Maxillary Sinus Augmentation with Xenogenic Collagen-Retained Heterologous Cortico-Cancellous Bone: A 3-Year Follow-Up Randomized Controlled Trial.

Sinus augmentation procedures have become a valuable solution for patients with posterior maxillary edentulism. The objective of this study was to explore the efficacy and safety of porcine xenograft with collagen supplementation as a potential alternative to autologous bone grafts in lateral sinus augmentation over a three-year follow-up period. Twelve patients, each with bilateral posterior maxillary edentulism, were enrolled and randomly allocated to receive either a porcine xenograft or an autologous graft. Comprehensive assessments, including clinical and radiographic evaluations, were conducted at specific intervals, including implant stability, marginal bone loss, prosthetic and biological complications, and patient preferences. The results demonstrated no significant differences between the two graft materials in terms of implant survival, marginal bone loss, and patient preferences after three years of follow-up. Only one implant was affected by peri-implantitis, and prosthesis-related complications were present in one patient possibly due to bruxism. In conclusion, these findings suggest that a porcine xenograft with collagen supplementation may be a viable alternative to an autograft in lateral sinus augmentation procedures. The high implant survival rate, minimal complications, and patient satisfaction indicate the potential clinical relevance of this graft material and should be further investigated to confirm these promising results.

Maxilla Reconstruction with Xenograft Blocks to Allow Implant Rehabilitation: A Case Report.

Reducing patient morbidity is one of the challenging goals of proper surgical techniques. The rehabilitation success begins with a good surgical plan. Scientifically proven biomaterials are excellent options to overcome the lack of autologous bone for maxillary reconstructions. This case report presents a clinical case of maxillary reconstruction combining guided bone regeneration with xenograft blocks and maxillary sinus elevation. This technique achieved maxillary rehabilitation with a fixed implant-supported prosthesis of a challenging case. The clinical case has an 18-month follow-up with no major complications and excellent clinical and radiographic results.

Immediate placement of one-piece zirconia implants with or without xenograft into the buccal gap. Soft tissues as secondary outcomes of an experimental in vivo study.

OBJECTIVE: To histologically evaluate soft tissue healing following immediately placed one-piece zirconia implant and grafting a xenograft into the buccal gap. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The third and fourth premolars (PM3 and PM4) in both quadrants of the mandible of nine dogs were used for this experiment. Those teeth were removed flapless and implants were placed into the distal sockets in a lingual position. In one side of the jaw, the gap between the implant and the socket walls was grafted (test) while no grafting was performed in the contralateral side (control), randomly selected. After 6 months of healing, biopsies were obtained and prepared for histological analysis. Soft tissue measures like supracrestal soft tissue height (STH), length of barrier epithelium (BE), and connective tissue (CTC) were measured at buccal and lingual surfaces. RESULTS: The marginal mucosa was in a coronal position on the test side compared with the control side. At the buccal surface, the BE was longer in the test side than in the control side, while the CTC was longer in the control side than in the test side. For the STH (BE + CTC), the difference between the groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The placement of a xenograft into the gap between a 1-piece zirconia implant and the buccal wall in dogs modified the process of soft tissue healing, providing less soft tissue recession. The gap size seems to have a modifying effect on the application of this protocol.

A Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Implants Placed in Two Different Biomaterials Used for Maxillary Sinus Augmentation.

The objective of this study was to compare marginal bone loss, surgical and clinical complications, and dental implant survival rate in bilateral maxillary sinus augmented by autologous or porcine xenograft. A randomized controlled clinical trial using split-mouth design enrolled 12 consent adult patients (59.7 ± 8.7 years), who received bilateral maxillary sinus floor augmentation for oral rehabilitation with implant-supported prosthesis. Each patient received both the autologous bone from the mandible (control) or porcine xenograft (test) during the random bilateral sinus lift surgery. A total of 39 dental implants were placed in the posterior maxilla of the 12 patients after 6 months, being rehabilitated after the respective osseointegration period. Both graft materials demonstrated a high implant survival rate at 12 months: 95% for the xenograft side, only 1 implant without osseointegration, and 100% for the autologous side. Radiographic bone loss was low and similar for both groups: control group with a mean of 0.063 ± 0.126, and test group with a mean of 0.092 ± 0.163. No major surgical-related complications have occurred. Only one patient had several prosthetic complications due to fractures of prosthetic components. The maxillary sinus augmentation procedure, both with autologous bone and porcine xenograft materials, is an excellent clinical option procedure for the prosthetic rehabilitation of atrophic maxillae, with low marginal bone loss after one year follow-up, few clinical complications, and a high implant survival rate.

