Is periodontitis an independent risk factor for subclinical atherosclerosis?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the interrelationship between periodontitis and atherosclerosis by comparing the ultrasound and clinical markers of atherosclerosis in systemically healthy patients with and without periodontitis and whether periodontitis can be an independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 40 subjects, of same socioeconomic status, belonging to age group of 35-65 years, were recruited and divided into two groups - Group I (Chronic Generalised Periodontitis without any systemic disease: CP-SH), Group II (Normal healthy patients without periodontitis and any systemic disease - SH). Clinical measurements and ultrasound examinations were carried out. Qualitative variables were analyzed using Chi square test and qualitative variables using Unpaired Student t test. Statistical significance was accepted for p≤0.05. RESULTS: Carotid ultrasound revealed right and left intima media thickness (IMT) of 0.626±0.016mm and 0.715±0.037mm respectively in cases versus 0.495±0.009mm and 0.518±0.009mm respectively in controls, with the difference being statistically significant. In cases, mean diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was 83.45±4.07mmHg versus 79.25±3.63mmHg in controls, with the difference being statistically significant. CONCLUSION: In this study, we found statistically significant differences in carotid IMT and DBP values between cases and controls. These findings suggest independent role of periodontal disease in subclinical atherosclerosis.

An assessment of anti-citrullinated protein antibody in systemically healthy individuals with or without chronic periodontitis: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis has been implicated as a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). AIM: This study aimed to assess the relationship between RA and chronic periodontitis (CP) by evaluating the serum levels of the anti citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) which is a marker of RA in systemically healthy individuals with and without CP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case-control study enrolled 40 systemically healthy individuals. Participants were divided into two groups, i.e., CP group Systemically healthy chronic periodontitis (CPSH) (n = 20) and control group Systemically healthy (SH) (n = 20), matched for age and gender. The CP patients were evaluated for periodontal parameters, namely probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, percentage of the site involved with attachment loss, and number of teeth present. A volume of 5 ml of venous blood was collected from both the groups and centrifuged; the separated serum was stored at - 70°C before being analyzed. Later, serum samples were tested for levels of ACPA in both the groups and compared. RESULTS: The mean serum ACPA levels were higher in CPSH patients compared to SH (131.38 RU/ml vs. 34.54 RU/ml, P = 0.001), which was statistically highly significant. In addition, we found a significant elevation of serum ACPA levels in severe generalized CP patients compared to moderate generalized CP patients (175.47 RU/ml vs. 95.31 RU/ml, P = 0.001), and the difference was statistically highly significant. CONCLUSION: The results of the study confirmed that CP can be a risk factor for RA. Moreover, the severity of periodontitis appeared to be related to elevated serum levels of ACPA.

Comparison of effect of curcumin gel and noneugenol periodontal dressing in tissue response, early wound healing, and pain assessment following periodontal flap surgery in chronic periodontitis patients.

BACKGROUND: The study was designed taking into consideration the drawbacks of periodontal dressing and healing properties of curcumin. The aim was to assess and compare the effect of Curcumin gel (Curenext) and noneugenol periodontal dressing (Coe pak) on tissue response, wound healing in the early stages, and pain post periodontal flap surgery in patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients requiring periodontal flap surgery were allotted to two groups at random, one receiving periodontal dressing and the other receiving curcumin for this cross over split-mouth study. Flap surgeries were performed on 2 quadrants with 3 weeks' interval. After suture removal, postoperative sites were assessed for tissue response (tissue color [TC] and tissue edema [TE]) and early wound healing as primary outcomes of the study. The secondary outcome was pain assessment and the number of analgesics taken by the individuals. RESULTS: The two groups showed no significant differences with respect to tissue response, early wound healing, and pain perception. Curcumin group consumed lesser number of analgesics as compared to the one with periodontal dressing. CONCLUSION: It was confirmed that periodontal dressing and curcumin are effective in reducing the TE, normalizing the TC, enhancing the wound healing and reducing the pain perception. Curcumin can thus be used as an alternative to periodontal dressing.

