Mitigation of BMP-induced inflammation in craniofacial bone regeneration and improvement of bone parameters by dietary hesperidin.

Based on anti-inflammatory and osteogenic properties of hesperidin (HE), we hypothesized its systemic administration could be a cost-effective method of improving BMP-induced bone regeneration. Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into 4 groups (n = 10/group): a 5-mm critical-sized mandible defect + collagen scaffold or, scaffold + 1 µg of BMP2 with and without dietary HE at 100 mg/kg. HE was administered by oral gavage 4 weeks prior to surgeries until euthanasia at day 7 or 14 post-surgery. The healing tissue within the defect collected at day 7 was subjected to gene expression analysis. Mandibles harvested at day 14 were subjected to microcomputed tomography and histology. HE + BMP2-treated rats had a statistically significant decrease in expression of inflammatory genes compared to BMP2 alone. The high-dose BMP2 alone caused cystic-like regeneration with incomplete defect closure. HE + BMP2 showed virtually complete bone fusion. Collagen fibril birefringence pattern (red color) under polarized light indicated high organization in BMP2-induced newly formed bone (NFB) in HE-supplemented group (p < 0.05). Clear changes in osteocyte lacunae as well as a statistically significant increase in osteoclasts were found around NFB in HE-treated rats. A significant increase in trabecular volume and thickness, and trabecular and cortical density was found in femurs of HE-supplemented rats (p < 0.05). Our findings show, for the first time, that dietary HE has a remarkable modulatory role in the function of locally delivered high-dose BMP2 in bone regeneration possibly via control of inflammation, osteogenesis, changes in osteocyte and osteoclast function and collagen maturation in regenerated and native bone. In conclusion, HE had a significant skeletal bone sparing effect and the ability to provide a more effective BMP-induced craniofacial regeneration.

Performance of a new implant system and drilling protocol-A minipig intraoral dental implant model study.

AIM: A new implant system encompassing implants with a tri-oval cross-sectional design and a simplified site preparation protocol at low speed and no irrigation has been developed. The objective of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of the new implant system using the minipig intraoral dental implant model. METHODS: Eight Yucatan minipigs were included. Twelve weeks after extractions, four implants per animal were randomly placed and allowed to heal transmucosal for 13 weeks: two Ø3.5 × 10 mm implants with a back-tapered collar and circular cross-section (control) and two Ø3.5 × 11 mm implants with tri-oval collar and cross-section (test). MicroCT and histological analysis was performed. RESULTS: Thirty-two implants were placed; one implant for the control group was lost. Histologically, BIC was higher in the test compared with the control group (74.1% vs. 60.9%, p < .001). At the platform level, inflammation was statistically significantly higher albeit mild in the test compared with the control group. No other significant differences were observed between groups. MicroCT analysis showed that bone-to-implant-contact (BIC) and trabecular thickness were statistically significantly higher for the test than the control group. Test group had significantly higher first BIC distance than controls on lingual sites. CONCLUSIONS: The present study results support the safety and efficacy of the new dental implant system and simplified site preparation protocol; human studies should be carried out to confirm these findings.

Mitigation of BMP-induced Inflammation in Craniofacial Bone Regeneration and Improvement of Bone Parameters by Dietary Hesperidin.

Based on anti-inflammatory and osteogenic properties of hesperidin (HE), we hypothesized its systemic administration could be a cost-effective method of improving BMP-induced bone regeneration. Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated into 4 groups (n=10/group): a 5-mm critical-sized mandible defect + collagen scaffold or, scaffold + 1 µg of BMP2 with and without dietary HE at 100 mg/kg. HE was administered by oral gavage 4 weeks prior to surgeries until euthanasia at day 7 or 14. The healing tissue within the defect collected at day 7 was subjected to gene expression analysis. Mandibles harvested at day 14 were subjected to microcomputed tomography and histology. HE+BMP2-treated rats had a statistically significant decrease in expression of inflammatory genes compared to BMP2 alone. The high-dose BMP2 caused cystic-like regeneration with incomplete defect closure. HE+BMP2 showed virtually complete bone fusion. Red collagen fibrils were significantly higher in BMP2-induced newly formed bone (NFB) in HE-supplemented group (p<0.05) indicating high organization. Clear changes in osteocyte lacunae as well as a statistically significant increase in osteoclasts were found around NFB in HE rats. A significant increase in trabecular volume and thickness, and trabecular and cortical density was found in femurs of HE-supplemented rats (p<0.05). Our findings show, for the first time, that dietary HE has a remarkable modulatory role in locally delivered high-dose BMP2-induced bone possibly via control of inflammation, osteogenesis, changes in osteocyte and osteoclast function and collagen maturation in regenerated and native bone. In conclusion, HE has a significant skeletal bone sparing effect and the ability to provide a more effective BMP-induced craniofacial regeneration.

