Comparison of the impact of two types of removable partial dentures on the periodontal health of the remaining teeth: A prospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the impact of two removable partial dentures (acrylic removable partial denture [ARPD] and metallic removable partial denture [MRPD]) on periodontal tissues of the remaining teeth in the first 12 months of denture use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective clinical study included 40 patients, of which 20 received ARPDs, 20 received MRPDs, nine in the maxilla, and 11 in the mandible each. The patients were 45-65 years old; 24 were females, and 16 were males. Patients' demographic details, clinical indicators of periodontal complications, and biochemical measurement of Hs-C-reactive protein (CRP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were considered. One-way analysis of covariance and Friedman were used to measure the differences in clinical periodontal parameters between the two types of dentures. RESULTS: The significant findings were: Plaque index (PLAQ) scores for abutment teeth were higher in MRPD wearers (mean = 12.15) than ARPD wearers (mean = 10.45), whereas ARPD users had significantly higher mean bleeding on probing (BOP) values (mean = 1.5) than MRPD users (mean = 0.00); mobility of abutment teeth showed no significant differences; timeline comparisons showed a significant increase in the percentage of nonabutment teeth mobility in ARPD users (p = .028) compared with MRPD users over the same follow-up period (p = .102). CONCLUSIONS: For a short-term period of 1 year, periodontal and mobility parameters have no significant impact on the abutment and nonabutment teeth of ARPD and MRPD users. Moreover, biochemical markers (CRP and ALP) for periodontal inflammation exhibited no significant difference in both types of dentures.

The effect of different bonded retainer wires on tooth mobility immediately after orthodontic treatment.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the immediate influence of four commonly used retainer wires on tooth mobility following orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty patients after orthodontic treatment were assigned to four study groups (n = 20 in each group). Groups were provided with directly bonded fixed retainers-0.0150″ (group A), 0.0175″ (group B), 0.016 × 0.022″ (group C), and 0.0215″ (group D). Tooth mobility was measured using the Periotest device at two times-after removal of fixed appliance (T1) and after bonding of the retainer (T2). Values of tooth mobility, 'Periotest values', were analysed between groups and compared with the physiologic tooth mobility in a control group of untreated patients (n = 65). Kruskal-Wallis H, Mann-Whitney U, Dunn's test, Fisher's exact test, and binary logistic regression tests were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Tooth mobility after orthodontic treatment was significantly increased. While canines remained within normal range of tooth mobility, values for incisors increased on average to the first degree of tooth mobility (slight mobility). Logistic regression analysis identified age as a significant predictor for increased tooth mobility (P = 0.032) with odds ratio 1.065 (95% CI 1.005-1.128), with mobility increasing with age. After bonding of the retainer in all four groups, the tooth mobility was reduced to values which were not significantly different form normal physiological values found in the control group (P > 0.05). There were no differences in the amount of change or in tooth mobility values at T2 between the different types of bonded retainers. LIMITATIONS: Age of subjects in the control group was significantly higher than that in the study groups. An alternation method was used instead of randomization to distribute the four different types of retainers. CONCLUSIONS: All of the retainer wires were able to successfully reduce the increased tooth mobility caused by orthodontic treatment to normal levels. The values of tooth mobility after placement of retainers were within the range of physiologic tooth mobility.

Does exogenous female sex hormone administration affect the rate of tooth movement and root resorption? A systematic review of animal studies.

BACKGROUND: The long-term use of contraceptive methods that contain estrogens, progestogens or combinations of the above among women aged 15 to 49 years is extensive. Both estrogens and progestogens affect bone metabolism. OBJECTIVE: To systematically investigate and appraise the quality of the available evidence from animal studies regarding the impact of exogenous administration of female sex hormones on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement and root resorption. SEARCH METHODS: Search without restriction in seven databases (including grey literature) and hand searching were performed until May 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA: We looked for controlled animal studies investigating the effect from exogenous administration of formulations containing female sex hormones on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement and root resorption. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: After study retrieval and selection, relevant data was extracted, and the risk of bias was assessed using the SYRCLE's Risk of Bias Tool. The quality of available evidence was assessed with the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation. RESULTS: Three studies were identified, all being at unclear risk of bias. Overall, administration of progesterone and the combinations of estradiol with norgestrel and desogestrel were shown to significantly decrease the rate of orthodontic tooth movement when given for longer periods (>3 weeks). Inconsistent information was detected for shorter periods of consumption. Estradiol, with desogestrel use, resulted in less root resorption. The quality of the available evidence was considered to be low. CONCLUSIONS: Exogenous administration of female sex hormones may decelerate in the long term the rate of tooth movement and decrease orthodontically induced root resorption in animals. Until more information becomes available, an orthodontist should be able to identify a patient consuming such substances and understand the potential clinical implications and adverse effects that may arise. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO: CRD42017078208; https://clinicaltrials.gov/.

