Non-surgical treatment of residual periodontal pockets using sodium hypochlorite/amino acid gel and cross-linked hyaluronic acid-a 9-month pilot randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This pilot randomized controlled clinical trial compares the clinical outcome obtained in persistent periodontal pockets during 9-month follow-up of supportive periodontal step 4 treatment performed by either combining subgingival instrumentation with adjunctively used sodium hypochlorite/amino acid gel and crosslinked hyaluronic acid (xHyA) or subgingival instrumentation alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study protocol is registered under NCT06438354 at Clinicaltrials.gov. Patients seeking further therapy after completed step 2 non-surgical periodontal treatment underwent either repeated subgingival instrumentation with adjunctive application of sodium hypochlorite/amino acid gel and crosslinked hyaluronic acid (group A) or repeated subgingival instrumentation alone (group B). One calibrated investigator performed the treatment sequence in both groups accordingly. Subgingival instrumentation of the residual pockets was carried out under local anaesthesia using hand- and ultrasonic instruments, as well as air polishing in both groups. Patients were instructed to continue oral hygiene without any restriction. At 3-month re-evaluation treatment was repeated accordingly at sites with persistent 5 mm probing depth and BoP + . Clinical attachment level (CAL), pocket probing depth (PPD), gingival recession (GR), and bleeding on probing (BoP) were recorded at baseline (T1), 3- (T2) and 9-month (T3) post-op, with CAL as a primary outcome measure. RESULTS: In total 52 patients (20 females and 32 males, mean age 58.4 ± 2.4 years) presenting with 1448 sites which required further periodontal treatment were enrolled. Both groups exhibited homogeneity in terms of age, gender, smoking habit, initial number of sites, and BOP. At 9-month evaluation, PD reduction and CAL gain showed significant differences between the test and control group, favouring the adjunctive treatment. GR tended to exhibit more recovery in the test group compared to the control group. Although BOP frequency effectively reduced in both groups, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of the study, the present data indicates that, during subgingival instrumentation of persistent pockets, the adjunctive usage of sodium hypochlorite/amino acid gel and xHyA sufficiently improves the clinical outcomes. The continuous improvement of CAL in association with the GR scores observed in group A, indicates that sites subjected to adjunctive treatment may indicate a tendency for a regenerative response to treatment within the 9-month follow-up period.

Partial (incomplete) removal of granulation tissue using modified minimally invasive surgical technique in treatment of infrabony defects (randomized control clinical trial).

AIM: This study aims to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes after complete versus incomplete removal of granulation tissue (GT) during modified minimally invasive surgical technique (M-MIST) for management of periodontitis patients with deep pockets associated with infra-bony defects. METHODOLOGY: Ten patients with a total of 14 deep non-resolving pockets (≥ 5 mm) associated with a vertical infra-bony defect were recruited for this study. They were randomized into 2 groups; a test group with incomplete removal of GT and a control group with complete removal of GT. Clinical parameters of clinical attachment level (CAL), residual probing depth (rPD) and buccal recession (Rec.) were recorded every 3 months. Radiographic periapicals were taken at baseline, 6 and 9 months. The significance level was set to 0.05. RESULTS: None of the results showed statistical significance between the 2 groups (p > 0.05). The test group showed less CAL gain (2 ± 0.87 mm, p = 0.062), more reduction in rPD (3.1 ± 0.96 mm, p = 0.017) and more recession (0.857 ± 0.26 mm, p = 0.017) than control group CAL gain (2.4 ± 0.58 mm, p = 0.009), rPD reduction (2.9 ± 0.3 mm, p = 0.001) and recession (0.5 ± 0.34 mm, p = 0.203) respectively. Control group had linear reduction in depth defect (DD) (0.68 ± 0.287, p = 0.064) compared to an increase in DD in test group (-0.59 ± 0.5, p = 0.914). CONCLUSIONS: No statistical significance were observed in healing parameters between complete removal of GT in M-MIST and incomplete (partial) removal of GT of deep pockets with infra-bony defects both clinically and radiographically. Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm the results.

