Changes in Dickkopf-1, but Not Sclerostin, in Gingival Crevicular Fluid Are Associated with Peroral Statin Treatment in Patients with Periodontitis.

Background and Objectives: Periodontitis is marked by the destruction of alveolar bone. Sclerostin (SOST) and dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) act as inhibitors of the Wingless-type (Wnt) signaling pathway, a key regulator of bone metabolism. Recent studies have suggested that statins play a role in bone resorption and formation by influencing Wnt signaling. The aim of this study was to determine the levels of SOST and DKK-1 in periodontal patients with and without peroral statins treatment in their therapy. Materials and Methods: A total of 79 patients with diagnosed periodontitis were divided into two groups: 39 patients on statin therapy (SP group) and 40 patients without statin therapy as a control group (P group). The periodontal clinical examination probing (pocket) depth (PD) and gingival recession (GR) were measured, and approximal plaque was detected, while vertical and horizontal bone resorption was measured using a panoramic radiograph image. Clinical attachment loss (CAL) values were calculated using PD and GR values. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected and used for measuring SOST and DKK-1 levels. A questionnaire was used to assess lifestyle habits and statin intake. Patients' medical records were used to obtain biochemical parameters. Results: There was no significant difference in sclerostin concentration between the SP and P group. DKK-1 values were significantly higher in the SP group compared to the control group (p = 0.04). Also, PD (p = 0.001) and GR (p = 0.03) were significantly higher in the SP group. The level of DKK-1 had a positive relationship with the PD, the greater the PD, the higher the level of DKK-1 (Rho = 0.350), while there was no significant association with other parameters. Conclusions: Peroral statins in periodontal patients are associated with GCF levels of DKK-1 but not with sclerostin levels.

Effectiveness of internet-based nursing interventions for the treatment of patients with periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis, one of the most common oral diseases, is a chronic inflammatory condition occur in response to bacterial plaque biofilms. Plaque control and oral hygiene instructions are the most widely used and effective nonsurgical treatment for periodontitis, which is based on a partnership between patient and clinician and requires a life-long commitment. The objective of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of internet-based nursing interventions for the treatment of patients with periodontitis. The findings from this study may help to enhance the therapeutic outcomes for patients with periodontitis. METHODS: A total of 80 patients with periodontitis treated in Zhejiang Province Stomatology hospital from December 2021 to January 2023 were randomly selected and divided into control group and intervention group with 40 cases each. The control group was given routine oral health guidance and the intervention group received internet based nursing intervention. The periodontal pocket depth, percentage of periodontal pocket depth (PD) ≥ 4 mm, bleeding on probing (BOP)%, and self-efficacy scale for oral health care (SESS) were assessed and compared at four time points: initial visit, 6-8-weeks follow-up, 3-months follow-up, and 6-months follow-up. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender, initial visit PD, initial visit PD ≥ 4 mm (%), initial visit BOP (%), and initial visit SESS (P > 0.05). The intervention group showed a significantly decreased percentage of PD ≥ 4 mm at 6-8 weeks and 6-months follow-up compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The PD, BOP%, and SESS scores of the intervention group were significantly better than those of the control group at 6-months follow-up (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in patient satisfaction between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed that the internet-based nursing intervention in conjunction with periodontal treatment was able to improve the periodontal pocket depth, gingival bleeding and the level of self-efficacy of patients, suggesting that it is necessary to carry out the extended oral hygiene instructions via internet-based platforms for the patients in clinical practice.

Association of active oxygen-releasing gel and photodynamic therapy in the treatment of residual periodontal pockets in type 2 diabetic patients: A randomized controlled clinical study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of active oxygen-releasing gel as an adjuvant, with and without antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), in the treatment of residual pockets in periodontal patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). METHODS: Patients with residual pockets with probing depth (PD) ≥4 mm and bleeding on probing (BOP) were divided into the following groups: SI (n = 17)-subgingival instrumentation in a single session; BM (n = 17)-SI followed by local application of active oxygen-releasing gel inside the periodontal pocket for 3 min; BM + aPDT (n = 17)-SI followed by application of BM for 3 min and pocket irrigation with methylene blue, and 660-nm diode laser irradiation at 100 mW for 50 s. The periodontal clinical parameters, serum levels of glycated hemoglobin, and immunological analysis of crevicular fluid were evaluated. All data were submitted to statistical analysis (α = 5%). RESULTS: A significant reduction in BOP was verified at 90 and 180 days in the BM + aPDT group. The percentage of sites with PD ≥ 4 mm was significantly reduced at 90 days in BM + aPDT and BM, whereas after 180 days only BM showed a significant reduction. In the BM + aPDT group, there was a significant reduction in tumor necrosis factor α levels at 90 days. There were no differences between the treatments. CONCLUSION: The use of adjuvant active oxygen-releasing gel, with or without aPDT, resulted in the same clinical benefits as SI in the treatment of residual pockets in poorly controlled DM2 patients.

