Reproducibility and comparison between methods for gingival color evaluation: a validation study

Aim This study aims to evaluate and validate the sensibility and the level of agreement between different gingival color measures obtained by a spectrophotometer (SPECTRO) and a photography (PHOTO) method. Methods Among 40 patients, the color was measured 2 mm apical to the gingival margin by CIE L*, a*, b* system using a reflectance spectrophotometer and the photography's plus software. The level of agreement between three different measures (m1, m2, m3) in parameters L*, a*, b*, and ∆E (color variation) was evaluated by random and systematic errors, as well as the limits and coefficient of concordance. A comparison between the methods was performed by the Bland-Altman test and the sensibility level was evaluated accordingly to the ∆E: 3.7 thresholds with p<0.05 as the level of significance for these comparisons. Results The SPECTRO method has not presented the systematic error (p>0.05) and had reproducibly and agreement level in three variable measures L* (r: 0.6), a* (r: 0.3), and b* (r: 0.5) as to the PHOTO method L* (r: 0.6), a* (r: 0.5), and b* (r: 0.5), which presented systematic error in L* values (p<0.05). The means of ∆E between measurements were: 6.5 SPECTRO and 5.9 PHOTO. There was no good level of sensitivity ∆E> 3.7 and agreement between the methods, mainly for the a* values. On the other hand, for the L* and in for the most comparisons of b* values, the level of agreement was higher. Conclusion Both methods could quantify the gingival color from the coordinates L *, a *, and b *, which has shown greater reliability between the measurements acquired by the SPECTRO method.

Association among gestational diabetes mellitus, periodontitis and prematurity: a cross-sectional study.

Objective: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) causes maternal and infant morbidity. Periodontitis is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate periodontal status, prematurity and associated factors in pregnant women with and without GDM. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study included 80 pregnant women with GDM (G1 = 40) and without GDM (G2 = 40). Demographic and socioeconomic status, systemic and periodontal health condition, prematurity and newborns' birth weight were analyzed. For bivariate analysis, Mann-Whitney U-test, t test and Chi-squared test were used. Binary logistic regression analyzed independent variables for periodontitis and prematurity (p < 0.05). Results: Patients from G1 presented lower socioeconomic status, higher weight and body mass index (BMI). Prematurity (G1 = 27.5%; G2 = 2.5%; p < 0.05) and severe periodontitis percentages (G1 = 22.5%; G2 = 0; p = 0.001) were higher in G1 than in G2. Logistic regression analysis showed that household monthly income (OR = 0.65; 95% CI 0.48-0.86; p = 0.003) and maternal BMI (adjusted OR = 1.12; 95% CI 1.01-1.25; p = 0.028) were significant predictors of periodontitis during the third trimester of pregnancy. Presence of GDM remained in the final logistic model related to prematurity (adjusted OR = 14.79; 95% CI 1.80-121.13; p = 0.012). Conclusion: Pregnant women with GDM presented higher severity of periodontitis, lower socioeconomic status, higher overweight/obesity and a 10-fold higher risk of prematurity. Socioeconomic-cultural status and BMI were significant predictors for periodontitis, and GDM was a predictor to prematurity.

The In Vitro Evaluation of Preosteoblast Migration From 3-D-printed Scaffolds to Decontaminated Smooth and Minimally Rough Titanium Surfaces: A Pilot Study.

In vitro evaluations are essential to gaining a better understanding of re-osseointegration, while reducing animal use and the overall costs of peri-implantitis studies. This pilot study evaluated preosteoblast migration from 3-D-printed scaffolds to decontaminated titanium microimplants, creating a system that tries to mimic the bone-implant interface. Smooth (S) and minimally rough (R) titanium microimplants were incubated in Escherichia coli cultures and divided into six groups according to the decontamination protocol applied: EDTA gel (EDTA); chlorhexidine (CHL); chlorhexidine-soaked gauze (GCHL); scaling (SC); titanium brush (TiB); and implantoplasty (IP). Pristine S and R microimplants were used as the controls (C). After the decontamination procedures, the microimplants were inserted in 3-D-printed polyurethane-based scaffolds previously inoculated with preosteoblast cell cultures. Cellular migration was assessed after 24, 72 and 120 hours by ATP quantification. At the 120-hour time point, there was no statistically significant difference between S-C, S-EDTA, S-CHL, S-GCHL and S-SC (p > 0.05), and between R-C, R-EDTA and R-GCHL (p > 0.05). The in vitro model developed in this pilot study successfully demonstrated cell migration on the different decontaminated surfaces. This methodology suggests that on smooth microimplants, EDTA, GCHL, SC and TiB decontamination may have a reduced impact on preosteoblast migration, while on minimally rough microimplants, EDTA and GCHL decontamination affected cell migration the least. However, when selecting a decontamination protocol, the effectiveness of the decontamination per se must also be considered.