Granuloma piógeno oral recurrente con pérdida ósea alveolar y movilidad dentaria: Reporte de un caso inusual / Granuloma piogênico oral recorrente com perda óssea alveolar e mobilidade dental: Relato de um caso incomum / Recurrent oral pyogenic granuloma with alveolar bone loss and tooth mobility: report of an unusual case

Resumen El granuloma piógeno oral es una lesión benigna multifactorial, caracterizada por presentarse como un agrandamiento gingival muy vascularizado. Se puede localizar en cualquier área de la cavidad oral, con más frecuencia en la encía marginal vestibular. Se presenta con mayor incidencia en mujeres adultas y en niños varones. No suele comprometer tejido óseo ni dientes y su tratamiento más seguro es la exéresis quirúrgica, siendo el riesgo de recurrencia alto. El objetivo del presente estudio es reportar el caso de una paciente de 9 años de edad, que fue sometida a la exéresis de un granuloma piogénico oral en el hueso maxilar y al año siguiente presentó una recurrencia de la lesión con pérdida ósea alveolar y movilidad de un diente adyacente. Se le realizó una biopsia y un curetaje minucioso, confirmándose el diagnostico de granuloma piogénico oral.

Resumo O granuloma piogênico oral é uma lesão multifatorial benigna, caracterizada por apresentarse como um aumento gengival altamente vascularizado. Pode estar localizado em qualquer área da cavidade oral, mais frequentemente na gengiva marginal vestibular. Ocorre com maior incidência em mulheres adultas e em crianças do sexo masculino. Geralmente não compromete o tecido ósseo ou os dentes e seu tratamento mais seguro é a escisão cirúrgica, sendo alto o risco de recorrência. O objetivo do presente estudo é relatar o caso de uma paciente de 9 anos de idade, submetida a escisão de granuloma piogênico oral no maxilar e no ano seguinte apresentou uma recorrência da lesão com perda óssea alveolar e a mobilidade de umo de seus dentes adjacentes. Uma biópsia e uma curetagem completa foram realizadas, confirmando o diagnóstico de granuloma piogênico oral.

Abstract Oral pyogenic granuloma is a benign multifactorial lesion that appears as a highly vascular gingival enlargement. It can be located anywhere in the oral cavity, most often in the vestibular marginal gingiva. It occurs most frequently in adult women and male children. It does not usually compromise bone tissue or teeth; its safest treatment is surgical excision, with a high recurrence risk. This study aims to report the case of a 9-year-old female patient who underwent oral pyogenic granuloma excision in the maxilla. The following year, she presented a possible lesion recurrence with alveolar bone loss and the mobility of an adjacent tooth. A biopsy and thorough curettage were performed, confirming the diagnosis of oral pyogenic granuloma.

Unusual cause of tooth mobility.

We describe a case of a 71-year-old otherwise healthy man who presented to the dental clinic with the chief complaint of mobility involving his upper left molar teeth. The patient was a febrile, and clinical oral examination revealed localised grade II mobility and absence of gingival swelling, erythema or sinus tract. Orthopantogram revealed a poorly defined radiolucency involving the upper left second and third molar teeth. Surgical exploration of the involved area was performed and revealed the presence of a 'jelly like' brown tissue that fragments easily. Pathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of diffuse large B cell lymphoma.

Evaluation and comparison of stress distribution around periodontally compromised mobile teeth splinted with different materials: Three-dimensional finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: Progressive attachment loss around the teeth because of periodontal disease can result in increased tooth mobility. This adversely affects patient's comfort, function, and esthetics. Periodontal splinting helps in accomplishing stability by redistributing the functional and parafunctional forces. There are various materials that have been used for periodontal splinting. Fiber-reinforced composite, composite resin, and metal-reinforced composite are often used as splinting materials for periodontally compromised teeth. In our study, a comparison was done among these materials for their ability to distribute the stresses at different bone levels in mobile lower incisors splinted together with canines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five patients of age group 25-50 years with Grade 2 and 3 mobile incisors having 40% or more bone loss and firm canines with optimal bone support were selected. From the computed tomography scan of each patient, three models were developed demonstrating splinting of mandibular incisors and canines with metal-reinforced composite, fiber-reinforced composite, and composite resin. So in total, 15 models were developed and each one of them was subjected to vertical and transverse loads of 150 N. Pattern of stress distribution was observed in these models using three-dimensional finite element analysis. RESULTS: After splinting, the stress on the canine increased when bone levels around incisors decreased while stress on incisors reduced. CONCLUSION: Tested splinting materials were successful in stress distribution, and metal-reinforced composite was found to be better than the other splinting materials.