MicroRNA-155 (miR-155) as an accurate biomarker of periodontal status and coronary heart disease severity: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence supports associations between periodontal disease and coronary heart disease (CHD). This case-control study evaluated whether inflammatory regulator, microRNA-155 (miR-155), could be utilised as a biomarker of periodontitis and/or CHD. METHODS: Of 120 participants, 30 patients had clinically healthy periodontium (controls, C), 30 patients had generalized periodontitis (P), 30 patients had CHD and clinically healthy periodontium (AS-C); and 30 patients had CHD with generalized periodontitis (AS-P). Patient demographic and periodontal characteristics (plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment loss), were collected. Patient whole blood and saliva levels of miR-155 and pro-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-1ß), were quantified by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). One-way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey test was used to determine differences among the four groups. Chi Square test was used for participant gender comparisons. Pearson correlation tests and multiple linear regression analyses were used to assess associations between the demographic and clinical variables analysed, versus IL-1ß and miR-155 levels. miR-155 and IL-1ß accuracy in differentiating healthy versus other patient groups were analysed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, by calculating area under the curve (AUC) values and sensitivity and specificity cut-off points using Youden's index. Statistical tests of sensitivity and specificity were conducted using the McNemar test. RESULTS: Whole blood miR-155 levels were elevated in periodontitis/non-periodontitis patients with CHD (AS-P, AS-C), and periodontitis patients alone (P) (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under the curve (AUC) analyses confirmed miR-155 accuracy in discriminating P, AS-C and AS-P groups (AUC 0.6861-0.9944, p < 0.0001-0.05), coupled with high sensitivity (76.7-100.0%), specificity (53.3-96.7%) and cut-off points (> 0.955- > 2.915 a.u.; p < 0.0001). miR-155 levels further distinguished between CHD (AS-C, AS-P) and periodontitis (P) patients (AUC ≥ 0.8378, sensitivity ≥ 88.7%, specificity ≥ 73.3%, cut-off > 2.82 a.u; p < 0.0001), and between AS-C and AS-P patients (AUC 0.7578, sensitivity 80.0%, specificity 50.0%, cut-off > 7.065 a.u; p < 0.001). Subsequent analyses identified positive correlations between miR-155 and the various patient demographics, salivary interleukin-1ß and periodontal parameters assessed. CONCLUSIONS: This study advocates miR-155 as an accurate diagnostic/prognostic biomarker of periodontitis and/or CHD severity, thereby improving detection and treatment for both conditions.

Quantification and comparison of salivary neutrophils in periodontal health and disease.

Background: Neutrophils continuously migrate into the oral cavity from various sources like gingival crevicular fluid and saliva both in health and in inflammation. The migration of the neutrophils into the various tissues and into the oral cavity occurs when the host microbial interplay tips the balance favoring the initiation of the inflammatory and immune reactions which depending on the amount of the microbial load results in the development of acute and chronic infections in the susceptible host. Aim: The present study was designed to quantify and compare the oral salivary neutrophil levels in patients with gingivitis and chronic and aggressive periodontitis as well as in healthy controls, before and after scaling and root planing (SRP) and to compare the difference within the selected study groups. Materials and Methods: Forty subjects were classified into four groups, that is, healthy controls, gingivitis, and chronic and aggressive periodontitis. Oral rinse samples were collected using Hank's balanced salt solution from each patient before and after phase I periodontal therapy. Cells in the rinse samples were stained with Acridine orange, and neutrophil counts were carried out using a fluorescence microscope and a hemocytometer. Results: Baseline oral salivary neutrophil levels were maximum in the chronic periodontitis group followed by the aggressive group and then the gingivitis group. Oral salivary neutrophil levels also positively correlated to probing pocket depth, plaque index, calculus index, and gingival index in all four study groups. Maximum reduction in the oral salivary neutrophil levels after phase I periodontal therapy was seen in the gingivitis group. Conclusion: From our study, we conclude that the oral salivary neutrophil levels decreased significantly after SRP. Estimation of changes in the oral salivary neutrophil levels has the potential to aid in monitoring treatment outcomes. Thus, it suggests that it could be used as a simple, noninvasive laboratory technique to monitor the periodontal status and disease progression.

