Antimicrobial efficacy of antiplaque agents of common toothpastes against Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus oralis: An in vitro study.

Background: This study was designed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of common gum protection and antiplaque toothpastes against Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and Streptococcus oralis (S. oralis) as important periodontal pathogens. Materials and Methods: This experimental study investigated the antimicrobial activity of 15 commonly used toothpastes from different companies on the two common types of periopathogens, S. oralis and P. gingivalis . The antimicrobial activity of toothpaste was evaluated at three concentrations of 100%, 50%, and 25% and analyzed by agar well diffusion plate method and zone of inhibition. The obtained data were compared and statistically analyzed by SPSS software using one-way ANOVA and the least significant difference post hoc tests (α = 0.05). Results: One-way ANOVA showed that the mean diameter of the two-bacterial zone of inhibition was significantly different at 100%, 50%, and 25% concentrations of toothpastes (P < 0.001). In general, the mean diameter of the zone of inhibition was greater at 100% concentration than the other two concentrations in all toothpastes. The highest zone of inhibition of the S. oralis was in the toothpastes containing tin. Further, the highest zone of inhibition of P. gingivalis was found in the triclosan-containing toothpastes. Conclusion: Toothpastes containing triclosan had the most antimicrobial activity against P. gingivalis . Moreover, toothpastes containing tin compounds had the most antimicrobial effect against S. oralis .

Evaluation of Three Methods for the Treatment of Dentin Hypersensitivity: A Randomised Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to compare the effectiveness of Gluma and high-power 980-nm diode laser, alone or in combination, in the treatment of cervical dentin hypersensitivity. METHODS: A total of 20 patients (5 men and 15 women), aged 25 to 60 years, who met the inclusion criteria, were enrolled in this study. A total of 60 teeth were randomly divided into 4 groups: G1, 980 nm diode laser (in 2 sessions within a 1-week interval); G2, Gluma (in 2 sessions within a 1-week interval); G3, 980 nm diode laser plus Gluma; and G4: control. Thermal (cold spray) and air blast (air syringe of dental unit) stimuli were used to evaluate cervical dentin hypersensitivity in the patients. Their pain response was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) before treatment (baseline), in the first treatment session (15 minutes after treatment), in the second treatment session (after 1 week), and in 2-week, 1-month, and 3-month follow-up sessions. The obtained data were analysed using non-parametric tests, including Kruskal-Wallis test, Friedman test, Mann-Whitney test, and Wilcoxon test, in SPSS Version 22 at a significance level of P < .05. RESULTS: Based on the results, there was a significant difference in the average VAS scores for cold and air blast stimuli between the 4 groups 1 month after the intervention (P < .05). Meanwhile, the laser group had the lowest VAS score for cold and air stimuli. On the contrary, no significant difference was found between the 4 groups 3 months after the intervention (P ˃ .05). CONCLUSION: The present results showed that 980-nm diode laser alone was more effective than the other 2 intervention methods for 1 month. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20120901010703N5).

Effects of Propolis-Based Herbal Toothpaste on Dentine Hypersensitivity.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this in vitro study was to compare the effectiveness of a propolis-based herbal toothpaste with 5% sodium fluoride varnishin obstructing human dentinal tubules; Scanning electron microscopy was utilised to obtain quantitative and qulitative data on tubular obstruction. METHODS: Thirty-nine extracted human premolar teeth were collected. The cementum layer was removed using a water-cooled diamond bur and the smear layer using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) 17%. Then, the samples were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 13 each), as follows: group 1: dentin discs exposed to the propolis-based herbal toothpaste (Herbex); group 2: dentin discs exposed to 5% sodium fluoride varnish; and group 3: control. Then, all discs were observed and imaged in 4 non-overlapping fields by an electron microscope at 2000× magnification. The topography and number of open, closed, and semi-closed tubules were counted in all images. The data were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Friedman test. The statistical analysis was performed with SPSS statistic 22.0 software, with a significance level of α = 0.05. RESULTS: In pairwise comparisons of the groups considering the percentage of open, closed, and semi-closed tubules, the difference was not statistically significant between the 5% sodium fluoride varnish and propolis groups in the closed and semi-closed tubules, but it was statistically significant with the control group. Additionally, the percentage of open tubules in the propolis-based herbal toothpaste group was significantly lower than in the 5% sodium fluoride varnish and control group. CONCLUSIONS: Both propolis-based herbal toothpaste and 5% sodium fluoride varnish is effective in blocking human dentin tubules to various extents.

