Necrotising periodontal diseases and alcohol misuse - a cause of osteonecrosis?

'Necrotising periodontal diseases' is an umbrella term for necrotising gingivitis, necrotising periodontitis, necrotising stomatitis and noma. These rapidly destructive conditions are characterised by pain, interdental ulceration and gingival necrosis which, if left untreated, can result in osteonecrosis. Research indicates that patients with a history of alcohol misuse are at an increased risk of malnutrition, which negatively affects the immune response and predisposition to necrotising periodontal diseases. This article will discuss that osteonecrosis of the alveolar bone does not exclusively occur in association with antiresorptive medications, but can occur as a severe form of necrotising gingivitis. In this article, we will describe two cases to highlight the occurrence, presentation and management of necrotising periodontal diseases secondary to alcohol misuse.

Clinical treatment of necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis: a case report with 10-year follow-up.

The aim of this case report is to describe the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. An 18-year-old man with no systemic problems reported with chief complaints of gingival bleeding during toothbrushing and spontaneous pain. Clinical examination revealed significant plaque accumulation on the surfaces of all teeth as well as papillary necrosis involving mainly the anterior teeth. Treatment included an initial phase of supragingival plaque and calculus removal along with at-home use of 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinse twice a day for 30 days. After the initial phase, subgingival scaling was performed, and regular oral hygiene methods were resumed by the patient. After active therapy was completed, a periodontal maintenance regimen was established, and the patient was recalled for periodontal maintenance therapy. Follow-up occurred weekly throughout treatment, monthly for the first 6 months posttreatment, and 2-3 times a year during the periodontal maintenance therapy. Clinical results after 10 years showed that this approach controlled the acute phase and maintained the patient's periodontal health over time.

Necrotising Ulcerative Gingivitis: A Literature Review.

PURPOSE: The literature surrounding necrotising ulcerative gingivitis (NUG) is extensive, yet the rare nature of this disease means that there is a lack of good quality research available. This paper aims to scrutinise the literature and provide an up-to-date summary of the available information. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was performed electronically using the Cochrane Library, Ovid Medline, Embase, PubMed Clinical Queries and Google Scholar. Keyword searches were carried out, utilising MeSH terms and free text. English language articles primarily were included, with key foreign language (French and German) articles included where possible from the 1900s to the present day. RESULTS: Necrotising ulcerative gingivitis is a rare disease (prevalence <1%), with an acute, painful and destructive presentation. It is an opportunistic bacterial infection which is predominantly associated with spirochetes. Treatment of NUG must be provided on a case-by-case basis, tailored to what the individual can tolerate and the extent of the infection. CONCLUSION: Although there is low prevalence of NUG, its importance should not be underestimated as one of the most severe responses to the oral biofilm. Risk factors must be investigated and addressed. Treatment should consist of gentle superficial debridement, oral hygiene instruction and prescription of mouthwash and antibiotics in severe cases.

[Necrotizing ulcerative diseases in military population].

Necrotizing ulcerative diseases were prevalent in military personnel throughout history. Nowadays, its prevalence declined substantially in industrialized countries. Studies among immunocompromised patients suggest it is still a reason for concern among this population. We present two cases diagnosed and treated at our department. It seems that necrotizing ulcerative diseases are still a relevant entity in the Israeli Defense forces therefore it is of great importance to conduct proper diagnosis, treatment and follow up of the patients.

Assessment of the calibration of periodontal diagnosis and treatment planning among dental students at three dental schools.

Calibration in diagnosis and treatment planning is difficult to achieve due to variations that exist in clinical interpretation. To determine if dental faculty members are consistent in teaching how to diagnose and treat periodontal disease, variations among dental students can be evaluated. A previous study reported high variability in diagnoses and treatment plans of periodontal cases at Indiana University School of Dentistry. This study aimed to build on that one by extending the research to two additional schools: Marquette University School of Dentistry and West Virginia University School of Dentistry. Diagnosis and treatment planning by 40 third- and fourth-year dental students were assessed at each of the schools. Students were asked to select the diagnosis and treatment plans on a questionnaire pertaining to 11 cases. Their responses were compared using chi-square tests, and multirater kappa statistics were used to assess agreement between classes and between schools. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the effects of school, class year, prior experience, and GPA/class rank on correct responses. One case had a statistically significant difference in responses between third- and fourth-year dental students. Kappas for school agreement and class agreement were low. The students from Indiana University had higher diagnosis and treatment agreements than the Marquette University students, and the Marquette students fared better than the West Virginia University students. This study can help restructure future periodontal courses for a better understanding of periodontal diagnosis and treatment planning.