Long-Term Follow-up of an Esthetically Demanding Case Using Slow Orthodontic Extrusion: A Case Report.

An internal root resorption lesion in the maxillary right central incisor was treated with orthodontic extrusion to improve the surrounding soft and hard tissue. Simultaneously with extraction, socket preservation was performed. After 4 months of healing, guided bone regeneration was performed and an implant was placed. At the second surgical phase, a flap was coronally advanced, and a connective tissue graft was placed. The emergence profile was modeled with a provisional crown before the final crown. The result was successful and well maintained over the 10-year follow-up period. The hard and soft tissue levels were stable, and no signs of inflammation were observed.

Advantages of Porcine Xenograft over Autograft in Sinus Lift: A Randomised Clinical Trial.

This study aimed to compare the performance of intra-oral autologous bone grafts versus porcine xenografts in a two-step lateral window sinus lift. This split-mouth randomised controlled trial sequentially enrolled 12 patients with a 6-month follow-up. For each patient, a simultaneous randomised bilateral maxillary sinus lift was performed and filled with autologous bone from the mandible (control) or a porcine xenograft (test). A bone biopsy sample was collected during the implant placement for histological and histomorphometric analysis. CT scans were performed at the beginning and at the end of the trial to assess radiological evolution. A comparison of initial and six-month CT scans indicated statistically significant increases in bone level for both materials (7.8 ± 2.4 mm for autologous and 8.7 ± 2.2 mm for xenograft, p < 0.05), and there were no significant differences between the performance of the two materials over time (p = 0.26). The histological analysis showed various stages of the remodelling process and no cells or other signs of inflammation or infection were visible in both groups. The porcine xenografts presented similar results for the studied variables when compared to autologous bone, being a reasonable alternative for a sinus lift.

Immediate one-piece zirconia implants with/without xenograft in the buccal gap: A 6-month pre-clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: To histologically evaluate healing following grafting a xenogenous bone substitute in the buccal gap around the immediately placed one-piece zirconia implant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The third and fourth premolars (PM3 and PM4) in both quadrants of the mandible of nine Mongrel Hound dogs were used for this experiment. They have been removed, and the recipient sites were prepared. The implants were placed in a lingual position in the socket. In one side of the jaw, the gap between the implant and the socket walls was grafted (test) while no grafting was performed in the contralateral side (control), randomly selected. After 6 months of healing, biopsies were obtained and prepared for histological analysis. Vertical and horizontal measures were recorded in buccal and lingual surface. RESULTS: The hard tissue was in a coronal position on the test side compared with the control side. The bone thickness around ZLA (zirconia large-grit sandblasted and acid-etched surface) level was larger on the test side. On the test side, the first bone-implant contact and bone crest, at the buccal aspect, were more coronal to ZLA in PM4 while in PM3 the same happened with the bone crest. The width of the buccal bone wall was larger in PM4 than in PM3 at the ZLA level and 1 mm apical to ZLA. CONCLUSION: The placement of a xenograft in the gap between 1-piece zirconia implant and the buccal wall in dogs modified the process of hard tissue healing, providing additional amount of hard tissue.

Remnant oral biofilm and microorganisms after autoclaving sterilization of retrieved healing abutments.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sterilization effectiveness against biofilms on retrieved healing abutments used in implant dentistry. BACKGROUND: A large number of clinicians reuse healing abutments to decrease treatment costs although it can promote infection due to the presence of remnant biofilm biomass. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-five titanium healing abutments previously used for 3 months in oral cavity were assessed in this study. Abutments were submitted to cleaning, chemical disinfection, and autoclave sterilization according to clinical guidelines. The abutments were aseptically placed into glass tubes containing specific bacterial growth medium and then incubated for 10 days. From glass tubes with bacterial growth, 100 µl medium was transferred to Schaedler's agar for morphological identification and counting of strict anaerobes and to Columbia blood agar for presumptive identification of facultative anaerobes after incubation. Isolated strains were then identified at species level by enzymatic and biochemical tests within API microorganism detection platform. Also, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for identification of undefined strains. RESULTS: After the standard cleaning and sterilization procedures, fifty-six (approximately 30%) retrieved abutments showed the presence of remnant biofilm biomass. The bacteria identified into the remnant biofilms covering the abutments were representative of the commensal oral microbiota including Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, and Enterococcus faecalis. CONCLUSION: Although some healing abutments did not reveal the existence of bacteria, organic components from biofilm biomass are still strongly adhered on the retentive micro-regions and surfaces of abutments and therefore that would support the accumulation of biofilm including pathogenic species leading to patients' cross-infections. Further studies should be performed on the assessment of different materials, design, and connections of the healing abutments associated with clinical disinfection procedures in implant dentistry.

