Evaluation of the different exposure parameters for the accurate diagnosis of peri-implantitis severity in digital panoramic radiography

Background: To evaluate the accuracy of the diagnosis of peri-implant bone defects' severities in digital panoramic radiographs obtained at different tube voltage and/or tube current settings. Material and methods: Two different sizes of peri-implant bone defects (type 1 and type 2) were prepared after the implants were inserted into 29 bovine rib blocks. Digital panoramic radiographs were obtained at eight different tube voltage and/or tube current settings for all rib blocks. Implant images were cropped separately. The average intensity value (AIV) of cropped images were analyzed using Adobe Photoshop CC software. The Kruskal-Wallis H test was used to compare AIVs. All cropped images were evaluated using a five-point Likert scale for the likelihood of a bone defect being absent or present. The weighted kappa values were calculated to compare observer agreement and ROC analysis was performed to determine the appropriate exposure parameters. Results: The lowest AIV was obtained at 72 kV/6.3 mA (92.162±16.016), and the highest AIV was obtained at 60 kV/3.2 mA (179.050±13.823). The Kruskal-Wallis H test showed significant differences in the AIVs according to the exposure parameters (p<0.001). The kappa coefficient for the inter-observer agreement was excellent (0.864, p<0.001). The AUC values for type 1 defects ranged from 0.778 and 0.860; for type 2 defects ranged from 0.920 and 0.967. The AUC value of type 1 defects was slightly better in panoramic images obtained with high kV and low mA levels (72 kV/3.2 mA), compared to others. Conclusions: In daily clinical routine, peri-implant bone defects might be evaluated by panoramic radiographs obtained with all kV and mA values tested. However, to avoid misdiagnosing and for better accuracy, panoramic radiographs obtained with high kV and low mA levels suitable for patients should be used, especially in the detection of small or initial bone defects. (AU)

Increased levels of interleukin-32 isoforms alpha, beta, gamma, and delta in the gingival crevicular fluid and plasma of the patients with periodontitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Interleukin (IL)-32, which has been recently reported to be associated with periodontitis, has been suggested to have pleiotropic effect due to its 9 different isoforms. The aim of this study was to investigate the levels of IL-32α, IL-32ß, IL-32γ, IL-32δ isoforms in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and plasma before and after non-surgical periodontal treatment in patients with periodontitis (P). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven P and 27 periodontally healthy controls (C) were recruited in this study. Non-surgical periodontal treatment was performed to periodontitis patients. GCF and plasma sampling and clinical periodontal parameters were evaluated before and 1 month after treatment. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to analyze the levels of IL-32α, IL-32ß, IL-32γ, IL-32δ isoforms in GCF and plasma samples. RESULTS: The levels of IL-32α, IL-32ß, IL-32γ, and IL-32δ in plasma and GCF were significantly higher in patients with periodontitis than healthy controls (P < .001). In P group, plasma and GCF IL-32α, IL-32ß, IL-32γ, and IL-32δ levels after non-surgical periodontal treatment were lower when compared to baseline (P < .001). Moreover, there was a positive correlation between GCF and plasma IL-32α, IL-32ß, IL-32γ, and IL-32δ levels in all groups at baseline and after treatment (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The study supported that there was a relationship between elevated levels of IL-32 isoforms and periodontitis. Also, our novel findings suggest that the pro-inflammatory role of IL-32 in the periodontitis may be originated from IL-32α, IL-32ß, IL-32γ, and IL-32δ isoforms.

Is periodontal disease a risk factor for developing severe Covid-19 infection? The potential role of Galectin-3.

IMPACT STATEMENT: There could be a close relationship between periodontal diseases (PDs) severity and Covid-19 infections. This relationship could be caused by Galectin-3-mediated increased immune response and increased viral attachment. Keeping PDs under control and maintaining rigorous oral hygiene during this troubled Covid-19 pandemic period is very important.Patients with older age and pre-existing conditions like cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity are in the higher risk group for developing severe Covid-19 infections. The inflammatory pathways that are involved in these conditions are the same pathways that we see in periodontal diseases (PDs). This raises a significant question: Is PD a pre-existing condition that can increase the risk of developing severe Covid-19 infection? Several studies have shown that Galectins play a key role in the homeostasis of immune cells, and recently, a relationship was found between Covid-19 and Galectin-3 (Gal-3).It has been determined that an important area in the spike protein of Coronavirus-19 is almost exactly the same as the morphology of Gal-3, and these spike proteins are critical for the entry of the virus into host cells. We suspect that there is enough evidence to support a close relationship between PDs severity and Covid-19 infections. There is accumulating evidence to suggest a relationship between the severity of PD and the risk of infection with Covid-19, which requires further investigation. This relationship could be caused by Gal-3-mediated increased immune response and increased viral attachment. In this context, we want to emphasize the importance of keeping PD under control by maintaining rigorous oral hygiene during this troubled Covid-19 pandemic period. We would also like to point out the possibility that having PD may be a pre-disposition toward developing a severe Covid-19 infection.