Antibiotics in the treatment of periodontal disease: a guide for the general dental practitioner.

The objective of the present paper is to discuss the appropriate use of systemic and local adjunctive antibiotics/antimicrobials in the management of periodontal diseases using a number of case studies to illustrate an evidence-based approach to treatment.

Acute periodontal lesions.

This review provides updates on acute conditions affecting the periodontal tissues, including abscesses in the periodontium, necrotizing periodontal diseases and other acute conditions that cause gingival lesions with acute presentation, such as infectious processes not associated with oral bacterial biofilms, mucocutaneous disorders and traumatic and allergic lesions. A periodontal abscess is clinically important because it is a relatively frequent dental emergency, it can compromise the periodontal prognosis of the affected tooth and bacteria within the abscess can spread and cause infections in other body sites. Different types of abscesses have been identified, mainly classified by their etiology, and there are clear differences between those affecting a pre-existing periodontal pocket and those affecting healthy sites. Therapy for this acute condition consists of drainage and tissue debridement, while an evaluation of the need for systemic antimicrobial therapy will be made for each case, based on local and systemic factors. The definitive treatment of the pre-existing condition should be accomplished after the acute phase is controlled. Necrotizing periodontal diseases present three typical clinical features: papilla necrosis, gingival bleeding and pain. Although the prevalence of these diseases is not high, their importance is clear because they represent the most severe conditions associated with the dental biofilm, with very rapid tissue destruction. In addition to bacteria, the etiology of necrotizing periodontal disease includes numerous factors that alter the host response and predispose to these diseases, namely HIV infection, malnutrition, stress or tobacco smoking. The treatment consists of superficial debridement, careful mechanical oral hygiene, rinsing with chlorhexidine and daily re-evaluation. Systemic antimicrobials may be used adjunctively in severe cases or in nonresponding conditions, being the first option metronidazole. Once the acute disease is under control, definitive treatment should be provided, including appropriate therapy for the pre-existing gingivitis or periodontitis. Among other acute conditions affecting the periodontal tissues, but not caused by the microorganisms present in oral biofilms, infectious diseases, mucocutaneous diseases and traumatic or allergic lesions can be listed. In most cases, the gingival involvement is not severe; however, these conditions are common and may prompt an emergency dental visit. These conditions may have the appearance of an erythematous lesion, which is sometimes erosive. Erosive lesions may be the direct result of trauma or a consequence of the breaking of vesicles and bullae. A proper differential diagnosis is important for adequate management of the case.

Dental and related infections.

Emergency physicians should be comfortable treating most dental and related infections. In this article, we outline recommended techniques to perform a dental examination, explore common pathologies, recommend pain and antibiotic management strategies and review common pitfalls. How to avoid overprescribing opioid analgesics is discussed in depth, along with recent studies to support this strategy.

Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis and the orthodontic patient: a case series.

Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG) can be a painful periodontal disease that can lead to loss of the interdental papillae. It is usually accompanied by systemic signs of fever, malaise and cervical and submandibular lymphadenopathy. It is caused by the profileration of anaerobic bacteria and has been linked to smoking and immunosuppression. This case series reports the occurrence of NUG in orthodontic patients and demonstrates that there is a varying scale of severity of the condition. Orthodontists should be aware of the clinical signs of NUG to ensure early detection and treatment of their patients in order to prevent irreversible loss of the interdental papillae and reduce the likelihood of recurrence. A treatment regime is suggested.

