Changes in the alveolar bone morphology among different patterns of incisor inclination during the alignment phase in orthodontic treatment without premolar extraction.

OBJECTIVE: The present study investigated bone remodelling in the upper and lower incisor regions depending on the inclination pattern during the alignment phase of orthodontic treatment (OT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective clinical study included 71 patients undergoing OT without premolar extraction. Cone beam computed tomography scans were taken before and after the alignment phase and the changes in the inclination, alveolar bone height (ABH) and bone thickness (BT) at levels 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 9 mm starting from the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) were determined. RESULTS: Teeth were divided into 'Retroinclination' (lingual crown inclination <0°), 'Proclination-low' (buccal crown inclination between 0° and 5°), or 'Proclination-high' (buccal crown inclination >5°). The alignment phase of OT resulted in ABH loss. The highest ABH loss in the maxilla was observed on the buccal side in the 'Proclination-high' and was 0.71 mm. ABH loss by 1.1 mm was observed in the mandible on the lingual side in the 'Retroinclination' group. The most significant changes in BT by up to 2 mm were observed at levels 6, 8 and 9 mm and these changes exhibited a moderate to strong correlation with the alterations in the inclination of individual incisors. At levels 2, 3 and 4 mm, the highest decrease in BT by up to 0.83 mm was observed on the palatal side of upper incisors in the 'Proclination-high' group. CONCLUSION: The direction and amount of tooth inclination partially determine changes in the bone parameters during the alignment phase.

Accuracy of an autonomous dental implant robotic system in partial edentulism: A pilot clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: Robots are increasingly being used for surgical procedures in various specialties. However, information about the accuracy of robot-assisted dental implant surgery is lacking. This pilot clinical study aimed to investigate the accuracy of an autonomous dental implant robotic (ADIR) system in partially edentulous cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The ADIR system was used to place a total of 20 implants in 13 participants. Implant deviation from the planned positions was assessed to determine accuracy. The entry, apex, and angular deviations were described as means ± standard deviation. A two-sample t test was used to compare implant deviation between the flap and flapless groups and between maxillary and mandibular implants (α = .05). RESULTS: The entry, apex, and angular deviations were 0.65 ± 0.32 mm, 0.66 ± 0.34 mm, and 1.52 ± 1.01°, respectively, with no statistically significant difference between the flap and flapless approaches (P > .05). No adverse events were encountered in any of the participants. CONCLUSIONS: DIR accuracy in this clinical series was comparable to that reported for static and dynamic computer-assisted implant surgery. Robotic computer-assisted implant surgery may be useful for dental implant placement, potentially improving the quality and safety of the procedure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The findings of this study showed that the ADIR system could be useful for dental implant surgery.

Periodontitis-induced oral microbiome alterations provide clues on how periodontitis exacerbates colitis.

AIM: To evaluate whether and how microbiota-derived metabolites associated with periodontitis aggravate colitis in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A mouse model of periodontitis and colitis was constructed. Unbiased transcriptomic analyses of the colon were performed to explore important pathways through which periodontitis exacerbated colitis. Oral and gut bacteria were analysed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to observe the alterations of oral and gut metabolites. Isolated intestinal lamina propria lymphocytes were analysed by flow cytometry. Inflammasome pathway was detected using qRT-PCR, Western blotting or ELISA. RESULTS: Periodontitis activated the colonic inflammasome pathway and altered the gut microbial composition and metabolite profiles in mice with colitis. Notably, periodontitis induced increase of the faecal metabolite isoleucine (Ile) which was synthesized by microbiota and plants. Moreover, periodontitis upregulated the Ile levels in saliva, but not in serum, indicating that Ile might be an oral pathobiont-synthesizing metabolite that transited from the oral cavity to the gut. Ile triggered the inflammasome pathway, upregulated the number of inflammatory IL-1ßhigh MHCIIhigh Ly6Chigh monocytes in colonic lamina propria, and exacerbated colitis. Further studies found that the Ile metabolite acetyl-coenzyme A positively regulated NLRP3 inflammasome by KAT5-mediated acetylation of NLRP3. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that alteration in periodontitis-induced microbial metabolites deteriorated colitis in a mouse model and that this was associated with Ile production.