Assessing clinical simulation as a learning tool when training motivation skills in Periodontology-Students' perceptions.

INTRODUCTION: The prevention and long-term success of the treatment of periodontal diseases depend on patient compliance with oral health; thus, there is a need to alert and motivate them to control the disease. Clinical simulation emerges as a useful teaching strategy in the development of these clinical skills since it allows the replication of real situations interactively using a simulator or role-play. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate clinical simulation as a learning methodology in Periodontology, through students' perceptions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quantitative and descriptive study was developed with 51 students of an undergraduate dentistry degree. Data collection was done through a voluntary, anonymous and confidential survey. Students were asked to express their level of agreement with 27 items using a Likert scale ranging from 1 to 5. Statistical analysis included measures of central tendency, measures of dispersion, variability and frequency distribution. RESULTS: Students believe that clinical simulation contributes to an active participation of learners in their learning process, promoting the development of skills such as communication, priority management and decision-making. They also mention that debriefing is an essential moment of this process, in which the consolidation of knowledge and the structuring of thought are promoted. CONCLUSION: Students make a positive evaluation of clinical simulation, perceiving it as an effective learning methodology.

Extraction Socket Preservation with or without Membranes, Soft Tissue Influence on Post Extraction Alveolar Ridge Preservation: a Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this systematic review was to assess quantitatively and qualitatively the influence of two different factors: membranes and soft tissue graft influence for the extraction socket preservation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A wide-ranging electronic search was performed in six databases up to 30 of November 2018 in order to identify all the clinical and randomized clinical trials performed in humans published with no data restriction. The inclusion criteria were extraction socket preservation with and without membranes or a soft tissue graft in a intact socket with at least six months of follow-up, have more than 12 patients or treat more than 12 sites per group and evaluated at least one of the primary outcomes measures (radiographic measures histological assessment, clinical measures). RESULTS: From an initial search of 1524 studies only 6 papers fulfil the inclusion and exclusion criterions. All the six selected papers, presented a wide heterogeneity of treatments used, evaluated variables and observation period that made impossible to recommend any specific techniques and/or material to achieve better results. The limited data found suggest that the used of membrane reveals to achieve better results. It wasn't possible to observe in any clinical trial that compares the used of soft tissue graft. CONCLUSIONS: New trials need to be performed in order to identify what specific techniques and/or materials are better to decrease the reabsorption of the socket after tooth extraction. Clinical trials designed to understand when/how the soft tissues grafts influence at the socket preservation is needed.

The 2nd Baltic Osseointegration Academy and Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Consensus Conference 2019. Summary and Consensus Statements: Group II - Extraction Socket Preservation Methods and Dental Implant Placement Outcomes within Grafted Sockets.

INTRODUCTION: The task of Group II was to review and update the existing data concerning extraction socket preservation with or without membranes and soft tissue influence on post-extraction alveolar ridge preservation; extraction socket preservation using different biomaterials as bone grafts, growth factors, and stem cells. Special interest was paid to the dental implant placement outcomes within grafted sockets. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The main areas evaluated by this group were as follows: quantitative and qualitative assessment of the effect of different alveolar preservation techniques performed immediately after tooth extraction, with or without membranes and/or soft tissue grafting, and the use of different bone substitutes, stem cells or growth factors in the postextraction socket. Evaluation of the treatment outcomes of dental implants placed in the grafted sockets in terms of primary and secondary outcomes were assessed. The systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses were registered in PROSPERO, an international prospective register of systematic reviews: http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/. TThe literature in the corresponding areas of interest was screened and reported following the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) Statement: http://www.prisma-statement.org/. Method of preparation of the systematic reviews, based on comprehensive search strategies, was discussed and standardized. The summary of the materials and methods employed by the authors in preparing the systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses is presented in the Preface chapter. RESULTS: The results and conclusions of the review process are presented in the respective papers. Three systematic reviews and one systematic review and meta-analysis were performed. The group's general commentaries, consensus statements, clinical recommendations and implications for research are presented in this article.