Long-term side effects of sleep apnea treatment with oral appliances: nature, magnitude and predictors of long-term changes.

OBJECTIVES: Oral appliances for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) reduce upper airway collapse by advancing the mandible (OAm) and associated soft tissues. OAm are well tolerated but have side effects, mainly dental movement. It is not yet clear whether there are irreversible skeletal changes associated with treatment. As oral appliance treatment for OSA is a life-long therapy, careful and extended follow-up of patients is required. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the magnitude and progression of the dental and skeletal changes associated with long-term treatment, in addition to determining the predictors of the changes. METHODS: Lateral cephalograms of adults treated for primary snoring or mild to severe OSA with a custom-made titratable OAm for a minimum of eight years were retrospectively studied. The magnitude and rate of progression of any changes over time was determined and initial patient and dental characteristics were investigated as possible predictors of the observed side effects. RESULTS: Records of 62 patients with an average treatment time of 12.6 years (range:8-21 years) were included. Cephalometric analysis revealed significant (p < 0.001) maxillary incisor retroclination (mean of ≈6°) and mandibular incisor proclination (mean of ≈8°) over the observation period. Maxillary incisors demonstrated a constant rate of retroclination -0.5°/year, the rate of mandibular incisors proclination was variable. The number of treatment years was significantly associated with these variables (p < 0.001). A greater body mass index (BMI) and Subspinale, Nasion, Supramentale angle (ANB) were associated with more maxillary and mandibular incisor proclination respectively. Although statistically significant (p < 0.001) skeletal changes were noted over this extended observation period, the difference in the Sella, Nasion, Supramentale point B (SNB) and mandibular plane angles were approximately 1° and were deemed not clinically significant. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the longest observation period to date examining OAm side effects with up to 21 years of follow up for some patients. It confirms that there are significant and progressive dental changes with prolonged OAm use. Conversely, over the same time period skeletal or postural changes were negligible. Additionally, treatment duration was the predictor consistently associated with the magnitude of the observed side effects.

The Importance of Dental Screening Prior to Commencing Anti-Resorptive Therapy for Treatment of Cancer: A Case Report and Discussion.

Osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) can be a serious complication of radiation and anti-resorptive therapies. At present, patients due to undergo radiotherapy are required to have a dental assessment to treat current or anticipated dental disease prior to commencing treatment. However no agreed guidelines are in place for those due to start anti-resorptive therapy for cancer. More patients are now being treated with various drug therapies and new combinations of drugs with unknown long-term effects, with many patients now surviving their disease for longer periods of time. It is important to increase awareness among patients and dental professionals of the possibility of them developing medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) and to put in place effective preventative measures to help to stop such complications developing. CASE REPORT A 52-year-old patient with a complex medical history, including metastatic breast cancer, presented with generalised oral pain and tooth mobility (see Figure 1). The patient developed extensive stage III MRONJ following concurrent use of multiple anti-resorptive therapies for treatment of secondary bone disease. Dental treatment consisted of provision of antibiotics, hydrogen peroxide and chlorhexidine mouthwashes prior to the extraction of symptomatic teeth and the multiple bony sequestra. CONCLUSION Once established, stage III MRONJ can be challenging to manage for both the dental team and for the patient. This case demonstrates the importance of a comprehensive dental examination and need for preventative dental treatment prior to starting anti-resorptive therapy in order to prevent such instances.