Laser Therapy Induces Increased Viability and Proliferation in Isolated Fibroblast Cells.

INTRODUCTION: Laser therapy (LT), which stimulates natural biological processes in the application region, is frequently used in dental treatments. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of LT that could increase wound healing on fibroblast cells in vitro. METHODS: Twenty-four hours after preparing the fibroblast cell culture plates, laser irradiation was performed 1, 2, and 3 times according to the test groups using an Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet) laser with a power output of 0.5 W, 1 W, 2 W, and 3 W. Cell proliferation analysis was performed by MTT (methylthiazole diphenyl tetrazolium) assay at the twenty-fourth hour following the last laser application. RESULTS: In terms of the laser irradiation power level, the most proliferation was observed in 1 W and 2 W application groups. Although a statistically significant increase was observed, particularly at 0.5 W, the increase at 1 W was greater than at a power output of 0.5 W. In terms of the number of laser irradiation applications, the most proliferation was observed in 2 and 3 application groups. The highest proliferation value was obtained with 1 W of power for 2 applications, and the lowest was with 3 W of power for 3 applications. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study show LT increased fibroblast cell proliferation, depending on the power output level of the laser and number of applications. In addition to the proliferation and mitotic activity of the fibroblast cells, the results demonstrate that LT could increase wound healing after oral surgery and periodontal treatments.

Salivary fetuin-A, S100A12, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels in periodontal diseases.

AIM: Hs-CRP, fetuin-A, and S100A12 are acute-phase proteins associated with many systemic diseases and conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical parameters and salivary Hs-CRP, fetuin-A, and S100A12 levels before and after nonsurgical periodontal treatments in the patients with periodontal diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 54 subjects were divided into three groups of 18 patients each: periodontally healthy, gingivitis, and chronic periodontitis. Clinical periodontal parameters; salivary Hs-CRP, fetuin-A, and S100A12 levels; and salivary flow rates were evaluated at baseline and a month after the treatments. RESULTS: Fetuin-A and S100A12 were significantly lower and Hs-CRP levels were significantly higher in the chronic periodontitis and gingivitis groups than in the control group at baseline (p < 0.01). For the gingivitis and chronic periodontitis groups, the posttreatment levels of salivary fetuin-A and S100A12 were higher than the baseline levels of the same (p < 0.01). There was a negative correlation between Hs-CRP and fetuin-A and Hs-CRP and S100A12 (p < 0.001) and a positive correlation between fetuin-A and S100A12 (p < 0.05) at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Salivary fetuin-A and S100A12 levels decreased with increasing severity of periodontal disease. These results suggest that salivary fetuin-A may play an important role as a negative acute-phase protein in periodontal diseases.

A new management strategy for the treatment of streptococcal gingivitis: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate a supportive treatment option based on microorganism's growth characteristics. METHODS: This study was conducted at Ordu University, Faculty of Dentistry, Turkey, between January and April, 2017, comprising patients whose periodontal parameters and saliva pH scores were measured before and after the treatments. The patients were divided into two equal groups. Group I underwent routine periodontal treatment methods for streptococcal gingivitis, while a supportive treatment that involved an antacid chewing tablet two times a day for a week based on the microorganism's growth characteristics was used on patients in Group II. SPSS 11.5 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: There were 16 patients in the study with an average age of 27.90±5.54 years. The periodontal index values progressively decreased for all patients post-treatment. However, the decrease of gingival index values in Group I was significantly higher than Group II (p<0.05). The decrease in the oral pH was statistically significant after the periodontal treatment procedures with supportive method (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of antacids in addition to conventional periodontal treatment may be effective in the treatment of oral streptococcal infections..

