The survival of periodontally treated molars in long-term maintenance: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the survival of periodontally treated molars during maintenance care and identify the risk factors associated with molar loss among patients with periodontitis who received professional periodontal therapy and maintenance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Longitudinal studies with a minimum follow-up duration of 5 years published until 28 August 2023 were retrieved from the following databases: the Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE and Web of Science. All included studies reported data on molar retention. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4. A modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the study quality. Statistical results of analyses of the overall survival rate and molar loss are presented as estimated standardized mean differences, whereas the results of the analyses of risk factors are presented as risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). RESULTS: From among the 1323 potentially eligible reports, 41 studies (5584 patients, 29,908 molars retained at the beginning of maintenance therapy, mean follow-up duration of 14.7 years) were included. The pooled survival rate of the molars during maintenance therapy was 82% (95% CI: 80%-84%). The average loss of molars was 0.05 per patient per year (95% CI: 0.04-0.06) among the patients receiving long-term periodontal maintenance (PM) therapy. Fifteen factors were examined in this meta-analysis. Six patient-related factors (older age, lack of compliance, smoking, bruxism, diabetes and lack of private insurance) and five tooth-related factors (maxillary location, high probing pocket depth, furcation involvement, higher mobility and lack of pulpal vitality) were identified as risk factors for molar loss during maintenance therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study suggest that the long-term retention of periodontally compromised molars can be achieved. The average number of molars lost per decade was <1 among the patients receiving long-term PM therapy. Older age, noncompliance, smoking, bruxism, diabetes, lack of private insurance coverage, maxillary location, furcation involvement, higher mobility, increase in the probing pocket depth and loss of pulpal vitality are strong risk factors for the long-term prognosis of molars.

[Clinical diagnosis and treatment of furcation involvement].

Furcation involvement (FI) is the lesion and destruction of periodontium that spread to the root furcation of multi-root teeth, where periodontal pockets, loss of periodontal attachment and resorption of alveolar bone are formed. Furcation involvement is a common concomitant lesion of periodontitis. The severity of furcation involvement can directly affect the prognosis of periodontitis. However, the specificity of the anatomical structure of the root furcation greatly increases the difficulty of treatment. Therefore, early detection and treatment of furcation involvement is crucial for the prevention and control of periodontitis. This paper briefly describes the pathogenesis of furcation involvement and discusses the diagnosis, classification and treatment of this disease, which is helpful to improve the clinical diagnosis and treatment of furcation involvement.

Efficacy of treatment of class II furcation lesions using membrane associated with bone grafting in mandibular molars compared to membrane only: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Eficacia del tratamiento de lesiones de furca grado II utilizando membrana asociada con injerto óseo en molares mandibulares en comparación con solamente membrana: revisión sistemática y metanálisis

Objective: The objective of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare treatment with membrane associated with bone grafting and treatment exclusively with membrane in the approach of Class II furcation defects in mandibular molars. Materials and Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement was followed. Searches were conducted in five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Ovid, and Lilacs), in Septem-ber 2021, without restriction regarding publication year or language. Studies comparing membranes associated with bone grafting and membranes exclusively in the treatment of Class II furcation lesions were included. Cross-sectional, case-control studies, and reviews were excluded. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment (MINORS) were performed by two review authors. The certainty of the evidence (GRADE) was evaluated and meta-analysis was performed. Mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were provided. Results: Four hundred eighty-six references were iden-tified and four studies were included. Greater reduction in probing depth [MD = 0.32 (CI = 0.09, 0.56)] and greater clinical attachment level gain [MD = 0.41 (CI = 0.24, 0.57)] were observed when membrane and bone grafting were used. The risk of bias of included studies was low. Conclusions: This present systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrated that treatment of Class II furcation defects in mandibular molars using membrane and bone grafing is significantly more efficacious than treatment with the exclusive use of membrane.