The effect of combination treatment of CO2-laser irradiation and tetracalcium phosphate/dicalcium phosphate anhydrate on dentinal tubules blockage: an in vitro study.

The aim of this study was the evaluation of the in vitro efficacy of a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, a tetracalcium phosphate/dicalcium phosphate anhydrate (TP/DP) desensitizer and the combination of the desensitizer and additional CO2 laser irradiation as a treatment modality for cervical dentin hypersensitivity. A total of 48 dental specimens, prepared from extracted human premolars and molars, were divided into four groups: a control group, a TP/DP desensitizer paste group, a CO2 laser (10.600-nm wavelength) group, and a paste and laser group. The specimens were coated with nail varnish except in the marked area and were then immersed in 2% methylene blue dye for 1 h. The specimens were then washed, dried, and cut longitudinally. Thereafter, photos of 40 dentin specimens were taken and evaluated. The area of penetration was assessed and reported as percentage of the dentin surface area. Additionally eight dental specimens were examined with the aid of a scanning electron microscope and evaluated. Significant differences in the penetration depth were found for all experimental groups compared to the control group. The lowest penetration area was detected in the paste-laser group (16.5%), followed by the laser (23.7%), the paste (48.5%), and the control group (86.2%). The combined treatment of the CO2 laser and a TP/DP desensitizer was efficient in sealing the dentinal surface and could be a treatment option for cervical dentin hypersensitivity.

A novel approach for gingiva thickness measurements around lower anterior teeth by means of dental magnetic resonance imaging.

OBJECTIVE: This diagnostic accuracy study aims to present the first measurements of gingiva thickness around lower anterior teeth using dental magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to compare these measurements with two established methods: (1) gingival phenotype assessment via periodontal probing, and (2) the superimposition of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans with intraoral scans of teeth and gums. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients with substantial orthodontic treatment need and anterior mandibular crowding were consecutively included in this clinical case series. After periodontal probing, each patient underwent a CBCT scan, an intraoral scan of the mandible, and an MRI investigation using a novel mandibula 15-channel dental coil. RESULTS: The mean gingiva thickness was 0.72 mm measured on MRI and 0.97 mm measured on CBCT, with a mean difference between the measurement methods of 0.17 ± 0.27 mm (p < 0.001). Measurement agreement between the index tests (MRI and CBCT) and the clinical reference standard (probing) yielded an overall percent agreement of 64.94% and 47.02% for MRI and CBCT, respectively. Teeth with thin phenotypes were associated with lower soft tissue dimensions in both free (MRI: 0.56 mm vs. CBCT: 0.79 mm) and supracrestal gingiva (MRI: 0.75 mm vs. CBCT: 1.03 mm) when compared to those with thick phenotypes. However, only the measurements obtained from MRI scans showed statistically significant differences between the two phenotypes. CONCLUSION: Dental MRI successfully visualizes delicate structures like the gingiva in the anterior mandible and achieves a high correlation with superimposed CBCT scans, with clinically acceptable deviations. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The present study helps to establish dental MRI as a radiation-free alternative to conventional radiographic methods.

