterior teeth were extracted, and socket preservation was performed using bovine-derived porous bone mineral. Six months after extractions, two implants were placed in the location of the lateral incisors and additional bone graft was performed. Two months after the initial healing, a temporary fixed partial was delivered and 9 months after implant placement the implants were restored with a porcelain-fused-to-metal fixed partial denture. CONCLUSIONS: The use of implant-supported fixed partial dentures to restore missing teeth in patients with ARS provides biological and mechanical advantages over conventional, fixed, or removable prosthodontics. Further evaluation is needed to determine the longevity and long-term prognosis of dental implants in patients with ARS.

Peri-implant diseases and conditions: Consensus report of workgroup 4 of the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions.

A classification for peri-implant diseases and conditions was presented. Focused questions on the characteristics of peri-implant health, peri-implant mucositis, peri-implantitis, and soft- and hard-tissue deficiencies were addressed. Peri-implant health is characterized by the absence of erythema, bleeding on probing, swelling, and suppuration. It is not possible to define a range of probing depths compatible with health; Peri-implant health can exist around implants with reduced bone support. The main clinical characteristic of peri-implant mucositis is bleeding on gentle probing. Erythema, swelling, and/or suppuration may also be present. An increase in probing depth is often observed in the presence of peri-implant mucositis due to swelling or decrease in probing resistance. There is strong evidence from animal and human experimental studies that plaque is the etiological factor for peri-implant mucositis. Peri-implantitis is a plaque-associated pathological condition occurring in tissues around dental implants, characterized by inflammation in the peri-implant mucosa and subsequent progressive loss of supporting bone. Peri-implantitis sites exhibit clinical signs of inflammation, bleeding on probing, and/or suppuration, increased probing depths and/or recession of the mucosal margin in addition to radiographic bone loss. The evidence is equivocal regarding the effect of keratinized mucosa on the long-term health of the peri-implant tissue. It appears, however, that keratinized mucosa may have advantages regarding patient comfort and ease of plaque removal. Case definitions in day-to-day clinical practice and in epidemiological or disease-surveillance studies for peri-implant health, peri-implant mucositis, and peri-implantitis were introduced. The proposed case definitions should be viewed within the context that there is no generic implant and that there are numerous implant designs with different surface characteristics, surgical and loading protocols. It is recommended that the clinician obtain baseline radiographic and probing measurements following the completion of the implant-supported prosthesis.

Peri-implant health, peri-implant mucositis, and peri-implantitis: Case definitions and diagnostic considerations.

The objective of this review is to identify case definitions and clinical criteria of peri-implant healthy tissues, peri-implant mucositis, and peri-implantitis. The case definitions were constructed based on a review of the evidence applicable for diagnostic considerations. In summary, the diagnostic definition of peri-implant health is based on the following criteria: 1) absence of peri-implant signs of soft tissue inflammation (redness, swelling, profuse bleeding on probing), and 2) the absence of further additional bone loss following initial healing. The diagnostic definition of peri-implant mucositis is based on following criteria: 1) presence of peri-implant signs of inflammation (redness, swelling, line or drop of bleeding within 30 seconds following probing), combined with 2) no additional bone loss following initial healing. The clinical definition of peri-implantitis is based on following criteria: 1) presence of peri-implant signs of inflammation, 2) radiographic evidence of bone loss following initial healing, and 3) increasing probing depth as compared to probing depth values collected after placement of the prosthetic reconstruction. In the absence of previous radiographs, radiographic bone level ≥3 mm in combination with BOP and probing depths ≥6 mm is indicative of peri-implantitis.

Peri-implant health, peri-implant mucositis, and peri-implantitis: Case definitions and diagnostic considerations.

The objective of this review is to identify case definitions and clinical criteria of peri-implant healthy tissues, peri-implant mucositis, and peri-implantitis. The case definitions were constructed based on a review of the evidence applicable for diagnostic considerations. In summary, the diagnostic definition of peri-implant health is based on the following criteria: 1) absence of peri-implant signs of soft tissue inflammation (redness, swelling, profuse bleeding on probing), and 2) the absence of further additional bone loss following initial healing. The diagnostic definition of peri-implant mucositis is based on following criteria: 1) presence of peri-implant signs of inflammation (redness, swelling, line or drop of bleeding within 30 seconds following probing), combined with 2) no additional bone loss following initial healing. The clinical definition of peri-implantitis is based on following criteria: 1) presence of peri-implant signs of inflammation, 2) radiographic evidence of bone loss following initial healing, and 3) increasing probing depth as compared to probing depth values collected after placement of the prosthetic reconstruction. In the absence of previous radiographs, radiographic bone level ≥3 mm in combination with BOP and probing depths ≥6 mm is indicative of peri-implantitis.