Objetivo: El objetivo de la presente revisión sistemática y metanálisis fue comparar el tratamiento con membrana asociado a injerto óseo y el tratamiento exclusivamente con membrana en el abordaje de lesiones de furca grado II en molares mandibulares. Materiales y Métodos: Se siguió la declaración de elementos de informe preferidos para revisiones sistemáticas y metanálisis (PRISMA). Las búsquedas se realizaron en cinco bases de datos (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Ovid y Lilacs), en septiembre de 2021, sin restricción de año de publicación o idioma. Se incluyeron estudios que compararon membranas asociadas con injertos óseos y membranas exclusivamente en el tratamiento de lesiones de furca de grado II. Se excluyeron los estudios transversales, de casos y controles y las revisiones. Dos revisores realizaron la selección de estudios, la extracción de datos y la evaluación del riesgo de sesgo (MINORS). Se evaluó la certeza de la evidencia (GRADE) y se realizó un metanálisis. Se proporcionaron la diferencia de medias (DM) y el intervalo de confianza (IC) del 95%. Resultados: Se identificaron 486 referencias y se incluyeron cuatro estudios. Se observó una mayor reducción en la profundidad de sondaje [DM = 0,32 (IC = 0,09, 0,56)] y una mayor ganancia en el nivel de inserción clínica [DM = 0,41 (IC= 0,24, 0,57)] cuando se utilizaron injertos de membrana y hueso. El riesgo de sesgo de los estudios incluidos fue bajo. Conclusión: La presente revisión sistemática y metanálisis demostró que el tratamiento de los defectos de furca de grado II en molares mandibulares utilizando membrana e injertos de hueso es significativamente más eficaz que el tratamiento con el uso exclusivo de membrana.

Clinical diagnosis and treatment of furcation involvement / 中华口腔医学杂志

Furcation involvement (FI) is the lesion and destruction of periodontium that spread to the root furcation of multi-root teeth, where periodontal pockets, loss of periodontal attachment and resorption of alveolar bone are formed. Furcation involvement is a common concomitant lesion of periodontitis. The severity of furcation involvement can directly affect the prognosis of periodontitis. However, the specificity of the anatomical structure of the root furcation greatly increases the difficulty of treatment. Therefore, early detection and treatment of furcation involvement is crucial for the prevention and control of periodontitis. This paper briefly describes the pathogenesis of furcation involvement and discusses the diagnosis, classification and treatment of this disease, which is helpful to improve the clinical diagnosis and treatment of furcation involvement.

Furcation-involved molar teeth - part 2: management and prognosis.

Furcation-involved molars are a common presentation in general dental practice. Teeth with increasing degrees of furcation involvement are at a higher risk of requiring extraction. This second article reviews management and prognosis of furcation-involved molar teeth. An improved understanding of how to appropriately manage these teeth can result in improved outcomes for patients.

Cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel with or without a collagen matrix in the treatment of class III furcation defects: A histologic and histomorphometric study in dogs.

AIM: To histologically evaluate the effects of cross-linked hyaluronic acid (xHyA) with or without a collagen matrix (CM) on periodontal wound healing/regeneration in class III furcation defects in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Class III furcation defects were surgically created in the mandibular premolars in six beagle dogs. The defects were randomly treated as follows: open flap debridement (OFD) + CM (CM), OFD + xHyA (xHyA), OFD + xHyA + CM (xHyA/CM) and OFD alone (OFD). At 10 weeks, the animals were euthanized for histological evaluation. RESULTS: The newly formed bone areas in the xHyA (4.04 ± 1.51 mm2 ) and xHyA/CM (4.32 ± 1.14 mm2 ) groups were larger than those in the OFD (3.25 ± 0.81 mm2 ) and CM (3.31 ± 2.26 mm2 ) groups. The xHyA (6.25 ± 1.45 mm) and xHyA/CM (6.40 ± 1.35 mm) groups yielded statistically significantly (p < .05) greater formation of new connective tissue attachment (i.e., new cementum, with inserting connective tissue fibres) compared with the OFD (1.47 ± 0.85 mm) group. No significant differences were observed in any of the histomorphometric parameters between the xHyA and xHyA/CM groups. Complete furcation closure was not observed in any of the four treatment modalities. CONCLUSIONS: Within their limits, the present results suggest that the use of xHyA with or without CM positively influences periodontal wound healing in surgically created, acute-type class III furcation defects.

Diagnosis and Management of Furcation Lesions in Dogs - A Review.

