Prognostic value of a simplified method for periodontal risk assessment during supportive periodontal therapy.

AIM: To evaluate the association between risk scores generated with a simplified method for periodontal risk assessment (Perio Risk), and tooth loss as well as bone loss during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). MATERIALS & METHODS: Data related to 109 patients (42 males; mean age: 42.2 ± 10.2 years, range 22-62) enrolled in a SPT programme for a mean period of 5.6 years were retrospectively obtained at two specialist periodontal clinics. Patients were stratified according to Perio Risk score (on a scale from 1 - low risk to 5 - high risk) as calculated at the end of active periodontal therapy. Risk groups were compared for tooth loss as well as the changes in radiographic bone levels occurred during SPT. RESULTS: The mean number of teeth lost per patient during SPT varied from 0 to 1.8 ± 2.5 for patients with a risk score of 1 and 5 respectively (p = 0.041). Mean radiographic bone loss during SPT was ≤0.5 mm in all risk groups, without significant inter-group differences. CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal risk assessment according to Perio Risk may help to identify patients at risk for tooth loss during SPT.

Microbiological Distribution of Six Periodontal Pathogens Between Untreated Italian and Dutch Periodontal Patients.

PURPOSE: To compare prevalence and microbial load of six periodontal pathogens between Italian and Dutch patients affected by chronic periodontitis, using oligonucleotide probe technology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Subgingival plaque samples data from 352 Italians and 115 Dutch periodontal patients were analysed and compared. Bleeding on probing, suppuration, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, age, gender, ethnicities and smoking habits were recorded. Presence and level of bacterial species were determined by realtime polymerase chain reaction under the identical microbiological protocol. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U-test and binary unconditional logistic regression (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Between populations, only Treponema denticola and Porphyromonas gingivalis differed significantly, being more prevalent in the Italian group (p = 0.0001). Except for Tannerella forsythia, all bacterial loads differed significantly: Treponema denticola (p = 0.0001) and Prevotella intermedia (p = 0.001) were higher in Italians, while Porphyromonas gingivalis (p = 0.001), Fusobacterium nucleatum (p = 0.03) and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (p = 0.001) were higher in Dutch patients. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences in prevalence and bacterial load of periodontal pathogens exist between Italian and Dutch patients affected by chronic periodontitis. The microbiological profile, and particularly the bacterial load of pathogens, varied significantly between populations.

Evaluation of clinical effectiveness and subjective satisfaction of a new toothbrush for postsurgical hygiene care: a randomized split-mouth double-blind clinical trial.

The aim of this RCT was to evaluate plaque control and gingival health promotion effectiveness of a new toothbrush with extra-soft filaments in postsurgical sets. Ten consecutive patients with at least two scheduled symmetrical periodontal surgeries were selected. Following the first periodontal surgery, a test (TB1) or control (TB2) toothbrush was randomly assigned. After the second surgery, the remaining toothbrush was given. Patients were asked to gently wipe the surgical area from days 3 to 7 postoperatively and to gently brush using a roll technique from day 7 till the end of the study. Baseline evaluation took place on the day of surgery and follow-ups were performed at days 7, 14, and 30 postoperatively. A more evident PI reduction was recorded for test toothbrush where a regular decrease was observed till day 14; then, this parameter tended to stabilize, remaining however lower than that recorded for the control toothbrush. There were no statistical differences in the GI between test and control toothbrushes. All patients introduced the test toothbrush at surgical site at third day; the control toothbrush was introduced within a mean of 9 days. The introduction of the test toothbrush 3 days after periodontal surgery may be recommended.

Pressure pain threshold of the cervico-facial muscles in healthy elderly people: the role of gender, age and dominance.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of age on pressure pain threshold (PPT) of cervico-facial muscles in healthy geriatric subjects and to investigate the role of gender and dominance on nociception. BACKGROUND: Musculo-skeletal pain is common in the elderly, but being subjective, it risks to be underdiagnosed and undertreated. A useful method for assessment of local pain is determining PPT through pressure algometry. Ageing process seems to increase PPTs, but reference values for the assessment of pain in geriatric subjects are lacking. METHODS: In this study, PPTs in temporal muscle, masseter, sternocleidomastoid, occipital and splenius capitis of 97 healthy elderly subjects were measured using Fischer algometer. Participants were divided by age in four classes (years 65-69; 70-74; 75-79; ≥80). RESULTS: Women had lower PPTs in all muscles compared with men. Comparing PPTs obtained from the right and the left side, no significant differences were recorded neither in men nor in women. When dividing subjects by age class and education, in both genders no significant differences were observed in PPTs among the groups, neither in the right nor in the left sides. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the present study reports reference PPT values for the cervico-facial muscles that can be applied to a population of healthy elderly subjects. After 65 years of age, further ageing does not influence PPTs in cervico-facial muscles whereas female gender has lower PPTs.