Distribution and influencing factors on residual pockets of the teeth in patients with periodontitis following non-surgical periodontal treatment: a retrospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis is a chronic and multi-factorial infectious disease. A notable difference exists in the prognosis of patients with severe periodontitis after non-surgical periodontal treatment. Thus, a retrospective study was conducted to identify common and specific factors that impact the prognosis of patients with periodontitis stage III-IV following non-surgical periodontal treatment at different tooth sites. METHODS: A total of 977 teeth were included in the study, comprising 266 patients diagnosed with periodontitis stage III-IV. This sample included 330 anterior teeth, 362 maxillary posterior teeth, and 285 mandibular posterior teeth. Following treatment, the teeth were categorized into two groups based on residual pocket depth [probing depth (PD) ≥ 5 mm] at 3 months post-treatment. The prognosis of periodontitis stage III-IV was assessed through multivariate analysis employing logistic regression to determine the association of various risk factors. RESULTS: The PD values of each site and the deepest PD values of each tooth significantly decreased at 3 months post-treatment. Residual pockets were predominantly found in the mesio/disto-buccal and mesio/disto-lingual regions. Multivariate analysis revealed that gender, PD, sulcus bleeding index (SBI) and plaque index (PLI) at baseline, and crown-root ratio in anterior teeth had a significant influence on periodontitis stage III-IV (P < 0.05). Smoking, PD, PLI and furcation involvement (FI) at baseline, PLI at 3 months post-treatment, grades of periodontitis, and crown-root ratio were prediction factors for maxillary posterior teeth. Factors such as PD, PLI and FI at baseline, PLI at 3 months post-treatment, and crown-root were significant in mandibular posterior teeth. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of non-surgical treatment varies depending on the tooth positions for patients with periodontitis stage III-IV. Dentists must accurately identify the affected teeth that have periodontal pockets of more than 5 mm, taking into consideration the positions of the affected teeth, as well as various local and systemic factors. This comprehensive assessment will enable dentists to develop a customized and effective treatment plan.

Systemic inflammatory markers following adjunctive Nd:YAG (1064 nm) laser irradiation to step 2 of periodontal therapy: a 12-month, randomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of adjunctive Nd:YAG (1064 nm) laser irradiation to full-mouth scaling and root planing (FM-SRP) may offer additional benefit in the systemic inflammatory status of the patient, as depicted in a variety of systemic biomarkers over FM-SRP alone, up to 12 months after treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 otherwise healthy stage III/IV periodontal patients were equally distributed in 3 groups. The control group received FM-SRP. In laser A group, 1 week after FM-SRP, Nd:YAG laser irradiation was delivered in periodontal pockets with PD ≥ 4 mm using specific settings (3 W, 150 mJ, 20 Hz, 100 µs). In laser B group Nd:YAG laser irradiation was delivered twice, 1 week after FM-SRP and 1 week later with different settings compared to laser A (2 W, 200 mJ, 10 Hz, 100 µs). RESULTS: A significant reduction (p = 0.038) of IL-1ß serum levels at the 6-month time point was observed for laser A group. IL-6 was found statistically significantly increased (p = 0.011) in the control group at the 6-week time point, whereas no difference was reported for the laser-treated groups (laser A, laser B). CONCLUSIONS: The adjunctive use of Nd:YAG laser irradiation, prevented from IL-6 increase after FM-SRP, 6 weeks after treatment. Similarly, Nd:YAG laser irradiation (3 W, 150 mJ, 20 Hz,100 µs) was associated with significantly lower IL-1ß levels, 6 months post-operatively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Additional Nd:YAG laser application to FM-SRP may provide a potential beneficial effect on systemic inflammation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN26692900. REGISTRATION DATE: 09/06/2022.