Dental implications in Hajdu-Cheney syndrome: A novel case report and review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the molecular genetic etiology of an individual with a dysmorphic face, unusual teeth mobility, and root resorption. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: DNA samples were collected from a trio of family members, and whole-exome sequencing was performed. RESULTS: Mutational analysis revealed a de novo mutation (c.6787C>T) in the last exon of the NOTCH2 gene. This mutation would introduce a premature stop codon [p.(Gln2263*)] and generate a truncated protein without C-terminus, escaping from the nonsense-mediated decay system. Sanger sequencing confirmed that this mutation was generated spontaneously. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we identified a novel nonsense mutation in the last exon of the NOTCH2 gene causing Hajdu-Cheney syndrome. We described the genotype and phenotype correlation and the related dental complications. These results will advance the understanding of the NOTCH2 signaling in periodontitis and root resorption.

Predictors of long-term outcomes in patients undergoing periodontal maintenance.

AIM: This retrospective study aimed to characterize the baseline status of patients following periodontal maintenance, analysing the association between the long-term outcome of these patients, smoking, bruxism, and the main clinical and radiographic variables. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A sample of 174 patients with moderate to severe periodontitis was refined into homogeneous subsamples according to smoking and bruxism and the rate of tooth loss due to periodontal disease (TLPD): 0, 1-2, and >2 teeth. The association and the distribution (χ² test) of the variables within the subsamples were analysed. RESULTS: Smoking and bruxism were significantly associated with higher TLPD rates. Vertical and circumferential bone defects (p < .0001), and abfractions (p < .0001) were associated with bruxism and particularly with bruxism and TLPD >2. Furcation defects (p = .0002), fewer radio-opaque subgingival calculus (χ² p < .0001), a lower mean Gingival index (χ² p = .027), and increased mean recessions >1.5 mm (χ² p = .0026) were associated with smoking and higher TLPD rates. The mean baseline mobility, abfractions, and recessions characterized two basic types of TLPD. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking, bruxism, and routine clinical and radiological parameters can be used to characterize the baseline status of patients with worse outcomes.

Histological evidence that metformin reverses the adverse effects of diabetes on orthodontic tooth movement in rats.

This study evaluated the effects of metformin on orthodontic tooth movement in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Rats were fed a high-fat diet for 4 weeks to induce fat accumulation and insulin resistance, and then injected with a low dose of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg) intraperitoneally to induce type 2 diabetes. An orthodontic appliance was placed in normoglycemic, type 2 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes with metformin-administrated rats. After 14 days, type 2 diabetes rats exhibited greater orthodontic tooth movement and had a higher number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive osteoclasts, stronger cathepsin K expression, and weaker alkaline phosphatase immunostaining than normoglycemic rats. Metformin administration resulted in normalization of osteoclast numbers, cathepsin K immunostaining, and of tooth movement as well as partly recovery of alkaline phosphatase expression in diabetic rats. Metformin also reduced sclerostin expression and improved the immunolocalization of dentin matrix protein 1 in osteocytes of type 2 diabetes rats. These results suggest that metformin administration reversed the adverse effects of diabetes on orthodontic tooth movement.

[Diagnostics of tooth supporting structures]. / Diagnostika sostoyaniya oporno-uderzhivayushchego apparata zubov.

The aim of the study was to assess alveolar bone resorption in patients with periodontal disease and individuals with normal periodontal status and coordinate resorbtion rates with tooth mobility. Tooth mobility was measured in 19 patients with periodontal disease and 17 healthy individuals by two-parametrical periodontometry in two different positions: in equilibrium and after pre-loading. The level of bone resorption was determined by periodontal probe. Previously unknown correlation between tooth mobility and alveolar bone resorption was found out meaning that bone atrophy can be determined by tooth mobility.

[The relationship of molecular genetic markers with clinical signs and risk factors of periodontitis]. / Vzaimosvyaz' molekulyarno-geneticheskikh markerov s klinicheskimi priznakami i faktorami riska razvitiya parodontita.

The study revealed positive correlation between bleeding on probing and teeth loss risk with periodontal hypercolonization by Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia and Treponema denticola. Pathological tooth mobility was associated with hypercolonization by P. intermedia and Tannerella forsythensis. Expression of IL8, TNF-α, MMP8 and MMP9 genes was also assessed in patient groups divided according to the depth of periodontal pockets and-the severity of chronic periodontitis revealing IL8 as positive diagnostic marker.

Post-treatment changes in permanent retention.