Peri-implant diseases and conditions: Consensus report of workgroup 4 of the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions.

A classification for peri-implant diseases and conditions was presented. Focused questions on the characteristics of peri-implant health, peri-implant mucositis, peri-implantitis, and soft- and hard-tissue deficiencies were addressed. Peri-implant health is characterized by the absence of erythema, bleeding on probing, swelling, and suppuration. It is not possible to define a range of probing depths compatible with health; Peri-implant health can exist around implants with reduced bone support. The main clinical characteristic of peri-implant mucositis is bleeding on gentle probing. Erythema, swelling, and/or suppuration may also be present. An increase in probing depth is often observed in the presence of peri-implant mucositis due to swelling or decrease in probing resistance. There is strong evidence from animal and human experimental studies that plaque is the etiological factor for peri-implant mucositis. Peri-implantitis is a plaque-associated pathological condition occurring in tissues around dental implants, characterized by inflammation in the peri-implant mucosa and subsequent progressive loss of supporting bone. Peri-implantitis sites exhibit clinical signs of inflammation, bleeding on probing, and/or suppuration, increased probing depths and/or recession of the mucosal margin in addition to radiographic bone loss. The evidence is equivocal regarding the effect of keratinized mucosa on the long-term health of the peri-implant tissue. It appears, however, that keratinized mucosa may have advantages regarding patient comfort and ease of plaque removal. Case definitions in day-to-day clinical practice and in epidemiological or disease-surveillance studies for peri-implant health, peri-implant mucositis, and peri-implantitis were introduced. The proposed case definitions should be viewed within the context that there is no generic implant and that there are numerous implant designs with different surface characteristics, surgical and loading protocols. It is recommended that the clinician obtain baseline radiographic and probing measurements following the completion of the implant-supported prosthesis.

Salivary exRNA biomarkers to detect gingivitis and monitor disease regression.

AIM: This study tests the hypothesis that salivary extracellular RNA (exRNA) biomarkers can be developed for gingivitis detection and monitoring disease regression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Salivary exRNA biomarker candidates were developed from a total of 100 gingivitis and non-gingivitis individuals using Affymetrix's expression microarrays. The top 10 differentially expressed exRNAs were tested in a clinical cohort to determine whether the discovered salivary exRNA markers for gingivitis were associated with clinical gingivitis and disease regression. For this purpose, unstimulated saliva was collected from 30 randomly selected gingivitis subjects, the gingival and plaque indexes scores were taken at baseline, 3 and 6 weeks and salivary exRNAs were assayed by means of reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Eight salivary exRNA biomarkers developed for gingivitis were statistically significantly changed over time, consistent with disease regression. A panel of four salivary exRNAs [SPRR1A, lnc-TET3-2:1, FAM25A, CRCT1] can detect gingivitis with a clinical performance of 0.91 area under the curve, with 71% sensitivity and 100% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical values of the developed salivary exRNA biomarkers are associated with gingivitis regression. They offer strong potential to be advanced for definitive validation and clinical laboratory development test.

Genomewide Association Study Identifies Cxcl Family Members as Partial Mediators of LPS-Induced Periodontitis.

Periodontitis (PD) is characterized by bacterial infection and inflammation of tooth-supporting structures and can lead to tooth loss. PD affects ∼47% of the US population over age 30 years and has a heritability of about 50%. Although the host immunoinflammatory response and genetic background play a role, little is known of the underlying genetic factors. We examined natural genetic variation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced PD across a panel of inbred mouse strains, the hybrid mouse diversity panel (HMDP). We observed a strain-dependent sixfold difference in LPS-induced bone loss across the HMDP with a heritability of 53%. We performed a genomewide association study (GWAS) using FAST-LMM, which corrects for population structure, and identified loci significantly associated with PD. We examined candidate genes at a locus on chromosome 5, which suggested a relationship between LPS-induced bone loss and, together with expression data, identified Cxcl family members as associated with PD. We observed an increase in Cxcl10 protein, as well as immune cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines in C57BL/6J (high bone loss strain) but not in A/J (low bone loss strain) after LPS injections. Genetic deletion of CXCR3 (Cxcl9 and10 receptor) demonstrated a ∼50% reduction in bone loss and reduced osteoclasts after LPS injections. Furthermore, WT mice treated with AMG-487 (a CXCR3 antagonist) showed a ∼45% reduction in bone loss and decreased osteoclasts after LPS injections. We conclude that CXCR3 is a strong candidate for modulating the host response in individuals susceptible to PD. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Early intervention of peri-implantitis and periodontitis using a mouse model.