Effects of customized CAD/CAM abutments on cytokine levels in peri-implant crevicular fluid during early implant healing: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess levels of biomarkers associated with inflammation and tissue destruction in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) of implants provided with customized or standard healing abutments during early implant healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty implants were placed in 22 patients with partial posterior edentulism. Subsequently, test group implants (n=15) received one-piece titanium abutments that were fabricated using computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Control group implants (n=15) were provided with standard abutments. PICF collection and standardized periapical radiographs were carried out at suture removal one week later, following crown delivery after 3 months and at 6 months. Expression of C-reactive protein (CRP), interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12A, IL-17A, macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, osteopontin, osteoactivin, Receptor Activator of NF-κB (RANK), and TGF-ß were analyzed using a multiplex ELISA kit. RESULTS: Both groups showed a significant decrease in protein expression of CRP, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, MIP-1α, osteopontin, osteoactivin, and TGF-ß, while MMP-13 levels increased during the observation period. A rise in OPG and RANK levels was detected among customized abutments. Expression of CRP was higher, whereas IL-1ß, IL-1α, and MIP-1α were decreased in control compared to test group implants after 6 months. Marginal bone loss did not depend on abutment modality. CONCLUSIONS: Both abutment types showed distinctive temporal expression of inflammatory biomarkers during 6 months following implant placement. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN98477184, registration date 18/05/2022 CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Customized healing abutments exert similar effects on inflammation during early implant healing compared to standard healing abutments.

Effects of enamel matrix derivative in nonsurgical periodontal therapy on pro-inflammatory profiles, microbial environment and clinical outcome: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) application following subgingival instrumentation of residual pockets in periodontitis patients on inflammatory host response, microbiological composition, and clinical outcome. METHODS: In this double-blinded randomized controlled trial, a total of 22 patients with generalized periodontitis stage III or IV presenting with ≥ 6 mm probing pocket depth (PPD) at re-evaluation after initial periodontal therapy were included. Participants were randomly allocated at a 1:1 ratio to subgingival instrumentation with (EMD +) or without (EMD-) non-surgical EMD application into the pocket. PPD, clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BoP), plaque index (PI), as well as a panel of pro-inflammatory cytokines and periodontal pathogen count in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of the respective sites were evaluated at baseline (T0) and six months afterwards (T1). RESULTS: Both treatment groups showed a significant PPD reduction (EMD + 1.33 ± 1.15 mm, p < 0.001; EMD- 1.32 ± 1.01 mm, p < 0.001) as well as CAL gain (EMD + 1.13 ± 1.58 mm, p < 0.001; EMD- 0.47 ± 1.06 mm, p = 0.005) from T0 to T1. While no intergroup differences for PPD reduction were observed, CAL gain was higher in EMD + sites compared to EMD- (p = 0.009). No essential effects on cytokine expression as well as bacterial count were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Application of EMD as an adjunct to subgingival instrumentation of residual pockets yielded benefits regarding CAL gain; however, effects on PPD reduction, inflammatory cytokines, and bacterial count were negligible. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04449393), registration date 26/06/2020. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Based on the obtained results, additional non-surgical EMD application compared to subgingival instrumentation alone showed no clinically relevant effects on treatment outcome and underlying biological mechanisms.

The effect of occlusal disharmony on a chronic stress-induced animal model of gut microbiota dysbiosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chronic stress (CS) is closely related to intestinal health. Occlusal disharmony (OD) is a risk factor for hypersensitivity to novel stress, and the relationship between OD and the intestinal system with or without other chronic stresses remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether OD affects the gut microbiota and the intestinal barrier in a CS-exposed animal model. METHODS: OD was induced by making a 0.5-mm-thick incision on the right maxillary molar. CS involved exposure to one stressor per day for 35 days. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into an untreated control group and OD-, CS- and OD + CS-treated groups. The behavioural tests, serum corticosterone level, gut microbiota composition and tight junction protein expression in colon tissue were measured on the 56th day to elucidate the effect of OD on animals under CS. RESULTS: Significant differences in performance on behavioural tests and serum corticosterone concentrations were observed on day 56 in the OD + CS group compared with the control group. Exposure to occlusal disharmony or chronic stress resulted in a change in the composition of the gut microbiota of rats. Differences in the expression of the tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1 and junctional adhesion molecule-A were observed in colon tissue from the OD + CS group compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that the significant changes in performance on behavioural tests, serum corticosterone concentrations and microbiota dysbiosis and tight junction protein levels induced by OD with CS may indicate that OD is a potential factor promoting gut microbiota dysbiosis.