OBJECTIVES: While permanent retention is today the method of choice to stabilize orthodontic treatment outcomes, recent studies have increasingly reported posttreatment changes in tooth position during permanent retention. We conducted this study to analyze changes in the anterior mandible, whether the changes follow an underlying movement pattern, and, aiming for a preventive strategy, whether any risk factors could be identified comparing findings with the pretreatment situations. METHODS: We included 30 patients who had worn fixed Twistflex retainers (UK 3-3) extending from canine to canine in the mandible. Casts reflecting the intraoral situations before orthodontic treatment (T0), directly after completion of active therapy (T1), and 6 months later (T2) were scanned and superimposed using Imageware Surfacer software. Posttreatment changes (T2-T1) of tooth position within the retainer block were analyzed on 3D virtual models and were compared to pretreatment (T0) and treatment-related (T1-T0) findings to identify potential risk factors. RESULTS: Almost all analyzed patients revealed three-dimensional changes in tooth position within the retainer block. Comparing these movements, we repeatedly found rotated retainer blocks in labio-oral direction, while the center of rotation was located at the first incisors. This pattern was associated with intercanine expansion and excessive overjet correction during orthodontic treatment. The canines underwent the most pronounced (rotational and translational) movements. CONCLUSIONS: In general permanent lingual retainers are safe but in special clinical cases retainers can induce undesired tooth movement. Risk factors seem to be intercanine expansion and excessive overjet correction during orthodontic treatment. In specific cases an additional retention device might be needed.

Periodontal Regenerative Therapy in Patient with Chronic Periodontitis and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Report.

We report a case of generalized chronic periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus requiring periodontal treatment including regenerative therapy. The patient was a 66-year-old man who presented with the chief complaint of gingival inflammation and mobile teeth in the molar region. He had been being treated for type 2 diabetes mellitus since 1999. His glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level was 7.8%. An initial examination revealed sites with a probing depth of ≥7 mm in the molar region, and radiography revealed angular bone defects in this area. Based on a clinical diagnosis of generalized chronic periodontitis, the patient underwent initial periodontal therapy. An improvement was observed in periodontal conditions on reevaluation, and his HbA1c level showed a reduction to 6.9%. Periodontal regenerative therapy with enamel matrix derivative was then performed on #16, 26, and 27. Following another reevaluation, a removable partial denture was fabricated for #47 and the patient placed on supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). To date, periodontal conditions have remained stable and the patient's HbA1c level has increased to 7.5% during SPT. The results show the importance of collaboration between dentist and physician in managing periodontal and diabetic conditions in such patients.

Alveolar process fractures in the permanent dentition. Part 2. The risk of healing complications in teeth involved in an alveolar process fracture.

AIM: To analyze the risk of pulp canal obliteration (PCO), pulp necrosis (PN), repair-related resorption (RRR), infection-related resorption (IRR), ankylosis-related resorption (ARR), marginal bone loss (MBL), and tooth loss (TL) for teeth involved in an alveolar process fracture and to identify possible risk factors. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 91 patients with 223 traumatized teeth. STATISTICS: The risks of PCO, PN, RRR, IRR, ARR, MBL, and TL were analyzed separately for teeth with immature and mature root development using Kaplan-Meier and Aalen-Johansen methods. Possible risk factors for PN (age, fracture in relation to apex, displacement, gingival injury, degree of repositioning, type of splint, duration of splinting, treatment delay, and antibiotics) were analyzed for mature teeth using Cox regression. The level of significance was 5%. RESULTS: Immature: No severe complications (PN, IRR, ARR, MBL, or TL) were diagnosed during follow up. Mature: Estimated risk after a 10-year follow up: PN: 56% (95% confidence interval (CI): 48.1-63.9), IRR: 2.5% (95% CI: 0-5.1), ARR: 2.1% (95% CI: 0.1-4.1), MBL: 2.4% (95% CI: 0.3-4.4), and TL: 7.8% (95% CI: 0-15.7). The following factors significantly increased the risk of PN in teeth with mature root development: fracture in relation to apex (hazard ratio (HR): 2.6 (95% CI: 0.2 - 5.7), P = 0.01), displacement in the horizontal part of the fracture >2 mm (HR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.1-3.2, P = 0.03), incomplete repositioning (HR: 2.1 (95% CI: 1.3-3.5), P = 0.003), and age >30 years (HR: 2.3 (95% CI: 1.1-4.6), P = 0.02). The type of splint (rigid or flexible), the duration of splinting (more or less than 4 weeks), and the administration of antibiotics did not affect the risk of PN. CONCLUSION: Teeth involved in alveolar process fractures appear, apart from PN, to have a good prognosis. A conservative treatment approach is recommended.

Retrospective study of 100 autotransplanted teeth with complete root formation and subsequent orthodontic treatment.