Deposition of Immune Complexes in Gingival Tissues in the Presence of Periodontitis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex chronic autoimmune disease characterized by tissue damage and widespread inflammation in response to environmental challenges. Deposition of immune complexes in kidneys glomeruli are associated with lupus nephritis, determining SLE diagnosis. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by clinical attachment and bone loss, caused by a microbial challenge - host response interaction. Deposition of immune complex at gingival tissues is a common finding in the course of the disease. Considering that, the primary aim of this study is to investigate the deposition of immune complexes at gingival tissues of SLE patients compared to systemically healthy ones, correlating it to periodontal and systemic parameters. Twenty-five women diagnosed with SLE (SLE+) and 25 age-matched systemically healthy (SLE-) women were included in the study. Detailed information on overall patient's health were obtained from file records. Participants were screened for probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), gingival recession (REC), full-mouth bleeding score (FMBS) and plaque scores (FMPS). Bone loss was determined at panoramic X-ray images as the distance from cementenamel junction to alveolar crest (CEJ-AC). Gingival biopsies were obtained from the first 15 patients submitted to surgical periodontal therapy of each group, and were analyzed by optical microscopy and direct immunofluorescence to investigate the deposition of antigen-antibody complexes. Eleven (44%) patients were diagnosed with active SLE (SLE-A) and 14 (56%) with inactive SLE (LES-I). Mean PD, CAL and FMBS were significantly lower in SLE+ than SLE-(p < 0.05; Mann Whitney). The chronic use of low doses of immunosuppressants was associated with lower prevalence of CAL >3 mm. Immunofluorescence staining of markers of lupus nephritis and/or proteinuria was significantly increased in SLE+ compared to SLE-, even in the presence of periodontitis. These findings suggest that immunomodulatory drugs in SLE improves periodontal parameters. The greater deposition of antigen-antibody complexes in the gingival tissues of patients diagnosed with SLE may be a marker of disease activity, possibly complementing their diagnosis.

Impact of Subepithelial Connective Tissue for Root Coverage on Brazilian Patients' Quality of Life: A Longitudinal Clinical Study.

Aims: Gingival recession has been associated with dentin hypersensitivity and aesthetic impairment. The impact of gingival recession and periodontal surgical procedures on adult patients' quality of life are scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of life of patients submitted to root coverage procedures with subepithelial connective tissue grafts and coronally advanced flap. Materials and methods: Patients were asked to use a numerical rating scale to classify their dentin hypersensitivity, aesthetics, pain/discomfort, chewing, and brushing abilities in gingival recession sites treated with subepithelial connective tissue grafts plus coronally advanced flap. The patients answered a self-administered questionnaire about quality of life-related to oral health (OHIP-14) after 7, 14, 30, 90, and 180 days. Descriptive statistics were used to synthesize the data recorded. Results: Mean percentage of root coverage was positively related to OHIP-14 (dimension 2- physical pain) in 90 days postoperatively. The quality of life (OHIP-14 total score) significantly improved from baseline to 90 and 180 days postoperatively. The numerical rating score analysis revealed significant improvement in the chewing and brushing abilities when period of 7 days was compared to 90 and 180 days and from 14 to 180 days. Conclusions: Root coverage procedures with subepithelial connective tissue grafts plus coronally advanced flap result in a positive effect on adult patients' quality of life.