Early orthodontic treatment after periodontal surgery: a randomized controlled trial / Le traitement orthodontique précoce après la chirurgie parodontale : essai clinique randomisé et contrôlé.

Introduction: The pathological teeth migrations require correct multidisciplinary treatment which consists of periodontal surgery associated with early or late orthodontic treatment. The aim of this study was to know which of the two orthodontic treatments would have a better periodontal response. Material and Method: Two parameters, radiological (the height of the alveolar bone) and clinical (the depth of the periodontal pocket), were used to meet the objective of this work. Eighteen patients received early orthodontic treatment (straight wire appliance) after periodontal flap debridement surgery and eighteen others late orthodontic treatment (straight wire appliance). Results: The results showed the absence of significant difference between the two early and late orthodontic treatments after periodontal flap debridement surgery. Conclusion: Orthodontic treatment can be started early seven to ten days after periodontal surgery.

Introduction: Les migrations dentaires pathologiques exigent un traitement pluridisciplinaire correct qui consiste en une chirurgie parodontale associée à un traitement orthodontique précoce ou tardif. Le but de cette étude était de connaître lequel des deux traitements orthodontiques aurait une meilleure réponse parodontale. Matériel et méthode: Deux paramètres, radiologique (la hauteur du défaut osseux) et clinique (la profondeur de la poche parodontale), ont été utilisés afin de répondre à l'objectif de ce travail. Dix-huit patients ont reçu, après la chirurgie parodontale par un lambeau d'assainissement, un traitement orthodontique précoce (technique d'arc droit) et dix-huit autres un traitement orthodontique tardif (technique d'arc droit). Résultats: Les résultats ont montré l'absence de différence significative entre les deux traitements orthodontiques, précoce et tardif, après la chirurgie parodontale par un lambeau d'assainissement. Conclusion: Le traitement orthodontique peut débuter précocement dès sept à dix jours après la chirurgie parodontale.

Possible Association between Behçet's Disease and Periodontal diseases.

AIM: This study explores the connection between Behçet's disease (BD), characterized by persistent oral and genital ulcers alongside iritis, and periodontal disease. It examines the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and nitric oxide (NO) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva. METHODS: Forty Behçet's patients with gingivitis or periodontitis and 47 patients with either gingivitis or periodontitis but without BD were studied. Periodontal status was recorded with standard clinical indexes. GCF and saliva samples were obtained. NO, IL-1ß and TNF-α levels were analysed. Current Behçet's symptoms and medications usage were recorded. RESULTS: Mean salivary IL-1ß was elevated (p = .045), and mean NO level was decreased in BD patients with gingivitis compared to patients without BD (p = .000). In contrast, mean NO level in crevicular fluid was higher in Behçet's patients with periodontitis than in patients without BD (p = .009). Furthermore, among Behçet's patients, those with vascular involvement had lower salivary NO level compared to patients without vascular involvement (p = .000). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings, the elevated levels of IL-1ß in the saliva of Behçet's patients with gingivitis, along with the decreased NO level, indicate an altered inflammatory response in the oral cavity.

Clinical application of mixed reality holographic imaging technology in scaling and root planing of severe periodontitis: a proof of concept.