Developing entrustable professional activities for general dentistry at the University of North Carolina.

INTRODUCTION: As part of curriculum innovation, the University of North Carolina (UNC) Adams School of Dentistry identified core entrustable professional activities (EPAs) that graduates must demonstrate for practice readiness. This paper describes the development of the UNC EPAs and the perceptions of the general dentistry faculty. METHODS: Upon establishing a blueprint of knowledge, skills, and attitudes of UNC graduates, using a distributed leadership approach, faculty teams developed EPAs focused on the patient care process. The American Dental Education Association Compendium of Clinical Competency Assessments and Commission on Dental Accreditation Standards informed the team's work. Perceptions of the assessment framework were examined using a questionnaire completed by 13 general dentistry faculty considering the importance, accuracy, and agreement of each EPA, associated domains of competence, and encounter management on a 6-point rating scale. RESULTS: Distributed leadership was a useful strategy in EPA development to disperse decision-making and build ownership. Through multiple iterations, four EPAs (assessment, plan of care, collaborative care, and provision of care) with associated sub-EPAs emerged. EPAs included a description, required knowledge and skills, and rubrics for assessment. The general dentistry faculty reported a high level of importance, accuracy, and agreement with EPAs, domains of competence, and encounter management. DISCUSSION: EPAs provide a standardized manner to describe the comprehensive work dentists perform, shifting away from individual competencies. The UNC EPAs provide the foundation for longitudinal measures of competence preparing graduates for independent practice. With limited EPAs frameworks available in dentistry, we aim to inform the development and implementation of EPAs across dental education.

Systemic Dietary Hesperidin Modulation of Osteoclastogenesis, Bone Homeostasis and Periodontal Disease in Mice.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of hesperidin (HE) on in vitro osteoclastogenesis and dietary supplementation on mouse periodontal disease and femoral bone phenotype. RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated with RANKL in the presence or absence of HE (1, 100 or 500 µM) for 5 days, and evaluated by TRAP, TUNEL and Western Blot (WB) analyses. In vivo, C57BL/6 mice were given HE via oral gavage (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. A sterile silk ligature was placed between the first and second right maxillary molars for 10 days and microcomputed tomography (µCT), histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation were performed. Femoral bones subjected or not to dietary HE (500 mg/kg) for 6 and 12 weeks were evaluated using µCT. In vitro, HE 500 µM reduced formation of RANKL-stimulated TRAP-positive(+) multinucleated cells (500 µM) as well as c-Fos and NFATc1 protein expression (p < 0.05), markers of osteoclasts. In vivo, dietary HE 500 mg/kg increased the alveolar bone resorption in ligated teeth (p < 0.05) and resulted in a significant increase in TRAP+ cells (p < 0.05). Gingival inflammatory infiltrate was greater in the HE 500 mg/kg group even in the absence of ligature. In femurs, HE 500 mg/kg protected trabecular and cortical bone mass at 6 weeks of treatment. In conclusion, HE impaired in vitro osteoclastogenesis, but on the contrary, oral administration of a high concentration of dietary HE increased osteoclast numbers and promoted inflammation-induced alveolar bone loss. However, HE at 500 mg/kg can promote a bone-sparing effect on skeletal bone under physiological conditions.