Clinical and patient-centered outcomes using two types of subepithelial connective tissue grafts: A split-mouth randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This split-mouth randomized clinical trial compared two different types of subepithelial connective tissue grafts (SCTG) considering clinical parameters and patient-centered outcomes in patients with bilateral recession type 1 multiple gingival recessions after 6 months postoperatively. METHODS: A total of 21 patients were surgically treated with coronally advanced flap (CAF) associated with SCTG harvested by: double blade scalpel (DBS) and de-epithelialized (DE) SCTG. Periodontal clinical parameters and esthetics were evaluated by a calibrated periodontist at baseline and after 6 months. Patient-centered outcomes related to pain/discomfort and esthetics were assessed with visual analogue scale after 7 days and 6 months, respectively. RESULTS: All clinical parameters, with the exception of probing depth, demonstrated differences in intragroup evaluation, comparing baseline to 6-month evaluation (P <0.05). Both groups presented reduction of recession depth and recession width and gain of keratinized tissue thickness, keratinized tissue width, and clinical attachment level (P <0.05). Intergroup comparison (DBS × DE) demonstrated no significant differences considering clinical parameters and periods. Both techniques improved esthetics evaluated by patients, without a difference between groups in patients and professional analysis. However, DBS group presented inferior pain/discomfort compared with DE (P <0.05). CONCLUSION: DBS and DE associated with CAF presented satisfactory clinical outcomes. However, DBS presented inferior morbidity, an important fact for decision-making process.

Laser and LED photobiomodulation effects in osteogenic or regular medium on rat calvaria osteoblasts obtained by newly forming bone technique.

The purposes of this study are to evaluate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) with laser and LED on rat calvaria osteoblasts (rGO lineage), cultured in osteogenic (OST) or regular (REG) medium, after induction of a quiescent state and to test if PBM is capable of osteogenic induction and if there is a sum of effects when combining OST medium with PBM. Before irradiation, the cells were put in a quiescent state (1% FBS) 24 h, when red (AlGaInP-660 nm) and infrared laser (GaAlAs-808 nm) and LED (637 ± 15 nm) were applied. The groups were as follows: red laser (RL3-5 J/cm2, 3 s and RL5-8.3 J/cm2, 5 s, 1.66 W/cm2); infrared laser (IrL3-5 J/cm2, 3 s and IrL5-8.3 J/cm2, 5 s); LED (LED3-3 s and LED5-5 s, 0.02 J/cm2, 0.885 W/cm2); positive (C+, 10% FBS) and negative control (C-, 1% FBS). For alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and mineralization assays, the cells were cultured in REG (DMEM 10% FBS) and OST medium (DMEM 10% FBS, 50 µg/mL ascorbic acid, 10 mM ß-glycerophosphate). Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p < 0.05). RL5 and LED5 increased proliferation, in vitro wound closure, ALP, and mineralization in rGO cells (p < 0.05). PBM with red laser and LED induced mineralization by itself, without osteogenic medium, not observed for infrared laser (p < 0.05). A sum of effects was observed in osteogenic medium and PBM by infrared, red laser, and LED (5 s). Red laser and LED increased proliferation, migration, and secretory phases in rGO cells in a dose-dependent manner. PBM with red laser and LED promotes osteogenic induction by itself. PBM with infrared laser and osteogenic medium potentializes mineralization.

Late complications after root coverage with two types of subepithelial connective tissue grafts, clinical and histopathological evaluation: A prospective cohort study.

AIM: This prospective cohort study evaluated late complications (LC) on recipient sites comparing two types of connective tissue grafts (CTG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants (n: 60) were treated with coronally advanced flap (CAF) plus CTG harvested by de-epithelialized technique (DE) (n:31) or two-parallel incision (PI) (n:29). Areas were evaluated to identify white discharge associated or not with gingival cul-de-sac. Patients were ordered in groups with (DE+and PI+) or without (DE- and PI-) LC. Biopsies for histopathological analysis in LC areas were proposed. RESULTS: Six cases exhibited LC, 5 in DE graft (DE+) and 1 in PI graft (PI+) group; 2 were diagnosed at 3 months postoperatively, 3 at 6 months and one at 12 months. The relative risk for LC was 1.7 times greater for DE graft (p: 0.01; CI: 1.10 to 2.72; RR>1). Differences were not observed for clinical outcomes after both types of CTGs (p > 0.05). Biopsies showed deep invagination of the epithelial lining suggesting cyst-like area/ cavity with keratin content and consolidated in fibrous connective tissue. After 24 months biopsied areas presented no recurrence of LC, in non-biopsied patients the clinical condition remained unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the limitations of this study, LC on recipient sites demonstrated no statistical difference between two types of CTG.

