[A novel periodontal endoscopy-aided non-incisional periodontal regeneration technique：a case series study].

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of endoscopy-aided non-incisional periodontal regeneration technique (NIT) in the treatment of alveolar bone angular resorption. METHODS: Thirteen patients with severe periodontitis(13 diseased teeth) were selected. All patients had alveolar bone angular resorption on adjacent surface. The patients received NIT treatment 6 weeks after periodontal primary therapy. The visualization of subgingival environment was acquired by the periodontal endoscopy. Following the removal of the subgingival plaque, calculus and intra-bony granulation tissue, bone grafting materials were placed into the intra-bony defects with the assistance of a delicate gingival protector. No flap was elevated and no sutures were applied. Probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment level (CAL), as well as radiographic parameters were evaluated at baseline and 2 years after treatment. SPSS 22.0 software package was used for data analysis. RESULTS: At 2-years follow-up, an average CAL gain of (3.65±2.10) mm (P＜0.001), PD reduction of (4.42±1.66) mm (P＜0.001), and minimal increase in GR of (0.38±0.87) mm (P=0.25) were observed. Alveolar bone was significantly improved at 2-years follow-up on radiographs (P＜0.001). CONCLUSIONS: For angular resorption site of alveolar bone, NIT treatment can obtain good periodontal regeneration results without flap inversion.

Prehydrated collagenated cortico-cancellous heterologous bone gel and papillae tunneling for isolated intrabony defects: 12-month noninferiority trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the effectiveness of prehydrated collagenated xenogenic bone gel and a collagenated cortico-cancellous heterologous bone mixture in conjunction with papillae tunneling techniques (PTT) for treating isolated periodontal intraosseous defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with periodontitis stage III/IV and at least one deep isolated interdental 2/3-wall intraosseous defect were included in the study. Surgical incisions were made vertically at the adjacent tooth or horizontally at the mucogingival junction. A full-thickness flap was then carefully lifted under the papillae using special tunneling instruments. The root surfaces were completely cleaned, and the defects were randomly filled with either prehydrated collagenated bone gel (test group; n = 10) or collagenated cortico-cancellous heterologous bone mixture (control group; n = 10). Wounds were closed with microsurgical sutures. We predicted that the lower 95% confidence interval for the difference between the two procedures would exceed a prespecified noninferiority threshold. RESULTS: All wounds closed sufficiently to prevent biomaterial exposure. The test and control groups showed similar mean pocket depth reduction (3.5 ± 1.0 vs. 3.9 ± 1.7 mm; p = 0.52), similar gingival recession (-0.10 ± 0.99 vs. 0.2 ± 0.8 mm; p = 0.46), and similar clinical attachment gain (3.6 ± 1.51 vs. 3.7 ± 1.8 mm; p = 0.89) at the 12-month follow-up. All results were below the noninferiority margin of the sample. CONCLUSIONS: At 12 months, prehydrated collagenous bone gel performed similarly to collagenous heterologous bone granules in the treatment of intraosseous lesions with PTT. In addition, both biomaterials preserved soft tissue with minimal further recession at 1 year. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When combined with PTT, collagenous xenogeneic bone granules and prehydrated collagenous bone gel achieve comparable clinical outcomes in intrabony defects. The study was registered under the NCT04782921 on ClinicalTrails.

Entire papilla preservation technique for treatment of periodontal intrabony defects: a series of cases.

OBJECTIVE: Periodontitis is characterized by bone resorption. Vertical bone loss results in an intraosseous defect. Multiple surgical approaches for treating intrabony defects have shown different grades of effectiveness. Recently, the entire papilla preservation technique has been proposed, improving clinical parameters, such as pocket depth and clinical attachment level. This series of cases aimed to describe the use of the entire papilla preservation surgical technique without using biomaterials to regenerate periodontal intrabony defects. The influence on the clinical periodontal parameters and radiographic parameters was measured through CBCT, the latter not described until now, and analyzed the possible postoperative complications. METHOD AND MATERIALS: A total of six intrabony periodontal defects associated with at least one periodontal pocket with probing depths equal to or greater than 6 mm were treated with the entire papilla preservation technique. The clinical and radiographic parameters were evaluated at the beginning and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The mean probing pocket depth reduction was 4.00 ± 0.63 mm, the mean clinical attachment level gain was 3.67 ± 1.03 mm, and the mean radiographic intrabony filling was 2.41 ± 2.03 mm. Early healing was uneventful; the mean visual analog scale at 7 days was 0. CONCLUSIONS: This minimally invasive technique results in an improvement in clinical and radiographic parameters, the latter showing a filling of the bone defect observed during the 6-month evaluation after surgical treatment. These results confirm the importance of clot and flap stability in regenerating intraosseous defects.