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate the potential application of mixed reality (MR) holographic imaging technology in subgingival scaling and root planing (SRP) for patient with advanced periodontitis. METHODS: This case series comprised the analysis of 1566 sites from 261 teeth of 10 patients with advanced periodontitis. Digital CBCT scans and intraoral scans of the patients were digitally acquired preoperatively and aligned to create a three-dimensional periodontal visualization model. Through rendering, interactive holographic images were displayed using MR. The surgeon first used MR images to communicate with the patients, and then facilitated SRP under their guidance. Probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), Plaque index (PI), and bleeding on probing (BOP) parameters were recorded at baseline and at 8-week postoperatively. Patient-reported outcome indicator questionnaires on self-efficacy were also collected. RESULTS: PPD, CAL, PI, and BOP significantly decreased at 8-week following MR hologram-assisted SRP (p<0.001). For sites with PPD≥4 mm, PPD and CAL declined by 2.33±1.23 mm and 0.69±1.07 mm, respectively. PI significantly decreased from 1.94±0.61 to 0.82±0.58 (p < 0.001) and BOP sites decreased significantly from 84.11% to 40.25%. After receiving MR holograms for condition communication, most patients had a better perception of the effectiveness of SRP treatment and the benefits it brings. 80% of the subjects expressed their willingness to undergo MR-assisted periodontal treatment in the future. CONCLUSION: These results provide preliminary support for MR hologram-assisted digital SRP. With this technology, images of the gingiva and alveolar bone can be displayed in real time, accurately and three-dimensionally. This improves SRP effectiveness, diminishes complications, and enhances patients' confidence in the treatment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: MR holographic imaging-based digital SRP is a clinically feasible and promising adjunctive periodontal treatment option. It may contribute to improved non-surgical treatment efficacy in patients with severe periodontitis.

Comparison of clinical parameters of peri-implantitis and parameters related to tissue macrophage sensitization on TiO2.

OBJECTIVE: Dental implants show impressive survival and like rates, but peri-implantitis is a frequent inflammatory disease which affects the implant-surrounding tissues. While biofilms on the implant surface is considered its etiologic reason, several risk factors determine the pace of progression of peri-implant bone loss. Some risk factors are generally accepted while others are still unconfirmed and a matter of ongoing discussion. Among the latter, tissue macrophage sensitization on TiO2 has gained scientific interest in recent years. The aim of the present case-control study was to test for potential associations between clinically manifest peri-implantitis and MS related parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In patients with implants affected by peri-implantitis in the test group and healthy implants in the control group clinical parameters (peri-implant pocket depths (PPD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were measured. Samples of aMMP-8 were taken from the entrance of the peri-implant sulcus and bacterial samples were collected from the sulcus. Blood samples were obtained from the basilic vein to assess MA-related laboratory parameters. Potential correlations between clinical and laboratory parameters were tested by multiple regression (p < 0.05). RESULTS: No statistically significant correlations were found between clinical or bacteriological findings and laboratory parameters were found. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings of this study elevated MA-related laboratory parameters do not appear to be linked to peri-implantitis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Sensitization on TiO2 is not associated with clinical symptoms of peri-implantitis.

Expression of miRNAs (146a and 155) in human peri-implant tissue affected by peri-implantitis: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: In literature, the levels of miRNA-146a and miRNA-155 are increased in periodontitis. Limited data are available regarding the expression of miRNA-146a and miR-NA-155 in diseased human peri-implant tissue. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the expression of miRNA-146a and miRNA-155 in human gingival peri-implant tissue affected by peri-implantitis. METHODS: After recording the clinical parameters, human peri-implant pocket tissues were harvested from sites diagnosed with peri-implantitis (n = 15 cases) in addition to healthy peri-implant sulcus tissues (n = 15 controls). The levels of miRNA-146a and miRNA-155 were assessed using real-time qPCR. RESULTS: Cases exhibited a significantly higher mean expression of miRNA-155 (5.2-fold increase) and miRNA-146a (2.8-fold increase) than controls. MiRNA-155 and miRNA-146a demonstrated an appropriate sensitivity (87.5% and 87.5%, respectively) and specificity (73.3% and 66.7%, respectively) in discriminating cases from controls. A moderate correlation (r = 0.544, p = 0.029) was found between miRNA-155 and miRNA-146a levels in the case group. CONCLUSIONS: The expressions of miRNA-146a and miR-NA-155 are different between healthy and peri-implantitis affected tissues. Both miRNAs might potentially able to discriminate healthy from peri-implantitis affected tissues.