BACKGROUND: Peri-implantitis is an inflammatory response to bacterial biofilm resulting in bone loss and can ultimately lead to implant failure. Because of the lack of predictable treatments available, a thorough understanding of peri-implantitis's pathogenesis is essential. The objective of this study is to evaluate and compare the response of acute induced peri-implantitis and periodontitis lesions after insult removal. METHODS: Implants were placed in one-month-old C57BL/6J male mice eight weeks post extraction of their left maxillary molars. Once osseointegrated, ligatures were placed around the implants and contralateral second molars of the experimental groups. Controls did not receive ligatures. After one week, half of the ligatures were removed, creating the ligature-retained and ligature-removed groups. Mice were sacrificed at two time points, 5 and 14 days, from ligature removal. The specimens were analyzed via micro-computed tomography and histology. RESULTS: By 5 and 14 days after ligature removal, the periodontitis group experienced significant bone gain, whereas the peri-implantitis group did not. Histologically, all implant groups exhibited higher levels of cellular infiltrate than any of the tooth groups. Osteoclast numbers increased in peri-implantitis and periodontitis ligature-retained groups and decreased following insult removal. Collagen was overall more disorganized in peri-implantitis than periodontitis for all groups. Peri-implantitis experimental groups revealed greater matrix metalloproteinase-8 and NF-kB levels than periodontitis. CONCLUSIONS: Implants respond slower and less favorably to insult removal than teeth. Future research is needed to characterize detailed peri-implantitis disease pathophysiology.

Ligature-induced peri-implantitis and periodontitis in mice.

AIM: Peri-implantitis (PI), inflammation around dental implants, shares characteristics with periodontitis (PD). However, PI is more difficult to control and treat, and detailed pathophysiology is unclear. We aimed to compare PI and PD progression utilizing a murine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four-week-old male C57BL/6J mice had their left maxillary molars extracted. Implants were placed in healed extraction sockets and osseointegrated. Ligatures were tied around the implants and second molars. Controls did not receive ligatures. Mice were sacrificed 1 week, 1 and 3 months (n ≥ 5/group/time point) post-ligature placement. Bone loss analysis was performed. Histology was performed for: haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), toluidine blue and calcein. RESULTS: PI showed statistically greater bone loss compared to PD at 1 and 3 months. At 3 months, 20% of implants in PI exfoliated; no natural teeth exfoliated in PD. H&E revealed that alveolar bone surrounding implants in PI appeared less dense compared to PD. PI presented with increased osteoclasts, MMP-8 and NF-κB, compared to PD. CONCLUSION: PI exhibited greater tissue and bone destruction compared to PD. Future studies will characterize the pathophysiological differences between the two conditions.

The Modified Apically Repositioned Flap Technique: A Long-Term (4 to 16 Years) Retrospective Study.

Attached gingiva is desirable for the maintenance of gingival health. Although many methods are used to increase the zone of attached gingiva, the modified apically repositioned flap (MARF) technique has the advantages of simplicity and predictability. The short-term follow-up of the MARF technique demonstrated an increase in keratinized tissue and attached gingiva. This study evaluated long-term results of the MARF technique as used to increase the apicocoronal dimensions of keratinized tissue and attached gingiva in 28 sites (25 patients; average follow-up of 9 years). There was a statistically significant increase in keratinized tissue and attached gingiva with no increase in probing depths or gingival recession. These results suggest that the MARF procedure predictably generates keratinized tissue and attached gingiva with long-term stability.

Comparing the Healing Potential of Late-Stage Periodontitis and Peri-Implantitis.

Peri-implantitis is defined as an inflammatory disease affecting the tissues around osseointegrated functioning implants. Unfortunately, detailed peri-implantitis pathogenesis is not well understood and current treatments lack predictability. Compare the healing potential of late-stage ligature-induced periodontitis and peri-implantitis after ligature removal. Four-week-old C57BL/6J male mice had their left maxillary molars extracted. After 8 weeks, implants were placed in healed sockets and allowed to osseointegrate. Mice were separated into control (no ligature) and experimental (ligature) groups. In the experimental group, ligatures were placed around the implant and the contralateral second molar. Four weeks later, the ligature group was randomly divided into ligature-retained and ligature-removed groups. Mice were sacrificed at 2 time points: 1 and 2 weeks after ligature removal. The samples were analyzed by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) and histology. Ligature-induced significant bone loss in peri-implantitis and periodontitis were compared with respective controls. At the 2-week time point, bone formation was observed in the ligature-removed groups compared with respective controls; however, more bone was regained in periodontitis ligature-removed compared with the peri-implantitis ligature-removed group. Histologically, the peri-implantitis ligature-retained group had higher inflammatory levels and a higher number of osteoclasts compared with the periodontitis ligature-retained group. Moreover, in the peri-implantitis ligature-retained group, collagen appeared less organized compared with the periodontitis ligature-retained group at both time points; although collagen tended to reorganize following ligature removal in both conditions. Peri-implantitis does not respond to treatment as well as periodontitis. Future work includes understanding peri-implantitis pathogenesis and developing predictable treatment protocols.