Gingivitis ulceronecrotizante. Recuperación de las papilas después del tratamiento: informe de casos / Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. Papillae recovering after treatment: case reports

Objetivo: describir la cicatrización gingival en tres pacientes con gingivitis ulceronecrotizante y revisar el tratmiento propuesto en la literatura, para evaluar los factores que influyen en la respuesta gingival. Caso clínico: en los casos presentados, se priorizaron el diagnóstico y el tratamiento precoz de la lesión, a fin de ayudar a mantener y recuperar los tejidos interdentales. Conclusión: es importante preservar los tejidos gingivales interdentales, no solamente desde el punto de vista estético, sino también desde lo funcional. El diagnóstico y tratamiento temprano de las lesiones, seguidos de una intervención efectiva, ayudarán a reducir la destrucción del tejido interdentario. El mantenimiento a largo plazo es fundamental para garantizar la salud y evitar la recidiva

Gingivitis ulceronecrotizante. Recuperación de las papilas después del tratamiento: informe de casos / Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis. Papillae recovering after treatment: case reports

Objetivo: describir la cicatrización gingival en tres pacientes con gingivitis ulceronecrotizante y revisar el tratmiento propuesto en la literatura, para evaluar los factores que influyen en la respuesta gingival. Caso clínico: en los casos presentados, se priorizaron el diagnóstico y el tratamiento precoz de la lesión, a fin de ayudar a mantener y recuperar los tejidos interdentales. Conclusión: es importante preservar los tejidos gingivales interdentales, no solamente desde el punto de vista estético, sino también desde lo funcional. El diagnóstico y tratamiento temprano de las lesiones, seguidos de una intervención efectiva, ayudarán a reducir la destrucción del tejido interdentario. El mantenimiento a largo plazo es fundamental para garantizar la salud y evitar la recidiva (AU)

Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis: a discussion of four dissimilar presentations.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG) is a periodontal disease characterized by pain, bleeding, and necrosis of interdental papillae. This series details treatment of four cases, followed by a discussion of the disease. CASE DESCRIPTION: Four patients presented to four practitioners for treatment of severe gingival pain, each eventually being diagnosed with NUG. All patients in this series were successfully treated using accepted protocols, and though each was different with regard to presenting signs and symptoms, all responded similarly to treatment. Similar to the patients described in this series, NUG cases in general can present with varying degrees of involvement from barely-noticeable to starkly severe. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The most severe cases of NUG are often more destructive in appearance than those most commonly seen in textbooks, while in the mildest cases the appearance can almost be mistaken for health.

Periodontite ulcerativa necrosante: relato de caso, diagnóstico, tratamento e um ano de acompanhamento / Necrotizing ulcerative periodontitis: case report-diagnoses, treatment and one year follow-up

As doenças periodontais necrosantes (DPNs) são as formas mais graves de doença periodontal causada pela placa bacteriana. Nas DPNs, as bactérias são mais agressivas do que as observadas em uma periodontite crônica e, quando associadas a uma saúde debilitada do indivíduo, causam um dano ainda maior ao periodonto. Por outro lado, as DPNs têm uma prevalência extremamente baixa na população, o que faz com que casos diagnosticados dessa doença devam ser documentados e divulgados, para contribuir para o conhecimento da mesma pelos profissionais de saúde. Dessa forma, o objetivo do presente trabalho é ilustrar, através de um caso clínico, as características clínicas de uma das DPNs e as etapas clínicas do tratamento correspondente. Um indivíduo com 22 anos de idade compareceu à clínica odontológica para atendimento de urgência, apresentando como sinais e sintomas: febre, sangramento espontâneo, supuração, dor e halitose extrema. Clinicamente, apresentava na gengiva interproximal de diversos dentes ulcerações e necrose com ampla extensão, necrose e exposição de osso alveolar interproximal, e pobre higiene bucal. Radiograficamente, constataram-se perdas ósseas horizontais. O tratamento foi baseado no diagnóstico de periodontite ulcerativa necrosante. Noventa dias após o início do tratamento, foi realizada reavaliação periodontal, observando-se ausência de bolsas periodontais e permanência dos defeitos anatômicos produzidos pela inflamação. Após um ano do início do tratamento, observaram-se focos de placa bacteriana e cálculo supragengival, porém não foram observadas bolsas periodontais e sangramento à sondagem.