Association Between Low Kidney Function and Excess Weight Concerning Unfavourable Periodontal Health among Community-dwelling Older Japanese Women.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association of low renal function and overweight with poor periodontal condition in community-dwelling older Japanese women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 359 older women (age range: 55-74 years) participated in this study. Two periodontal parameters - the number of teeth with a probing pocket depth (PPD) or clinical attachment level (CAL) ≥ 4 mm - were used as the dependent variables. The principal independent variables were low renal function as defined by the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and overweight as defined by the body mass index. Poisson regression analysis was used to calculate the ratio of means (RM). RESULTS: The RMs of the number of teeth with a PPD or CAL ≥ 4 mm in an adjusted model without an interaction term were 1.21- or 1.27-fold higher among those with an eGFR < 60, while those among the participants with an eGFR < 60 in the adjusted model with interaction terms for the number of teeth with a PPD or CAL ≥ 4 mm were 1.43- or 1.36-fold higher. In addition, increments of periodontal risk with low renal function and overweight showed a slightly smaller to negative trend. CONCLUSION: The present findings suggest a connection between unfavourable periodontal health and both renal function and being overweight among older Japanese women. A weak negative interaction was also found between poor renal condition and overweight in relation to periodontal condition.

Platelet-rich fibrin as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in treatment of shallow periodontal pockets: A randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (ScRp) for healing shallow periodontal pockets. METHODS: Twelve patients with periodontitis were enrolled in this split-mouth, randomized clinical trial. A total of 24 shallow periodontal pockets (4-6 mm) were treated by either ScRp alone (control) or PRF (test). Clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and plaque index (PLI), as well as platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were measured at baseline and at 1- and 3-month follow-up visits. RESULTS: At 1- and 3-month follow-up visits, greater CAL gains (2.6 ± 0.25 mm and 3.26 ± 0.31 mm, respectively) and PPD reductions (2.58 ± 0.38 and 3.31 ± 0.39 mm, respectively) were observed in the test group compared to those in controls (CAL gain of 1.01 ± 0.49 mm and 1.43 ± 0.48 mm; PPD reduction of 1.1 ± 0.55 and 1.37 ± 0.49 mm, respectively). In addition, the increase in PDGF-BB in GCF in the test group (724.5 ± 186.09 pg/µl and 1957.5 ± 472.9 pg/µl) was significantly greater than that in controls (109.3 ± 24.07 and 614.64 ± 209.3 pg/µl) at 1- and 3-month follow-up visits, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The noninvasive use of PRF as an adjunct to ScRp successfully improved clinical periodontal parameters and might contribute to increased PDGF-BB in GCF.

The efficacy of diode laser and subgingival air polishing with erythritol in treatment of periodontitis (clinical and microbiological study).

BACKGROUND: There is insufficient clinical and microbiological evidence to support the use of diode laser and air-polishing with erythritol as supplements to scaling and root planning(SRP). The aim of the current study is to evaluate the clinical and microbiologic efficacy of erythritol subgingival air polishing and diode laser in treatment of periodontitis. METHODS: The study encompassed twenty-four individuals seeking periodontal therapy and diagnosed with stage I and stage II periodontitis. Eight patients simply underwent SRP. Eight more patients had SRP followed by erythritol subgingival air polishing, and eight patients had SRP followed by diode laser application. At baseline and six weeks, clinical periodontal parameters were measured, including Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), periodontal Probing Depth (PPD), and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL). The bacterial count of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans(A.A), Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.G) was evaluated at different points of time. RESULTS: The microbiological assessment revealed significant differences in the count of A.A. between the laser and erythritol groups immediately after treatment, indicating a potential impact on microbial levels. However, the microbial levels showed fluctuations over the subsequent weeks, without statistically significant differences. Plaque indices significantly decreased post-treatment in all groups, with no significant inter-group differences. Gingival indices decreased, and the laser group showed lower values than erythritol and control groups. PPD and CAL decreased significantly across all groups, with the laser group exhibiting the lowest values. CONCLUSION: The supplementary use of diode laser and erythritol air polishing, alongside SRP, represents an expedited periodontal treatment modality. This approach leads to a reduction in bacteria and improvement in periodontal health. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This clinical trial was registered on Clinical Trials.gov (Registration ID: NCT06209554) and released on 08/01/2024.