The minipig intraoral dental implant model: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this report was to provide a review of the minipig intraoral dental implant model including a meta-analysis to estimate osseointegration and crestal bone remodeling. METHODS: A systematic review including PubMed and EMBASE databases through June 2021 was conducted. Two independent examiners screened titles/abstracts and selected full-text articles. Studies evaluating titanium dental implant osseointegration in native alveolar bone were included. A quality assessment of reporting was performed. Random-effects meta-analyses and meta-regressions were produced for bone-implant contact (BIC), first BIC, and crestal bone level. RESULTS: 125 out of 249 full-text articles were reviewed, 55 original studies were included. Quality of reporting was generally low, omissions included animal characteristics, examiner masking/calibration, and sample size calculation. The typical minipig model protocol included surgical extraction of the mandibular premolars and first molar, 12±4 wks post-extraction healing, placement of three narrow regular length dental implants per jaw quadrant, submerged implant healing and 8 wks of osseointegration. Approximately 90% of studies reported undecalcified incandescent light microscopy histometrics. Overall, mean BIC was 59.88% (95%CI: 57.43-62.33). BIC increased significantly over time (p<0.001): 40.93 (95%CI: 34.95-46.90) at 2 wks, 58.37% (95%CI: 54.38-62.36) at 4 wks, and 66.33% (95%CI: 63.45-69.21) beyond 4 wks. Variability among studies was mainly explained by differences in observation interval post-extraction and post-implant placement, and implant surface. Heterogeneity was high for all studies (I2 > 90%, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The minipig intraoral dental implant model appears to effectively demonstrate osseointegration and alveolar bone remodeling similar to that observed in humans and canine models.

Safety and efficacy of a novel, gradually anodized dental implant surface: A study in Yucatan mini pigs.

BACKGROUND: A newly developed dental implant system combining advancements in surface chemistry, topography, nanostructure, color, and surface energy aims to address biological challenges and expand clinical applications. PURPOSE: To assess the short- and long-term safety and efficacy of a novel, gradually anodized dental implant surface/anodized abutment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four Yucatan mini pigs (20-24 months old) received two dental implants in each jaw quadrant. Each site was randomized to receive either a commercially available anodized implant/machined abutment or a gradually anodized implant/anodized abutment with a protective layer. Animals were euthanized at 3, 6, and 13 weeks. Microcomputed tomography and histological analyses were performed. RESULTS: No significant histological differences in inflammation scores, epithelium length, bone-to-implant contact, or bone density were observed between groups for any healing time. Mucosal height was significantly higher at 3 weeks for controls (Δ = 0.2 mm); no differences were observed at 6 and 13 weeks. No significant differences in radiographic bone volume, bone-to-implant contact, trabecular thickness, and crestal bone levels were observed, irrespective of healing time. Trabecular spacing was borderline significant at 3 weeks in favor of the test implant sites; no differences were observed at 6 weeks. No significant differences were observed between experimental groups at 13 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The new implant system yielded results comparable to a commercially available predicate device.

Association between metabolic syndrome and periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between metabolic syndrome (MS) and periodontitis (PD), through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Original observational studies assessing the association between MS and PD in adults, published before May 11th (2017), were identified through electronic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guideline was used. For studies to be included, they had to mention the criteria used to diagnose MS and to have used at least one clinical measure to diagnose PD. There was no language restriction. Three reviewers independently identified eligible studies for possible inclusion in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The quality of the studies was evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies. A random model meta-analysis was conducted. The strategies used to investigate heterogeneity were sequential analysis, subgroup analysis, univariate meta-regression and sensitivity analysis. Thirty-three studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, and 26 had enough information to be included in the meta-analysis, totaling 52,504 patients. MS and PD were associated with an odds ratio of 1.38 (95%CI 1.26-1.51; I2 = 92.7%; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that complete periodontal examination (I2 = 70.6%; p < 0.001) partially explained the variability between studies. The present findings suggest an association between MS and PD. Individuals with MS are 38% more likely to present PD than individuals without this condition. Prospective studies should be conducted to establish cause and effect relations between MS and PD.

Oral health related quality of life among pregnant women: a randomized controlled trial.

The aim of the present study was to compare negative impacts of oral conditions in Oral Heath Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) assessed by the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) scores in pregnant women receiving or not comprehensive periodontal treatment. This randomized controlled clinical trial included pregnant women aged between 18 and 35 years old. Participants were randomized in a test group with 96 and a control group with 114 women. Patients in the test group received comprehensive periodontal treatment, supra and subgingival scaling and root-planning and periodontal maintenance appointments. The OHIP-14 was applied before and after treatment. The primary outcome was changes in OHIP-14 scores after follow-up period. The impact of having received or not comprehensive periodontal treatment on the change of the OHIP-14 scores was also investigated. Both groups showed significant reduction in OHIP-14 scores and effect size for the test group was 0.60 and 0.36 for the control group. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that participants of the control group had 5.9-fold odds (CI 95% 1.88-18.52) of worsening in OHIP-14 scores and their perception of oral conditions in relation to test group. Comprehensive periodontal treatment during pregnancy can reduce the negative impacts in OHRQoL.