Comparison of the number of bacterial colonies among four types of suture threads using simple loop method following periodontal surgery in patients with periodontitis: A single-blind randomized clinical trial.

Background: This study investigated the number of bacterial colonies in four types of suture threads, including silk, nylon, monocryl, and monocryl plus after periodontal surgery in patients with moderate-to-severe periodontitis. Materials and Methods: In this single-blind randomized clinical trial, a total of 12 patients with periodontitis who required periodontal flap surgery in all quadrants were included. One type of suture, either silk, nylon, monocryl, or monocryl plus (coated with triclosan), was used following each surgery in each quadrant. Sutures (3 mm) were removed from the mid, posterior, and anterior regions of the flap 7 days postoperatively, and placed in a tube-containing buffer medium to transfer to the culture medium in a laboratory. Then, the bacterial colonies on each culture medium were counted manually. Finally, the mean number of grown colonies (anaerobic and aerobic) was computed and compared in each group of sutures. Data were analyzed by SPSS (Version 20) using the repeated measures ANOVA and least significant difference follow-up tests (α = 0.05). Results: The findings of this study indicated a significantly higher mean number of aerobic, anaerobic, and aerobic-anaerobic colonies in silk suture than in the other three types of sutures (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed among other types of sutures (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that silk suture had a higher bacterial adhesion (aerobic, anaerobic, and aerobic-anaerobic) than monofilament sutures, including nylon, monocryl, and monocryl plus. Moreover, no significant difference was found among the monofilament sutures in the number of colonies grown on them.

A comparative evaluation of the antimicrobial effect of chamomile, Aloe vera-green tea, and chlorhexidine mouthwashes on some oral bacterial species.

Background: Plant compounds such as Aloe vera, green tea, and chamomile have been increasingly used in recent years to achieve oral health. This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial effect of chamomile (Matrika), A. vera-green tea, and chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwashes on some oral bacterial species. Materials and Methods: This prospective experimental study investigated the antimicrobial properties of three mouthwashes, including chamomile (Matrika), A. vera -green tea, and CHX as well as distilled water as control on five bacterial species, including Streptococcus Oralis, Streptococcus sanguis, and Streptococcus mutans as primary colonizers and Porphyromonas gingivalis and Eikenella corrodens as secondary colonizers. Colony-forming unit was used to count the colonies and disc diffusion and well diffusion methods were used to measure the diameter of zone of inhibition. Data were analyzed by SPSS (version 22) software using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, Tukey, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests (α = 0.05). Results: CHX had a significantly higher antibacterial effect than the other two mouthwashes in all three methods (P < 0.001). Further, the herbal mouthwashes in all three methods had a statistically significant effect on the bacterial species (P < 0.001). A. vera-green tea mouthwash had a significantly higher effect than chamomile mouthwash (Matrika) on all bacterial species except for S. sanguis (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The findings showed that herbal mouthwashes had potentially antibacterial effects, but these effects were significantly lower than that of CHX. However, more clinical studies are needed to prove the current findings.

Comparison of antimicrobial effect of several decontaminating methods on contaminated Titanium discs.