Prevalence of six periodontal pathogens in subgingival samples of Italian patients with chronic periodontitis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the subgingival prevalence of six periodontal pathogens in 352 Italian patients with chronic periodontitis. Possible correlations with clinical parameters, age, gender and smoking status were also investigated. At first visit a pooled subgingival plaque sample was obtained for each subject by using the paper-point method. The samples were processed and analysed according to a commercially available quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction assay (Meridol® Perio Diagnostics, GABA International, Switzerland). Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Treponema denticola (Td), Tannerella forsythia (Tf), Prevotella intermedia (Pi), Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) were investigated. Fn resulted the most frequently detected (95%) while Tf showed the highest load (12x105 cells/plaque sample). Aa was the less represented bacteria for load and presence. Bacterial load of Pg, Td, Tf and Fn showed a direct correlation to Bleeding On Probing (BOP) and presence of suppuration (p=0.0001). The bacterial load was always directly correlated to Probing Pocket Depth (PPD) (p=0.0001). Among the investigated variables, PPD resulted the most important risk indicator for periodontal pathogens. BOP appeared as a risk indicator for Td, Tf, Pg detection. Few studies have described the microbiological pattern of chronic periodontal disease in the Italian population. Considering the different forms of periodontitis, similar investigations in other countries are needed to disclose any microbiological differences among populations, which may lead to more specific approaches to prevention and therapy.

The modified "sandwich" technique: a novel surgical approach to regenerative treatment of horizontal bone defects in the posterior atrophic mandible. A case report.

PURPOSE: A new augmentation procedure for bone reconstruction of horizontal defects in a posterior atrophic mandible is described. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 47-year-old male patient with horizontal atrophy of the left posterior mandible was treated using a 2-stage modified "sandwich" osteotomy technique with an interposed mixture of mineralized and demineralized human bone allograft in putty form. RESULTS: The osteotomized superior segment was slightly raised and then drawn and rotated in the buccal direction to augment the horizontal width of the crest. The osteotomized segment was kept in this position with a titanium miniplate and miniscrews. No complications were reported during the 3-month healing period. In the second surgical phase, 2 implants were correctly placed. CONCLUSIONS: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) outcomes confirm the effectiveness of this technique in the treatment of horizontal defects. However, further randomized controlled studies are required to confirm the technique's reliability.

A trabecular metal implant 4 months after placement: clinical-histologic case report.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this case report was to histologically evaluate the behavior of a trabecular metal (TM) implant composed of titanium and spatial 3-dimensional tantalum (Ta) trabeculae. This study is the first human histologic case report of this implant. CASE PRESENTATION: A TM implant was placed in a 54-year-old woman exhibiting moderate chronic periodontitis. After periodontal treatment, the implant was inserted under favorable clinical conditions. Patient was not seen for 4 months because of unrelated breast reduction surgery. At the surgical reopening, periimplant inflammation affecting the coronal third of the implant was observed 4 months after implant placement. With patient's consent, the implant was removed for histologic analysis. Histology highlighted a greater amount of bone in close contact with Ta trabeculae than titanium surfaces. CONCLUSION: The finding of bone formation around the Ta trabeculae suggests that trabecular metal material promotes bone ingrowth for secondary implant stability. Additional evidence is needed to confirm this observation.

Comparison of the antibacterial activity of an ozonated oil with chlorhexidine digluconate and povidone-iodine. A disk diffusion test.