Oral health related quality of life among pregnant women: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to compare negative impacts of oral conditions in Oral Heath Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) assessed by the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) scores in pregnant women receiving or not comprehensive periodontal treatment. This randomized controlled clinical trial included pregnant women aged between 18 and 35 years old. Participants were randomized in a test group with 96 and a control group with 114 women. Patients in the test group received comprehensive periodontal treatment, supra and subgingival scaling and root-planning and periodontal maintenance appointments. The OHIP-14 was applied before and after treatment. The primary outcome was changes in OHIP-14 scores after follow-up period. The impact of having received or not comprehensive periodontal treatment on the change of the OHIP-14 scores was also investigated. Both groups showed significant reduction in OHIP-14 scores and effect size for the test group was 0.60 and 0.36 for the control group. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that participants of the control group had 5.9-fold odds (CI 95% 1.88-18.52) of worsening in OHIP-14 scores and their perception of oral conditions in relation to test group. Comprehensive periodontal treatment during pregnancy can reduce the negative impacts in OHRQoL.

Association between metabolic syndrome and periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between metabolic syndrome (MS) and periodontitis (PD), through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Original observational studies assessing the association between MS and PD in adults, published before May 11th (2017), were identified through electronic searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases. The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guideline was used. For studies to be included, they had to mention the criteria used to diagnose MS and to have used at least one clinical measure to diagnose PD. There was no language restriction. Three reviewers independently identified eligible studies for possible inclusion in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The quality of the studies was evaluated by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies. A random model meta-analysis was conducted. The strategies used to investigate heterogeneity were sequential analysis, subgroup analysis, univariate meta-regression and sensitivity analysis. Thirty-three studies met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review, and 26 had enough information to be included in the meta-analysis, totaling 52,504 patients. MS and PD were associated with an odds ratio of 1.38 (95%CI 1.26-1.51; I2 = 92.7%; p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that complete periodontal examination (I2 = 70.6%; p < 0.001) partially explained the variability between studies. The present findings suggest an association between MS and PD. Individuals with MS are 38% more likely to present PD than individuals without this condition. Prospective studies should be conducted to establish cause and effect relations between MS and PD.

Metabolic syndrome as a risk indicator for periodontal disease and tooth loss.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of metabolic syndrome (MS) with periodontitis (PE) and tooth loss (TL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 363 individuals who underwent full-mouth periodontal examination, and the association between MS and PE was evaluated considering three outcomes: severe periodontitis, mean probing depth ≥2.4 mm, and mean clinical attachment loss ≥2.0 mm. The prevalence ratio (PR) between MS and PE was calculated using a model adjusted for gender, age, smoking, years of education, and socioeconomic status. RESULTS: The adjusted model showed a PR for severe periodontitis of 1.17 (95 % CI 0.83-1.65). There was no significant association between MS and PE defined as mean probing depth ≥2.4 mm. MS was significantly associated with PE defined as mean attachment loss ≥2 mm in individuals aged 41-60 years (PR 1.47, 95 % CI 1.05-2.06). In addition, MS was associated with TL (>6 teeth) (PR 1.23, 95 % CI 1.02-1.49) for all ages, both in crude and adjusted analyses. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that there is a weak association of MS with both attachment loss and TL. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Patients with MS seem to have a higher risk of attachment loss and tooth loss and should be screened for periodontal disease.