Necrotizing Periodontal Diseases (NPDs) are the most severe inflammatory periodontal disorders caused by plaque bacteria. In the NPDs the bacteria are more aggressive than those observed in chronic periodontitis and when combined with a poor health of the patient causing a further damage to the periodontium. On the other hand, the prevalence of NPD is extremely low in the population, however, diagnosed cases of this disease should be documented and disseminated to contribute to the knowledge by health professionals. The objective of this paper is to illustrate through a clinical case the clinical characteristics of one of the NPDs and the stages of its treatment. A 22-year-old patient attended in the dental clinic for urgent care presenting the following signs and symptoms: fever, spontaneous bleeding, suppuration, pain and extreme halitosis. Clinically, there were ulcerations and extensive necrosis in the interproximal gingiva of several teeth, exposure of interproximal alveolar bone and poor oral hygiene. In the radiograph it was found horizontal bone loss. The treatment realized was based on the diagnostic of Necrotizing Ulcerative Periodontitis. Ninety days after the treatment beginning it was performed a periodontal reevaluation, and there was absence of periodontal pockets, and anatomic defects produced by the inflammation were observed. After one year of the treatment beginning it was observed plaque and supragengival calculus, but pockets and bleeding on probing were not observed.

Necrotic ulcerative changes in Fanconi's anaemia: a case report.

SUMMARY: This case report is of a rare occurrence of necrotic ulcerative changes in a female patient with Fanconi's anaemia and its successful periodontal management. BACKGROUND: The response of the periodontium to certain genetic and haematological disorders may vary from bleeding, ulcerations and necrosis to a more severe form of periodontitis. Periodontal management in such conditions still remains an enigma with respect to the timing of the periodontal intervention with regard to the systemic wellbeing of the patient. METHODS: Necrotising ulcerative lesions in a patient with Fanconi's anaemia (FA) progressed rapidly in a week's time necessitating early preliminary periodontal care, which included scaling and root planning using ultrasonic equipment supplemented with hydrogen peroxide irrigation, in conjunction with systemic antibiotics and blood transfusion. RESULTS: Following 1 unit (500ml) of fresh whole blood transfusion 24 hours preoperatively, basic periodontal therapy, comprising of removal of necrotic slough and thorough scaling was done. There was marked resolution of the necrotic ulceration and related symptoms when the patient was followed up for a period of 1 month. CONCLUSION: This report reconfirms most oral manifestations of Fanconi's anaemia and is the first of its kind to associate necrotic ulcerative changes of the gingiva with FA. It also goes a step further to emphasise the clinical significance of multidisciplinary approach towards successful patient management, which was the primary objective.

The severity, extent and recurrence of necrotizing periodontal disease in relation to HIV status and CD4+ T cell count.

South Africa ranks among the three countries with the highest prevalence of HIV infection in sub-Saharan Africa, with an estimated 29.5% of women attending antenatal clinics being infected. Necrotizing periodontal disease is a well recognized HIV-associated oral condition. The objective of this investigation was to determine a possible correlation between the extent, severity and treatment outcome of necrotizing periodontal disease in relation to a person's HIV status and CD4+ T cell count. Data from 105 consecutive patients presenting with necrotizing periodontal disease at an academic oral health centre in South Africa were analysed. All patients were provided with an opportunity to undergo voluntary counseling and testing for HIV infection, were treated for necrotizing periodontal disease and followed over a period of nine months. The mean age of the cohort was 28 years old (range 12 - 52). Of 98 (93.3%) patients unaware of their HIV serostatus at the initial visit, 59 (56.2%) consented to testing. In total 45 (42.9%) were HIV-seropositive with a mean CD4+ T cell count of 222.7 cells/microl and 14 (13.3%) were HIV-seronegative, with a significantly higher mean CD4+ T cell count of 830 cells/microl (Fisher's exact test, p < 0.001), while the status of 46 (43.8%) remained unknown. In 101 (96.2%) patients, > or = 5 tooth sites were affected, and in 27 (26%) > or = 4 mm of gingival tissue were affected. This study, which included HIV-seropositive, HIV-seronegative and persons of unknown HIV status, revealed no statistical evidence that HIV infection was associated with the extent, severity or relapse of necrotizing periodontal disease. No statistically significant association could be demonstrated between the extent, severity and recurrence of necrotizing periodontal disease and a CD4+ T cell count < or = 200 cells/microl among HIV-seropositive patients.