Periodontal Pocket Therapy Using a Class IV Dental Diode Laser in Dogs: A Retrospective Analysis.

Class IV dental diode lasers have been introduced as a nonsurgical therapy for periodontal pockets in veterinary and human dentistry. This retrospective case series evaluates the use of Class IV dental diode laser therapy for abnormal periodontal pockets in a specialty veterinary dental practice. A hypothesis that the Class IV diode dental laser is a useful adjuvant modality in canine periodontal pocket therapy in the reduction of clinical pocket depth was made. This article discusses and demonstrates diode laser use in periodontal pocket therapy in a specialty veterinary dental practice and reviews the current literature. Inclusion in this study was limited to client-owned dogs with noted periodontal pocketing on any tooth type between 3 and 6 mm, which were treated with closed root planing (RP/C) and laser therapy who returned in 6 to 7 months for recheck of the pockets from the years 2017 to 2020. Twelve patients met the inclusion criteria. A total of 128 periodontal pockets were included in the study. Each periodontal pocket was a case receiving therapy. The mean periodontal pocket depth before the treatment is measured as 3.35 mm. The mean pocket depth of the periodontal pockets following treatment was 0.59 mm. The mean improvement in periodontal pocket depths after diode laser therapy when considering patient and tooth number using linear mixed-effects modeling was 2.63 mm (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.81-3.46, P < .0001). No statistically significant results were observed for pocket type, as P values were greater than .05.

A Minimally Invasive Osseous Resective Surgical Protocol for Pocket Elimination at Maxillary and Mandibular Posterior Sextants: MI-PES.

The purpose of the present study was to describe a novel protocol for a minimally invasive pocket elimination surgery (MI-PES) in the posterior maxilla and mandible, which consists of the combined use of (1) an access flap based on an internally beveled gingivectomy with minimal to no papilla mobilization at the buccal aspect, and (2) a resective procedure with an apically positioned flap on the lingual aspect. The interproximal bone defects were accessed with a single (lingual) flap, and the bone architecture was modified by the adoption of piezoelectric inserts for controlled bone recontouring associated with fiber retention. Mean probing depth (PD) was 5.5 ± 0.8 mm before surgery and 2.7 ± 0.6 mm at the 6-month reevaluation. All treated pockets showed a postsurgical PD < 4 mm. Gingival recession (REC) was 0.3 ± 0.5 mm at baseline and increased to 1.6 ± 0.8 mm at 6 months. When buccal and lingual pockets were analyzed separately, a trend toward a similar PD reduction, less REC increase, and greater clinical attachment level gain was recorded for buccal pockets. These preliminary observations seem to support the use of MI-PES as a valuable option for pocket elimination, at least when residual pockets are associated with a shallow interproximal osseous crater in the posterior maxilla or mandible.

A novel periodontal endoscopy-aided non-incisional periodontal regeneration technique in the treatment of intrabony defects: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Gingival recession and post-operation discomfort are still a problem for patients receiving the periodontal regeneration surgery for intra-bony defects. To further reduce the trauma and the post-operation gingival recession, a novel periodontal endoscopy-aided non-incisional regeneration technique (NIT) was proposed in the treatment of intra-bony defects. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 21 subjects treated with NIT and 21 subjects with periodontal endoscopy-aided scaling and root planing (PSRP) at baseline and 1-year evaluation was conducted. After removing the subgingival calculus and granulation tissue, bone grafting materials were placed into intrabony defects with the assistance of a gingival retractor in the NIT group. Probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment level (CAL), as well as the distance between bone crest (BC) level and base of the defect (BD) (intrabony defect depth, IBD) were evaluated at baseline and 1 year after treatment. RESULTS: At 1-year follow-up, the value of CAL, PD and IBD were statistically significant different compared with baseline in both two groups (p<0.001). CAL gain (p = 0.012) and PD reduction (p = 0.004) was greater in the NIT than PSRP. However, no difference in the IBD reduction was found between the NIT group and PSRP. Better CAL gain and PD reduction was achieved in the 1-year term in the NIT when compared with PSRP. CONCLUSION: NIT have resulted in significant gains in both clinical and radiographic parameters. NIT might be utilized as an alternative of the surgical treatment for periodontal intrabony defects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This clinical trial registration was registered retrospectively (August 3, 2023) and the number is ChiCTR2300074317.