Evaluation of the effect of different post materials and adhesive systems on the bonding strength of short-post technique for primary teeth.

BACKGROUND: The most important process in treating grossly decayed teeth, including decay in the pulp, is the ability to hold a retainer in for a short time. AIM: The aim of this study was to investigate the bond strengths of different adhesive systems and post materials on primary teeth. DESIGN: One hundred and twenty extracted maxillar primary central incisor teeth were randomly divided into two main groups (total-etch and self-etch adhesive systems) and five subgroups (1: control-nanohybrid composite resin, 2: pre-impregnated glass fiber, 3: unsaturated glass fiber, 4: polyethylene fiber, 5: short-fiber reinforced composite resin). The push-out test was performed using a universal testing machine with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was detected between the two different adhesive systems and five different materials in terms of the maximum values measured for fractures in the specimens when both the adhesive materials and the short-post materials were evaluated separately (P > 0.05). However, as a result of multiple comparisons made, it was found that statistical differences between the groups applying the total-etch adhesive system occurred in Groups 3 and 5. The highest push-out test values were measured in Group 5 and Group 1, and the lowest value in Group 3. Although the fracture type distribution in the total-etch adhesive system groups was not statistically different based on the material used (χ2  = 11,865; P = 0.309), the self-etch adhesive systems did show differences (χ2  = 28,463; P < 0.001). Both the total-etch and the self-etch adhesive system groups showed mostly adhesive failures. CONCLUSION: The fiber-reinforced and nanohybrid composite resin had higher values in the short-post technique, and there was no significant difference between the different fiber posts.

Treatment of Different Oral Soft Tissue Lesions With Surgical Neodymium: Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser: Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: Oral soft tissue lesions cause discomfort and potentially serious clinical problems. CASE SERIES: These case reports present different gingival and/or mucosal lesions (pyogenic granuloma, verruca vulgaris, giant cell granuloma, fibroma, etc.) and the surgical treatment of these lesions with a neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser (320-µm optic fiber; 4 W; 100 mJ, 40 Hz; emission mode, pulsed, and contact mode). Patients were evaluated after laser surgery on degree of postoperative pain; discomfort; functional complications (eating and speech); and recurrence. Results indicated that patients had minimal postoperative pain, few functional complications, and low rates of pain. Laser surgery produced minimal bleeding, damage to the surrounding tissue, and post-surgical edema. CONCLUSION: In these cases, the Nd:YAG laser provided a non-bleeding environment at the surgical area with an acceptable operating time, quick postoperative hemostasis, good patient acceptance, low rates of pain, and no post-treatment adverse events among patients with oral soft tissue lesions.

The use of surgical Nd:YAG laser in an oral pyogenic granuloma: a case report.

Pyogenic granuloma is a benign, non-neoplastic, mucocutaneous lesion and is especially common on the tongue, lips, and gums. This case report presents a large oral pyogenic granuloma of the gingiva and the surgical treatment of this lesion with Nd:YAG laser. A 14-year-old female patient referred with a complaint of a swelling and growth on the buccal side of her mandibular left premolar teeth. A comprehensive intraoral examination revealed a localized gingival mass between mandibular left premolar teeth on the buccal aspect. The treatment selected was surgical removal using Nd:YAG laser with the following irradiation parameters: power output 4 W, energy 100 mJ, frequency 40 Hz, and pulsed emission mode. During surgery, complications including hemorrhage were not observed, and no scarring developed after surgery. The excised area gradually improved within 1 month. The use of Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of pyogenic granuloma reduced bleeding during surgery, with a consequent reduction in operating time, promoted rapid postoperative hemostasis, and has better patient acceptance.

Evaluation of low-level laser therapy in rabbit oral mucosa after soft tissue graft application: A pilot study.

The aim of the present study was to assess the histopathological effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on healing of the oral mucosa after soft tissue graft operations. The alterations at the end of healing in normal and LLLT-applied oral mucosa were studied in two healthy adult New Zealand white rabbits by taking specimens for light microscopic inspection. There was no adverse event reported in the study and no post-operative complications, such as swelling, bleeding, or edema, were observed in the rabbits. Complete wound healing was faster in the LLLT-applied rabbit. Compared to the normal rabbit oral mucosa, thickening of the stratum corneum (hyperkeratosis) was found in the epithelia of the rabbits. A significant increase in the epithelial thickness was found in the samples of rabbits, suggesting increased scar tissue following the wound repair. Additionally, many mitotic figures were present in the epithelia of the LLLT-applied rabbit, indicating epithelial cell hyperplasia. Long and irregular connective tissue protrusions projecting into the undersurface of the epithelium and mononuclear cell infiltrations were noted in the rabbits. The results suggest that LLLT used for soft tissue operations provides better and faster wound healing and that LLLT enhances epithelization.