Anti-apoptotic effects of human gingival mesenchymal stromal cells on polymorphonuclear leucocytes.

OBJECTIVES: Polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) constitute the first line of host defence and are crucial in maintaining periodontal health. Their survival and function are modulated by mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) from different origin. Gingival MSCs (GMSCs) play an important role in maintaining oral health and in the initial inflammatory response. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of GMSCs on PMNs apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. METHODS: PMNs were either directly incubated with untreated, interleukin (IL)-1ß- or tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α-treated GMSCs or stimulated with their conditioned media. Resulting ROS production was evaluated by dichlorofluorescin diacetate staining, whereas PMNs apoptosis was assessed by Annexin V staining, followed by flow cytometry analysis. RESULTS: While conditioned media of untreated and TNF-α-treated GMSCs did not affect apoptosis of PMNs, it was significantly delayed by conditioned media of GMSCs treated with IL-1ß. In direct co-culture, GMSCs exerted anti-apoptotic effects on PMNs independently of the previous stimulation. However, the strongest impact was observed by IL-1ß-treated GMSCs. ROS production of PMNs was not influenced by GMSCs or their conditioned media. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates for the first time the immunomodulatory properties of GMSCs towards PMNs, revealing that IL-1ß enhances anti-apoptotic effects of GMSCs.

Cyclic tensile strain affects the response of human periodontal ligament stromal cells to tumor necrosis factor-α.

OBJECTIVES: Orthodontic treatment in adult patients predisposed to mild or severe periodontal disease is challenging for orthodontists. Orthodontic malpractice or hyper-occlusal forces may aggravate periodontitis-induced destruction of periodontal tissues, but the specific mechanism remains unknown. In the present study, the combined effect of mechanical stress and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α on the inflammatory response in human periodontal ligament stromal cells (hPDLSCs) was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: hPDLSCs from 5 healthy donors were treated with TNF-α and/or subjected to cyclic tensile strain (CTS) of 6% or 12% elongation with 0.1 Hz for 6- and 24 h. The gene expression of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and cell adhesion molecules VCAM and ICAM was analyzed by qPCR. The protein levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in conditioned media was measured by ELISA. The surface expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 was quantified by immunostaining followed by flow cytometry analysis. RESULTS: TNF-α-induced IL-6 gene and protein expression was inhibited by CTS, whereas TNF-α-induced IL-8 expression was decreased at mRNA expression level but enhanced at the protein level in a magnitude-dependent manner. CTS downregulated the gene expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 under TNF-α stimulation, but the downregulation of the surface expression analyzed by flow cytometry was observed chiefly for VCAM-1. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that mechanical force differentially regulates TNF-α-induced expression of inflammatory mediators and adhesion molecules at the early stage of force application. The effect of cyclic tensile strain is complex and could be either anti-inflammatory or pro-inflammatory depending on the type of pro-inflammatory mediators and force magnitude. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Orthodontic forces regulate the inflammatory mediators of periodontitis. The underlying mechanism may have significant implications for future strategies of combined periodontal and orthodontic treatment.

Effect of Titanium and Zirconia Nanoparticles on Human Gingival Mesenchymal Stromal Cells.