The furcation is the anatomic area where the roots divide on a multirooted tooth. Periodontal disease causing alveolar bone loss can lead to furcation lesions of various stages. Once furcation involvement has occurred, the area can be more difficult to clean or treat due to the complex anatomy and morphology of furcations. Teeth with short root trunks, longer tooth roots, and roots with wide furcation entrance areas/degrees of separation and wide root divergence are considered better candidates for long term maintenance. Dog teeth possess many of these advantageous anatomic features compared to human teeth. Treatment options for teeth with furcation lesions include: closed debridement, open debridement, furcation plasty, tunneling, partial tooth or root resection, root separation (hemisection or trisection), regenerative therapies, or exodontia. There are many factors to consider in determining treatment options. The favorable and unfavorable characteristics for maintenance of teeth with furcation lesions are summarized. Home care and ongoing professional care are important aspects of periodontal disease control for any patient. Studies of systemic and local antibiotic therapies in human patients have not demonstrated reduction of furcation stages, and probiotic effects at furcation sites have not been specifically examined. Human review studies show that most molar teeth once deemed "hopeless" due to stage 3 furcation lesions can be maintained for at least 5 to 15 years with supportive periodontal therapy. Similar long term studies in dogs are needed to improve the evidence-based management of canine patients with furcation lesions.

The loss of molars in supportive periodontal care: A 10-year follow-up for tooth- and patient-related factors.

AIM: To determine the impact of the degree of furcation involvement (FI) on the longevity of molar teeth and assess the risk variables (tooth- and patient-related factors) associated with the loss of molars (LM) in individuals treated for periodontitis and monitored in a private programme of supportive periodontal care (SPC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present retrospective cohort study included 222 individuals with 1329 molars under a 10-year monitoring period in SPC. Periodontal clinical parameters, FI, the type of molar, pulp vitality, and other variables of interest were collected at approximately 50 days after active periodontal therapy and after 10 years. The association of tooth- and patient-related factors with LM was assessed using a multilevel Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Two-hundred and thirty-five molars were extracted during the SPC period of 12.4 ± 1.9 years. Age >50 years, male gender, diabetes, smoking, and non-compliance were identified as relevant patient-related factors for LM during SPC (p < .05). Significant tooth-related factors for LM were bleeding on probing (BoP) and probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm, tooth non-vitality, and class II and III FI (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Class III FI, tooth non-vitality, higher mean PD and BoP, age, male gender, diabetes, and smoking all strongly influenced the prognosis of molars during SPC.

Development of a prognostic tool: based on risk factors for tooth loss after active periodontal therapy.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop a prognostic tool to estimate long-term tooth retention in periodontitis patients at the beginning of active periodontal therapy (APT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Tooth-related factors (type, location, bone loss (BL), infrabony defects, furcation involvement (FI), abutment status), and patient-related factors (age, gender, smoking, diabetes, plaque control record) were investigated in patients who had completed APT 10 years before. Descriptive analysis was performed, and a generalized linear-mixed model-tree was used to identify predictors for the main outcome variable tooth loss. To evaluate goodness-of-fit, the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated using cross-validation. A bootstrap approach was used to robustly identify risk factors while avoiding overfitting. RESULTS: Only a small percentage of teeth was lost during 10 years of supportive periodontal therapy (SPT; 0.15/year/patient). The risk factors abutment function, diabetes, and the risk indicator BL, FI, and age (≤ 61 vs. > 61) were identified to predict tooth loss. The prediction model reached an AUC of 0.77. CONCLUSION: This quantitative prognostic model supports data-driven decision-making while establishing a treatment plan in periodontitis patients. In light of this, the presented prognostic tool may be of supporting value. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In daily clinical practice, a quantitative prognostic tool may support dentists with data-based decision-making. However, it should be stressed that treatment planning is strongly associated with the patient's wishes and adherence. The tool described here may support establishment of an individual treatment plan for periodontally compromised patients.

Periodontal furcation lesions: A survey of diagnosis and management by general dental practitioners.

AIM: The aim of this study was to explore general dental practitioners' (GDPs) attitude to periodontal furcation involvement (FI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An online survey focused on diagnosis and management of periodontal FI was circulated to GDPs in seven different countries. RESULTS: A total of 400 responses were collected. Nearly a fifth of participants reported rarely or never taking 6-point pocket charts; 65.8% of participants had access to a Nabers probe in their practice. When shown clinical pictures and radiographs of FI-involved molars, the majority of participants correctly diagnosed it. Although 47.1% of participants were very/extremely confident in detecting FI, only 8.9% felt very/extremely confident at treating it. Differences in responses were detected according to country and year of qualification, with a trend towards less interest in periodontal diagnosis and treatment in younger generations. Lack of knowledge of management/referral pathways (reported by 22.8%) and lack of correct equipment were considered the biggest barriers to FI management. Most participants (80.9%) were interested in learning more about FI, ideally face to face followed by online tutorials. CONCLUSIONS: Plans should be put in place to improve general dentists' knowledge and ability to manage FI, as this can have a significant impact on public health.