Comparative evaluation of analgesic and anti-inflammatory efficacy of ibuprofen and traumeel after periodontal flap surgery: A randomized triple-blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Pain management after performing flap surgery is of paramount importance. Taking into consideration the side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and the advantages of homeopathic medication, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of ibuprofen (NSAID) and traumeel (homeopathic AID) following flap surgery were evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, triple-blinded, split-mouth clinical trial, with a sample size of 20 (age range of 20-60 years) was planned. Subjects included patients diagnosed with moderate chronic generalized periodontitis. Two quadrants for each subject were operated on, with an interval of 3 weeks. Random assignment of the operated quadrants to the following medication protocols was carried out by a third person: Ibuprofen, 600 mg and traumeel, 600 mg (up to three tablets) every 8 h for first 24 h and SOS (Si Opus Sit/if needed) thereafter for a period of 1 week as pain medication, respectively. After 1 week, sutures were removed. Primary outcomes were mean postoperative pain (modified visual analog scale) and number of tablets consumed in 1 week. The secondary outcome was postoperative tissue response. Any adverse effects were recorded. RESULTS: Number of tablets consumed and pain perception was lower in traumeel compared to ibuprofen Group (P < 0.001). A better tissue response was shown by the group treated with traumeel as compared to the ibuprofen receiving group (P < 0.05). Three patients reported adverse drug reactions after consumption of ibuprofen. CONCLUSION: The present study suggested that while managing pain following flap surgery, traumeel was superior as compared to ibuprofen, with minimal or no side effects.

Merge to emerge - An interdisciplinary approach for management of periodontally compromised orthodontically treated patient.

In the modern day dental practice, synergy is fundamental. This synergistic effect must exist among various disciplines of dentistry for proper diagnosis, treatment planning, sequencing and execution of treatment in complex and challenging dental situations. Such collaborative effect between an orthodontist and a periodontist is essential as both works with same element, the tooth as crown-root unit with its supporting tissues. The orthodontic treatment is carried out through the medium of periodontium, so a healthy tooth supporting system is an essential prerequisite. Every potential candidate for orthodontic treatment should undergo a thorough periodontal examination. Any lousily diagnosed or conducted orthodontic treatment could be a facilitator of periodontal inflammatory or infectious process especially when the patient's oral hygiene is explicitly deficient. This case report demonstrates a challenging situation to a periodontist where patient had completed her orthodontic treatment but ended up with severe periodontal disease. The patient was thoroughly examined and a comprehensive treatment was planned and executed. Regenerative surgical procedures were done using platelet rich fibrin and hydroxyapitatite bone graft. Patient was followed up for 2 years. As sequelae of surgical procedures, patient had developed black triangles in the anterior region. The patient was unwilling for further perioplastic surgical procedures and further orthodontic treatment, so a gingival prosthesis using valplast was fabricated addressing her esthetic concerns.

Frenectomy with semilunar coronally repositioned flap: A single stage approach - simple solution for complex problem.

Gingival recession is defined as the displacement of gingival margin apical to cementoenamel junction. Aberrant frenum attachment can contribute to the progression of recession by generating tension on the marginal tissues. Treating such defects is a two stage procedure-frenectomy and recession coverage procedure. New techniques are developed to increase the predictability, reduce patient discomfort and number of surgical sites. Also, these techniques try to satisfy patients esthetic demands, which include the final colour and tissue blend of the covered area. In this case report, we present a method for coronally repositioning gingiva for root coverage over the maxillary central incisors while simultaneously performing a frenectomy, thus being clinically advantageous compared to two-stage technique.

From hopeless to good prognosis: journey of a failing tooth.

Chronic periodontitis, along with associated clinical findings such as pathologic tooth migration, diastema, functional and aesthetic aberrations, poses an immense challenge to a dental professional. These findings convert clinical decision making into a daunting task and adversely affect the prognosis and the treatment plan for the presenting clinical problem. An interdisciplinary approach aimed at restoring functional and aesthetic needs of the affected individual within the limitations of such a compromised clinical scenario may be a viable alternative to any radical treatment causing loss of natural tooth structure such as extraction. This article reports the usefulness of the interdisciplinary route for managing an otherwise hopeless clinical situation of chronic periodontitis complicated with extreme mobility and pathologic tooth migration, which resulted in compromised function and aesthetics.

Vertical and horizontal ridge augmentation in anterior maxilla using autograft, xenograft and titanium mesh with simultaneous placement of endosseous implants.