Absence of interdental papilla ­ Systematic review of available therapeutic modalities / Ausência de papila interdental ­ revisão sistemática sobre as modalidades terapêuticas disponíveis

The objective of the present study was to conduct a systematic review of the treatment alternatives for the absence of interdental papilla (AIP), a clinical situation that can have aesthetic and phonetic impacts. A search for original articles, in humans, reporting more than one case, without language restrictions, dealing with therapeutic alternatives for AIP, was conducted in the databases of MEDLINE and EMBASE. The strategy included [("interdental papilla" OR "black triangles" OR "open gingival embrasure") AND ("treatment" OR "therapy" OR "reconstruction")] up to the year of 2010, resulting in seven studies being included. One study was found upon checking the reference lists and was added, bringing the total to 8 studies. The sample size ranged from two to 19 participants. Six of the eight studies used periodontal surgical techniques and fi ve associated the subepithelial connective tissue graft. Two studies treated AIP with reticulated hyaluronic acid gel. The follow-up time ranged from four to 24 months. The results, in relation to the interdental space area, ranged from 43% to 100% of fi lling and the reduction of the distance between the contact point and the tip of the papilla ranged from 0.73 to 2.8 mm. Two studies did not describe the results numerically. It was concluded that the therapeutic results presented by the authors were positive. However, it is necessary to take into consideration that the designs of the studies included here have a weak capacity for generating scientifi c evidence. As studies with a randomized clinical trial design are not conducted to respond to this clinical question, the results of the present study should be used with caution.

O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão sistemática sobre as alternativas de tratamento da ausência da papila interdental (API), situação clínica que pode trazer impactos estéticos e fonéticos. Uma busca por artigos originais, em humanos, apresentando mais de 1 caso, sem restrição de idiomas, que tratassem sobre alternativas terapêuticas para a API foi realizada nas bases de dados Pubmed e Embase. A estratégia incluiu: [("interdental papilla" OR "black triangles" OR "open gingival embrasure") AND ("treatment" OR "therapy" OR "reconstruction")] a partir do ano de 2010, resultando em sete estudos incluídos. Um estudo foi encontrado na verifi cação das listas de referências e adicionado, totalizando 8 estudos. O tamanho amostral variou de dois a 19 participantes. Seis dos oito estudos utilizaram técnicas cirúrgicas periodontais e cinco associaram o enxerto conjuntivo subepitelial. Dois estudos trataram a API com gel de ácido hialurônico reticulado. O tempo de acompanhamento variou de quatro a 24 meses. Os resultados em relação ao espaço/área interdental variaram de 43 a 100% de preenchimento e a redução da distância entre o ponto de contato e a ponta da papila variou de 0,73 a 2,8 mm. Dois estudos não descreveram numericamente os resultados. Conclui-se que os resultados terapêuticos apresentados pelos autores foram positivos. Entretanto, é preciso levar em consideração que o delineamento dos estudos incluídos tem fraca capacidade de gerar evidência científi ca. Enquanto estudos com delineamento do tipo ensaio clínico randomizado não sejam realizados para responder essa pergunta clínica, os resultados do presente estudo devem ser utilizados com cautela.

Periodontal treatment outcomes during pregnancy and postpartum.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to compare periodontal therapy outcomes during pregnancy and after delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred nine pregnant women up to the 20th gestational week (GW) were randomized into two groups: the test group (comprehensive periodontal therapy during pregnancy) and the control group (comprehensive periodontal therapy after delivery). Periodontal examinations comprised plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), periodontal probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) volume. After baseline examination, women in the test group received periodontal treatment up to the 24th GW. The final examination was performed at the 26th to the 28th GW. Women in the control group were treated 30 days after delivery and reexamined 30 days after treatment. RESULTS: Periodontal therapy significantly reduced periodontal inflammation in both groups. The mean percentage of sites with BOP was reduced from 49.14 % (±22.49) to 11.10 % (±7.84) and from 45.71 % (±17.86) to 8.07 % (±5.21) in the test and control groups, respectively (p = 0.95). No statistically significant differences were observed between groups concerning PI, GI, PPD, CAL, and GCF. The reduction in mean percentage of sites with BOP stratified for initial PPD ≥4 mm was higher in the control group (p < 0.01), but no differences were seen regarding GCF in these sites. CONCLUSIONS: Hormonal changes during pregnancy do not interfere in treatment outcomes in women with widespread gingival inflammation and limited periodontal destruction. The role of these hormonal changes in pregnant women with different disease patterns remains uncertain. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Periodontal health can be reestablished irrespective of the hormonal challenge that takes place during pregnancy.

Tobacco use and smoking cessation among third-year dental students in southern Brazil.