Deposition of immune complexes in gingival tissues in the presence of periodontitis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex chronic autoimmune disease characterized by tissue damage and widespread inflammation in response to environmental challenges. Deposition of immune complexes in kidneys glomeruli are associated with lupus nephritis, determining SLE diagnosis. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by clinical attachment and bone loss, caused by a microbial challenge ­ host response interaction. Deposition of immune complex at gingival tissues is a common finding in the course of the disease. Considering that, the primary aim of this study is to investigate the deposition of immune complexes at gingival tissues of SLE patients compared to systemically healthy ones, correlating it to periodontal and systemic parameters. Twenty-five women diagnosed with SLE (SLE+) and 25 age-matched systemically healthy (SLE­) women were included in the study. Detailed information on overall patient's health were obtained from file records. Participants were screened for probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), gingival recession (REC), full-mouth bleeding score (FMBS) and plaque scores (FMPS). Bone loss was determined at panoramic X-ray images as the distance from cementenamel junction to alveolar crest (CEJ-AC). Gingival biopsies were obtained from the first 15 patients submitted to surgical periodontal therapy of each group, and were analyzed by optical microscopy and direct immunofluorescence to investigate the deposition of antigen-antibody complexes. Eleven (44%) patients were diagnosed with active SLE (SLE-A) and 14 (56%) with inactive SLE (LES-I). Mean PD, CAL and FMBS were significantly lower in SLE+ than SLE­(p < 0.05; Mann Whitney). The chronic use of low doses of immunosuppressants was associated with lower prevalence of CAL >3 mm. Immunofluorescence staining of markers of lupus nephritis and/or proteinuria was significantly increased in SLE+ compared to SLE­, even in the presence of periodontitis. These findings suggest that immunomodulatory drugs in SLE improves periodontal parameters. The greater deposition of antigen-antibody complexes in the gingival tissues of patients diagnosed with SLE may be a marker of disease activity, possibly complementing their diagnosis.

Residual decontamination chemical agents negatively affect adhesion and proliferation of osteoblast-like cells on implant surface.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of implant surface decontaminated and uncontaminated on osteoblast-like cell adhesion and proliferation MATERIALS AND METHODS: Commercially available implants of different brands and surface characteristics were selected: Biomet 3i® Nanotite (NT) and Osseotite (OT), Straumann® SLActive (SLA), and Neodent® Acqua Drive (ACQ) and Neoporos Drive CM (CM). Physical and chemical properties of the implants were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and wettability analysis (WETT). Implants were previously contaminated with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans strains; after that, samples were decontaminated by different chemical methods. Decontaminated (test group; n = 15/type of implant) and uncontaminated (control group; n = 5/type of implant) samples were analyzed according to the number of human osteoblastic osteosarcoma cells (Saos-2) adhered on the implant surface after 24 h and 72 h in SEM images. RESULTS: ACQ was found to be highly hydrophilic, and NT was the most hydrophobic implant. Increased variation of Saos-2 cell adhesion and proliferation were observed on all test and control groups. Controversially, at the proliferation analysis in 72 h, CM implant was the only implant that showed no significant difference between test and group (p = 0.2833; Tukey's multiple comparisons test). NT implants showed the greater value of cell proliferation when compared with all types of implant surface (p = 0.0002; Tukey's multiple comparisons test). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that decontaminated surfaces were able to impair the counting of osteoblast-like cell adhesion and proliferation.

Surface roughness of titanium disks influences the adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of osteogenic properties derived from human.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the response of osteogenic cell lineage and gingival fibroblastic cells to different surface treatments of grade IV commercially pure Titanium (cpTi) disks. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Grade IV cpTi disks with different surfaces were produced: machined (M), sandblasting (B), sandblasting and acid subtraction (NP), and hydrophilic treatment (ACQ). Surface microtopography characteristics and chemical composition were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDS). Adhesion and proliferation of SC-EHAD (human surgically-created early healing alveolar defects) and HGF-1 (human gingival fibroblasts) on Ti disks were investigated at 24 and 48 h, and osteogenic differentiation and mineralization were evaluated by assessing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and alizarin red staining, respectively. RESULTS: No significant differences were found among the various surface treatments for all surface roughness parameters, except for skewness of the assessed profile (Rsk) favoring M (p = 0.035 ANOVA). M disks showed a slightly higher (p > 0.05; Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn) adhesion of HGF-1 (89.43 ± 9.13%) than SC-EHAD cells (57.11 ± 17.72%). ACQ showed a significantly higher percentage of SC-EHAD (100%) than HGF-1 (69.67 ± 13.97%) cells adhered at 24 h. SC-EHAD cells expressed increased ALP activity in osteogenic medium at M (213%) and NP (235.04%) surfaces, but higher mineralization activity on ACQ (54.94 ± 4.80%) at 14 days. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that surface treatment influences the chemical composition and the adhesion and differentiation of osteogenic cells in vitro. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Hydrophilic surface treatment of grade IV cpTi disks influences osteogenic cell adhesion and differentiation, which might enhance osseointegration.