Background: Decontaminating the implant surface, exposed to bacterial biofilm, is a concern in the treatment of peri-implant inflammatory disease. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of several methods on reduction of the bacterial load, colonized on the surfaces of titanium discs. Materials and Methods: In this in vivo study, seven titanium discs with Sandblasted, Large-grit, acid-etched (SLA) surface were placed in the mouth of each of ten patients with chronic periodontitis by an intra-oral maxillary splint for 24 h. In each patient, the contaminated discs, except for the negative control ones, were randomly treated by one of the six antiseptic methods including sterile normal saline, plastic curette, air polisher, hydrogen peroxide, 980 nm diode laser, and Er-YAG laser. A spectrophotometer was used to measure Optical Density (OD) in case of aerobic microorganisms. Colony-Forming Units (CFUs) were used for anaerobic bacteria. Data were analyzed through Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney Tests at a significance level of α =0.05 by SPSS software. Results: Statistical analysis showed a significant decrease in OD of aerobic bacteria among the seven groups during a 0-24 h time interval (P < 0.001). Furthermore, these tests showed a significant difference in the CFU (P < 0.001) for anaerobic bacteria after 48 h. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that all of the adopted methods significantly reduced microbial colonies on the surfaces of titanium discs with SLA surface. Er: YAG laser and normal saline had the highest and the lowest effects, respectively.

Evaluation of the effects of 980 and 810-nm high-level diode lasers in treating dentin hypersensitivity: A double-blinded randomized clinical trial.

Background: Dentin hypersensitivity is a prevalent problem, manifested as a short sharp pain. Researchers have used different lasers to treat this condition. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of 980 and 810-nm high-level diode lasers on dentin hypersensitivity to determine proper laser parameters for clinical applications. Materials and Methods: In this double-blinded randomized clinical trial, seven patients with 60 teeth affected by dentin hypersensitivity were selected for the present double-blind, randomized clinical trial. The patients' teeth were randomly matched and assigned to three groups: Group 1: 980-nm diode laser; Group 2: 810-nm diode laser; and Group 3: Control, which received only the guiding beam. The laser parameters were 1-W power, continuous wave mode, a distance of 1 mm, no contact, a 45° irradiation angle, and a 30-s exposure time using to-and-fro movements. The treatment consisted of two sessions with a 1-week interval. Pain severity was determined with the visual analog scale (VAS) at all the study intervals using a dry ice spray. The data were analyzed with SPSS version 20 using one-way ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA, and least significant difference tests. Significance level was set at α = 0.05. Results: The changes in VAS were significant only in the first stage (P = 0.046). The mean VAS scores decreased over time in the 810-nm and 980 laser groups. A comparison of VAS changes relative to the baseline revealed significant changes in VAS scores at all the time intervals with both lasers. The two 810 and 980-nm laser groups did not exhibit any significant differences for 2 months postoperatively (P = 0.098). Conclusion: The application of 810 and 980-nm diode lasers at 1-W power and an exposure time of 30 s was effective in decreasing pain in patients with dentin hypersensitivity, with no significant difference between these two lasers.

Evaluation of the Effects of 660-nm and 810-nm Low-Level Diode Lasers on the Treatment of Dentin Hypersensitivity.

Introduction: Dentin hypersensitivity is a common oral problem that occurs as a short and sharp pain. There are many techniques to treat this condition, the latest of which is laser treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of two types of low-power diode lasers (660 nm and 810 nm) on dentin hypersensitivity in order to achieve an acceptable clinical application by adjusting the effective parameters. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind clinical trial, sensitive teeth of 7 patients were divided into three groups with a randomized matching method: group I, treated with 660-nm diode laser irradiation, group II, treated with diode laser 810-nm, and group III, the control group. Irradiation parameters for 660-nm and 810-nm diode lasers were the power of 30 mW and 100 mW respectively, in contact and continuous modes, perpendicular to the tooth surface with a sweeping motion. Treatments were carried out in four sessions at weekly intervals. The data obtained were analyzed with SPSS 22, using one-way repeated measures ANOVA and the LSD (least significant difference) test. The significance level was considered as P≤0.05. Results: There were no significant differences in visual analogue scale (VAS) score changes between the two laser groups after the intervention in the first, second and third weeks compared to the baseline (P>0.05). These changes in the fourth week were significantly higher in the 810-nm laser group compared to the 660-nm laser group (P=0.04), and in the 660-nm laser group, they were more than the control group (P=0.02). The mean VAS scores at 1-week, 1-month and 2-month postoperative intervals were significantly lower in the 810-nm laser group than in the 660-nm laser group, and in the 660-nm laser group, they were less than the control group (P<0.001). Conclusion: The use of 660-nm and 810-nm diode lasers with the power of 30 and 100 mW respectively for 120 seconds was effective in reducing pain in patients with dentin hypersensitivity. However, the effect of the 810-nm laser on reducing the dentin hypersensitivity was more long-lasting than that of the 660-nm laser.