Nano- and microparticles are currently being discussed as potential risk factors for peri-implant disease. In the present study, we compared the responses of human gingival mesenchymal stromal cells (hG-MSCs) on titanium and zirconia nanoparticles (<100 nm) in the absence and presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The primary hG-MSCs were treated with titanium and zirconia nanoparticles in concentrations up to 2.000 µg/mL for 24 h, 72 h, and 168 h. Additionally, the cells were treated with different nanoparticles (25−100 µg/mL) in the presence of P. gingivalis LPS for 24 h. The cell proliferation and viability assay and live−dead and focal adhesion stainings were performed, and the expression levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 were measured. The cell proliferation and viability were inhibited by the titanium (>1000 µg/mL) but not the zirconia nanoparticles, which was accompanied by enhanced apoptosis. Both types of nanoparticles (>25 µg/mL) induced the significant expression of IL-8 in gingival MSCs, and a slightly higher effect was observed for titanium nanoparticles. Both nanoparticles substantially enhanced the P. gingivalis LPS-induced IL-8 production; a higher effect was observed for zirconia nanoparticles. The production of inflammatory mediators by hG-MSCs is affected by the nanoparticles. This effect depends on the nanoparticle material and the presence of inflammatory stimuli.

Effect of vitamin D3 on the osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stromal cells under inflammatory conditions.

OBJECTIVES: Vitamin D3 is known to activate osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stromal cells (hPDLSCs). Recently, inflammatory stimuli were shown to inhibit the transcriptional activity of hPDLSCs, but their effect on vitamin D3 -induced osteogenic differentiation is not known. The present study aimed to investigate whether the effects of 1,25-dihydroxvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2 D3 ) and 25-hydroxvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3 ) on the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs are also altered under inflammatory conditions. Furthermore, the expression of osteogenesis-related factors by hPDLSCs under osteogenic conditions was assessed in the presence of inflammatory stimuli. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary hPDLSCs of six donors were cultured in osteogenic induction medium containing either 1,25(OH)2 D3 (0-10 nM) or 25(OH)D3 (0-100 nM) in the presence and absence of Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or Pam3CSK4 for 7, 14 and 21 days. Osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs was evaluated by analysis of mineralization as assessed by Alizarin Red S staining and gene expression levels of osteogenesis-related factors osteocalcin, osteopontin and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) were analysed with qPCR. RESULTS: Treatment with 1,25(OH)2 D3 significantly enhanced the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs and their expression of osteocalcin and osteopontin. The 1,25(OH)2 D3 -triggered expression of osteogenesis-related factors was significantly lower in the presence of Pam3CSK4, but not P. gingivalis LPS. None of the inflammatory stimuli had significant effects on the 1,25(OH)2 D3 -induced osteogenic differentiation. 25(OH)D3 neither affected gene expression levels nor osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs cultured in osteogenic induction medium. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that inflammatory stimuli also diminish the 1,25(OH)2 D3 -induced expression of osteogenesis-related factors in hPDLSCs under osteogenic conditions, while having no effect on the osteogenic differentiation.

Thermal effects of various drill materials during implant site preparation-Ceramic vs. stainless steel drills: A comparative in vitro study in a standardised bovine bone model.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate thermal effects of ceramic and metal implant drills during implant site preparation using a standardised bovine model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 320 automated intermittent osteotomies of 10- and 16-mm drilling depths were performed using zirconium dioxide-based and stainless steel drills. Various drill diameters (2.0/ 2.2, 2.8, 3.5, 4.2 mm ∅) and different cooling methods (without/ with external saline irrigation) were investigated at room temperature (21 ± 1°C). Temperature changes were recorded in real time using two custom-built multichannel thermoprobes in 1- and 2-mm distance to the osteotomy site. For comparisons, a linear mixed model was estimated. RESULTS: Comparing thermal effects, significantly lower temperatures could be detected with steel-based drills in various drill diameters, regardless of drilling depth or irrigation method. Recorded temperatures for metal drills of all diameters and drilling depths using external irrigation were below the defined critical temperature threshold of 47°C, whereas ceramic drills of smaller diameters reached or exceeded the harmful temperature threshold at 16-mm drilling depths, regardless of whether irrigation was applied or not. The results of this study suggest that the highest temperature changes were not found at the deepest point of the osteotomy site but were observed at subcortical and deeper layers of bone, depending on drill material, drill diameter, drilling depth and irrigation method. CONCLUSIONS: This standardised investigation revealed drill material and geometry to have a substantial impact on heat generation, as well as external irrigation, drilling depth and drill diameter.