Evaluation of Regular Market Ethyl Cyanoacrylate Cytotoxicity for Human Gingival Fibroblasts and Osteoblasts.

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of cyanoacrylate adhesives in an indirect contact assay in human gingival fibroblast (FGH) and oral osteoblasts (GO) lineages. Methods: Cover glasses were glued with adhesives following the ISO 10993-2012 protocol. The groups were: C (control with cells and regular Dulbecco Modified Eagle Medium; LC (liquid ethyl-cyanoacrylate); GC (ethyl-cyanoacrylate gel); EGC (easy gel [ethyl-cyanoacrylate]); and D (Dermabond [octyl-cyanoacrylate]). Each cell linage was plated in the sixth passage using 104 cells. Cell viability was measured by the MTT test at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance complemented by the Tukey test, with p < 0.05 being significant. Results: Dermabond stimulated osteoblast viability at 72 h (p < 0.05). All other groups were similar to the control cells (p > 0.05). For the fibroblasts, there was no difference in the groups, including the control except that EGC was cytotoxic for these cells (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Ethyl-cyanoacrylate gel and liquid forms available on the general chemical market were not cytotoxic for oral osteoblasts and fibroblasts in most cases. However, the easy gel form was cytotoxic for fibroblasts.

Free gingival graft and acellular dermal matrix for gingival augmentation: a 15-year clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated clinical outcomes of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) allograft compared with autogenous free gingival graft (FGG) for gingival augmentation after 15 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients were originally included and evaluated by de Resende et al. (Clin Oral Investig 23:539-550, 2019), and 12 accepted to participate in this longitudinal evaluation. Clinical parameters evaluated were recession depth (RD), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), keratinized tissue width (KTW), and soft tissue thickness (TT). In addition, esthetic perception was evaluated by patients and by a calibrated periodontist. Data were evaluated by ANOVA complemented by Tukey tests (p < 0.05). RESULTS: After 15 years, both treatments provided a significant increase in KTW and TT but with superior results for the FGG group (p < 0.05). No differences were observed between groups for PD and CAL. In the ADM group, RD significantly increased in long term, as well as the rate of tissue contraction. The percentage of shrinkage for the ADM group was 59.6%. Conversely, the FGG group presented a creeping attachment of 17.6% and RD significantly decreased in long term. The ADM group presented superior results considering professional esthetic perception. CONCLUSIONS: Both treatments longitudinally promoted significant gain of keratinized tissue width and thickness with superior outcomes for the FGG group. The ADM group demonstrated more tissue contraction and gingival recession whereas the FGG group presented creeping attachment. Professional esthetic perception was superior for the ADM group. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study added important clinical data with long-term evaluation of ADM compared with FGG.

Periapical Lesion on an Implant after Socket Shield Technique: A Case Report.

A 47-year-old Caucasian male presented with a radiolucent area around the apical region of an implant placed using the socket shield technique. A second surgical procedure was performed to curette the lesion and fill the defect with a xenogeneic bone graft. Twenty months after implant placement and 10 months after the second surgery, there was no sign of recurrence of the lesion and radiographic evaluation was consistent with new bone formation in the region. Thus, although numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the socket shield technique, this case report illustrates the need for further randomized clinical studies for a better understanding of the clinical complications and indications for the technique.

Root surface demineralization by citric acid/tetracycline gel and aPDT associated to subepithelial connective tissue graft improves root coverage outcomes. A 12-month preliminary randomized clinical trial.