Comparative effects of e-cigarette smoking on periodontal status, salivary pH, and cotinine levels.

BACKGROUND: The nicotine in e-cigarette liquid can negatively impact periodontal tissues by altering the salivary pH and elevating cotinine levels. Thus, the study aimed to determine the periodontal parameters, salivary pH, and cotinine levels among cigarette, e-cigarette, and never-smokers. METHODS: A total of 144 participants were recruited (48 cigarette smokers, 48 e-cigarette smokers, and 48 never-smokers). Clinical periodontal parameters, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), periodontal probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were recorded, excluding third molars. The level of unstimulated whole salivary pH was measured using a portable pH meter and the levels of salivary cotinine were measured using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Data were analysed statistically using analysis of variance. Mean scores of PPD, percentage of pocket depth ≥ 4 mm, and CAL (p < 0.05) were significantly higher among cigarette smokers than those in e-cigarette and never-smokers, while GI (p < 0.05) were significantly higher among e-cigarette smokers. The unstimulated salivary pH was more acidic among cigarette smokers (p < 0.05) and e-cigarette smokers (p < 0.05) than in never-smokers. The cotinine levels were higher among cigarette smokers (p < 0.05) and e-cigarette smokers (p < 0.05) than in never-smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical periodontal parameters were poorer in cigarette smokers than in e-cigarette smokers and never-smokers. Meanwhile, cigarette and e-cigarette smokers have more acidic salivary pH and higher cotinine levels than in never-smokers.

Decision-making on systemic antibiotics in the management of periodontitis: A retrospective comparison of two concepts.

AIM: To retrospectively compare two approaches for the adjunctive use of systemic antibiotics in non-surgical periodontal therapy: one based on the detection of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and the other on age and severity of periodontitis (Age & PPD). We also assessed the additional benefit of antibiotics in reducing the need for further surgical therapy in each group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients of the Department of Periodontology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany, were screened for microbiological testing between 2008 and 2018. Patients were categorized by their microbiological result (Aa+/-) and demographic/clinical data (Age & PPD+/-). Agreement on antibiotic indication was tested. The clinical evaluation focussed on teeth with probing pocket depths (PPDs) ≥ 6 mm. RESULTS: Analysis of 425 patients revealed 30% categorized as Age & PPD+ and 34% as Aa+. Sixty-three percent had consistent antibiotic recommendations (phi coefficient 0.14, p = .004). Patients in the Age & PPD+ group receiving antibiotics showed the most substantial reduction in the number of teeth with PPD ≥ 6 mm after non-surgical periodontal therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Both strategies resulted in a significant clinical improvement compared with those without antibiotic treatment and restricted antibiotic use similarly, but targeted different patient groups. Younger individuals with severe periodontitis benefited most from antibiotics, reducing the need for additional surgeries. The study was registered in an international trial register (German Clinical Trial Register number DRKS00028768, registration date 27 April 2022, https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00028768).

Influence of crown-lengthening surgery on teeth rehabilitated with ceramic single crowns: A 12-month prospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical periodontal parameters of teeth restored with a single ceramic crown, with and without crown lengthening procedure. METHODS: This prospective, longitudinal, controlled, and single-blinded clinical trial involved 22 patients with a total of forty-one teeth with ceramic crowns. The teeth were divided into two groups: test (n = 21), comprising teeth rehabilitated post crown-lengthening surgery, and control (n = 20), comprising teeth rehabilitated without crown-lengthening surgery. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BoP), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were compared between groups (surgically treated and non-surgically treated) and within each group for each type of site (treated -tt; adjacent - ad; and nonadjacent - nad). Additionally, gingival phenotype (GP), gingival recession (GR), and keratinized tissue width (KTW) were also assessed post- restoration. Statistical analyses used a significance level set at 5 %. RESULTS: PI, GI, and BoP were reduced, but no statistically significant differences were observed within each group or between groups for most follow-up periods. CAL of the TT sites was consistently higher in the test group, and PD was also higher in the test group (p < 0.05), except at T3. adPD, nadPD, adCAL, and nadCAL demonstrated no significant differences between groups and periods. A significant association was identified between GP and the occurrence of GR, with the thick-flat phenotype demonstrating less association with GR, regardless of whether crown lengthening was performed or not. CONCLUSION: Crown-lengthening surgery in rehabilitated teeth does not significantly affect PI and GI after 12 months. Although crown-lengthening surgery affected PD and CAL in TT sites, it did not affect adjacent and non-adjacent sites. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings emphasize the importance of considering individual patient factors and the potential impact on periodontal tissues when planning crown-lengthening surgery. Clinicians must have a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of the periodontal tissues involved in restorative treatments to optimize the procedure, increase success rates, and minimize potential complications.