The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to assess tobacco use and smoking cessation among third-year dental students in southern Brazil. The Global Health Professions Student Survey questionnaire was used in eight dental schools in Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Of the 663 eligible students, 576 (87%) participated. The prevalence of current smoking was 19.1% [95% confidence interval (CI): 12.9-25.3%], and 61.6% (95% CI: 54.9-68.3%) of students reported having smoked at least once in their lifetime. The prevalence of dental students who had smoked ≥ 100 cigarettes in their lifetime was 17.1% (95% CI: 12.5-21.7%). Being frequently exposed to other smokers at home or in other places (second-hand smoke) increased the likelihood of current smoking by two- to threefold. Approximately 6.1% (95% CI: 3.5-8.7%) of the students reported that they currently wanted to stop smoking and 7.5% (95% CI: 5.3-9.6%) had tried to stop smoking in the last year. Friends and family were the most frequent sources of help or counselling, and only a limited proportion of students received help from health professionals. Tobacco use and exposure to second-hand smoking is widespread among dental students in southern Brazil. Smoking-cessation initiatives targeting health care students are urgently needed.

Is there a positive effect of smoking cessation on periodontal health? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Although the detrimental effects of tobacco on the periodontal tissues have been reported extensively, little is known about the potential beneficial effect of smoking cessation on periodontal health. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the effect of smoking cessation on periodontitis progression and response to periodontal therapy. METHODS: Two independent reviewers completed the review process through title (n = 118), abstract (n = 24), and whole-paper selection (n = 5). Sources include Medline and EMBASE databases (up to December 2012) and a reference list of selected studies. Prospective studies comparing progression rates of periodontitis between smokers and quitters and clinical trials evaluating the effect of smoking-cessation programs, alone or in combination with periodontal treatment, were included. At least 1 year of follow-up was required for inclusion. RESULTS: Of 331 potentially relevant publications, five studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Because of heterogeneity of the studies, a meta-analysis could not be performed. One study reported that the progression of clinical attachment loss (AL) ≥3 mm during a 6-year period was approximately three times higher among smokers than quitters (P <0.001). Two studies (10 and 20 years of follow-up) observed a decrease in radiographic bone loss of ≈30% among quitters when compared with smokers. Among individuals receiving non-surgical periodontal treatment, quitters were more likely to have periodontal probing depth reductions (P <0.05) than non-quitters/oscillators. No differences in AL were observed. CONCLUSION: Based on the limited available evidence, smoking cessation seems to have a positive influence on periodontitis occurrence and periodontal healing.

Perception of smile esthetics varies between patients and dental professionals when recession defects are present.

The aim of this study was to compare the smile esthetic perception of patients, dental students and dentists faced to different situations concerning gingival margin position. A total of 123 individuals (41 patients, 41 dental students and 41 dentists) completed a structured questionnaire and evaluated 6 pictures of the same smile modified in Adobe Photoshop® image-editing software representing: no gingival recession, 2 mm recession in one maxillary lateral incisor, 2 mm recession in both maxillary lateral incisors, 2 mm recession in one maxillary canine, 2 mm recession in both maxillary canines and generalized 2 mm recession. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to rate the esthetic perception. Mean VAS values were calculated and compared among gingival situations as well as group of respondents by one-way ANOVA, with an alpha level of 0.05. VAS analysis revealed that mean values ranged from 4.2 (±1.8) to 6.8 (±1.7). Images with no gingival recession received the highest score by all groups, with statistically significant differences among dentists and dental students. However, patients scored images with no recession with significantly lower ranks as compared with dentists and dental students. No significant differences were observed among patients for any of the situations. When dentists and dental students were compared, the worst situation was observed for generalized gingival recession, with scores 4.2 (±1.8) and 4.9 (±1.8), respectively. Patients and dental professionals had different perceptions about esthetics related to gingival margin position.