Pocket closure after repeated subgingival instrumentation: a stress test to the EFP guideline for stage III-IV periodontitis.

OBJECTIVES: To study the effects of one or two repeated subgingival instrumentations (RSI) in achieving the endpoints of therapy (EoT) in open pockets [residual probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥ 6 mm and PPD 4-5 mm with bleeding on probing (BoP)] after steps I-II of therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients (3,552 total sites; 1,450 open pockets) with stage III-IV periodontitis received steps I-II of periodontal therapy and were re-evaluated after 4-6 weeks (T1). Residual pockets received RSI at T1 and at 3 months (T2). EoT (PPD < 4 or PPD < 6 BoP-) rate at T1, T2 and 6 months (T3) was computed. The number of needed surgeries and treatment costs were calculated. RESULTS: At T1, 67.6% of open pockets achieved EoT. At residual PPD ≥ 6 mm at T1 (n = 172), one and two RSI resulted in 33.1% and 45.9% of EoT at T2 and T3, respectively. At residual PPD 4-5 mm with BoP at T1 (n = 298), one and two RSI resulted in 66.8% and 72.1% of EoT at T2 and T3, respectively. PPD at T1 predicted EoT after RSI in both cases, while tooth type only in residual PPD 4-5 mm BoP + . At T1, mean number of surgeries per patient and associated costs were significantly higher than after one/two RSI. CONCLUSIONS: RSI may achieve EoT in residual PPD 4-5 mm BoP + and PPD ≥ 6 mm in a considerable number of cases. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings may support the administration of one/two cycles of RSI prior to surgical approach. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identification number: NCT04826926.

Tratamento de periodontite estágio III localizado grau C em um indivíduo fumante: um relato de caso / Treatment of periodontitis stage III localized grade C in smoker individual: a case report

Objetivo: A periodontite é uma doença infecto-inflamatória que acomete os tecidos de inserção periodontal, e ser fumante representa um risco modificável significativo para todos os graus da doença. Ainda, indivíduos fumantes apresentam uma resposta inflamatória alterada quando comparados a não fumantes. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste estudo foi reportar um relato de caso de tratamento periodontal de paciente fumante pesado. Relato de caso: O paciente DRS, sexo masculino, 22 anos, foi encaminhado à Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (UFPel) com a queixa principal de necessidade de "realização de uma limpeza dentária". Na anamnese, relatou fumar 20 cigarros ao dia, há 7 anos (7 maços-ano). Na consulta inicial, foi encontrado índice de placa visível (IPV) de 100% e índice de sangramento gengival (ISG) de 66,67%. Foi encontrado cálculo supragengival como fator retentivo de placa (FRP) em 46,30% dos sítios. Estabeleceu-se o diagnóstico de periodontite estágio III localizado grau C. Os exames periodontais foram realizados por um único pesquisador calibrado e optou-se pelo tratamento periodontal não cirúrgico. Ao exame de 12 meses, o paciente apresentou IPV de 23,45% e ISG de 22,83%. Houve ausência de FRP. De uma forma geral, foi possível constatar a diminuição significativa das bolsas periodontais, bem como o ganho significativo de inserção clínica periodontal. Considerações finais: Dessa forma, é possível concluir a efetividade da terapia periodontal não cirúrgica, aliada à manutenção periodontal e instruções de higiene para o tratamento de periodontite estágio III, grau C, em paciente fumante.(AU)

Objective: Periodontitis is an infect-inflammatory diseases that affects the periodontal attachment tissues, and being smoker represents a significant modifiable risk for all degrees of the disease. Moreover, smokers have an altered inflammatory response when compared to non-smokers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to report a case report of periodontal treatment of a heavy smoker. Case report: A patient DRS, male, 22 years old, was referred to the School of Dentistry of the Federal University of Pelotas (UFPel) with the main complaint of the need to "perform a dental cleaning". During the anamnesis, he reported smoking 20 cigarettes a day for 7 years (7 pack-years). In the initial appointment, a visible plaque index (VPI) of 100% and a gingival bleeding index (GBI) of 66.67% were found. Supragingival calculus was found as a plaque retentive factor (PRF) in 46.30% of the sites. The diagnosis of periodontitis stage III localized grade C was established. Periodontal examinations were performed by a single calibrated researcher and non-surgical periodontal treatment was chosen. At the 12-month appointment, the patient had an VPI of 23.45% and an GBI of 22.83%. There was absence of PRF. In general, it was possible to observe a significant decrease in periodontal pockets, as well as a significant gain in periodontal clinical attachment. Final considerations: Thus, it is possible to conclude the effectiveness of non-surgical periodontal therapy, combined with periodontal maintenance and hygiene instructions for the treatment of periodontitis stage III localized grade C in a smoker.(AU)

Characterization of the soft-tissue wall lining residual periodontal pockets and implications in periodontal wound healing.

