Periodontal disease severity in subjects with dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Despite clinical trials and reviews attempt to assess a possible relationship between dementia and periodontal disease, no meta-analysis has been performed and this issue remains undetermined. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess severity of periodontitis in subjects with dementia. METHODS: The search was conducted in Pubmed, Embase/MEDLINE. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the risk bias (Newcastle-Ottawa scale). Meta-analyses were performed using the means of probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) in patients with or without dementia. The mean difference were analyzed (P ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: Fourteen studies were included in the systematic review. In the qualitative analysis, most studies reported higher prevalence of periodontal disease in dementia patients. The studies had low risk of bias and two meta-analyses were performed for each parameter, including or not a cross-sectional study. The meta-analyses including the cross-sectional study demonstrated significant association between dementia and periodontal disease (mean difference: PD = 1.41; CAL = 1.40, P < 0.05), however, it wasn't confirmed when the cross-sectional study was removed (1.25 mm, P < 0.22) and CAL (1.20 mm, P < 0.22). CONCLUSION: Although the qualitative analysis have suggested worse periodontal conditions in dementia patients, due to different study types and the high heterogeneity among them, the meta-analysis does not support the association between dementia and severity of periodontal disease.

Platelet-rich plasma derived from bone marrow aspirate promotes new cementum formation.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the influence of platelet-rich plasma derived from bone marrow aspirate (PRP-BMA) on the healing of periodontal fenestration defects in rats. METHODS: Periodontal fenestration defects were surgically created in the mandibles of 40 rats. The animals were randomly divided into two groups, control and PRP-BMA, in which defects were filled with blood clot or PRP-bma, respectively. Animals were euthanized at either 10 or 30 days post-surgery. Histologic, histometric, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed. Percentage of new bone area (NBA), area of bone trabeculae (ABT), new cementum (NC), and extension of remaining defect were histometrically evaluated. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteocalcin (OCN), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) immunohistochemical staining were performed. Immunolabeled cells were quantified. Data were statistically analyzed (analysis of variance; Tukey, P <0.05). RESULTS: At 10 days, control and PRP-BMA groups presented similar amounts of NBA and ABT; NC formation was not observed. At 30 days, control and PRP-BMA groups presented similar amounts of NBA and ABT; the PRP-BMA group showed NC formation with collagen fibers inserted obliquely or perpendicularly to the root surface. NC formation was not observed in any control group specimen. PRP- BMA presented higher numbers of PCNA-positive and BSP-positive cells than control at 10 and 30 days post-surgery. No significant differences in the number of either OCN-positive or TRAP-positive cells were observed between groups at 10 or 30 days. CONCLUSION: PRP-BMA promoted NC formation with a functional periodontal ligament when applied at experimental periodontal fenestration defects.

Platelet-rich plasma, low-level laser therapy, or their combination promotes periodontal regeneration in fenestration defects: a preliminary in vivo study.

BACKGROUND: This study histomorphometrically analyzes the influence of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), low-level laser therapy (LLLT), or their combination on the healing of periodontal fenestration defects (PFDs) in rats. METHODS: PFDs were surgically created in the mandibles of 80 rats. The animals were randomly divided into four groups: 1) C (control) and 2) PRP, defects were filled with blood clot or PRP, respectively; 3) LLLT and 4) PRP/LLLT, defects received laser irradiation, were filled with blood clot or PRP, respectively, and then irradiated again. Animals were euthanized at either 10 or 30 days post-surgery. Percentage of new bone (NB), density of newly formed bone (DNB), new cementum (NC), and extension of remaining defect (ERD) were histomorphometrically evaluated. Data were statistically analyzed (analysis of variance; Tukey test, P <0.05). RESULTS: At 10 days, group PRP presented ERD significantly lower than group C. At 30 days, group PRP presented NB and DNB significantly greater than group C. Groups LLLT, PRP, and PRP/LLLT showed significant NC formation at 30 days, with collagen fibers inserted obliquely or perpendicularly to the root surface. NC formation was not observed in any group C specimen. CONCLUSIONS: LLLT, PRP, or their combination all promoted NC formation with a functional periodontal ligament. The combination PRP/LLLT did not show additional positive effects compared to the use of either therapy alone.