Comparative Evaluation of the Effects of CO2 and Er:YAG Lasers on Smear Layer Removal and Blood Cell Attachment to Tooth Root Surfaces.

Introduction: The tooth root surfaces are modified by different agents for better removal of the smear layer, the formation of fibrin clots, and the attachment of blood cells. This in vitro study compared the removal of the smear layer, the formation of fibrin clots and the attachment of blood cells after exposing periodontally compromised root surfaces to ER:YAG and CO2 laser beams. Methods: Eighteen dentin block samples were prepared from freshly extracted periodontally compromised teeth that were deemed hopeless, and they were divided into 3 groups: exposed to Er:YAG laser beams, exposed to CO2 laser beams, and the control group. The samples were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and micrographs were taken. Smear layer removal and blood cell attachment were scored. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and MannWhitney tests. Results: In the Er:YAG laser group, the smear layer was removed completely. In the specimens exposed to blood, better fibrin clot formation and blood cell attachment were observed in the Er:YAG laser group. In the CO2 laser group, the smear layer was also removed; however, there were no significant differences between the CO2 laser and control groups in fibrin clot formation and blood cell attachment. Conclusion: The application of the Er:YAG laser to the root dentin appears to result in the formation of a suitable surface for fibrin clot formation and blood cell attachment. Further clinical studies are necessary to support these results.

Comparative evaluation of the cortisol level of unstimulated saliva in patients with and without chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic periodontitis (CP) is one of the most prevalent diseases of the oral cavity with various biological and behavioral risk factors. We aimed to evaluate the association between the salivary cortisol level (SCL) of unstimulated saliva and CP in patients referred to Isfahan Dental Faculty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this analytic cross-sectional study, 90 patients were selected based on the presence of periodontitis and were divided into two groups: with periodontitis and without periodontitis (n = 45). First, by evaluating the level of anxiety with Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire, each group was divided into three subgroups, each containing 15 persons. To measure the SCL in all subgroups by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method, saliva samples were collected with unstimulated spitting method between 9 and 11 AM. Periodontal evaluation was done using the mean probing depth (PD), plaque index, and bleeding on probing. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 20, IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA) and analysis of variance, independent t-test, Chi-square, Mann-Whitney, Spearman correlation, and Pearson correlation coefficient tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The mean level of salivary cortisol (P = 0.048) and PD (P = 0.009) in patients with periodontitis was significantly higher than those without periodontitis. There was a direct and meaningful correlation between PD and SCL (P < 0.001, r = 0.363). In both groups of participants with (P < 0.001) and without periodontitis (P < 0.001), the mean SCL in patients with high anxiety was significantly more than patients with medium and low anxiety. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that there is an increased level of salivary cortisol (as anxiety index) in patients with CP. Therefore, it seems that the probability of the occurrence of periodontitis is higher in those with increased cortisol level.

Comparison of Er:YAG Laser and Ultrasonic Scaler in the Treatment of Moderate Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Periodontitis is an inflammatory periodontal disease that leads to tooth loss. Recently laser has been introduced as an alternative treatment for periodontitis. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of Erbium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Er:YAG) laser with ultrasonic scaler in patients with moderate chronic periodontitis. Methods: In this randomized single-blind clinical trial, 27 patients with moderate chronic periodontitis were selected. One quadrant of the patients was treated by Er:YAG laser and the other one by ultrasonic scaler. Clinical parameters, including periodontal pocket depth (PPD), papillary bleeding index (PBI) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured before, as well as 6 and 12 weeks after treatment. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20 software using Friedman test, paired t test, independent t test and Mann-Whitney test. The significance level was set at 0.05. Results: The means of clinical parameters in both groups were significantly improved in the first and second follow-ups (P < 0.001). Although the means of PPD, PBI and CAL were slightly higher in the laser group than in the ultrasonic group, the differences were not statistically significant between these two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Although both ultrasonic scaler and Er:YAG laser could effectively improve clinical periodontal parameters, the results did not reveal the superiority of Er:YAG laser over ultrasonic scaler or vice versa.