Effects of Er:YAG laser irradiation of different titanium surfaces on osteoblast response.

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser irradiation on titanium surface topography and the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts using standard clinical treatment settings. Er:YAG laser irradiation at two levels ((1): 160 mJ, pulse at 20 Hz; (2): 80 mJ, pulse at 20 Hz) was applied to moderately rough and smooth titanium disks before MG-63 osteoblast-like cells were cultured on these surfaces. Titanium surface and cell morphology were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Cell proliferation/viability was measured by CCK-8 test. Gene expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OC), osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL), and collagen type 1 was measured by qPCR, and OPG and OC protein production was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Treatment with Er:YAG laser at 160 mJ/20 Hz markedly caused heat-induced fusion of titanium and cell condensation on moderately rough surfaces, but not in smooth surfaces. MG-63 proliferation/viability decreased after 5 days in moderately rough surfaces. The expression of ALP, OC, OPG, and collagen type 1 was unaffected by laser treatment at 160 mJ/20. Laser irradiation at 80 mJ/20 Hz enhanced RANKL gene expression after 5 days in moderately rough surfaces. Study results suggest that Er:YAG laser irradiation at clinically relevant setting has no essential effect on osteogenic gene and protein expression of osteoblasts. However, surface structure, cell attachment, and proliferation are influenced by both treatment protocols, which implies that caution should be taken in the clinical treatment of peri-implant diseases when Er:YAG laser is used.

Effect of interdental brush design on plaque during nonsurgical periodontal therapy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the interproximal cleaning efficacy of waist-shaped compared with straight soft interdental brushes in patients undergoing nonsurgical periodontal therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients diagnosed with periodontitis stage II or III were scheduled for nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Baseline plaque control record (PCR), modified approximal plaque index (API), papillary bleeding index (PBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were evaluated. Four interdental spaces of equal sizes were determined, and baseline plaque indices (PI) were assessed on eight surfaces of the respective adjacent teeth, resulting in 640 measuring positions. Interdental brushes with a straight or waist-shaped design were randomly allocated to the right or left side, and patients received oral hygiene instructions. Follow-up measurements including PCR, API, PBI, and site-specific PI were performed during initial nonsurgical periodontal therapy sessions and reevaluation which was undertaken 8 weeks afterwards. RESULTS: PCR, API, and PBI decreased significantly compared with baseline at each time point (p < 0.001). PPD (waist-shaped, baseline 4 mm (range, 2-9 mm) vs. reevaluation 3 mm (range, 1-6 mm); p < 0.001; straight, baseline 4 mm (range, 2-10) vs. reevaluation 3 mm (range, 1-6) mm; p < 0.001) and BOP (p = 0.008) showed significant reduction in both groups. Sub-analysis of site-specific areas including line angles and interproximal areas revealed no significant reduction of plaque during the observation period between both brush designs. No difference between straight and waist-shaped brushes regarding PPD or BOP decrease was found. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of both interdental brush designs concerning plaque control in patients undergoing nonsurgical periodontal therapy was similar. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of interdental brushes is essential for biofilm removal in patients during initial periodontal therapy, regardless of brush design. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTNregistry (#ISRCTN24498365), http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN24498365.