Evaluation of platelet-rich fibrin in the treatment of decorticated intrabony defects: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of intrabony defects treated with decortication (intramarrow penetration) alone versus decortication combined with platelet-rich fibrin in periodontitis patients followed up for 6 months postsurgery. METHOD AND MATERIALS: A total of 46 intrabony defects from periodontitis patients with a mean age of 36.30 ± 6.10 years were randomly assigned into two treatment groups. The control group (n = 23) intrabony sites were accessed with simplified papilla preservation flap (SPPF) followed with debridement, decortication, and closure. The test group (n = 23) sites were accessed with SPPF, followed with debridement, decortication, platelet-rich fibrin placement, and closure. The clinical parameters Plaque Index, Gingival Index, probing pocket depth, relative attachment level, gingival marginal level, along with radiographic defect depth and defect width were recorded at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months postsurgery. Gain in clinical attachment level was the primary outcome, and probing pocket depth reduction and radiographic bone fill were secondary outcomes of the study. RESULTS: The Plaque Index and Gingival Index scores showed nonsignificant difference on intra- and intergroup comparison at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. The probing pocket depth was 8.17 ± 1.56 mm, 6.65 ± 1.30 mm, and 5.26 ± 1.18 mm for the control group, and 8.17 ± 2.01 mm, 6.26 ± 1.42 mm, and 4.78 ± 1.28 mm for the test group, at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, respectively. The relative attachment level was 8.83 ± 1.40 mm, 6.78 ± 1.31 mm, and 5.39 ± 1.16 mm for the control group, and 8.39 ± 1.62 mm, 6.96 ± 1.36 mm, and 5.48 ± 1.20 mm for the test group at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, respectively. Statistically significant reductions were observed for probing pocket depth for the control (2.91 mm, P < .001) and test groups (3.39 mm, P < .001), as well as for relative attachment level for the control (3.44 mm, P < .001) and test groups (2.91 mm, P < .001). However, intergroup differences were nonsignificant for probing pocket depth and relative attachment level. The radiographic defect depth was reduced by 0.31 mm for the control and 1.57 mm for the test group. The radiographic defect width was reduced by 0.18 mm for the control and 0.83 mm for the test group. Intergroup statistically significant differences were observed at the 6-month follow-up (P < .001) for radiographic defect depth and width. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the present study, the results demonstrate statistically significant intragroup improvements in clinical outcomes with decortication alone and decortication combined with platelet-rich fibrin in the treatment of intrabony defects in periodontitis patients. The addition of platelet-rich fibrin did not improve the clinical results beyond decortication alone, and unacceptable postsurgery residual pockets were observed in both the protocols. Considering the small sample size, the addition of platelet-rich fibrin resulted in significant bone fill over and above that of decortication alone.

Entire Papilla Preservation Technique with Enamel Matrix Proteins and Allogenic Bone Substitute for the Treatment of Isolated Intrabony Defects: A Prospective Case Series.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of a modified entire papilla preservation technique (EPPT) in the treatment of isolated intrabony defects in patients diagnosed with stage III periodontitis. A total of 18 intrabony defects were treated: 4 one-wall, 7 two-wall, and 7 three-wall. Mean probing pocket depth reductions of 4.33 mm (P < .0001), clinical attachment level gains of 4.87 mm (P < .0001), and radiographic defect depth reductions of 4.27 mm (P < .0001) were observed at 6 months. Changes in gingival recession and keratinized tissue were not statistically significant. It can be concluded that the proposed modification of the EPPT is useful in the treatment of isolated intrabony defects.

[Non-surgical peri-implantitis treatment with or without systemic antibiotics]. / Initiële behandeling van peri-implantitis met of zonder systemische antibiotica.