Use of the Modified Apically Repositioned Flap Technique to Create Attached Gingiva in Areas of No Keratinized Tissue: A Clinical and Histologic Evaluation.

The complete absence of keratinized attached gingiva on the buccal surface of a tooth can make the area more susceptible to gingival recession. The modified apically repositioned flap (MARF) technique is an effective procedure to increase the dimensions of attached gingiva in areas that present with some existing keratinized tissue. The objective of this case report is to present long-term clinical and histologic evidence that the MARF technique can be used to create attached gingiva in areas that lack keratinized tissue.

Nonsurgical periodontal therapy to treat a case of severe periodontitis: A 12-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW: This case report describes the successful treatment of a severe chronic periodontitis case by nonsurgical therapy and a strict maintenance program over a 12-year period. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 38-year-old man concerned about the protrusion of his maxillary incisors was referred for periodontal treatment. The teeth in the maxillary arch had generalized severe chronic periodontitis. Several treatment options were presented to the patient including the most aggressive, extraction of all maxillary teeth, and the most conservative, scaling and root planing. The patient opted to having the most conservative approach, even though the prognoses for the maxillary teeth were unfavorable. Therefore, he received nonsurgical therapy via scaling and root planing combined with systemic antibiotics before referral to an orthodontist to address the esthetic concerns. The maxillary dentition was treated with orthodontic therapy to retract and align the maxillary anterior segment. Periodontal maintenance (1-hour session), including subgingival instrumentation, was performed 4 times per year until the end of the 12-year follow-up period. The patient only missed 2 appointments in 12 years. Twelve years later, the results revealed that all but 1 maxillary tooth were maintained in a state of acceptable health, function, and esthetics. CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Although most would agree with the initial poor prognosis of this patient's case, nonsurgical periodontal therapy was utilized with a 3-month periodontal maintenance program and demonstrated long-term success. The outcome presented in this case report may only have been possible because of patient compliance, professional experience, skill, and supervision throughout the course of treatment.

Surgical Techniques to Increase the Apicocoronal Dimension of the Attached Gingiva: A 1-Year Comparison Between the Free Gingival Graft and the Modified Apically Repositioned Flap.

The attached gingiva is a desirable anatomical element for the maintenance of gingival health. The free gingival graft (FGG) and the modified apically repositioned flap (MARF) are predictable surgical techniques often employed to increase the zone of attached gingiva. This randomized study compared the FGG and the MARF in increasing the zone of attached gingiva in contralateral sides of 15 patients 1 year posttreatment. There was an increase in keratinized tissue and attached gingiva in both groups. Gingival recession did not significantly change between pre- and posttreatment levels in either group. The MARF surgical time was approximately half as long as that of the FGG. The authors conclude that both techniques are viable; however, the main advantages of the MARF were decreased surgical time and less postoperative discomfort.