Relationship Between Periodontal Disease and Serum Factors in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic renal disease is a common condition with several recognized risk factors. Periodontal disease is a recently suggested risk factor for renal disease. We aimed to assess the relationship between periodontal disease and several serum factors in patients undergoing hemodialysis. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 57 patients undergoing hemodialysis. Periodontal examination was done by measuring the mean Pocket Depth (PD), Silness-Löe Plaque Index (PI), Ainamo and Bay Bleeding On Probing (BOP), Löe and Silness Gingival Index (GI) and Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL). Serum levels of albumin, calcium, phosphorus, hemoglobin, ferritin and creatinine were measured via a routine blood test. Cystatin C was separately measured. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, Pearson's correlation coefficient, chi square test and Mann Whitney test (alpha=0.05). RESULTS: 37 men and 20 women were evaluated. Of these, 26.3% had periodontitis and 73.7% had gingivitis. Serum level of albumin (P=0.02) and ferritin (P=0.043) in patients with periodontitis was significantly higher than that in patients with gingivitis. The serum level of creatinine (P=0.02), cystatin C (P=0.013), calcium (P=0.046) and phosphorus (P=0.037) had a significant correlation with severity of periodontitis and increase in CAL. CONCLUSION: Increase in the serum levels of albumin and ferritin was related to the progression of gingivitis to periodontitis. Also, the serum levels of creatinine, cystatin C, calcium and phosphorus increased with an increase in CAL.

Evaluation of the effects of two different bone resorption inhibitors on osteoclast numbers and activity: An animal study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of bone resorption inhibitors, doxycycline (DOX) and erythromycin (EM), on osseous wound healing in rat alveolar socket. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized controlled trial, 45 8-10-week-old male Wistar rats had their maxillary right molar extracted. They were divided into three groups of 15. In Group 1 normal saline, Group 2 DOX, and Group 3 EM were administered at the doses of 5 ml/kg/day, 5 mg/kg/day, and 2 mg/kg/day, respectively, for 7 consecutive days. The rats were sacrificed 7, 14, and 21 days after surgery. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was employed to evaluate the mRNA expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) and immunohistochemical staining for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) to determine osteoclasts. The data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test using SPSS version 20. Significant level was set at 0.05. RESULTS: The results showed that when drug-treated groups compared to control groups, RANKL gene expression significantly decreased, TRAP+ cells decreased on day 7. The RANKL/OPG ratios in the first two weeks in the test groups were significantly lower than the control group. There was no significant difference in the studied indices between DOX and EM groups. CONCLUSION: Following administration of DOX and EM, the number of osteoclasts and RANKL/OPG ratio decreased suggesting their anti-osteoclastogenesis activity. These two drugs have no advantage over each other in increasing the bone formation.

Effect of Nonsurgical Periodontal Treatment Combined With Diode Laser or Photodynamic Therapy on Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Split-Mouth Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: The optimum removal of bacteria and their toxins from periodontal pockets is not always obtained by conventional mechanical debridement. Adjunctive therapies may improve tissue healing through detoxification and bactericidal effects. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the impact of adjunctive laser therapy (LT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) on patients with chronic periodontitis. METHODS: Twenty patients with at least three quadrants involved and each of them presenting pockets 4-8 mm deep were included in the study. Periodontal treatment comprising scaling and root planning (SRP) was accomplished for the whole mouth. Applying a split-mouth design, each quadrant was randomly treated with SRP alone (group A), SRP with LT (group B), and SRP with PDT (group C). The clinical indices were measured at baseline 6 weeks and 3 months after treatment. Microbiological samples were taken and evaluated at baseline and 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: All groups showed statistically significant improvements in terms of clinical attachment level (CAL) gain, periodontal pocket depth (PPD) reduction, papilla bleeding index and microbial count compared to baseline (P < .05). The results showed more significant improvement in the 6-week evaluation in terms of CAL in groups B and C than in group A (P < .05). Group B also revealed a greater reduction in PPD than the other treatment modalities (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The obtained data suggested that adjunctive LT and PDT have significant short-term benefits in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Furthermore, LT showed minimal additional advantages compared to PDT.