Rubber oily liquids as transdermal and periodontal pocket drug delivery systems.

This study investigates the incorporation of block natural rubber (NR) as a viscosity-inducing agent in NR oily liquids designed for drug delivery systems. A variety of liquids, encompassing natural oils, synthetic and non-oil liquids, and a eutectic mixture, were incorporated with NR using solvent displacement technique. Successful formulations were achieved for several oily liquids, with viscosity correlating to NR concentration. Particularly, a eutectic mixture of menthol and camphor exhibited optimal viscosity by direct dissolving enabling the development of transdermal ibuprofen delivery and injectable azithromycin for periodontitis treatment. NR prolonged the release of both drugs. The extended-release ibuprofen system holds promise for transdermal applications, while the azithromycin system displayed inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Porphyromonas gingivalis, suggesting potential for periodontitis treatment. Overall, this investigation advances the development of NR oily liquids as a versatile drug delivery system that can be applied both on the skin and for the local injection into the periodontal pocket, showcasing promise for various therapeutic applications.

Prevalence of species of yellow, purple and green microbial complexes in endo-perio lesions: a systematic review.

This review aimed to determine the prevalence of species of yellow, purple and green microbial complexes in root canals (RC) and periodontal pockets (PP) of teeth with endodontic-periodontal lesions. For this purpose, two reviewers searched the literature up to January 2022. Studies reporting the prevalence of species of the yellow, purple and green microbial complexes in teeth diagnosed with endodontic-periodontal lesions were included. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed using the 14 criteria from the NIH Quality Assessment Tool. Of 1,611 references identified in the initial search, only four studies were eligible and included in the qualitative analysis. The profile and prevalence rates of bacterial species in RC and PP varied among the included studies: levels of Agregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (12% RC, 58% PP), Capnocytophaga granulosa (10% RC, 35% PP), Capnocytophaga sputigena (15-70% RC, 0-30% PP), Streptococcus mitis (30% RC, 35% PP), Streptococcus sanguinis (30% RC, 35% PP), and Veillonella parvula (70% RC, 50% PP) were identified. The high methodological heterogeneity prevented grouping and quantitative analysis of data. The risk of bias was considered 'moderate' for all studies. The included studies identified the presence of seven bacterial species belonging to the yellow, purple, and green microbial complexes in RC and PP, but with different prevalence rates. Future clinical studies are encouraged to investigate the presence and role of these species in the occurrence and development of endodontic-periodontal lesions.

Efficacy and Viability of Subgingival Application of Probiotics as an Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planing in Periodontitis.

AIM: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of subgingivally applied probiotics as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) vs SRP alone in patients with periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients diagnosed with periodontitis, with probing pocket depth (PPD) of 5-7 mm on at least two teeth on contralateral sites, were selected for the study and randomly allocated to the test group (n = 31) who underwent SRP along with subgingival application of probiotic paste and the control group (n = 31) who underwent only SRP. Clinical parameters were evaluated in both groups at baseline and after 12 weeks. The viability of probiotic bacteria was evaluated in the test group at baseline, day 4 and day 8. RESULTS: All clinical parameters showed a statistically significant difference between baseline and 12 weeks on intragroup and intergroup comparison, with a greater improvement in the test group. Microbiological evaluation showed that the mean colony-forming units (CFUs) in the test group were 38.39 ± 7.76, 7.25 ± 2.72 and 1.57 ± 1.29 at baseline, day 4 and day 8, respectively. The mean CFUs significantly reduced with an increase in time from baseline to 8-day time interval. CONCLUSION: It was seen that the probiotic bacteria remained viable in the periodontal pocket for up to 8 days after placement, but stable improvements were seen in all clinical parameters even at 12 weeks, indicating its prolonged efficacy. Thus, commercially available probiotics can prove to be an inexpensive method to treat periodontitis when combined with SRP.