Long-term prognosis of teeth with class III furcation involvement.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of survival of teeth with class III furcation involvement (FI) ≥5 years after active periodontal treatment (APT) and identification of prognostic factors. METHODS: All charts of patients who completed APT at the Department of Periodontology of Goethe-University Frankfurt, Germany, beginning October 2004 were screened for teeth with class III FI. APT had to be accomplished for ≥5 years. Charts were analysed for data of class III FI teeth at baseline (T0), at accomplishment of APT (T1), and at the last supportive periodontal care (T2). Baseline radiographic bone loss (RBL) and treatment were assessed. RESULTS: One-hundred and sixty patients (age: 54.4 ± 9.8 years; 82 females; 39 active smokers; 9 diabetics, 85 stage III, 75 stage IV, 59 grade B, 101 grade C) presented 265 teeth with class III FI. Ninety-eight teeth (37%) were lost during 110, 78/137 (median, lower/upper quartile) months. Logistic mixed-model regression and mixed Cox proportional hazard model associated adjunctive systemic antibiotics with fewer tooth loss (26% vs. 42%; p = .019/.004) and RBL (p = .014/.024) and mean probing pocket depth (PPD) at T1 (p < .001) with more tooth loss. CONCLUSIONS: Subgingival instrumentation with adjunctive systemic antibiotics favours retention of class III furcation-involved teeth. Baseline RBL and PPD at T1 deteriorate long-term prognosis.

Combined periodontal regeneration of molar severely compromised by furcation, intrabony defects and attachment loss to the apex: a case report / Regeneración periodontal combinada de molar gravemente comprometido por furcación, defectos intraóseos y pérdida de inserción en el ápice: reporte de un caso

Introduction: Clinicians tend to encounter unfavorable situations in the treatment of teeth with severe attachment loss. Periodontal regeneration has been a successful therapeutic approach in treatments that require a long-term prognosis improvement. This case shows the benefits of combined regenerative periodontal therapy in a patient with a molar severely compromised by furcation, intrabony defects and attachment loss to the apex. Case Report: The clinical case included an endo-periodontal, class III furcation and intrabony defects in a generalized periodontitis, Stage III Grade C patient. After non-surgical periodontal treatment and re-evaluation, a full-thickness flap and surgical debridement were performed. Dental root surface was treated with EDTA and enamel matrix derivatives and the defects were filled with allograft and platelet-rich fibrin, additionally a collagen membrane was applied over the graft. After a 12-month follow-up there was a resolution of the intrabony defects and periodontal regeneration. Clinical and radiographic evaluation also showed the partial resolution of the class III furcation defect. Conclusion: Combined periodontal regeneration can be a therapeutic approach to improve the prognosis and prevent the extraction of molars severely compromised by furcation, intrabony defects and attachment loss to the apex.

Introducción: Los clínicos tienden a encontrar situaciones desfavorables en el tratamiento de dientes por pérdida de inserción severa. La regeneración periodontal ha sido un enfoque terapéutico exitoso en tratamientos que requieren una mejora del pronóstico a largo plazo. Este caso demuestra los beneficios de la terapia periodontal regenerativa combinada en un paciente con un molar gravemente comprometido por furcación, defectos intraóseos y por pérdida de inserción hasta el ápice. Reporte de caso: El caso clínico incluyó un defecto endoperiodontal, furcación clase III y defectos intraóseos en una Periodontitis estadio III generalizada grado C. Tras el tratamiento periodontal no quirúrgico y la reevaluación, se realizó un colgajo de espesor total y un desbridamiento quirúrgico. La superficie de la raíz dental se trató con EDTA y derivados de la matriz de esmalte y los defectos se rellenaron con aloinjerto y fibrina rica en plaquetas, adicionalmente se aplicó una membrana de colágeno sobre el injerto. Después de un seguimiento de 12 meses hubo resolución de los defectos intraóseos y regeneración periodontal. La evaluación clínica y radiográfica también mostró la resolución parcial del defecto de furcación de clase III. Conclusión: La regeneración periodontal combinada puede ser un abordaje terapéutico para mejorar el pronóstico y prevenir la extracción de molares severamente comprometidos por furcación, por defectos y hasta el ápice.