AIM: To characterize the soft-tissue wall of remaining periodontal pockets for wound healing-related parameters versus healthy gingival crevices in the same individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gingival tissues collected from the diseased interface of pockets (GT biopsies) and from healthy gingival crevices (G biopsies) were subjected to RT2-profiler PCR Array for wound healing-related markers and network analysis of differentially expressed genes. Lymphangiogenesis-related gene expression was determined by qRT-PCR. The migration potential of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from GT biopsies (GT-MSCs) and G biopsies (G-MSCs) was evaluated by the scratch- and the transwell migration assays. The total collagen protein content was determined in GT-MSCs and G-MSCs homogenates. RESULTS: Gene-ontology analysis on significantly upregulated genes expressed in GT biopsies revealed enrichment of several genes involved in processes related to matrix remodeling, collagen deposition, and integrin signaling. No significantly expressed genes were seen in G biopsies. Regarding lymphangiogenesis-related genes, GT biopsies demonstrated greater expression for PROX1 than G biopsies (p = 0.05). Lower migration potential (p < 0.001), yet greater production of collagen protein (p = 0.05), was found for GT-MSCs over G-MSCs. CONCLUSION: Differential expression patterns of various molecular pathways in biopsies and cell cultures of diseased versus healthy gingival tissues indicate a potential of the former for tissue remodeling and repair. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In the course of periodontitis, granulation tissue is formed within a periodontal defect in an attempt to reconstruct the site. Following treatment procedures periodontal granulation tissue remains inflamed but appears to retain healing potential.

The Influence of Fixed Dental Prostheses on the Expression of Inflammatory Markers and Periodontal Status-Narrative Review.

A dental prosthesis will only be successful if the restoration lasts for a long period and does not cause any illness. The presence of permanent prosthetic restorations has been linked to an increased risk of periodontal infections, according to a large body of research that has been gathered. When chronic inflammation is brought on by fixed prosthetic constructions, both cellular and noncellular immunity are activated as adaptive immune mechanisms. It has previously been stated that both clinically adequate and inadequate restorations might cause gingival inflammation. Areas surrounding the abutment teeth presented periodontal pockets, attachment loss, congestion, bleeding on probing, and gingival hyperplasia after fixed restorations were removed. The depth of pockets, bleeding on probing, and bone loss are all closely correlated with disease's severity and IL-1ß concentration in gingival crevicular fluid; IL-1ß shows higher values in disease sites than in healthy ones. hs-CRP and TNF-α blood levels showed a considerable reduction one day after fixed restorations were applied, in comparison with the pre-treatment values. Collaboration between prosthodontists and periodontists is essential for a good treatment outcome since it will increase the restoration's lifespan, enhance periodontal health, and improve the quality of life for dental patients.

Deep learning improves prediction of periodontal therapy effectiveness in Chinese patients.

THE OBJECTIVE: This study aims to propose a new model to predict the specific treatment effectiveness at site level by analyzing massive amounts of periodontal clinical data with deep learning methods. THE BACKGROUND DATA DISCUSSING THE PRESENT STATUS OF THE FIELD: In light of the low accuracy of current tools, the proposed models cannot fully meet the needs of clinical effectiveness prediction and cannot be applied to on site level prognosis development and formulation of specific treatment plan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Periodontal examination data of 9273 Chinese patients were extracted and used to propose a Sequence-to-Sequence model after performing data management and reconstruction. The model was optimized by introducing the Attention mechanism. RESULTS: In the test set, the model obtained an average site-level probing depth (PD) accuracy (defined as the proportion of sites with <1 mm deviation of the predicted result from the true value) of 92.4% and high sensitivity (98.6%) for the pocket closure variable. For sites with baseline PD <5 mm, the model achieved a prediction accuracy of 94.6%, while it decreased to 79.9% at sites with PD ≥5 mm. In contrast, for teeth with initial mean PD ≥5 mm, the prediction accuracy significantly differed between molars and non-molars. CONCLUSION: Our model is the first to predict the site-level effectiveness with high accuracy and sensitivity. Future prediction models should incorporate deep learning for improved clinical prediction.