This study investigated the effect of initial nonsurgical treatment in patients with peri-implantitis with or without prescription of an antibiotic regimen consisting of amoxicillin and metronidazole. For this purpose, patients with peri-implantitis were randomized into a group of initial treatment with antibiotics and a group without antibiotics. They were re-evaluated 12 weeks after treatment. Analyses were performed at the patient level at 1 peri-implant pocket per patient. Both groups showed significant peri-implant pocket depth reductions after initial treatment. Treatment with antibiotics resulted in a higher mean reduction in peri-implant pocket depth than when no antibiotics were used, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. Only 2 implants, 1 in each group, showed a successful outcome of a peri-implant pocket depth ofunder ≤ 5 mm and with an absence of bleeding and pus after probing. Initial treatment with or without antibiotics is ultimately not sufficient to fully treat peri-implantitis; additional surgical procedures will often be required.

Er:YAG laser-assisted comprehensive periodontal pocket therapy for residual periodontal pocket treatment: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a novel pocket therapy (Er:YAG laser-assisted comprehensive periodontal pocket therapy [Er-LCPT]) for residual pocket treatment, compared with conventional mechanical treatment alone, in a randomized controlled clinical trial. METHODS: Two sites in 18 patients having residual periodontal pockets of ≥5 mm depth, extant following initial active therapy, or during supportive therapy, were randomized into two groups in a split mouth design: the control group received scaling and root planing (SRP) by curette, and the test group received Er-LCPT using curette and laser. With Er-LCPT, after root debridement, inflamed connective tissue on the inner gingival surface and on the bone surface/within extant bone defects was thoroughly debrided. Furthermore, removal of proximate oral epithelium and coagulation of the blood clot in the pocket entrance were performed with laser. Clinical parameters were evaluated, before and after treatment, through 12 months. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvements in clinical parameters. With Er-LCPT, pocket debridement was thoroughly and safely performed, without any adverse side effects and complications, and favorable healing was observed in most of the cases. At 12 months, Er-LCPT demonstrated significantly higher probing pocket depth reduction (2.78 mm vs. 1.89 mm on average; p = 0.012, Wilcoxon signed-rank test), clinical attachment gain (1.67 mm vs. 1.06 mm; p = 0.004) as primary outcomes, and reduced BOP value (0.89 vs. 0.56; p = 0.031), compared with SRP alone. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that Er-LCPT is more effective for residual pocket treatment, compared with SRP alone.

Prognostic value of a composite outcome measure for periodontal stability following periodontal regenerative treatment: A retrospective analysis at 4 years.

BACKGROUND: Recently, a composite outcome measure (COM) was proposed to describe the short-term results of periodontal regenerative treatment. The present retrospective study aimed at evaluating the prognostic value of COM on clinical attachment level (CAL) change over a 4-year period of supportive periodontal care (SPC). METHODS: Seventy-four intraosseous defects in 59 patients were evaluated at 6 months and 4 years following regenerative treatment. Based on 6-month CAL change and probing depth (PD), defects were classified as: COM1 (CAL gain ≥3 mm, PD ≤4 mm); COM2 (CAL gain <3 mm, PD ≤4 mm); COM3 (CAL gain ≥3 mm, PD >4 mm); or COM4 (CAL gain <3 mm, PD >4 mm). COM groups were compared for "stability" (i.e., CAL gain, no change in CAL or CAL loss <1 mm) at 4 years. Also, groups were compared for mean change in PD and CAL, need for surgical retreatment, and tooth survival. RESULTS: At 4 years, the proportion of stable defects in COM1, COM2, COM3, and COM4 group was 69.2%, 75%, 50%, and 28.6%, respectively, with a substantially higher probability for a defect to show stability for COM1, COM2, and COM3 compared with COM4 (odds ratio 4.6, 9.1, and 2.4, respectively). Although higher prevalence of surgical reinterventions and lower tooth survival were observed in COM4, no significant differences were detected among COM groups. CONCLUSIONS: COM may be of value in predicting CAL change at sites undergoing SPC following periodontal regenerative surgery. Studies on larger cohorts, however, are needed to substantiate the present findings.