Histologic Evaluation of Artificial Floors Under MTA and Nano-Filled Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Used to Repair Furcation Perforations in Dogs.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the tissue reaction of two repair materials for furcation perforations, nano-filled resin modified glass ionomer (Nano-FRMGI) and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), used with or without an artificial floor. Methods: A total of 96 teeth in 6 dogs were used for this study. After access cavities, root canals were prepared and obturated with gutta percha using cold lateral condensation technique. Perforations were then created on the floors of the pulp chambers. The perforations divided into four groups n=24/group that were sealed with MTA alone, MTA with calcium sulphate artificial floor (CSAF), FRMGI alone and Nano-FRMGI with CSAF. All access cavities were filled with composite resin. Two dogs were sacrificed at 1, 3, and 6 month. The experimental tooth along with the surrounding alveolar bone were cut in block sections and histologically evaluated for tissue response. Data were analyzed by Chi-square (P≤0.05). Results: MTA and MTA with CSAF showed more bone and cementum apposition when compared to Nano-FRMGI at 6-month interval. MTA and MTA with CSAF showed less bone resorption, epithelium proliferation and inflammation compared to Nano-FRMGI at 6-month interval. Conclusion: MTA with CSAF or MTA-alone show better outcomes in the repair of pulp chamber floor perforation.

Histologic evidence of periodontal regeneration in furcation defects: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the available histologic evidence on periodontal regeneration in class II and III furcations in animals and humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A protocol including all aspects of a systematic review methodology was developed including definition of the focused question, defined search strategy, study inclusion criteria, determination of outcome measures, screening methods, data extraction and analysis, and data synthesis. The focused question was defined as follows: "What is the regenerative effect obtained by using or not several biomaterials as adjuncts to open flap surgery in the treatment of periodontal furcation defects as evaluated in animal and human histological studies?" SEARCH STRATEGY: Using the MEDLINE database, the literature was searched for articles published up to and including September 2018: combinations of several search terms were applied to identify appropriate studies. Reference lists of review articles and of the included articles in the present review were screened. A hand search of the most important dental journals was also performed. CRITERIA FOR STUDY SELECTION AND INCLUSION: Only articles published in English describing animal and human histological studies evaluating the effect of surgical treatment, with or without the adjunctive use of potentially regenerative materials (i.e., barrier membranes, grafting materials, growth factors/proteins, and combinations thereof) for the treatment of periodontal furcation defects were considered. Only studies reporting a minimum of 8 weeks healing following reconstructive surgery were included. The primary outcome variable was formation of periodontal supporting tissues [e.g., periodontal ligament, root cementum, and alveolar bone, given as linear measurements (in mm) or as a percentage of the instrumented root length (%)] following surgical treatment with or without regenerative materials, as determined histologically/histomorphometrically. Healing type and defect resolution (i.e., complete regeneration, long junctional epithelium, connective tissue attachment, connective tissue adhesion, or osseous repair) were also recorded. RESULTS: In animals, periodontal regeneration was reported in class II and III defects with open flap debridement alone or combined with various types of bone grafts/bone substitues, biological factors, guided tissue regeneration, and different combinations thereof. The use of biological factors and combination approaches provided the best outcomes for class II defects whereas in class III defects, the combination approaches seem to offer the highest regenerative outcomes. In human class II furcations, the best outcomes were obtained with DFDBA combined with rhPDGF-BB and with GTR. In class III furcations, evidence from two case reports indicated very limited to no periodontal regeneration. CONCLUSIONS: Within their limits, the present results suggest that (a) in animals, complete periodontal regeneration has been demonstrated in class II and class III furcation defects, and (b) in humans, the evidence for substantial periodontal regeneration is limited to class II furcations. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: At present, regenerative periodontal surgery represents a valuable treatment option only for human class II furcation defects but not for class III furcations.