Perception of Smile Esthetics Varies Between Patients and Dental Professionals When Recession Defects are Present

The aim of this study was to compare the smile esthetic perception of patients, dental students and dentists faced to different situations concerning gingival margin position. A total of 123 individuals (41 patients, 41 dental students and 41 dentists) completed a structured questionnaire and evaluated 6 pictures of the same smile modified in Adobe Photoshop® image-editing software representing: no gingival recession, 2 mm recession in one maxillary lateral incisor, 2 mm recession in both maxillary lateral incisors, 2 mm recession in one maxillary canine, 2 mm recession in both maxillary canines and generalized 2 mm recession. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to rate the esthetic perception. Mean VAS values were calculated and compared among gingival situations as well as group of respondents by one-way ANOVA, with an alpha level of 0.05. VAS analysis revealed that mean values ranged from 4.2 (±1.8) to 6.8 (±1.7). Images with no gingival recession received the highest score by all groups, with statistically significant differences among dentists and dental students. However, patients scored images with no recession with significantly lower ranks as compared with dentists and dental students. No significant differences were observed among patients for any of the situations. When dentists and dental students were compared, the worst situation was observed for generalized gingival recession, with scores 4.2 (±1.8) and 4.9 (±1.8), respectively. Patients and dental professionals had different perceptions about esthetics related to gingival margin position.

O objetivo do estudo foi comparar a percepção estética do sorriso de pacientes, estudantes de odontologia e dentistas, em relação a diferentes situações de posição da margem gengival. Cento e vinte e três indivíduos (41 pacientes, 41 estudantes de odontologia e 41 dentistas) responderam um questionário estruturado e avaliaram 6 fotografias de um mesmo sorriso modificadas no Photoshop representando: periodonto inalterado (sem recessão gengival), recessão de 2 mm em um incisivo lateral superior, recessão de 2 mm em ambos incisivos laterais superiores, recessão de 2 mm em um canino superior, recessão de 2 mm em ambos caninos superiores e recessão generalizada de 2 mm. Uma escala visual analógica (EVA) foi usada para graduar a percepção estética. Médias da EVA foram calculadas e comparadas entre as situações gengivais, bem como entre os grupos de respondentes pela ANOVA de um critério com nível de significância de 0,05. A análise da EVA revelou que os valores médios variaram entre de 4,2 (±1,8) a 6,8 (±1,7). Periodonto inalterado foi avaliado com o maior escore por todos os grupos (com diferença estatisticamente significativa entre dentistas e estudantes de odontologia). Entretanto, pacientes avaliaram periodonto inalterado com valores menores quando comparados a dentistas e estudantes de odontologia. Entre pacientes nenhuma diferença significativa foi observada para nenhuma das situações apresentadas. Quando dentistas e estudantes de odontologia foram considerados, a pior situação foi observada para recessão gengival generalizada (4,2±1,8 e 4,9±1,8, respectivamente). Pacientes e profissionais da odontologia demonstraram diferentes percepções sobre as situações de estética relacionadas à posição da margem gengival.

Effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy and strict plaque control on preterm/low birth weight: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out to assess the effect of comprehensive nonsurgical periodontal treatment and strict plaque control performed during pregnancy on the reduction of preterm and/or low birth weight rates (PTLBW). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three hundred and three women were randomly allocated to receive periodontal treatment either during pregnancy (n = 147, test group) or after delivery (n = 156, control group). During pregnancy, the control group received only one session of supragingival scaling and oral hygiene instruction. In contrast, the test group received comprehensive periodontal treatment including multiple sessions of scaling and root planing, oral hygiene instructions, and frequent maintenance visits. RESULTS: At baseline, periodontal inflammation was observed in approximately 50% of sites and attachment loss affected <15% of sites. Compared to controls, women in the test group had significant reductions in the percentage of sites with plaque (48.5% vs. 10.3%, p < 0.001), gingival bleeding (23.3% vs. 2.5%, p < 0.001), calculus (21.3% vs. 4.1%, p < 0.001), bleeding on probing (38.1% vs. 2.6%, p < 0.001) and probing depth ≥3 mm (19.97% vs. −2.45%, p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed between the groups in the occurrence of PT (11.7% vs. 9.1%, p = 0.57), LBW (5.6 % vs. 4.1%, p = 0.59), and PTLBW (4.15% vs. 2.60%, p = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive periodontal treatment and strict plaque control significantly improved periodontal health; however, no reduction of PTLBW rates was observed. Thus, remaining periodontal inflammation posttreatment cannot explain the lack of effect of periodontal treatment on PTLBW. Clinical relevance This study demonstrated that periodontal diseases may be successfully treated during pregnancy. Our results do not support a potential beneficial effect of periodontal treatment on PTLBW.