Long-term stability of regenerative periodontal surgery and orthodontic tooth movement in stage IV periodontitis: 10-year data of a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of regenerative treatment of intra-bony defects in combination with consecutive orthodontic therapy (OT) in stage IV periodontitis. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with a total of 256 intra-bony defects were analyzed after regenerative surgery followed by OT initiated 3 months later. Changes in radiographic bone level (rBL) and probing pocket depths (PPD) were evaluated after 1 year (T1), final splinting (T2), and 10 years (T10). RESULTS: Mean rBL gain was significant with 4.63 mm (±2.43 mm) after 1 year (T1), 4.19 mm (±2.61 mm) at final splinting (T2), and 4.48 mm (±2.62 mm) after 10 years (T10). Mean PPD was significantly reduced from 5.84 mm (±2.05 mm) at baseline to 3.19 mm (±1.23 mm) at T1, to 3.07 mm (±1.23 mm) at T2, and to 2.93 mm (±1.24 mm) at T10. Pocket closure (PPD ≤ 4 mm) was achieved in 90% of all defects. Tooth loss amounted to 4.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this retrospective study design, these 10-year findings suggest that in motivated and compliant patients with stage IV periodontitis and in need of OT an inter-disciplinary treatment can lead to favorable and stable long-term results.

Long-term stability of infrabony defects treated with enamel matrix derivative alone: A retrospective two-centre cohort study.

AIM: To assess the long-term stability of attachment gain in infrabony defects (IBDs) 10 years after regenerative treatment with an enamel matrix derivative (EMD) alone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two centres (Frankfurt [F] and Heidelberg [HD]) invited patients for re-examination 120 ± 12 months after regenerative therapy. Re-examination included clinical examination (periodontal probing depths (PPD), vertical clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index (PlI), gingival index (GI), plaque control record, gingival bleeding index and periodontal risk assessment) and review of patient charts (number of supportive periodontal care [SPC] visits). RESULTS: Both centres included 52 patients (29 female; median baseline age: 52.0 years; lower/upper quartile: 45.0/58.8 years; eight smokers), each contributing one IBD. Nine teeth were lost. For the remaining 43 teeth, regenerative therapy showed significant CAL gain after 1 year (3.0; 2.0/4.4 mm; p < .001) and 10 years (3.0; 1.5/4.1 mm; p < .001) during which CAL remained stable (-0.5; -1.0/1.0 mm; p = 1.000) after an average SPC of 9 years. Mixed-model regression analyses revealed a positive association of CAL gain from 1 to 10 years with CAL 12 months post operation (logistic: p = .01) as well as a higher probability for CAL loss with an increasing vertical extent of a three-walled defect component (linear: p = .008). Cox proportional hazard analysis showed a positive association between PlI after 12 months and tooth loss (p = .046). CONCLUSION: Regenerative therapy of IBDs showed stable results over 9 years. CAL gain is associated with CAL after 12 months and decreasing initial defect depth in a three-walled defect morphology. Tooth loss is associated with PlI 12 months post operation. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: DRKS00021148 (URL: https://drks.de).

Functional and structural aspects in periodontal furcation treatment: a novel approach.

The outcome in the treatment of furcation defects is often unsatisfactory. The reasons are morphologic and pathologic peculiarities as well as extensive changes in shape caused by resective treatment of periodontal lesions in multi-rooted teeth. Therefore, augmentative strategies are suggested to improve the prognosis. However, the success rate decreases with increasing severity of the disease. In contrast, if the affected roots are not extracted but are extruded after hemi- or trisection, this leads to a coronal displacement of the disease process and a significantly improved situation for hygiene. At the same time, the resection of inflammatory tissue of the periodontal pockets is accompanied by vertical and horizontal bone apposition. The results are predictable and stable in the long term. The burden for the patient is low. ((Quintessence Int 2022;53: 884-891; Originally published (in German) in Quintessenz Zahnmedizin 2020; 71(9): 1024-1032; doi: 10.3290/j.qi.b3418205).