Autologous Platelet Concentrates in Treatment of Furcation Defects-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this review was to evaluate the adjunctive effect of autologous platelet concentrates (APCs) for the treatment of furcation defects, in terms of scientific quality of the clinical trials and regeneration parameters assessment. METHODS: A systematic search was carried out in the electronic databases MEDLINE, SCOPUS, CENTRAL (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials), and EMBASE, together with hand searching of relevant journals. Two independent reviewers screened the articles yielded in the initial search and retrieved the full-text version of potentially eligible studies. Relevant data and outcomes were extracted from the included studies. Risk of bias assessment was also carried out. The outcome variables, relative to baseline and post-operative defect characteristics (probing pocket depth (PPD), horizontal and vertical clinical attachment loss (HCAL, VCAL), horizontal and vertical furcation depth (HFD, VFD) were considered for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Ten randomized trials were included in this review. Only one study was judged at high risk of bias, while seven had a low risk, testifying to the good level of the evidence of this review. The meta-analysis showed a favorable effect regarding all outcome variables, for APCs used in adjunct to open flap debridement (p < 0.001). Regarding APCs in adjunct to bone grafting, a significant advantage was found only for HCAL (p < 0.001, mean difference 0.74, 95% CI 0.54, 0.94). The sub-group analysis showed that both platelet-rich fibrin and platelet-rich plasma in adjunct with open flap debridement, yielded significantly favorable results. No meta-analysis was performed for APCs in combination with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) as only one study was found. CONCLUSION: For the treatment of furcation defects APCs may be beneficial as an adjunct to open flap debridement alone and bone grafting, while limited evidence of an effect of APCs when used in combination with GTR was found.

Effect of perforation size and furcal lesion on stress distribution in mandibular molars: a finite element analysis.

AIM: To compare the effect of furcal perforations of various sizes on the biomechanical response of mandibular first molars with or without periodontal bone loss at the furcal region via three-dimensional (3D) finite element analysis (FEA). METHODOLOGY: The 3D geometric basic model was reconstructed from the micro-computed tomographic images of an extracted mandibular first molar. Five different models were constructed from this molar in group 1 as follows: intact molar model, root filled (RCF) model and three models with furcal perforations (1, 2 and 3 mm in diameter) repaired with a calcium silicate-based cement (CSC). In group 2, a lesion simulating bone resorption at the furcal region was modelled on the models in group 1. A force of 200 N was applied to simulate normal occlusal loads. Static linear FEA was performed using the Abaqus software (Abaqus 6.14; ABAQUS Inc., Providence, RI, USA). The maximum principal stresses (Pmax ) and maximum displacement magnitude were evaluated. RESULTS: The range of Pmax values of the models in group 1, from high to low, was as follows: RCF + 3 mm perforation > RCF + 2 mm perforation > RCF + 1 mm perforation > RCF > intact model, and the range of Pmax values of the models in group 2 was as follows: RCF + 3 mm perforation + furcal lesion > RCF + 2 mm perforation + furcal lesion > RCF + 1 mm perforation + furcal lesion > RCF + furcal lesion > intact model + furcal lesion. All of the models in group 2 exhibited lower Pmax values and higher maximum displacement magnitude than their counterparts without lesions in group 1. CONCLUSIONS: The size of the furcal perforation affected the accumulation and distribution of stress within the models. Mandibular molar teeth with large furcal perforations treated with a calcium silicate-based cement may be associated with an increased risk of fracture whether or not accompanied by bone resorption.

[Comparison of clinical values in decision making between cone beam CT and conventional approach in furcation involvement of maxillary molar].

Objective: To compare the use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and conventional approach (clinical probing and periapical radiograph) in assessing furcation involvement (FI) of maxillary molars and making treatment decisions. Methods: Thirty-two subjects were selected from the pool of patients at the Department of Periodontology, Tianjin Stomatology Hospital & Hospital of Stomatology, NanKai University from January 2015 to December 2016. All the patients have a diagnosis of generalized chronic periodontitis. Ninety-five maxillary molar with FI from the radiography database were analysed. Two doctors used conventional approach and CBCT images to assess FI and make treatment decision respectively. If the clinical and radiographic findings did not clearly indicate a distinct periodontal therapy, two treatment options were considered. Results: There was statistical difference of the FI diagnosis between traditional group and CBCT group assessment of the 95 molars (P=0.000). Thirty-five maxillary molars (36.8%, 17 patients) got two treatment recommendations by conventional approach but 7 (7.4%, 5 patients) by CBCT-based approach. When with the less invasive treatment recommendation, there was statistical difference between conventional approach and CBCT-based approach (P=0.001). An agreement was observed in 63.2% (60/95) of the teeth, while in another 29.5% (28/95) the CBCT-based treatment decision was more invasive than the conventional approach. When with the more invasive treatment recommendation, there was also statistical difference between two approaches (P=0.045). An agreement was observed in 86.3% (82/95) of the teeth, while in another 3.2% (3/95) the CBCT-based treatment decision was more invasive than the conventional approach. Conclusions: CBCT images of maxillary molars may provide detailed information of FI and a reliable basis for treatment decision.