Ozonated oils are antiseptics obtained from the chemical reaction between ozone and unsaturated fatty acids of vegetable oils. The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial effectiveness of a commercially available ozonated oil (O3-Oil), in comparison with 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) and 10% povidone-iodine (PVP-I) through a disk diffusion test. For each antiseptic a series of two-fold dilutions was made, obtaining seven dilutions: 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16, 1:32, 1:64 and 1:128. The undiluted antiseptics and the seven dilutions were tested against two freeze-dried bacterial strains: Staphylococcus aureus (Sa) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg). O3-Oil showed significantly greater diameters of growth inhibition (p<0.01) than CHX and PVP-I in all dilutions for both tested strains. CHX lost any antibacterial efficacy when diluted more than 1:32. At the highest dilution, the diameters of growth inhibition against Sa were 20.67±0.58 mm and 15.33±0.58 mm, for O3-Oil and PVP-I, respectively. At the same dilution, the diameters of growth inhibition against Pg were: 19.00 mm for O3-Oil and 13.67±0.58 mm for PVP-I. The promising results obtained for the O3-Oil, against the opportunistic Sa, and Pg, one of the main periodontal pathogens, suggest its potential applicability for periodontal treatment. Further preclinical and clinical investigations are warranted.

Alveolar distraction osteogenesis in posterior atrophic mandible: a case report on a new technical approach.

PURPOSE: To report a clinical case of dental implant rehabilitation of an atrophic posterior mandible with the usage of a new alveolar distraction protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A posterior atrophic mandible was treated with distraction osteogenesis; after the first phase of latency (10 days), the activation phase (24 days), and the consolidation phase (30 days), the distractor was removed, and 2 implants were placed; 4 months thereafter, the fixtures were provisionally loaded. RESULTS: No complications were recorded during the treatment. At the end of the activation phase, a mean of 5 mm of vertical bone augmentation was obtained, and it allowed the placement of two 10-mm long fixtures. No periimplant bone resorption was detected at the time of definitive prosthetic loading. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed protocol secured a sound prosthetic rehabilitation on an otherwise atrophied posterior mandible so as to avoid grafting procedures.

Vertical ridge augmentation of the atrophic posterior mandible with a 2-stage inlay technique: a case report.

The use of a 2-stage inlay technique in atrophic posterior mandibles with more than 10-mm thickness and less than 5-mm height above the inferior alveolar nerve is described. The first surgical procedure was a basic corticotomy of the buccal and lingual bone. One month later, a complete inlay procedure was performed. Computed tomography and conventional radiography showed a mean vertical bone gain of 11.5 mm. This 2-stage inlay technique avoids the use of chisels to complete bone osteotomy and reduces postsurgical nerve disturbances in atrophic posterior mandibles. This technique reduces intraprocedure and postoperative patient discomfort.

Bioburden Variation of Filtering Face Piece Respirators over Time: A Preliminary Study.

BACKGROUND: The microbial contamination of a respirator can be evaluated through a count of the number of bacteria living on a non-sterilized surface (bioburden). This preliminary study investigated the external contamination of two different FFP2s over time by studying the bioburden values in increasing exposure times. METHODS: FFP2 respirators of two different brands were used during routine clinical settings and examined through the bioburden test; for each brand, three devices were tested at 8, 16, and 30 h. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between mask brands (p = 0.113). There were only significant CFU differences between each mask and its control (p = 0.027 and p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Both brands of respirators were found to be contaminated and this contamination increased with the increase in exposure time. Further studies are needed to investigate the exact amount of contamination that could be considered acceptable before discarding each used mask.

Prognosis of Deantigenated Equine Bone Used for Bone Augmentation: A Multicenter Retrospective Study on Early and Late Postsurgical Complications in 81 Consecutive Patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcome of deantigenated equine bone (DEB) grafts in a series of patients treated with DEB at six months postaugmentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred DEB grafts were inserted in 81 patients between January 2004 and December 2006. Thirty-two DEBs were blocks and 68 were granules (52 sinus lift and 16 guided bone regeneration [GBR] procedures performed). A total of 147 implants were inserted. A Pearson chi-square test was used to detect any statistically significant correlation between the studied variables and early and/or late failures. RESULTS: There were 6 early and 26 late graft failures and another 16 failures after prosthesis placement. The overall failure rate was 25% in the GBR procedures, 31.9% in sinus lift, and 54.3% with blocks, for a total complication rate of 39.5%. A statistically significant relation was detected with respect to graft type and early complications (p = .005), with a worse outcome for DEB blocks compared to granules. After provisional prosthesis restoration, 23 implants were lost, and another 41 failed after definitive prosthesis delivery, for an overall failure rate of 43.5%. The follow-up period was 3 years after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: DEB grafting material had a very high rate of complications. Blocks had more than 50% failures, mainly in the immediate postoperative period. Other procedures such as GBR and sinus lift also showed more than 25% infections and resorption, and late failures (i.e., after-implant placement) were also common. Our results show that DEB is less than ideal for crestal bone reconstruction.