A randomized, prospective, open-ended clinical trial of zirconia fixed partial dentures on teeth and implants: interim results.

PURPOSE: The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to compare the outcomes of zirconia crowns and fixed partial dentures (FPDs) supported by teeth or implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were recruited based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, and 59 eligible subjects were assigned randomly to treatment by one of four zirconia systems (Cercon, ZirkonZahn, Lava, and Katana). One hundred seven single-tooth and 160 three- to six-unit FPDs were fabricated on teeth and implants and cemented using composite resin cement. Californian Dental Association (CDA) quality evaluation, Plaque Index, and Gingival Index scores were recorded, and radiographic assessment of the restorations was performed using periapical and panoramic radiographs at baseline and annually up to 4 years. RESULTS: Five failures (1.9%) were recorded. The 4-year Kaplan-Meier survival probabilities of FPDs were higher than those of single-tooth restorations (P = .046). The highest survival probability for crowns was observed for Katana and the lowest for Cercon (P < .05). For FPDs, the survival probabilities of Lava restorations were similar to those of Cercon but lower than those of ZirkonZahn and Katana (P < .05). The 4-year survival probabilities of implant- and tooth-supported crowns were comparable (P = .182). Regarding CDA ratings, the slight marginal discrepancy scores for the Cercon restorations were higher than for the other systems at 1 year (P < .05). In FPDs, 94.5% of Katana FPDs had slight or gross color mismatch scores, and the difference between color and surface ratings among zirconia systems was significant (P < .05). FPDs had better periodontal scores than crowns over the 4-year observation period (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The 4-year interim results of this study suggest that zirconia systems used to fabricate FPDs have predictably high survival rates on teeth and implants and may exhibit differences, particularly in terms of mechanical failures, marginal adaptation, and color matching.

Evaluation of pain levels after Nd: YAG laser and scalpel incisions: an experimental study in rats.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain is a recognized sequel of periodontal surgery. The pain experience has been shown to peak in the first 24 hours following the procedure, and to decrease rapidly in subsequent days. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pain levels following scalpel- and laser-incision of rat hind paws. METHODS: The study was carried out on 10 albino Wistar male rats. Rats were randomly assigned to two groups: Group I (n = 5, laser surgery), or Group II (n = 5, conventional surgery with scalpel). For measuring mechanical hyperalgesia, the nociceptive threshold of the hind paw after mechanical stimulation was quantified using a Basile algesimeter. The measurements were done before the surgery and on the postoperative 1(st), 2(nd), 3(rd), and 7(th) days. RESULTS: While the pain levels of the groups were similar before the surgical procedures, the laser-applied rats had significantly fewer nociceptive thresholds of the hind paw after mechanical stimulation compared with the scalpel-incised rats on the postoperative 1(st), 2(nd), 3(rd), and 7(th) days. Functional complications were not observed in the laser groups at three days after the surgery. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that, for soft tissue surgery, Nd: YAG lasers have often led to shorter operative times, less pain, and fewer postoperative adverse events.

Evaluation of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser, scalpel incision wounds, and low-level laser therapy for wound healing in rabbit oral mucosa: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present randomized controlled clinical trial was to assess the clinical and histopathological effects of laser and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on healing of the oral mucosa after vestibuloplasty surgery. METHODS: The alterations at the end of healing in scalpel- and laser-incised and LLLT-applied oral mucosa were studied in eight healthy adult New Zealand white rabbits by taking specimens for light microscopic inspection. For the evaluation of wound healing, the surgical areas were stained using a solution (Mira-2-tones), and the stained surfaces were measured horizontally immediately after the surgery and on postoperative days 4, 7, and 10. RESULTS: Although the stained surface areas of the groups were similar immediately after the surgical procedures, the LLLT-applied sites had significantly fewer stained surface areas than the other groups on postoperative days 4, 7, and 10. Areas of hyperkeratosis and parakeratinization were observed in the epithelia of the laser surgery groups. A significant increase in epithelial thickness was found, suggesting increased scar tissue after wound repair; long and irregular connective tissue protrusions projecting into the undersurface of the epithelium were noted in these groups. CONCLUSION: LLLT used for soft tissue operations provides better and faster wound healing, and LLLT enhances epithelization.