One percent alendronate and aloe vera gel local host modulating agents in chronic periodontitis patients with class II furcation defects: A randomized, controlled clinical trial.

AIM: Alendronate (ALN) has antiresorptive and osteostimulative properties. The major component of aloe vera (AV) gel is acemannan, which has been found to have osteogenic properties. The aim of the present study is to explore the effectiveness of 1% ALN and AV gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in chronic periodontitis patients with class II furcation defects. METHODS: Ninety volunteers were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: (a) SRP plus placebo gel; (b) SRP plus 1% ALN gel; and (c) SRP plus AV gel. Clinical and radiographic parameters were recorded at baseline and at 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: The mean probing depth reduction and relative horizontal clinical attachment level (CAL) and relative vertical CAL gains were greater in the ALN group than in the AV and placebo groups at 6 and 12 months. Furthermore, a significantly greater mean percentage of defect depth reduction (DDR) was found in the ALN group (38.09 ± 9.53, 44.86 ± 6.29) than the AV groups (11.94 ± 15.10, 14.59 ± 25.49) at 6 and 12 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: ALN showed significant improvement in all clinical parameters, along with greater DDR, compared to AV in the treatment of class II furcation defects as an adjunct to SRP.

Characterization and evaluation of graphene oxide scaffold for periodontal wound healing of class II furcation defects in dog.

INTRODUCTION: The 3-dimensional scaffold plays a key role in volume and quality of repair tissue in periodontal tissue engineering therapy. We fabricated a novel 3D collagen scaffold containing carbon-based 2-dimensional layered material, named graphene oxide (GO). The aim of this study was to characterize and assess GO scaffold for periodontal tissue healing of class II furcation defects in dog. MATERIALS AND METHODS: GO scaffolds were prepared by coating the surface of a 3D collagen sponge scaffold with GO dispersion. Scaffolds were characterized using cytotoxicity and tissue reactivity tests. In addition, GO scaffold was implanted into dog class II furcation defects and periodontal healing was investigated at 4 weeks postsurgery. RESULTS: GO scaffold exhibited low cytotoxicity and enhanced cellular ingrowth behavior and rat bone forming ability. In addition, GO scaffold stimulated healing of dog class II furcation defects. Periodontal attachment formation, including alveolar bone, periodontal ligament-like tissue, and cementum-like tissue, was significantly increased by GO scaffold implantation, compared with untreated scaffold. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that GO scaffold is biocompatible and possesses excellent bone and periodontal tissue formation ability. Therefore, GO scaffold would be beneficial for periodontal tissue engineering therapy.

Immediate and Delayed Repair of 2 Sizes of Furcal Perforations in Dogs' Teeth Using Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Cement.

INTRODUCTION: This histologic study aimed to measure the morphometric and morphologic changes in periodontal tissue after immediate and delayed mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) repair of 2 sizes of furcal perforations. METHODS: There were 72 premolars from 12 beagle dogs that were divided equally into 4 experimental and 2 control groups (n = 12). Experimental groups included immediate small (0.6 mm in diameter), immediate large (1.8 mm in diameter), delayed (30 days) small, and delayed large furcal perforation MTA repair. The control groups included negative (no furcal perforation) and positive (nonrepaired small and large furcal perforations) controls. After 3 months, tissue blocks were harvested and processed for histologic assessment. Morphometric analysis measured the thickness of periodontal ligaments (average, maximum, and minimum) in millimeters, the area of interest in square millimeters, and the area of healing tissue at the perforation site in square millimeters. Morphologic assessment consisted of 7 parameters for tissue inflammation, resorption, and repair. Histologic assessment was completed by 2 calibrated examiners who were blinded to the study group. RESULTS: Morphometric and morphologic measurements showed no significant difference between immediate and delayed MTA repair of small perforations and the negative control. The average thickness of the periodontal ligaments in delayed large perforations was 0.467 mm, which was significantly different from 0.294 mm in the delayed small perforations repair. The area of healing tissue in the positive control was 0.473 mm2, which was significantly different from 0.311 mm2 in delayed large perforation repair. CONCLUSIONS: Within the study limitations, periodontal tissue responded more favorably to MTA repair of furcal perforation when it was placed in smaller perforations. The time of treatment became more critical as the perforation size increased.