Root conditioners are used to promote root surface biomodification to increase the success rate of root coverage. Citric acid and tetracycline are commonly used. There is recent indication for using antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) with this purpose. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of citric acid/tetracycline gel and aPDT in root coverage of gingival recessions using subepithelial connective tissue graft. This parallel, double-blinded clinical trial enrolled 17 patients (60 recession defects; 20/group). Experimental groups were: Control group (SRP) - scaling and root planing only; Citric acid/tetracycline gel (CAT) group - SRP plus citric acid/tetracycline gel; aPDT - SRP, toluidine blue O (100 µl/ml) and red laser. At baseline and after 3, 6 and 12 months, the clinical parameters were evaluated: recession depth (RD), percentage of root coverage (%RC), keratinized tissue width (KTW), soft tissue thickness (STT), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), dentin hypersensitivity (HYPER) and esthetic perception by patient (EST). CAT group presented reduction in PD, CAL, RD, increase in KTW and STT, higher %RC (81.6%) and better esthetic in relation to SRP group (p < .05). aPDT treatment promoted CAL reduction, gain of KTW and STT and higher %RC (82.1%) in relation to SRP (57.7%) (p < .05). There was a reduction in dentin sensitivity in all groups. Complete root coverage was higher for CAT group (65%) and aPDT group (70%) in relation to SRP (30%) (p < .05). Root conditioning, with citric acid/tetracycline gel and aPDT, promotes better long-term clinical outcomes and root coverage after SCTG procedures.

Bone demineralization promotes superior spread of preosteoblast in culture.

Previous studies have shown substances capable of similar effects of demineralization, accelerating the process of bone remodeling. This study investigated preosteoblasts behavior in cell culture after bone demineralization with citric acid and tetracycline. Seventy-four Wistar rats provided 144 calvarial bone samples, 126 of which were randomly divided in seven groups according to the treatment given to the surface: no demineralization (C), citric acid (CA), tetracycline (TCN) during 15, 30, and 60 s. Each group received preosteoblasts cultured for 24, 48, and 72 hr. Eighteen remaining samples were analyzed for the atomic percentage (A%) by energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) before and after demineralization. The average percentage of bone area covered by cells increased with time and it was significantly higher after 24 and 48 hr of culture in groups CA15s, CA30s, CA60s, TCN15s, and TCN30s than in groups TCN60 and C (p < 0.05). The cell morphology in all CA and TCN groups was shown to be compatible with more advanced stages of differentiation than in C group. The A% changed after demineralization. We conclude that demineralization with citric acid or tetracycline for 15-30 s increased the area of bone surface covered by preosteoblasts. The A% changes were not sufficient to impair the cells spreading and morphology. Bone demineralization may promote potential benefits in bone regenerative procedures. HIGHLIGHTS: Low pH effects did not interfere on cell growth. Bone demineralization favored the preosteoblasts growth. A possible alternative to improve graft consolidation.

Role of occlusion in periodontal disease.

This article deals with establishing a new link between trauma from occlusion and periodontal pockets based on the know-how and background gradually developed. To provide a better understanding to the reader, a historical perspective is firstly presented. The main features on the controversy of the role played by trauma from occlusion on the physiologic behavior of the periodontal structures are shown, together with how deviations from the normal characteristics of this relationship itself affect the integrity of the periodontal tissues when or associated with dental biofilm in the presence or not of periodontal pockets have arisen. The literature provides evidence showing that the very first publication to establish a strong correlation between trauma from occlusion and periodontal pockets in humans was of Latin-American origin. However, subsequently, trauma from occlusion was mostly evaluated by an American group, followed by a Scandinavian group, yet with some contributions from the Latin-American group. Basically trauma from occlusion has been correlated with periodontal pockets in view of the fact that these would render the periodontal supporting tissues more amenable to the spread of inflammation of biofilm-related periodontal pockets. This would facilitate the fast deepening of periodontal pockets, influencing the generation of infrabony periodontal pockets or suprabony periodontal pockets that are deeper than in areas without trauma from occlusion. The factors related to these different behaviors are discussed. Several clinical cases are presented showing evidence that corroborates the possibility of an actual interrelationship between trauma from occlusion and periodontitis. Theoretical evaluations based on recent advances of the mechanisms involving molecular modulation in physiological and altered occlusal functions, as well as on research data, and evaluations from data of clinical cases, support the assumption that trauma from occlusion and periodontitis may embrace the unique pathologic condition of the associated lesion trauma from occlusion plus periodontitis or act independently even if both co-exist simultaneously in a particular case. The link between both conditions that was emphasized as definitively necessary in order for an associated lesion to develop is that both lesions, namely trauma from occlusion and periodontitis, occur in their destructive stage at exactly the same time. This involvement would explain why so many different data are presented in the literature and hopefully will shed some light for development of new methodologies of research. Clinical cases were selected to present a treatment philosophy on the subject.

Blue photosensitizers for aPDT eliminate Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in the absence of light: An in vitro study.