Adjunctive Nd:YAG laser irradiation in the treatment of stage III/IV periodontitis: a 12-month, randomized, controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the adjunctive use of Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) to full-mouth scaling and root planning (FMS), in stage III/IV periodontitis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty stage III/IV periodontitis patients were randomly assigned to three groups. The control group received FMS, laser 1 group received combined FMS/single Nd:YAG laser irradiation (3 W, 150 mJ, 20 Hz,100 µs), and laser 2 group received combined FMS/double Nd:YAG laser irradiation with 1-week interval (2.0 W, 200 mJ, 10 Hz, 100 µs). PD, CAL, FMPS, GI, FMBS, and GR were evaluated at baseline, 6 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated 1 week after treatment. RESULTS: A significant improvement (p < 0.001) for all clinical parameters was observed during the entire study period, with the exception of mean CAL gain for the laser 2 group at 12 months. The percentage of pockets ≤ 4 mm was significantly higher compared to baseline for all groups throughout the study, with no inter-group differences at any time point. Patient-reported analgesic consumption was higher for laser 1 group. CONCLUSIONS: The adjunctive use of Nd:YAG laser irradiation was similarly effective to FMS alone, during the entire study period. A slightly higher, though not statistically significant improvement was reported for PD at 6 and 12 months after a single post-FMS application of Nd:YAG laser for pocket epithelium removal and coagulation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Additional Nd:YAG laser application for sulcular epithelium removal and coagulation may provide minor long-term improvements compared to FMS or laser irradiation for pocket disinfection and detoxification. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN26692900. Registration date: 09/06/2022.

Radiographic angle width as predictor of clinical outcomes following regenerative periodontal therapy with enamel matrix derivative: a retrospective cohort study with a mean follow-up of at least 10 years.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the association between the baseline radiographic defect angle and the long-term clinical outcomes following periodontal regenerative therapy with enamel matrix derivative (EMD). METHOD AND MATERIALS: Baseline periapical radiographs obtained from a cohort of patients treated with periodontal regenerative therapy were digitized and the radiographic angle width between the root surface and the bony wall of the adjacent intraosseous defect was calculated and reported (in degrees). Changes in pocket probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were assessed and reported (in mm). Clinical outcomes were evaluated at baseline (T0), 6 months following therapy (T1), and at the latest follow-up (T2). RESULTS: Thirty-eight defects in 26 patients enrolled in supportive periodontal care for a mean period of 10.4 years (range 8.0 to 15.5 years) were available for analysis. The mean PD change between T0 and T2 was 2.33 ± 1.66 mm at teeth with a defect angle width < 20 degrees and 0.86 ± 1.66 mm at teeth with a defect angle width > 30 degrees (P = .021). When the baseline radiographic angle width was < 20 degrees the probability of obtaining a CAL gain > 3 mm was 1.5-times higher (95% CI 0.19 to 13.8) at T1 and 2.5-times higher (95% CI 0.40 to 15.6) at T2 compared with defects with a radiographic angle width > 30 degrees. CONCLUSION: Within their limitations, these results indicate that pretherapeutic measurement of the radiographic defect angle width might provide relevant information on the short-/long-term clinical outcomes following regenerative periodontal therapy with EMD.