Gengivite descamativa por corpo estranho - um caso clínico atípico / Desquamative gingivitis by foreign-body - an atypical clinical case

A gengivite descamativa caracteriza-se por eritema doloroso, perda da camada superficial de queratina, com ou sem ulceração, na gengiva aderida. Não cede às medidas profiláticas convencionais. Paciente do sexo feminino, 55 anos, caucasiana, compareceu na FMDUP, com “dor e ardência nas gengivas”. Após diagnóstico clínico de gengivite descamativa iniciámos tratamento convencional. Foi realizada biópsia incisional para despiste: líquen plano, pênfigo, penfigóide e lúpus eritematoso. O resultado da biópsia revelou lesão liquenóide com infiltrado linfoplasmocitário e presença de corpo estranho. A histologia, e o facto de a doente não apresentar melhoras com a aplicação de corticóide tópico, à excepção da zona biopsada, favoreceu a hipótese de gengivite descamativa por corpo estranho. Paciente foi aconselhada a fazer controlos trimestrais. Pacientes com estas manifestações deverão proceder a um bom controlo de placa bacteriana e descartar outras fontes de inflamação. A remissão da doença, só se consegue totalmente com a eliminação cirúrgica da gengiva afectada.

Desquamative gingivitis is a descriptive term that refers to an erythematous appearance of the gingiva, characterized by loss of keratin, with or without ulceration, and painprophylactic measures won´t restrain symptoms. 55 year-old woman, caucasian, came to FMDUP with pain and burn on the gingiva. Clinical diagnosis of desquamative gingivitis was followed by convencional treatment. Incisional biopsy was performed after verifying the insuccess of convencional measures: lichen planus, pemphigus, pemphigoid, lupus erythematosus were considered. The biopsy unfolded a lichenoid lesion with lymphocytic infiltrate and presence of foreign body. This diagnosis in association with the lack of improvement after topic application of corticosterois, favored the hypothesis of desquamative gingivitis associated with foreign body. The patient was advised to attend to quarterly appointments. Patients with these clinical manifestations, must have a perfect plaque control, allowing to discard other sources of inflammation. Cure is only complete with surgical removal of the affected gingiva.

CT maxillary sinus evaluation--A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Proximity of the dental roots to the sinus floor makes dental disease a probable cause of maxillary sinusitis. The aim of this study was to find out if maxillary sinus pathologic changes were more prevalent in patients with dental disease and to evaluate the performance of computed tomography (CT) in analyzing and detecting apical periodontitis and other odontogenic causes on the maxillary sinusitis etiology in a Portuguese Caucasian population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective cohort study. The total sample of 504 patients and their CT was included in this study. The patients were from a private dental clinic, specializing in oral surgery, where the first complaint was not directly related to sinus disease, but with dental pathology. For each patient, the etiological factors of maxillary sinusitis and the imaging CT findings were analyzed. All the axial, coronal and sagittal CT slices were evaluated and general data were registered. The latter was selected based on the maxillary sinus CT published literature. RESULTS: 32.40% of patients presented normal sinus (without any etiological factor associated), 29.00% showed presence of etiological and imaging findings in the maxillary sinus, 20.60% had only imaging changes in the maxillary sinus and 18.00% of patients presented only etiological factors and no change in the maxillary sinus. CONCLUSIONS: Radiological imaging is an important tool for establishing the diagnosis of maxillary sinus pathology. These results indicate that the CT scan should be an excellent tool for complement the odontogenic sinusitis diagnosis.

Toward the definition of a peptidome signature and protease profile in chronic periodontitis.