Digital photometric analysis of gingival response to periodontal treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The color is a major factor in determining inflammation status in most gingival indices. Current indices have limitations mainly due to subjective nature. Digital color analysis can provide objective and accurate measurements. Thus, the present study aimed to assess by digital tool the gingival color in the different stages of an active periodontal treatment. METHODS: Forty patients (19 males and 21 females) diagnosed with periodontitis (stage III/ IV, grade C) and treated surgically were included in the study. Clinical data (probing depth, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level, gingival index, and gingival recession) and photographs by digital single-lens-reflex (DSLR) camera were recorded before initial periodontal treatment, which included scaling and root surface debridement (T0); the same parameters were then re-evaluated 6-8 weeks (T1) and 3 months after periodontal surgery (regenerative/resective) (T2). Differences between clinical parameters were calculated. The color space defined by the International Commission on Illumination (CIELab) was used to analyze gingival color. RESULTS: In 56 periodontal surgical sites, 168 photographs were taken. The a*-value of the CIELab color system (higher a*- value translate to a stronger red color) was significantly reduced between T0 to T1 and further decreased at T2 (32.01, 29.28, and 27.45 respectively). Significant improvement in clinical parameters were found between T0 to T1 and T1 to T2. Sub-analysis of two distinct surgical interventions revealed that only regenerative procedure improved the a*-value, which was significantly correlated with pocket depth reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Photometric analysis can be used to assess gingival color change during periodontal treatment of patients with periodontitis. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Gingival inflammation is a major factor in periodontal assessment; nevertheless, all current gingival inflammation indices are partially subjective and only semi-quantitative. The digital photometric analysis may allow for accurate and objective gingival color assessment during periodontal treatment.

Five-year results following regenerative periodontal surgery with an enamel matrix derivative in patients with different smoking status.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the five-year results following regenerative periodontal surgery of intrabony defects using an enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in patients with different smoking status. METHOD AND MATERIALS: The dental records of patients treated with regenerative periodontal surgery with EMD between 2001 and 2011 were screened. The clinical parameters at baseline (T0) and 6 months (T1) and 5 years (T2) after surgery were collected and analyzed in relation to patient's smoking status (smokers, former smokers, and nonsmokers). RESULTS: A total of 71 sites were initially assessed in 38 patients. In total, 56 sites could be evaluated at T1, and 34 after 5 years (T2). At 6 months after surgery, a statistically significant mean probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction of 2.91 ± 1.60 mm and a mean clinical attachment level (CAL) gain of 1.89 ± 1.90 mm were measured. Nonsmokers revealed a greater, statistically not significant CAL gain compared to smokers (2.38 ± 2.12 mm vs 1.50 ± 1.71 mm). Although at 5 years the site-specific PPD values remained stable in nonsmokers, smokers showed an increase of 1.60 ± 2.41 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides evidence that regenerative periodontal surgery with EMD may lead to clinically relevant improvements even in smoking patients. However, the positive effect of EMD seems to be limited in time and can only partially compensate for the negative influence of smoking.

Surgical Periodontal Therapy Using Recombinant Human Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 in Combination with Carbonate Apatite Granules for Stage III Grade B Periodontitis: A Case Report with 1-year Follow-up.

This report describes a case of generalized chronic periodontitis requiring periodontal treatment including regenerative therapy. The patient was a 60-year-old woman who visited the Tokyo Dental College Suidobashi Hospital with the chief complaint of tooth mobility and pain in tooth #26. Periodontal examination at the first visit revealed that 32.0% of sites had a probing depth of ≥4 mm and 43.8% bleeding on probing. Radiographic examination revealed vertical bone resorption in #17. Horizontal resorption was noted in other areas. Initial periodontal therapy consisting of plaque control, scaling and root planing, and caries treatment was performed based on a clinical diagnosis of Stage III Grade B periodontitis. Tooth #26 was extracted due to bone resorption extending as far as the root apex. After reevaluation, periodontal regenerative therapy using recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-2 (rhFGF-2) in combination with carbonate apatite (CO3Ap) granules was performed for #17. Following reevaluation, a zirconia crown (#16) and zirconia bridge (#24-27) were placed. Following further reevaluation, the patient was placed on supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). The periodontal regenerative therapy using rhFGF-2 with CO3Ap granules yielded an improvement in the vertical bone resorption observed in #17. This improvement has been adequately maintained over a 1-year period postoperatively. Continued SPT is needed to maintain stable periodontal conditions.

Treatment for Chronic Periodontitis with Class II Furcation Involvement: A Case Report with Four-year Follow-up.