INTRODUCTION: Autotransplantation has become a major therapeutic option for replacing missing teeth in adult orthodontic patients. However, little systematic information is available about the long-term stability of autotransplanted teeth with complete root formation after the application of an orthodontic force. The objective of this study was to investigate the outcomes of autotransplanted teeth with complete root formation that underwent orthodontic treatment. METHODS: One hundred teeth, autotransplanted in 89 patients, were examined over a mean observation period of 5.8 years. Orthodontic force was applied with nickel-titanium wires 4 to 8 weeks after autotransplantation. Root resorption, ankylosis, mobility, pocket depth, and inflammation at the recipient site were investigated clinically and with radiographs. RESULTS: The survival rate of the autotransplanted teeth was 93.0%. Abnormal findings were found in 29 teeth, including 7 lost teeth, for a success rate of 71.0%. Donor tooth type and occlusal condition of the donor tooth before transplantation were associated with abnormal findings. CONCLUSIONS: The early application of orthodontic force may increase the success rate of autotransplanted teeth, and the type and presurgical occlusal condition of donor teeth affect the success rate.

Periodontitis associated with plasminogen deficiency: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Plasminogen deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disease, which is associated with aggressive periodontitis and gingival enlargement. Previously described treatments of plasminogen deficiency associated periodontitis have shown limited success. This is the first case report indicating a successful therapy approach consisting of a non-surgical supra- and subgingival debridement in combination with an adjunctive systemic antibiotic therapy and a strict supportive periodontal regimen over an observation period of 4 years. CASE PRESENTATION: The intraoral examination of a 17-year-old Turkish female with severe plasminogen deficiency revealed generalized increased pocket probing depths ranging from 6 to 9 mm, bleeding on probing over 30%, generalized tooth mobility, and gingival hyperplasia. Alveolar bone loss ranged from 30% to 50%. Clinical attachment loss corresponded to pocket probing depths. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens and Eikenella corrodens have been detected by realtime polymerase chain reaction. Periodontal treatment consisted of full mouth disinfection and adjunctive systemic administration of amoxicillin (500 mg tid) and metronidazole (400 mg tid). A strict supportive periodontal therapy regimen every three month in terms of supra- and subgingival debridement was rendered. The reported therapy has significantly improved periodontal health and arrested disease progression. Intraoral examination at the end of the observation period 3.5 years after non-surgical periodontal therapy showed generalized decreased pocket probing depths ranging from 1 to 6 mm, bleeding on probing lower 30%, and tooth mobility class I and II. Furthermore, microbiological analysis shows the absence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia and Treponema denticola after therapy. CONCLUSION: Adjunctive antibiotic treatment may alter the oral microbiome and thus, the inflammatory response of periodontal disease associated to plasminogen deficiency and diminishes the risk of pseudomembrane formation and progressive attachment loss. This case report indicates that patients with plasminogen deficiency may benefit from non-surgical periodontal treatment in combination with an adjunctive antibiotic therapy and a strict supportive periodontal therapy regimen.

Missing upper incisors: a retrospective study of orthodontic space closure versus implant.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the esthetic, periodontal, and functional outcomes of orthodontic space closure versus implant substitution in patients with missing maxillary incisors 5 years after completion of treatment. METHODS: The study group consisted of ten patients treated with orthodontic space closure (six males, four females, mean age 19 ± 2.1 years at the completion of treatment) and ten patients treated with implant insertion (five males, five females, mean age 20 ± 1.4 years at the time of implant insertion). Tooth mobility, plaque index, probing depth, infraocclusion, open gingival embrasure (black triangle), and temporomandibular joint function were recorded at the 5.6 years follow-up. Self-perceived dental esthetic appearance was also evaluated through a visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaire. T-test was used to evaluate the data. RESULTS: All patients were equally satisfied with the appearance of their teeth 5.6 ± 0.4 years after the completion of treatment. No statistically significant differences were found in relation to the VAS scores of the subjects (P < 0.857). No significant differences were found in tooth mobility, plaque index (P < 0.632), and the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders. However, significant infraocclusion was noticed in all implant patients (P < 0.001). Probing depth was also significantly higher in implant patients (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontic space closure and implant of missing maxillary incisors produced similar, well-accepted esthetic results. None of the treatments impaired temporomandibular joint function. Nevertheless, infraocclusion was evident in implant patients. Space closure patients also showed better periodontal health in comparison with implant patients.