Toll-like receptor-4 activation by subgingival biofilm and periodontal treatment response.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to investigate longitudinally the activation of Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) by subgingival biofilm samples before and after nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty periodontitis patients received NSPT and were reviewed 3 and 6 months post-treatment. Subgingival biofilm was sampled from 4 teeth per patient, at baseline and each follow-up time point. TLR-4 activation was determined using the HEK-BLUE™/hTLR4 system. Changes in TLR-4 activation and probing pocket depths (PPDs) were evaluated using generalised linear models, and the association between TLR-4 activation and pocket reduction (defined as 6-month PPDs ≤ 3mm) was determined using generalised estimating equations. RESULTS: At 6 months, the mean TLR-4 activation by subgingival biofilm samples was significantly reduced from 11.2AU (95%CI 7.1AU, 15.4AU) to 3.6AU (95%CI 2.3AU, 4.8AU, p < 0.001), paralleling significant reductions in mean PPDs at sampled sites. The response to NSPT was associated with longitudinal TLR-4 activation profiles, with significantly higher TLR-4 activation by subgingival biofilm obtained from sites that did not achieve pocket reduction, compared to sites at which pocket reduction was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: The activation of TLR-4 by subgingival biofilm samples was reduced after NSPT, and this reduction was significantly associated with the clinical improvements (PPD reductions) at sampled sites. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study demonstrated an association between the longitudinal profile of TLR-4 activation by subgingival biofilm and periodontal treatment response. Longitudinal monitoring of TLR-4 activation by subgingival biofilm may potentially identify non-responsive sites, enabling targeted additional treatment.

Different application procedures of Nd:YAG laser as an adjunct to scaling and root planning in smokers with stage III grade C periodontitis: a single-blind, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether different Nd:YAG laser applications as an adjunct to scaling and root planning (SRP) improve the healing response to periodontal therapy in smokers with periodontitis. METHODS: This clinical trial included eighty systemically healthy smokers with periodontitis. Patients were randomly allocated to a treatment group: SRP alone (group 1), SRP+low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with Nd:YAG laser (group 2), SRP+pocket debridement with ND:YAG laser (group 3), and SRP+combined pocket debridement and LLLT with Nd:YAG laser (group 4). Gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (%), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded, and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples for metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) levels were collected at baseline, 1 month and 3 months after treatment. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the treatment groups for the GI, PI, and BOP (%) parameters and MMP-8 levels at any time points (p > 0.05). For moderately deep pockets, PD and CAL reductions were significantly greater in all test groups compared to group 1 (p ˂ 0.05). For deep pockets, these reductions were significantly greater in group 2 and group 4 compared to group 1 (p ˂ 0.05). PD and CAL reductions were generally similar between test groups (p > 0.05) except PD reduction between baseline and 3 months in deep pockets (p ˂ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this clinical trial suggest that Nd:YAG laser applications may be beneficial on the healing response of smokers to non-surgical therapy compared to SRP alone.

Subgingival host-microbiome metatranscriptomic changes following scaling and root planing in grade II/III periodontitis.

AIM: To assess the effects of scaling and root planing (SRP) on the dynamics of gene expression by the host and the microbiome in subgingival plaque samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen periodontitis patients were closely monitored in the absence of periodontal treatment for 12 months. During this period, comprehensive periodontal examination and subgingival biofilm sample collection were performed bi-monthly. After 12 months, clinical attachment level (CAL) data were compiled and analysed using linear mixed models (LMM) fitted to longitudinal CAL measurements for each tooth site. LMM classified the sites as stable (S), progressing (P), or fluctuating (F). After the 12-month visit, subjects received SRP, and at 15 months they received comprehensive examination and supportive periodontal therapy. Those procedures were repeated at the 18-month visit, when patients were also sampled. Each patient contributed with one S, one P, and one F site collected at the 12- and 18-month visits. Samples were analysed using Dual RNA-Sequencing to capture host and bacterial transcriptomes simultaneously. RESULTS: Microbiome and host response behaviour were specific to the site's progression classification (i.e., S, P, or F). Microbial profiles of pre- and post-treatment samples exhibited specific microbiome changes, with progressing sites showing the most significant changes. Among them, Porphyromonas gingivalis was reduced after treatment, while Fusobacterium nucleatum showed an increase in proportion. Transcriptome analysis of the host response showed that interleukin (IL)-17, TNF signalling pathways, and neutrophil extracellular trap formation were the primary immune response activities impacted by periodontal treatment. CONCLUSIONS: SRP resulted in a significant "rewiring" of host and microbial activities in the progressing sites, while restructuring of the microbiome was minor in stable and fluctuating sites.