This report describes a case of generalized chronic periodontitis requiring periodontal treatment including surgery. The patient was a 64-year-old man who visited the Tokyo Dental College Suidobashi Hospital with the chief complaint of pain in tooth #27. An initial examination revealed a probing depth (PD) of ≥4 mm at 38.2% of sites and bleeding on probing at 26.5% of sites. Radiographic examination revealed vertical bone resorption in # 27, 34, and 47, and horizontal resorption in other areas. Based on a clinical diagnosis of severe chronic periodontitis, initial periodontal therapy consisting of plaque control, scaling and root planing was performed. Both #27 and #47 were extracted due to bone resorption extending as far as the root apex. After initial periodontal therapy, sites with a PD of ≥4 mm were observed at 16.7% of sites. Furcation involvement was observed in #16, 17, 36, and 37. The need and options for periodontal surgery based on these findings were explained to the patient. Open flap debridement was implemented for #16, 17, 31, 34, 36, and 37 to reduce periodontal pockets. After reevaluation, the patient was placed on supportive periodontal therapy. The results of the periodontal examination at first visit revealed a periodontal pocket depth of 6 mm and 7 mm in #16 and 17, respectively, and class II furcation involvement in both. Periodontal therapy with open flap debridement resulted in an improvement in horizontal bone resorption where there was class II furcation involvement. This improvement has been adequately maintained over a 4-year period.

Utilizing a novel radiographic image segmentation method for the assessment of periodontal healing following regenerative surgical treatment.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current article was to present a radiographic method to determine the surface area of newly formed periodontal attachment, as well as to analyze volumetric and morphologic changes after regenerative periodontal treatment. METHOD AND MATERIALS: In this retrospective study, 11 singular intrabony periodontal defects were selected for minimally invasive surgical treatment and 3D evaluation. 3D virtual models were acquired by the segmentation of pre- and postoperative CBCT scans. This study determined the surface area of baseline periodontal attachment (RSA-A) and defect-involved root surface (RSA-D) on the preoperative 3D models, and the surface area of new periodontal attachment (RSA-NA) on the postoperative models. Finally, cumulative change of periodontal attachment (∆RSA-A) was calculated and Boolean subtraction was applied on pre- and postoperative 3D models to demonstrate postoperative 3D hard tissue alterations. RESULTS: The average RSA-A was 84.39 ± 33.27 mm2, while the average RSA-D was 24.26 ± 11.94 mm2. The average surface area of RSA-NA after regenerative periodontal surgery was 17.68 ± 10.56 mm2. Additionally, ∆RSA-A was determined to assess the overall effects of ridge alterations on periodontal attachment, averaging 15.53 ± 12.47 mm2, which was found to be statistically significant (P = .00149). Lastly, the volumetric hard tissue gain was found to be 33.56 ± 19.35 mm3, whereas hard tissue resorption of 26.31 ± 38.39 mm3 occurred. CONCLUSION: The proposed 3D radiographic method provides a detailed understanding of new periodontal attachment formation and hard tissue alterations following regenerative surgical treatment of intrabony periodontal defects.

Adjunctive efficacy of systemic metronidazole in the surgical treatment of periodontitis: a double-blind parallel randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological impact of adjunctive metronidazole to periodontal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Systemically healthy patients, with stages III-IV, grades B-C periodontitis, were randomly assigned to receive metronidazole or placebo adjunctive to periodontal surgery, after subgingival instrumentation. Clinical variables were recorded at the initial visit, 6 weeks after subgingival instrumentation, and 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Microbiological samples were taken at initial and final visits and analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Our results showed no statistically significant differences in the reduction of probing depth between the initial and final (1 year) visits in the two treatment groups. Additionally, no statistically significant differences were observed between study groups when comparing the post-subgingival instrumentation and final visits. However, 3 months after surgery, probing depth (mean difference, MD = 0.31 mm, 95% confidence interval, CI [0.13; 0.49]; p = 0.001) and clinical attachment level (MD = 0.64 mm, 95% CI [0.02; 1.27]; p = 0.044) were significantly lower in the test group. CONCLUSIONS: The adjunctive use of systemic metronidazole to periodontal surgery has a limited clinical and microbiological impact in the present study, and therefore, its use is not recommended. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There are no studies that have evaluated the clinical and microbiological impact of the adjunctive use of systemic metronidazole to periodontal surgery (step 3 of periodontal therapy). The results of the present study do not support the adjunctive use of systemic metronidazole to periodontal surgery.