Endosseous implants have revolutionized the field of Implants and Periodontics. Implant placement is a viable option in the treatment of partial and full edentulism. However, placement of implants in alveolar deficiencies may lead to adverse angulations, mechanical overload and esthetic dissatisfaction. When minimum dimensions for implant placement are not present in alveolar process, it is necessary to augment the size of the ridge. This can be achieved by various methods and materials. Here we present a successful case of vertical and horizontal ridge augmentation in anterior maxilla using autograft, xenograft and titanium mesh with simultaneous placement of implants, where autograft was obtained from the same site avoiding secondary surgical site.

Giant radicular cyst of the maxilla.

Radicular cysts are inflammatory odontogenic cysts of tooth bearing areas of the jaws. Most of these lesions involve the apex of offending tooth and appear as well-defined radiolucencies. Owing to its clinical characteristics similar to other more commonly occurring lesions in the oral cavity, differential diagnosis should include dentigerous cyst, ameloblastoma, odontogenic keratocyst, periapical cementoma and Pindborg tumour. The present case report documents a massive radicular cyst crossing the midline of the palate. Based on clinical, radiographical and histopathological findings, the present case was diagnosed as an infected radicular cyst. The clinical characteristics of this cyst could be considered as an interesting and unusual due to its giant nature. The lesion was surgically enucleated along with the extraction of the associated tooth; preservation of all other teeth and vital structures, without any postoperative complications and satisfactory healing, was achieved.

Autogenous tooth fragment reattachment: a multidisciplinary management for complicated crown-root fracture with biologic width violation.

Fractures of multiple permanent anterior teeth can be a traumatic experience for children, with functional, esthetic and psychological aspects. The treatment of complicated crown-root fractures (CRFs) is more challenging when the biologic width is violated. This paper presents a case of 12-year boy with complicated CRF of teeth #12 and #21, and horizontal crown fracture of tooth #11. It was managed by endodontic treatment, mucoperiosteal surgery with osteotomy to visualize the fracture line for fragment reattachment, followed by fiber-post placement and restoration with polycarbonate crowns. Clinical and radiographic evaluation after 6 months was satisfactory with adequate functional and esthetic results.

Odontomas--silent tormentors of teeth eruption, shedding and occlusion.

Odontomas are the most common odontogenic tumours of the jaws, characterised by their slow growth and non-aggressive behaviour. They usually remain asymptomatic, and are diagnosed on routine radiographs. Clinically, they are often associated with delayed eruption or impaction of permanent teeth and retained primary teeth. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature and report two cases of odontomas. In the first case, a compound odontoma was associated with an unerupted maxillary permanent right central incisor, in an 11-year-old boy. In the second case, a 12-year-old girl had retained mandibular primary left central incisor and its unerupted successor was associated with a compound odontoma, a site considered rare for compound odontoma to occur. The clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of these cases have been discussed.

Facial talon cusp: A rarity, report of a case with one year follow up and flashback on reported cases.

Talon cusp is a relatively uncommon developmental anomaly characterized by cusp-like projections, usually presenting on palatal/lingual surface of the anterior teeth. This cusp resembles an eagle's talon, and hence the name. Normal enamel and dentin covers the cusp, which may or may not contain an extension of pulp. Presence of this anomalous cusp on the facial surface of an anterior tooth is a rare finding and very few cases have been reported in the literature. In most instances, such cusps are associated with clinical problems such as poor esthetics and caries susceptibility. Management of such cases requires a comprehensive knowledge of the clinical entity as well as the problems associated with it. This case report presents a facial talon cusp on the maxillary left central incisor of a 10 year old boy, which was conservatively treated. Vitality of the affected tooth was maintained and followed up for a period of 1 year.

Endodontic treatment and esthetic management of a primary double tooth with direct composite using silicone buildup guide.

Gemination and fusion are morphological dental anomalies, characterized by the formation of a clinically wide tooth. Gemination occurs when one tooth bud tries to divide, while fusion occurs if two buds unite. The terms double teeth, double formation, conjoined teeth, geminifusion, vicinifusion and dental twinning are often used to describe fusion and gemination. Double teeth are associated with clinical problems such as poor esthetics, spacing problems and caries susceptibility. Management of such cases requires a comprehensive knowledge of the clinical entity as well as the problems associated with it. This report presents a case of primary double tooth in a 6-year-old boy involving maxillary left central incisor. The anomalous tooth was carious and pulpally involved. This was treated conservatively by endodontic treatment and esthetic rehabilitation was done with direct composite restoration using a silicone buildup guide. The treated tooth was followed up until exfoliation.