Periodontal regeneration - intrabony defects: a consensus report from the AAP Regeneration Workshop.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of intrabony defects is an important therapeutic goal of periodontal therapy. The goal of this consensus report was to critically appraise the evidence for the available approaches for promoting periodontal regeneration in intrabony defects. In addition to evaluating the effectiveness of new regenerative approaches for intrabony defects, recommendations for future research were defined for this area. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using computerized searches of PubMed and Cochrane databases, supplemented with screening of references in original reports, review articles, and a hand search in selected journals. All searches were focused on regenerative approaches with histologic evidence of periodontal regeneration (proof of principle), clinical trials, and case reports. For purposes of analysis, change in intrabony defect fill was considered the primary outcome variable, with change in clinical attachment as a secondary outcome. The SORT (Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy) grade was used to evaluate the quality and strength of the evidence. During the consensus meeting, the group agreed on the outcomes of the systematic review, pertinent sources of evidence, clinical recommendations, and areas requiring future research. RESULTS: The systematic review, which was conducted for the consensus conference, evaluated the effectiveness of the use of biologics for the treatment of intrabony defects. Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) and recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rhPDGF-BB) with ß-tricalcium phosphate were shown to be efficacious in regenerating intrabony defects. The level of evidence is supported by multiple studies documenting effectiveness. The clinical application of biologics supports improvements in clinical parameters comparable with selected bone replacement grafts and guided tissue regeneration (GTR). Factors negatively affecting regeneration included smoking and excessive tooth mobility. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal regeneration in intrabony defects is possible on previously diseased root surfaces, as evidenced by a gain in clinical attachment, decreased pocket probing depth, gain in radiographic bone height, and overall improvement in periodontal health. These clinical findings are consistent with available histologic evidence. Clinical improvements can be maintained over long periods (>10 years). Although bone replacement grafts have been the most commonly investigated modality, GTR, biologics, and combination therapies have also been shown to be effective. Future research should emphasize patient-reported outcomes, individual response differences, and emerging technologies to enhance treatment results. CLINICAL RECOMMENDATIONS: Early management of intrabony defects with regenerative therapies offers the greatest potential for successful periodontal regeneration. The clinical selection and application of a regenerative therapy or combination of therapies for periodontal regeneration should be based on the clinician's experiences and understanding of the regenerative biology and technology. This decision-making process should take into consideration the potential adverse influence of factors, such as smoking, poor oral hygiene, tooth mobility, and defect morphology, on regeneration. Management should be coupled with an effective maintenance program for long-term success.

A Murine Model of Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Peri-Implant Mucositis and Peri-Implantitis.

Dental implants are a widely used treatment option for tooth replacement. However, they are susceptible to inflammatory diseases such as peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis, which are highly prevalent and may lead to implant loss. Unfortunately, the understanding of the pathogenesis of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis is fragmented and incomplete. Therefore, the availability of a reproducible animal model to study these inflammatory diseases would facilitate the dissection of their pathogenic mechanisms. The objective of this study is to propose a murine model of experimental peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis. Screw-shaped titanium implants were placed in the upper healed edentulous alveolar ridges of C57BL/6J mice 8 weeks after tooth extraction. Following 4 weeks of osseointegration, Porphyromonas gingivalis -lipolysaccharide (LPS) injections were delivered to the peri-implant soft tissues for 6 weeks. No-injections and vehicle injections were utilized as controls. Peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis were assessed clinically, radiographically (microcomputerized tomograph [CT]), and histologically following LPS-treatment. LPS-injections resulted in a significant increase in soft tissue edema around the head of the implants as compared to the control groups. Micro-CT analysis revealed significantly greater bone loss in the LPS-treated implants. Histological analysis of the specimens demonstrated that the LPS-group had increased soft tissue vascularity, which harbored a dense mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate, and the bone exhibited noticeable osteoclast activity. The induction of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis in mice via localized delivery of bacterial LPS has been demonstrated. We anticipate that this model will contribute to the development of more effective preventive and therapeutic approaches for these 2 conditions.

Periodontal Regeneration - Intrabony Defects: Practical Applications From the AAP Regeneration Workshop.

Focused Clinical Question: What are important considerations for selecting a predictable regenerative surgical approach for intrabony defects? Summary: The predictable regeneration of intrabony defects remains an important goal in the management of periodontitis. Clinical and histologic evidence of periodontal regeneration has been shown for multiple regenerative therapies, including bone replacement grafts, guided tissue regeneration, and biologics, when used alone or in combination. Regenerative therapies improve periodontal health, as evidenced by gains in clinical attachment level, reductions in probing depth, and gains in radiographic bone fill. Important patient-related factors (e.g., smoking) and defect/site-related factors (e.g., defect morphology and gingival biotype) can influence the potential to achieve periodontal regeneration. The regeneration of intrabony defects generally becomes more challenging with increasing loss of height, proximity, and number of bony walls. Therefore, combination therapies may be necessary to achieve predictable regeneration. Clinical improvements after regenerative therapy can be maintained over extended periods (≥10 years) with professional maintenance at appropriate intervals and adequate home care. Conclusions: Periodontal regeneration of intrabony defects is possible using a variety of regenerative strategies. Management should be coupled with an effective oral hygiene and supportive periodontal maintenance program for long-term success.

Salivary biomarkers in the diagnosis of periodontal diseases.

Periodontal diseases are considered some of the most prevalent diseases in the adult population, affecting as much as 80 percent of people. Diagnosis can be performed by measuring pocket depth and bleeding upon probing. These diseases can be easily addressed in their early stages, but many choose to ignore the signs and symptoms. Saliva has recently emerged as a potential tool to aid in the diagnosis of periodontal diseases and the prediction of treatment outcomes.