PURPOSE: Chronic periodontitis (CP) is a complex immuno-inflammatory disease that results from preestablished gingivitis. We investigated potential differences in salivary peptidome in health and CP. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Saliva was collected from nine CP patients and ten healthy subjects, from which five CP and five healthy were enriched following endoProteoFASP approach, separated and identified by nanoHPLC-MALDI-TOF/TOF. Protease prediction was carried out in silico with Proteasix. Parallel gelatin and collagen (I) zymographies were performed to study proteolytic activity in CP. RESULTS: An association of CP with increased gelatinolytic and collagenolytic activity was observed, which is mainly attributed to metalloproteases, remarkably MMP9. Protease prediction revealed distinct protease profiles in CP and in health. Peptidomic data corroborated the inflammatory status, and demonstrated that intact histatin 1 may play an important role in the defense response against oral pathogens. The application of the endoProteoFASP approach to study the salivary peptidome of CP subjects resulted in the identification of eight surrogate peptide markers, which may be used in multiplex to identify CP. These peptides belong to acidic PRP and to P-B peptide. Particularly, P-B peptide fragments exhibited domains with potential predicted antimicrobial activity, corroborating an antimicrobial function. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The comparison between the salivary peptidome obtained by control and CP samples showed a specific association of eight peptides to CP, with remarkable predicted antimicrobial activity, which should be further validated in studies with large number of subjects.

I Workshop ibérico sobre la asociación entre diabetes y enfermedades periodontales. Documento de consenso / 1st Iberian Workshop on the relationship between diabetes and periodontal diseases. Consensus Document

Este consenso se ha realizado por expertos de las Fundaciones de las Sociedades Españolas de Diabetes y de Periodoncia. La evidencia revisada presenta datos relevantes que avalan la importancia tanto de la diabetes como de las enfermedades periodontales, así como de la relación bidireccional entre las mismas:- La diabetes tiene una alta prevalencia en las poblaciones de España y Portugal con elevada prevalencia de diabetes no conocida y con cifras en continuo incremento. Además, es muy relevante la importancia, frecuencia y severidad de sus complicaciones.- Las enfermedades periodontales tienen una alta prevalencia, cercana al 90% de la población adulta. La capacidad destructiva de la periodontitis conduce a la pérdida de dientes, lo que provoca importantes alteraciones para el paciente. También la periodontitis se ha asociado a un incremento en el riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares, de resultados adversos del embarazo, y de enfermedades pulmonares, entre otras.- Numerosos estudios han señalado que la diabetes es un importante factor de riesgo para sufrir periodontitis, especialmente si el control de la glucemia no es adecuado.- Las enfermedades periodontales han demostrado un efecto negativo sobre el control de la glucemia, tanto en pacientes con diabetes como en sujetos sanos, y se ha demostrado que las complicaciones de la diabetes son más frecuentes en pacientes con periodontitis.- El tratamiento periodontal es capaz de mejorar el control de la glucemia, con un valor de reducción de la hemoglobina glucosilada de 0.4%.Basados en estas evidencias, se proponen distintas implicaciones para los profesionales sanitarios involucrados en el cuidado de estos pacientes

This consensus report has been prepared by a group of experts from the Spanish Foundations of Diabetes and of Periodontology. The reviewed evidence shows relevant data that strongly support the importance of diabetes and periodontal diseases, as well as their bi-directional relationship: - Diabetes has a high prevalence in Spain and Portugal, with a high prevalence of un-diagnosed diabetes, and with continuously increasing rates. In addition, the frequency and severity of their complications is also very important. - Periodontal diseases have high prevalence, close to 90% in adult populations. The destructive capacity of periodontitis leads to tooth loss, which is associated with a profound impact on the patients. Periodontitis have also been related to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and pulmonary infections, as well as other conditions. - Numerous studies have concluded that diabetes is a significant risk factor for periodontitis, especially in subjects with poor glycemic control. - Periodontal diseases have been shown to have a deleterious effect on glycemic control, both in diabetic patients and healthy subjects, and it has been demonstrated that diabetes complications are more frequent in diabetic patients with periodontitis. - Periodontal treatment has been associated with improvements in glycemic control, with a mean reduction in glycosylated haemoglobin of 0.4%. Based on the above evidence, different challenges are proposed for health professionals involved in diabetic and periodontitis patient care

Efectos de las enfermedades periodontales sobre la diabetes / Effects of periodontal diseases on diabetes