The main treatment of periodontal disease is the mechanical removal of supra and subgingival biofilm. Adjuvant therapies as antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) may offer improved clinical and microbiological results. The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of toluidine and methylene blue dyes, associated with red laser and LED, on elimination of a suspension of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a). Experimental groups (n = 29) consisted of positive (broth) and negative (gentamicin) controls, three different dyes concentrations (0.05; 0.1; 10 mg/ml) alone or associated with laser (660 nm) at two power settings (70 and 100 mW) and LED (627 ±â€¯10 nm). Bacterial suspension received all treatments, and after serial dilutions they were cultured for 24 h in petri dishes for colony forming unit counts. Data were analyzed by ANOVA complemented by Tukey's test (p < 0.05). The results showed that both dyes, at a concentration of 10 mg/ml, alone or associated with laser and LED, caused 100% of death similar to the negative control (p > 0.05). It can be concluded that blue dyes for aPDT, at high concentration (10 mg/ml), are capable of eliminating A.a without adjuvant use of light sources.

Clinical parameters, histological analysis, and laser Doppler flowmetry of different subepithelial connective tissue grafts.

Subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) presents favorable outcomes. However, the harvesting technique can influence the anatomical and histological composition of the SCTG. Within the limitations of a case report, the behavior of SCTGs removed by two techniques was evaluated bilaterally in one patient using double blade scalpel (DBS) and de-epithelialized graft (DE). Clinical parameters, laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) and histological analysis were assessed. Complete root coverage was observed bilaterally, as well as improvement in width and thickness of keratinized tissue 2 years postoperatively. The LDF analysis demonstrated better revascularization in the DBS recipient area compared to DE. The histological evaluation showed differences in tissue composition and organization of collagen fibers. Similar clinical outcomes were observed bilaterally, nevertheless greater morbidity and aesthetic was reported in the DE harvesting area.

Probióticos associados ao tratamento das doenças periodontais: revisão de literatura / Probiotics associated with the treatment of periodontal diseases: literature review

Objetivo: revisar a literatura sobre o tratamento dasdoenças periodontais associado a probióticos, identificandoas funcionalidades e os principais agentes microbianosempregados. Material e método: foi realizadabusca nas bases de dados eletrônicas PubMed e ScienceDirect, empregando os termos de busca probiotics eperiodontal diseases. Como critérios de inclusão, foramselecionadas pesquisas clínicas originais e ensaios clínicospublicados em português ou inglês. Resultados:após pesquisa e minuciosa revisão por título e resumode cada estudo, 40 ensaios clínicos randomizados foramselecionados para avaliação dos desfechos observados.Todos os estudos empregaram probióticos associadosa raspagem, alisamento e polimento coronorradicular.A cepa bacteriana mais utilizada é o Lactobacillus reuteri.Foi demonstrado que os probióticos conferem potencialauxilio ao tratamento das lesões periodontais.Embora os parâmetros avaliados nem sempre sejam beneficiadospelo tratamento, o uso dos microrganismosbenéficos reduziu a necessidade de intervenção cirúrgicaprincipalmente em pacientes com bolsas profundas.Considerações finais: A utilização dos probióticosse mostra segura e traz pequenos ganhos auxiliares notratamento das doenças que acometem o periodonto.Desenhos de estudos com rigor metodológico e amostrasrepresentativas são encorajados visando analisar etestar os benefícios desses agentes. (AU)

Objective: this study aimed to review the literature on the treatment of periodontal diseases associated with probiotics, identifying functionalities and the most used microbial agents. Material and method: a search was performed in the main electronic databases PubMed and Science Direct using the search terms "Probiotics" and "Periodontal diseases". The inclusion criteria were original clinical researches and clinical trials published in Portuguese and English. Results: after the research and meticulous revision for the title and abstract of each study, 40 randomized clinical trials were selected for evaluation of the outcomes observed. All studies used probiotics associated with scaling and crown-root planning and polishing. The most used bacterial strain was Lactobacillus reuteri. It was shown that probiotics provide potential assistance for the treatment of periodontal lesions. Although the parameters evaluated are not always favored by the treatment, the use of the beneficial microorganisms reduced the need for surgical intervention, especially in patients with deep pockets. Final considerations: the use of probiotics is safe and promotes small additional improvements in the treatment of periodontal diseases affecting the periodontium. Study designs with methodological rigor and representative samples are encouraged, aiming to analyze and test the benefits of such microbial agents. (AU)