A histomorphometric study of the effect of doxycycline and erythromycin on bone formation in dental alveolar socket of rat.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether subantimicrobial doses of doxycycline (DOX) and erythromycin (EM) used for the treatment of peri-implant osteolysis due to their anti-osteoclastogenesis can interfere with the osseous wound healing process in rat alveolar socket. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five male Wistar rats had their first maxillary right molar extracted and were divided into three groups. DOX and EM at the doses of 5 mg/kg/day orally (p.o.) and 2 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally (i.p.) were administered respectively to two separate groups for 7 days after operation. In the control group the animals received normal saline (5 ml/kg). Five rats were sacrificed at 7, 14 and 21 days post-extraction in each study group. A histomorphometric analysis was used to evaluate new bone formation inside the alveolar socket. Significant level was set at 0.05. RESULTS: The findings showed that the percentage of new bone formation (NBF) enhanced significantly on days 7 and 14. There was no significant difference in the NBF between DOX and EM groups. CONCLUSION: Short-term treatment with both DOX and EM enhanced new bone formation without any advances in favor of each drug.

Effect of Nd:YAG Laser Irradiation on the Number of Open Dentinal Tubules and Their Diameter with and without Smear of Graphite: An in Vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is characterized by tooth pain arising from exposure of dental roots. In this study the efficiency of neodymium yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser in association with graphite on dentinal surface changes as the alternative to the treatment of DH was evaluated. METHODS: Sixteen noncarious human third molars were collected and sectioned into 5 parts from cementoenamel junction (CEJ) to the furcation area. The prepared samples were randomly assigned into five groups (Gs) of each 16: Control (G1), treated by Nd:YAG laser at 0.5 W (G2), irradiation of Nd:YAG with a 0.25 W output power(G3), smeared with graphite and then using Nd:YAG laser at output powers of 0.5 W (G4) and 0.25 W (G5). For all groups the parameters were 15 Hz, 60 s, at two stages and with a right angle irradiation. The number and diameter of dentinal tubules (DT) were compared and analyzed by SPSS software, One way ANOVA and Post hoc LSD tests. RESULTS: The number of open dentinal tubules varied significantly between all groups except among G1 with G3 and G2 with G5. Multiple comparison tests also exhibited significant differences regarding the diameter of tubules between the groups two by two except among G2 with G5. CONCLUSION: Nd:YAG laser used at 0.25 W and 0.5 W with application of graphite smear was able to reduce the number and diameter of dentinal tubules.

Root Surface Roughness After Scaling and Root Planing with Er:YAG Laser Compared to Hand and Ultrasonic Instruments by Profilometry.

OBJECTIVES: Scaling and root planing (SRP) is one of the most commonly used procedures during periodontal treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the root surface roughness after SRP with erbium: yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser compared to ultrasonic and hand instruments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, 56 extracted sound single-rooted teeth with moderate level of calculus were selected and randomly divided into four groups: SRP was performed with Er:YAG laser (100 mJ pulse, 1W, 10Hz, VSP and contact mode, with 50% water and air) in group one, hand instrument in group two and ultrasonic tool in group three. Group four was considered as the control group. After SRP, all samples were cut by Servocut cutting machine into pieces with 3×3×2mm dimensions. The samples were mounted in acrylic resin. The surface roughness of the samples was evaluated with profilometry, and the data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test in SPSS software. RESULTS: Surface roughness was higher in laser and lower in ultrasonic group compared to other groups. There was a significant difference in surface roughness between laser and ultrasonic groups (P=0.043), but there was no significant difference in surface roughness among other groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that surface roughness after SRP with Er:YAG laser was not higher than that after manual SRP, but the former value was higher than that after SRP with ultrasonic instrument.