Se ha evidenciado en los últimos años no solo que la diabetes es un factor de riesgo para las enfermedades periodontales, sino que estas a su vez podrían afectar al control de la glucemia y las consecuencias de ello derivadas. El objetivo de este trabajo es revisar la evidencia existente sobre la influencia de las enfermedades periodontales en la diabetes, su control metabólico y sus complicaciones, así como tratar de analizar las implicaciones de esos hallazgos. Las enfermedades periodontales son infecciones que inducen una respuesta inmunoinflamatoria en los tejidos periodontales, responsable en gran parte de la destrucción tisular asociada. Su prevalencia es alta en todo el mundo, lo que es confirmado por datos recientes tanto en España como en Portugal. Su importancia radica no solo en los efectos locales como la pérdida de dientes, sino también en sus efectos sistémicos. Entre ellos, las enfermedades periodontales pueden afectar a la diabetes y a su control glucémico, debido a los efectos a nivel de la inflamación sistémica. Diferentes estudios han señalado que la periodontitis se asocia a un nivel de hemoglobina glucosilada más elevado, tanto en pacientes con y sin diabetes. Incluso, se ha sugerido que la periodontitis puede asociarse a un riesgo aumentado de sufrir diabetes, además de un riesgo aumentado de sufrir ciertas complicaciones en pacientes diabéticos. Por otra parte, el tratamiento periodontal puede mejorar el control de la glucemia y, eventualmente, reducir la frecuencia de complicaciones. Las implicaciones de estas evidencias son múltiples y afectan a dentistas, personal médico y a pacientes, entre otros

In the last few years, various studies have shown that diabetes is not only a risk factor for periodontal diseases, but also that periodontal diseases may affect glycaemic control, with the well known consequences in terms of diabetes complications. The aim of the present paper was to review the existing evidence on the impact of periodontal diseases on diabetes, its metabolic control, and its complications, as well as the implications of these findings. Periodontal diseases are infections, which trigger an immune inflammatory response in the periodontal tissues, responsible for a major proportion of the associated tissue destruction. The prevalence of periodontal diseases is high all over the world, which is confirmed in recent studies, both in Spain and Portugal. The importance of these diseases is based, not only on the local effects, such as tooth loss, but also on their systemic consequences. Among them, periodontal diseases have been shown to affect diabetes and its glycaemic control, due to (among other factors) the associated systemic inflammation. Different studies have shown that periodontitis is associated with a higher level of glycosylated haemoglobin, both in subjects with and without diabetes. Moreover, it has been suggested that periodontitis may increase the risk of diabetes onset, as well as a higher risk of diabetic complications for diabetes patients. Conversely, periodontal therapy may improve glycaemic control in type 2 diabetic patients and, eventually, decrease diabetes complications. The implications of these findings are numerous, affecting dentists, other health professionals and patients, among others

Effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy on clinical and immunological response and glycaemic control in type 2 diabetic patients with moderate periodontitis.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the local efficacy of nonsurgical periodontal therapy between type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic patients and the effect of periodontal therapy on glycaemic control. BACKGROUND: A complex two-way relationship exists between diabetes mellitus and periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After selection, 20 subjects (10 diabetic and 10 non-diabetic) underwent baseline examination, periodontal clinical study and biochemical analysis of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). After the pre-treatment phase, subgingival scaling and root planing were performed. Subsequently, all subjects continued the maintenance programme and were re-examined at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: Diabetic and non-diabetic subjects responded well after therapy, showing a very similar progression during the follow-up period. Both groups showed clinically and immunologically significant improvements. Significant reductions were also found in the total volume of GCF and levels of interleukin-1beta and tumour necrosis factor-alpha. Diabetic subjects showed an improvement in their metabolic control. The change in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA(1C)) was statistically significant at 3 and 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical and immunological improvements obtained were accompanied by a significant reduction in HbA(1C) values in type 2 diabetic subjects. Larger studies are needed to confirm this finding and establish whether periodontal therapy has a significant effect on glycaemic control.

Clinical and metabolic changes after conventional treatment of type 2 diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the response to conventional periodontal treatment between patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus from a clinical and metabolic standpoint. METHODS: A prospective, parallel, comparative longitudinal clinical study was performed between type 2 diabetics and non-diabetics with moderate generalized chronic periodontitis. The study period was 6 months. Conventional periodontal scaling and root planing were performed, and the response to this treatment was compared between the groups at 3 and 6 months, measuring the plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, level of clinical attachment, and gingival recession. In the diabetic patients, the clinical response was related to measurements of HbA1c and glucose in blood at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: An improvement in all clinical variables was observed, with no statistically significant differences between the groups, with the exception of probing depth (P <0.0207). The improvement observed in blood HbA1c levels confirmed a positive metabolic response to periodontal treatment, with a lower value for this variable at each measurement time. CONCLUSIONS: Both groups of patients showed a clinical improvement after basic non-surgical periodontal treatment. The diabetic patients showed improved metabolic control (lower HbA1c) at 3 and 6 months after periodontal treatment.