Impact of serum vitamin D levels on periodontal healing outcomes: A preliminary cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluated the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and periodontal healing outcomes in patients with mild or moderate periodontitis. METHODS: Serum vitamin D levels and periodontal pockets and gingival bleeding were evaluated in 51 patients before and 6 months after non-surgical periodontal treatment. A t-test and chi-square test were used to analyse the data (p ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: The mean reduction of periodontal pocket depth was statistically significant higher in patients with vitamin D ≥30 ng/ml than those with <30 ng/ml (CI = -0.23-0.42, p = 0.05), but not clinically significant. Vitamin D level was not associated with the percentage of sites of gingival bleeding on probing at the final evaluation (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.17-1.99, p = 0.39). CONCLUSION: Lower serum vitamin D level was associated with a slightly reduced periodontal healing after non-surgical periodontal therapy, which should be further investigated in a larger population.

Periodontal maintenance: individual patient responses and discontinuations.

AIM: There is a lack of data on long-term impact of different psychological variables on periodontitis. Aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of psychological factors in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP; according to the 1999 Classification of Periodontal Diseases) to explain adherence to or discontinuation of supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) in a university setting. METHODS: A sample of n = 119 patients were examined in a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional survey. All patients had received active periodontal treatment (APT) and were reevaluated in a university setting (Kiel) before 2016 [T1: start SPT]. Patients who showed sufficient adherence to SPT of ≥ 2 years (maximum ± 6 months of deviation between SPT intervals, last visit and questionnaire at T2) were assigned to the adherence group (AG: n = 58), or, if they interrupted SPT or stopped treatment altogether, to the non-adherence group (NAG: n = 61). In addition to dental parameters, we assessed socio-demographic, treatment-related (critical attitudes/complaints), dental as well as psychological variables (especially psychological attachment, but also dental fear, patient participation style, personality functioning) and examined between-group differences as well as possible mediating factors of non-adherence to treatment continuation. RESULTS: For both groups we found similar average observation time (NAG/AG: 15.9(8.9)/14.9(10.6)years). There were significant differences in age, critical attitudes, dental fear, and patient participation style between the groups. With the help of exploratory sequential mediation models, we found a significant indirect pathway of the impact of attachment anxiety on discontinuation of treatment mediated through dental fear and number of critical attitudes/complaints. CONCLUSION: Considering the limitations, dentists should be aware of personality-related risk-factors such as attachment anxiety as well as their interplay with levels of dental fear and critical attitudes which may influence adherence to SPT. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The clinical trial was retrospectively registered in the DRKS-German Clinical Trials Register ( https://www.drks.de ) with registration DRKS00030092 (26/08/2022).

Effect of Full Veneer Crown on Periodontal Health in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients.

Both periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus (DM) are important public health issues. Compared to the non-diabetic counterparts, diabetic patients more often suffer from dental problems, sometimes requiring fixed-dental prosthesis. Gingival inflammation and other forms of periodontal disease are the common complications of the dental prosthesis. This prospective comparative experimental study was intended to compare the outcome of the periodontal health after placement of full veneer crown in diabetic and non-diabetic patients in the Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Bangladesh from April 2018 to March 2019. This study involved consecutive 53 diabetic and 53 non-diabetic adult patients of either sex, undergoing treatment with full veneer crown in either maxillary or mandibular posterior teeth with healthy periodontal tissue. The outcome variables were: plaque index, gingival index, periodontal pocket depth, and bleeding on probing, at baseline, 3 months and 6 months post-procedure. Gingival index in the diabetic group reached from 0 at baseline to nearly 0.1 at 3 months which then steeply reached to 0.2 at 6 months interval, whereas the same index in the non-diabetic group reached from 0 at baseline to 0.009 at 3 months and 0.04 at 6 months interval. Plaque index of diabetic patients increased from 0 at baseline to 0.5 at 3- and 6-months interval, whereas the plaque index of non-diabetic patients increased to 0.4 at 3 months and then decreased again 0.3 at 6 months interval (p<0.001). Periodontal pocket depth of diabetic group increased from 1.0mm at baseline to 1.2 and 1.5mm at 3 and 6 months respectively, while the same measure in the non-diabetic group increased to 1.1 and 1.3mm at 3 and 6 months respectively (p<0.001). Bleeding on probing index in the diabetic group reached sharply to 1.5 at 3 months from 0 at baseline and then it reached 2.3 at 6 months, whereas the same index in non-diabetic group reached 1.1 and 1.6 at 3 and 6 months respectively (p<0.001). Periodontal health outcome of full veener crown in diabetic patients is adversely affected compared to that in non-diabetic patients.