Higher haemoglobin levels are associated with impaired periodontal status.

AIM: Cellular oxygen sensing mechanisms have been linked to periodontal condition, and levels of haemoglobin (Hb) (the main carrier of oxygen) can be used as a surrogate measure for hypoxia. We aimed to examine relations between Hb levels and key periodontal health parameters in a general population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The population comprised 1711 (47% male) subjects from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966, for whom an oral health examination was carried out at 46 years of age and whose Hb levels were within the Finnish reference values. Relative risks (RRs) were estimated using Poisson regression models. RESULTS: The low-Hb tertile (mean Hb 133 g/L) had healthier anthropometric, metabolic and periodontal health parameters than the high-Hb tertile (mean Hb 151 g/L). Multivariable regression models adjusted for risk factors showed Hb levels to be positively associated with alveolar bone loss (ABL) and periodontal pocket depth (PPD), although the associations were weaker after adjustment for key metabolic parameters and were strongly influenced by smoking status. CONCLUSIONS: Hb levels within the normal variation are positively associated with PPD and ABL. The association between Hb levels and periodontal condition appeared to be more complex than had previously been anticipated.

Cytological and microbiological investigations of professional hygiene efficiency in patients with generalized periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: Aim: The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of occupational hygiene procedures for microbiological and cytological contents of periodontal pockets. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Material and Methods: Cytological and microbiological content of the periodontal pockets before treatment and after professional hygiene procedures including scaling with hand instruments and root cementum polishing have been investigated in patients with periodontitis. RESULTS: Results: According to obtained data it can be resumed that in periodontitis patients with the depth of pockets 3-5,5 mm before professional hygiene all the pockets contain great number of Cocci, Spirochetes, Candida Albicans, Flagellated rods and Protozoa species. It was proved by revealing of small amount of Polymorphonuclear leukocytes with active phagocytosis. After scaling and planing of the roots, a decrease in the number of Protozoa and Candida Albicans was observed in 97% and 72% of the investigated cells, respectively. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Cytological and microbiological content of periodontal pockets before treatment and after professional hygiene procedures including scaling and root planning testify to the level of local protective mechanisms, especially process of phagocytosis and virulence of microbial species in periodontal pockets.

Elevated subgingival temperature infers high bacterial pathogen counts in severe periodontitis.

OBJECTIVES: Periodontal inflammation may be assessed by bleeding on probing and subgingival temperature. This pilot study evaluated the intrapatient relationship between subgingival temperature and selected bacterial groups/species in deep periodontal pockets with bleeding on probing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In each of eight adults, an electronic temperature probe identified three "hot" pockets with elevated subgingival temperature and three "cool" pockets with normal subgingival temperature among premolars/molars with 6‒10 mm probing depths and bleeding on probing. Microbial samples collected separately from the hot and cool periodontal pockets were cultured for selected periodontal pathogens. RESULTS: Hot compared to cool periodontal pockets revealed significantly higher absolute and normalized subgingival temperatures and yielded higher mean proportions of Porphyromonas gingivalis (10.2% for hot vs. 2.5% for cool, p = 0.030) and total red/orange complex periodontal pathogens (48.0% for hot vs. 24.6% for cool, p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Hot versus cool deep periodontal pockets harbored significantly higher levels of major periodontal pathogens. Subgingival temperature measurements may potentially be useful to assess risk of periodontitis progression and the efficacy of periodontal therapy.