Salivary MRP-8/14 and the presence of periodontitis-associated bacteria in children with bonded maxillary expansion treatment.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate changes in saliva concentration of the inflammatory marker MRP-8/14 and the presence of some periodontitis-associated bacteria in patients with mixed dentition treated with a rigid acrylic, bonded maxillary expander. METHODS: Fifteen patients in mixed dentition treated with a bonded palatal expander were enrolled in this longitudinal study. Saliva samples were taken before the therapy, as well as in 2 weeks and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after the beginning of the therapy. In each sample, the levels of MRP-8/14 were determined by ELISA and the presence of 11 bacteria was detected by PCR followed by DNA-DNA hybridization. RESULTS: Salivary concentration of MRP-8/14 and the amount of Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, and Eikenella corrodens were significantly increased during treatment with bonded maxillary expander. These changes were transient and the maximal levels of MRP-8/14 and periodontitis-associated pathogens were observed 6-9 months after the beginning of the therapy. CONCLUSION: Therapy with bonded maxillary results in higher MRP-8/14 levels and increased prevalence of some periodontitis-associated bacteria, namely T. forsythia, T. denticola, and E. corrodens. The results suggest the detection of salivary MRP-8/14 levels may be a potential tool to reflect the oral health status in children with fixed orthodontic treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our data suggest that the treatment with bonded maxillary expander might influence the oral health status and should be accompanied by the careful control of the oral health during the therapy.

Short-term results of the combined application of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Er:YAG) laser in the treatment of periodontal disease: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Nd:YAG and Er:YAG lasers have been previously used as an adjunct in periodontal therapy. The aim of this single-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a combined application of Nd:YAG and Er:YAG laser irradiation in periodontal treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients with at least one site of ≥ 6 mm periodontal probing depth (PPD) after mechanical debridement with curettes and sonic instruments at periodontal reevaluation were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated at a 1:1 ratio to either a combined Nd:YAG/Er:YAG laser therapy (test group) or a "turned off" laser therapy (control group). The Nd:YAG laser was used for periodontal pocket deepithelialization and to stabilize the resulting blood clot. The Er:YAG laser was primarily used for root surface modification. PPD (mm), clinical attachment level (CAL, mm), and bleeding on probing (BOP, +/-) at the site of laser treatment were evaluated at baseline and 2 months after treatment. RESULTS: The mean improvements from baseline to 2-month follow-up for PPD were significantly better in the laser group (2.05 ± 0.82 mm) compared to the control group (0.64 ± 0.90 mm; p = 0.001). Likewise, the gain in CAL was significantly better in the laser group (1.50 ± 1.10 mm) than in the control group (0.55 ± 1.01mm; p = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: The combined application of Nd:YAG and Er:YAG laser irradiation as an adjunct to conventional non-surgical therapy showed a significant beneficial effect on periodontal treatment results. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Combined Nd:YAG and Er:YAG laser irradiation could be a useful procedure additionally to conventional non-surgical periodontal therapy to improve periodontal treatment results. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN registry #ISRCTN32132076.

Interleukin-1ß Induced Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression in Human Periodontal Ligament-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells under In Vitro Simulated Static Orthodontic Forces.

The periodontal ligament (PDL) responds to applied orthodontic forces by extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, in which human periodontal ligament-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hPDL-MSCs) are largely involved by producing matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their local inhibitors (TIMPs). Apart from orthodontic forces, the synthesis of MMPs and TIMPs is influenced by the aseptic inflammation occurring during orthodontic treatment. Interleukin (IL)-1ß is one of the most abundant inflammatory mediators in this process and crucially affects the expression of MMPs and TIMPs in the presence of cyclic low-magnitude orthodontic tensile forces. In this study we aimed to investigate, for the first time, how IL-1ß induced expression of MMPs, TIMPs and how IL-1ß in hPDL-MSCs was changed after applying in vitro low-magnitude orthodontic tensile strains in a static application mode. Hence, primary hPDL-MSCs were stimulated with IL-1ß in combination with static tensile strains (STS) with 6% elongation. After 6- and 24 h, MMP-1, MMP-2, TIMP-1 and IL-1ß expression levels were measured. STS alone had no influence on the basal expression of investigated target genes, whereas IL-1ß caused increased expression of these genes. In combination, they increased the gene and protein expression of MMP-1 and the gene expression of MMP-2 after 24 h. After 6 h, STS reduced IL-1ß-induced MMP-1 synthesis and MMP-2 gene expression. IL-1ß-induced TIMP-1 gene expression was decreased by STS after 6- and 24-h. At both time points, the IL-1ß-induced gene expression of IL-1ß was increased. Additionally, this study showed that fetal bovine serum (FBS) caused an overall suppression of IL-1ß-induced expression of MMP-1, MMP-2 and TIMP-1. Further, it caused lower or opposite effects of STS on IL-1ß-induced expression. These observations suggest that low-magnitude orthodontic tensile strains may favor a more inflammatory and destructive response of hPDL-MSCs when using a static application form and that this response is highly influenced by the presence of FBS in vitro.