Variation of Efficacy of Filtering Face Pieces Respirators over Time in a Dental Setting: A Pilot Study.

Since aerosol continuously persists in dental settings, where different procedures and patients come in succession, the use of oronasal masks is highly recommended. Among them, respirators known as Filtering Face Pieces (FFP) show a protective superiority compared to surgical masks. Even concerning respirators classified as non-reusable, it is not known how many hours of use are necessary to compromise their filtering capacity. The aim of this study is to investigate the variations of filtering capacity of an FFP2 respirator over time, in order to safely optimize the timing of its use. Five respirators were worn by the same operator during clinical activity for different usage times (8, 16, 24, 32, 40 h), and one respirator was kept unused. All respirators underwent a bacterial filtration efficacy (BFE) test. T-test for paired data with Bootstrap technique and Wilcoxon test for paired data compared BFE values of the five tested FFP2s respectively at each time, and the areas with the corresponding values of the control respirator (FFp2-F). A generalized linear mixed effect model (GLM) was applied considering type of respirator and time as fixed effects and intercept as random effect. No significant statistical differences were present in the BFE of each time. Data obtained by the present study highlight the important ability of FFP2s to maintain their BFE over time, suggesting a long lasting protective function.

Vertical augmentation with interpositional blocks of anorganic bovine bone vs. 7-mm-long implants in posterior mandibles: 1-year results of a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether 7-mm-long implants could be an alternative to longer implants placed in vertically augmented posterior mandibles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with posterior mandibular edentulism with 7-8 mm bone height above the mandibular canal were randomized to either vertical augmentation with anorganic bovine bone blocks and delayed 5-month placement of ≥10 mm implants or to receive 7-mm-long implants. Four months after implant placement, provisional prostheses were delivered, replaced after 4 months, by definitive prostheses. The outcome measures were prosthesis and implant failures, any complications and peri-implant marginal bone levels. All patients were followed to 1 year after loading. RESULTS: One patient dropped out from the short implant group. In two augmented mandibles, there was not sufficient bone to place 10-mm-long implants possibly because the blocks had broken apart during insertion. One prosthesis could not be placed when planned in the 7 mm group vs. three prostheses in the augmented group, because of early failure of one implant in each patient. Four complications (wound dehiscence) occurred during graft healing in the augmented group vs. none in the 7 mm group. No complications occurred after implant placement. These differences were not statistically significant. One year after loading, patients of both groups lost an average of 1 mm of peri-implant bone. There no statistically significant differences in bone loss between groups. CONCLUSIONS: When residual bone height over the mandibular canal is between 7 and 8 mm, 7 mm short implants might be a preferable choice than vertical augmentation, reducing the chair time, expenses and morbidity. These 1-year preliminary results need to be confirmed by follow-up of at least 5 years.

Orthodontic extraction of mandibular third molar to avoid nerve injury and promote periodontal healing.

AIM: Impacted mandibular third molar extraction is a common procedure in oral surgery, not without risk of nerve injury and periodontal defects on the distal aspect of the adjacent second molar. The "orthodontic extraction" is proposed as a method to avoid mandibular nerve injury during the extraction of a deeply embedded third molar and to prevent or limit such periodontal problems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A 28-year-old man presented a deeply impacted left mandibular third molar that required extraction. Radiographs revealed a very slight quantity of bone at the distal surface of the adjacent second molar. The third molar was extruded according to the "orthodontic extraction" technique. A 3-month retention phase elapsed to ensure adequate bone maturation and the tooth was finally extracted. RESULTS: No neurological complications occurred. A minimal residual bone defect at the distal surface of the adjacent second molar was detected radiographically both post-operatively and at the 3-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontic extraction makes third molar removal easier and has no neurological risk. This procedure, followed by a 3-month retention phase, appears to be effective in preventing or limiting the development of periodontal problems on the distal aspect of the adjacent second molar.

Bilaminar technique in the treatment of a deep cervical abrasion defect.