Comparative evaluation of Nd:YAG laser and fluoride varnish for the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity.

INTRODUCTION: Various methods and materials are used in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity. The aim of this randomized prospective controlled clinical trial was to evaluate and compare the desensitizing effects of the neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and fluoride varnish by considering the degree of pre- and posttreatment pain, discomfort, and functional complications. METHODS: Twenty patients with clinically diagnosed cervical dentin hypersensitive teeth were included and randomly allocated to either the application of fluoride varnish (group fluoride) or Nd:YAG laser (100 mJ, 20 Hz; group Nd:YAG). The assessment of pain and discomfort was performed by a visual analog scale after an air blast at baseline, immediately after treatment, and at patient visits on weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4. RESULTS: Laser treatment resulted in significant improvements of discomfort immediately after treatment and after 1 week. At the 2-, 3-, and 4-week examination, the discomfort in group fluoride decreased up to nearly 75% to 85% of baseline scores, whereas the effect of the laser stayed nearly unchanged. The visual analog scale scores for pain at 4 weeks examination were significantly lower in the fluoride group compared with those in the laser group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Nd:YAG laser is a suitable tool for the immediately successful reduction of dentinal hypersensitivity and has better patient satisfaction and shorter treatment time.

In vivo assessment of zinc deficiency on craniofacial growth in a rat model.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of low levels of zinc intake on the rat mandible and maxilla during growth and to compare these results with those of zinc-containing rats. METHODS: The study was carried out on 14 Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were randomly divided into two groups. Group I rats were fed with a Zn-deficient diet, and Group II rats with a Zn-containing diet. At the end of the fourth week on the experimental diet, all the rats were killed and blood samples were taken. Serum Zn levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Then, the skulls and mandibles were freed from soft tissues and measurements were made on the dry skulls, the mandibles, and teeth in both of the two groups. RESULTS: The zinc-deficient group showed a significantly lower value in dry skull, mandible, and teeth measurements when compared with those of the Group II. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in zinc intake might exert an effect on the growth of craniofacial structures. A low-zinc diet during adolescence might slow bone and teeth growth and enhance the risk of oral, periodontal, and orthodontic problems in later years.

An evaluation of different treatments for recurrent aphthous stomatitis and patient perceptions: Nd:YAG laser versus medication.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to determine the anxiety levels of patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) prior to therapy with the Nd:YAG laser or medication, and to compare the effects of these different treatment methods on the degree of post-treatment pain, discomfort, and functional complications (eating and speech) experienced. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with RAS-related oral problems were included in the study. Levels of pre- and post-treatment pain and functional complications were assessed at patient visits on days 1, 4, and 7. RESULTS: The results indicated that patients treated with the Nd:YAG laser had less post-treatment pain and fewer functional complications, and reported immediate relief of pain and faster healing (p +/- 0.05). However, only after 5 d was there a significant reduction in the pain levels of the patients treated with medication. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the Nd:YAG laser has better patient acceptance, shorter treatment time, and lower rates of pain and post-treatment adverse events among patients with RAS.

The effects of age and gender on CD3+ and CD19+ lymphocyte in gingival tissue and peripheral blood: an animal study

Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine age- and gender-related values for healthy mice of CD3+ T and CD19+ B lymphocytes and CD3+/ CD19+ (T/B) ratios in peripheral blood and gingival tissue by the flow cytometry technique. Methods: The study was carried out on periodontally healthy 60 BALB/c mice. They were divided into five groups according to the their age (newborn, weaning, puberty, adult and elder). Males and females were equally represented in each group. CD3+ and CD19+ T lymphocytes and CD3+/CD19+ ratio values in gingival tissue and peripheral blood were determined using flow cytometry in the biopsy samples. Results: There were no significant differences in the CD3+ and CD19+ lymphocytes, and CD3+/ CD19+ ratios in gingival tissue for all age groups (p>0.05). Mean relative number of peripheral blood CD3+ T lymphocyte indicated a decrease in puberty group compared to the other groups (p<0.05), while relative number of peripheral blood CD19+ B lymphocyte increased in adult and aged group. The peripheral blood CD3+/ CD19+ T/B lymphocytes ratios decreased in adult and aged group. Conclusions: The results of the present study showed that differences were present in periods of life and gender in peripheral blood of mice. Moreover,significantly differences were found between genders in gingival tissue.