Effect of Enamel Matrix Derivatives on Osteoclast Formation from PBMC of Periodontitis Patients and Healthy Individuals after Interaction with Activated Endothelial Cells.

Background and objectives: Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) is produced from developing porcine tooth buds and represents a complex of low-molecular-weight hydrophobic enamel proteins. EMD is widely applied in periodontal regeneration. Osteoclasts are multinuclear cells, which are responsible for bone resorption. The precursors of osteoclasts, hematopoietic cells, undergo in vivo the process of transendothelial migration before differentiation. EMD is known to affect the process of osteoclastogenesis, but its effect on human osteoclasts precursors after the interaction with activated endothelium was never studied. Materials and Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)s were seeded in transwell inserts with a pore size of 8 µm and pre-activated by TNF-α and IL-1ß for 18 h. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), freshly isolated from 16 periodontitis patients and 16 healthy individuals, were added to pre-activated HUVECs. Adherent, non-adherent and transmigrated cells were collected and differentiated to osteoclasts by the standard protocol in the presence or absence of EMD. The number of osteoclasts was determined by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining. Results: PBMCs isolated from periodontitis patients have formed a significantly higher osteoclast number compared to PBMCs isolated from healthy individuals (p < 0.05). EMD induced concentration-dependent inhibition of osteoclast formation from PBMCs. This was true for the different PBMC fractions isolated from both healthy individuals and periodontitis patients. Conclusions: Our data show that EMD inhibits the formation and activity of osteoclasts differentiated from the progenitor cells after the interaction with activated endothelium. This might be associated with bone resorption inhibition and supporting bone regeneration in the frame of periodontal therapy.

Pleiotropic effects of vitamin D3 on CD4+ T lymphocytes mediated by human periodontal ligament cells and inflammatory environment.

AIMS: Both, vitamin D3 and human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) possess immunosuppressive properties, but their combined effect on immune cells has never been investigated. Here, we analysed the impact of vitamin D3 on the immunosuppressive properties of hPDLCs towards CD4+ T lymphocytes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Allogenic CD4+ T lymphocytes were activated by phytohemagglutinin either in monoculture or co-culture with hPDLCs, in the presence or absence of IFN-γ and 1,25(OH)2 D3 . After 5 days, CD4+ T-lymphocyte proliferation, CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ regulatory T lymphocytes (Tregs ) proportion and IL-10, TGF-ß1 and IL-17A production were analysed. RESULTS: In monoculture, 1,25(OH)2 D3 suppressed CD4+ T-lymphocyte proliferation, increased the percentage of CD4+ FoxP3+ CD25+ FoxP3+ Tregs and enhanced IL-10 and TGF-ß1 production. In the presence of IFN-γ treated hPDLCs, 1,25(OH)2 D3 significantly increased CD4+ T-lymphocyte proliferation and decreased the percentage of CD4+ CD25+ FoxP3+ Tregs . IL-10 and IL-17A expression was significantly diminished by 1,25(OH)2 D3 , whereas TGF-ß1 was slightly increased. The effects of 1,25(OH)2 D3 in co-culture were reversed by inhibition of indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase-1, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase and programmed cell death 1 ligand 1. 1,25(OH)2 D3 also suppressed the expression of these proteins in hPDLCs. CONCLUSION: Effects of vitamin D3 on CD4+ T lymphocyte are modified by hPDLCs depending on the microenvironment.