New materials (restorative and adhesive) for the treatment of cervical abrasions have produced better results in terms of esthetics (choice and stability of colors) and duration (marginal fit and wear resistance). Nevertheless, conservative restoration of cervical abrasion cannot be considered the most suitable treatment in certain clinical situations: (1) when the abrasion defect involves the root surface, either exclusively or primarily; (2) when a site has difficult esthetic demands resulting from excessive tooth length with gingival recession; and (3) in the presence of root caries. The aim of this case report is to describe the application of the bilaminar technique to treat a deep cervical abrasion associated with a recession-type defect. The bilaminar surgical approach shown here consisted of a connective tissue graft covered by a coronally advanced pedicle flap. The connective tissue graft was placed inside the root concavity to compensate the abrasion space and to prevent soft tissue flap collapse internally. The graft, by acting as a "biologic filler" or space maintainer inside the concave abrasion area, stabilized the covering flap and helped restore a correct tooth emergence profile.

Osseous resective surgery: long-term case report.

This case report evaluated the long-term effects of osseous resective therapy in the treatment of a patient with moderately advanced periodontal disease. In 1984, the patient underwent initial therapy followed by a periodontal surgical phase consisting of osseous recontouring with an apically positioned flap. After 20 years, in 2003, the patient presented with a traumatic complication. An exploratory surgery revealed a fracture on the roof of the pulp chamber on the maxillary left first molar. The buccal roots were resected, preserving the palatal root, and a reevaluation of the long-term outcome of osseous resective surgery was performed. It is suggested that the positive treatment result is the consequence of the reestablishment of tissue morphology favorable for oral hygiene and plaque control by the patient.

Obstruction of the eruption pathway by peripheral odontogenic fibroma: report of a patient.

The diagnostic process and interdisciplinary treatment of a healthy 12-year-old boy with impactions due to a localized peripheral odontogenic fibroma are presented. The treatment consisted of the surgical excision of the peripheral odontogenic fibroma and interceptive orthodontic treatment with an activator appliance to allow the passive eruption of the impacted teeth. Complete orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances was used later to level and coordinate the arches. This report illustrates the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of tooth impactions associated with diffuse gingival enlargement. The cooperation of various specialists in making a differential diagnosis, developing a comprehensive plan for conservative treatment, and delivering excellent care led to a successful result for this patient.

The evolution of buccal gingival recessions in a student population: a 5-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Data from cross-sectional studies revealed that gingival recession commonly occurred in subjects with a good standard of oral hygiene, but very little has been reported about longitudinal changes in the presence and extent of gingival recession in a similar sample of the population. The aim of this study was to follow up on the evolution of gingival recession at buccal tooth surfaces in a student population attending the fifth year at Bologna University Dental School who had been examined in a study 5 years earlier. METHODS: The clinical examination involved assessment of the number of buccal surfaces with plaque and buccal gingival recession. Information about toothbrushing habits (brushing technique and frequency and toothbrush bristle stiffness) was collected in an interview. RESULTS: The number of subjects with at least one recession and the total number of recessions had increased significantly. Comparing data from the baseline and the present study, no significant differences were observed for toothbrush type and frequency of toothbrushing, whereas the use of correct brushing techniques increased to 87% of the subjects. CONCLUSION: The percentage of affected sites increased with the level of oral hygiene education, and this increase developed despite a reduction in the frequency of dangerous toothbrushing habits.

Bilaminar connective tissue graft as an alternative treatment of leukoplakia: case report.

Oral leukoplakia is a predominantly white lesion of the oral mucosa that cannot be clinicopathologically characterized as any other definable lesion. Any oral site may be affected by leukoplakia, the most common sites being buccal and alveolar mucosa, floor of the mouth, tongue, lips, and palate. To date there is no evidence of effective treatment of oral leukoplakia that may prevent recurrence. This case report describes a new surgical technique using a bilaminar connective tissue graft in the treatment of oral leukoplakia. During the regular periodontal recall visit, the clinical diagnosis of gingival leukoplakia at the maxillary left sextant was established in a 45-year-old patient. Histopathologic analysis suggested reactive hyperkeratosis. The patient agreed to a new surgical treatment of the lesion. Under local anesthesia a 20-mm-long bilaminar connective tissue graft was interposed between the affected tissue and the bone. Healing was followed by the disappearance of the white lesion within the borders of the underlying graft. Five years after therapy, the treated area remained intact, with no clinical sign of recurrence.