Effect of Nd: YAG laser irradiation on the treatment of oral malodour associated with chronic periodontitis.

AIM: To investigate, using a randomised-controlled, single clinical trial whether treating periodontitis with non-surgical periodontal treatment procedures and laser applications can decrease the effect of oral malodour and compare the effectiveness of the different therapies. METHODS: Sixty patients suffering from chronic periodontitis and complaining of oral malodour were included in the study. The parameters measured included organoleptic scoring, volatile sulphur compound (VSC) levels, gingival index, plaque index, probing depth and clinical attachment levels before and after the different treatment procedures (oral hygiene instructions, scaling-root planing-SRP and subgingival Nd: YAG laser irradiation). RESULTS: There were significant relationships between oral malodour and the specific periodontal parameters. For all patients, there were statistically significant (p < 0.05) decreases in the clinical index scores and VSC values after all treatments. Although the VSC values decreased in all groups after treatment, laser treatment alone did not cause as large decreases as that achieved by SRP and SRP + laser irradiation. CONCLUSION: The results confirmed that in the population studied, oral malodour levels were significantly reduced after treating chronic periodontitis. The data indicated a possible adjunctive role for Nd: YAG lasers in periodontal therapy and treatment of oral malodour.

Evaluation of patient perceptions of frenectomy: a comparison of Nd:YAG laser and conventional techniques.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the randomized controlled clinical trial described here was to determine the anxiety levels of patients prior to frenectomy using the Nd:YAG laser and conventional technique, and to compare the effects of these two methods on the degree of postoperative pain, discomfort, and functional complications (eating and speech). METHODS: Forty patients with mucogingival problems due to labial frenums (both maxillary and mandibular) were included in the study. Ratings of preoperative fear and postoperative pain and functional complications for each patient were recorded using a visual analog scale at 3 h, 1 d, and 1 wk post-surgery. RESULTS: The results indicated that patients treated with the Nd:YAG laser had less postoperative pain and fewer functional complications (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that in the population studied, Nd:YAG laser treatment of soft tissue disorders provides better patient perceptions of success than those seen with conventional surgery.

The effects of age and gender on gingival tissue and peripheral blood T-lymphocyte subsets: a study in mice.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of age and gender on relative number of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte and CD4+/CD8+ ratios in gingival tissue and peripheral blood of periodontally healthy BALB/c mice with flow cytometric analysis. The study was carried out on periodontally healthy 60 BALB/c mice. They were separated into five groups according to the life expectancy: Group I (newborn, 1-10 days old), Group II (age at weaning, 21-28 days old), Group III (age of sexual maturity, puberty, 7-8 weeks old), Group IV (adult, 8 months old), and Group V (the aged, 14 and over). Males and females were equally represented in each group. CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and CD4+/CD8+ ratio values in gingival tissue and peripheral blood were determined using flow cytometry in the biopsy samples. The relative number of CD8+ T lymphocyte in gingival tissue was higher in puberty (p < 0.05) and the aged (p < 0.05), with more significantly difference in males (p < 0.05). The CD4+/CD8+ ratios in gingival tissue were lower in puberty group and the-aged groups compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). The peripheral blood CD4+/CD8+ ratio increased in puberty and the aged groups. These differences were more significant in females than in males (p < 0.05). There were considerable negative correlations between CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocyte ratio in gingival tissue and CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocyte ratio in peripheral blood in puberty (r = 0.647, p < 0.01) and the aged ( r = 0.599, p < 0.05). In conclusion, our data suggest that CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocyte ratios in peripheral blood increase periodontally healthy mice in puberty and the old groups, while CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocyte ratios in gingival tissue decrease in the same groups. The relative number of CD8+ T lymphocytes increases in gingival tissue in puberty and the old groups when it decreases in peripheral blood. Results from this study indicated that periodontally healthy BALB/c mice may represent important information to determine the character of an immune response in the course of a lifetime.