Efficacy of a local-drug delivery gel containing extracts of Quercus brantii and Coriandrum sativum as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in moderate chronic periodontitis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Recent advances in the field of alternative medicine introduced various herbal products for the treatment of periodontitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of combined extracts from Quercus brantii and Coriandrum sativum on periodontal indices in adult periodontitis patients. METHODS: In this randomized, double-blinded clinical trial, performed in Isfahan Dental School in 2012, a new herbal medicament containing combined extracts from Q. brantii and C. sativum was formulated in the gel form for subgingival application. Following scaling and root planing (SRP), both herbal and placebo gels were delivered at the experimental and control sites, respectively. Periodontal pocket depth, clinical attachment level, papilla bleeding index, and plaque index were measured at baseline, 1 month and 3 months later. Both intra-and inter-groups changes were registered. The obtained data were analyzed by SPSS software, using repeated measure analysis of variance, paired t-test, Mann-Whitney, Friedman, and Wilcoxon tests. Differences with P < 0.05 were considered to be significant. FINDINGS: Both groups indicated statistically significant improvements in the periodontal indices (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences between two study groups with this regard. CONCLUSION: The herbal gel does not have considerable advantages over SRP alone as an adjunct in periodontal treatment.

Effects of diclofenac and celecoxib on osteoclastogenesis during alveolar bone healing, in vivo.

BACKGROUND: OSTEOCLASTOGENESIS IS COORDINATED BY THE INTERACTION OF MEMBERS OF THE TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR (TNF) SUPERFAMILY: Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and Osteoprotegerin (OPG). The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two different types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the RANKL/OPG balance during the healing of the alveolar process. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an experimental study, carried on 45 male Wistar rats (200 ± 25 g, 8-10 weeks old). After extraction of the right maxillary first molar, 15 rats received 5 mg/kg/day of diclofenac and 15 rats received 15 mg/kg/day of celecoxib and 15 rats received normal saline. The animals were sacrificed 7, 14 and 21 days after tooth extraction. The number of osteoclasts, OPG and RANKL messenger ribonucleic acid expression were determined by tartrate-resistant acid phosphate (TRAP) staining and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) respectively. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-hoc test. Values of P < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: On days 7, 14 and 21 the ratio of RANKL/OPG in the control group was higher than diclofenac and celecoxib groups. TRAP immunolabeling of the control group was more than diclofenac group on day 7 and was more than celecoxib group on day 14. On day 21, no significant differences were noted among the three studied groups. CONCLUSION: Both drugs affect RANKL/OPG gene expression and also osteoclastogenesis in alveolar socket during the experimental period of 21 days.

A Comparison in Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori in the Gingival Crevicular Fluid from Subjects with Periodontitis and Healthy Individuals using Polymerase Chain Reaction.

Background and aims. The high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori among the microorganisms isolated from the oral environment brings up the question of whether oral cavity acts as a reservoir for this bacterium. The aim of the present study was to determine and compare the prevalence of H. pylori in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) as an infectious disease and healthy subjects using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Materials and methods. Periodontal examination was performed for all participants. Two sterilized paper points were inserted to the maximum depth of the periodontal pockets of selected teeth. The presence of H. pylori was determined by PCR. In the CP group, the severity of disease was defined as moderate or severe. Further, the frequency of Helicobacter pylori in GCF of each category, and the association between the presence of Helicobacter pylori in GCF and periodontitis were determined. Results. There was no statistically significant association between CP and the presence of H. pylori in the GCF (P = 0.62), there was no significant correlation between the presence of H. pylori in the GCF and gender of the subjects (P = 0.28 in CP group and P = 0.25 in control group), and there was no significant correlation between the presence of H. pylori in the GCF and severity of periodontitis (P = 0.20). Conclusion. Oral cavity acts as a reservoir for H. pylori; however, the results do not show that H. pylori is involved in periodontal disease.