Microscope-enhanced periodontal therapy: a review and report of four cases

AIM

The aim of this report is to review the status of the use of surgical microscopes and microsurgery and their clinical application in the field of periodontics.

BACKGROUND

The use of magnification systems and periodontal microsurgery are part of a broad movement in dentistry toward the use of minimally invasive procedures to replace the need for more extensive surgical procedures. While magnification systems are widely used in endodontics, their application in periodontics is still in its nascent phase. However, clinicians have reported that use of magnification facilitates the use of minimal invasive periodontal surgery.

TECHNIQUE

The surgical microscope is an invaluable aid for periodontists in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. Magnified vision used in conjunction with microsurgical instruments and techniques can lead to a higher quality of care and an improved surgical outcome.

SUMMARY

Surgical operating microscopes have shown promising results in the hands of periodontists who are properly trained in their use. Despite the apparent advantages, there is still a lack of "high level of evidence" in the form of controlled clinical trials to estimate the magnitude of the real benefits of the microsurgical approach over the conventional approach.

CONCLUSION

The scientific community understands the need for more investigations to completely understand the conditions that would best favor the creation of a tooth substitute. Recent gains in the understanding of the molecular regulation of tooth morphogenesis, stem cell biology, and biotechnology offers the opportunity to realize this goal.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Even though all the procedures shown in this review can be performed using normal vision, performing these procedures using a surgical microscope and microsurgical instruments offers definite advantages in terms of improved visual acuity, superior approximation of wounds, rapid wound healing, decreased post-operative morbidity, and increased acceptance by the patients.

Cavitation occurrence around ultrasonic dental scalers

Ultrasonic scalers are used in dentistry to remove calculus and other contaminants from teeth. One mechanism which may assist in the cleaning is cavitation generated in cooling water around the scaler. The vibratory motion of three designs of scaler tip in a water bath has been characterised by laser vibrometry, and compared with the spatial distribution of cavitation around the scaler tips observed using sonochemiluminescence from a luminol solution. The type of cavitation was confirmed by acoustic emission analysed by a 'Cavimeter' supplied by NPL. A node/antinode vibration pattern was observed, with the maximum displacement of each type of tip occurring at the free end. High levels of cavitation activity occurred in areas surrounding the vibration antinodes, although minimal levels were observed at the free end of the tip. There was also good correlation between vibration amplitude and sonochemiluminescence at other points along the scaler tip. 'Cavimeter' analysis correlated well with luminol observations, suggesting the presence of primarily transient cavitation.

Surgical anti-infective mechanical therapy for peri-implantitis: a clinical report with a 12-month follow-up

According to previous studies, bacterial infection plays the most important role in the late failures of dental implants. Peri-implantitis has been described as a site-specific infection that causes soft tissue inflammation and bone loss around osseointegrated implants that have performed masticatory functions. To reduce the number of pathogenic species and improve the clinical parameters (that is, probing depth, bleeding on probing, and suppuration) around dental implants, several anti-infective therapies have been developed for peri-implantitis. However, recent reviews have not identified sufficient evidence to support an ideal anti-infective protocol for this disease. This article presents a case of advanced peri-implantitis that was treated with a single surgical anti-infective mechanical therapy. A follow-up visit 12 months post-treatment showed improved clinical features.

Full-mouth versus quadrant-wise scaling--clinical outcome, efficiency and treatment discomfort

The aim of this randomized clinical study was to compare full-mouth scaling and root planing (FM-SRP) in two sessions within 24 hours with quadrant-wise scaling and root planing (Q-SRP) in four sessions within 4-6 weeks and evaluate (I) clinical outcome, (II) treatment efficiency, and (III) treatment discomfort of patients and therapists. Twenty individuals, aged 28-65 years, with severe chronic periodontitis were randomly assigned to treatment with FM-SRP or Q-SRP. At baseline and after 6 months, there were no between-group differences in clinical findings, treatment discomfort, or post-treatment body temperature. The therapists, however, felt that FM-SRP was more physically and psychologically demanding than Q-SRP. Mean effective scaling and root planing (SRP) time was 165.5 min during the two FM-SRP sessions and 202.1 min during the four Q-SRP sessions. FM-SRP's initial time savings of 36.6 min compared with Q-SRP diminished to 30.8 min at the 6-month follow-up due to rescaling needs. Total mean treatment time (comprising SRP and patient reinformation and reinstruction in oral hygiene) during the first 6 months post-treatment was 321.2 min for FM-SRP and 353.0 min for Q-SRP. Thus, mean savings in total treatment time with FM-SRP was 31.8 min compared with Q-SRP. In conclusion, this study found that both treatment modalities may be recommended for chronic periodontitis patients. Although time saving is possible with FM-SRP,the modality may compromise the therapist's well-being if practiced frequently due to the risk of musculoskeletal problems.

Use of diode laser 980 nm as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. A randomized controlled clinical trial

The primary goal of periodontal therapy is the removal of supra and subgingival bacterial deposits by mechanical debridement consisting in scaling and root-planing (SRP) using manual or power-driven instruments. The complete removal of bacteria and their toxins from periodontal pockets is not always achieved with conventional mechanical treatment. The use of lasers as an adjunctive therapy for periodontal disease may improve tissue healing by bactericidal and detoxification effects. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Diode laser used as adjunctive therapy of SRP to that of SRP alone for non surgical periodontal treatment in patients with chronic periodontitis. Nineteen pairs of teeth with untreated chronic periodontitis were selected in 13 patients and randomly treated by SRP alone (control group) or by SRP + laser irradiation (test group). Clinical measurements (PPD, CAL, BOP, GI, PI) were performed before treatment at baseline (T0) and at T1 (after 4 weeks), T2 (8 weeks), T3 (12 weeks), T4 (6 months). Subgingival plaque samples were taken at baseline and after treatment and examined for 8 periopathogens bacteria using PCR technique. The present study showed that the additional treatment with diode laser may lead to a slightly improvement of clinical parameters, whereas no significant differences between test and control group in reduction of periodontopathogens were found.

Alterations in HbA1c following minimal or enhanced non-surgical, non-antibiotic treatment of gingivitis or mild periodontitis in type 2 diabetic patients: a pilot trial

AIM

The purpose of this pilot study was to determine and compare the effects of two protocols aimed at reducing periodontal inflammation, upon the metabolic control of the diabetic condition in subjects with elevated baseline glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Forty-two non-smoking type 2 diabetes subjects with mildly elevated HbA1c (>7 but < 9%) and severely elevated (>9%) were randomized to one of two non-surgical periodontal therapy protocols. Patients in the "minimal therapy" (MT) group received scaling, root planning, and oral hygiene instructions on two occasions six months apart. Participants randomized to the "frequent therapy" (FT) protocol received scaling, root planing, and oral hygiene instructions at two-month intervals and were provided a 0.12% chlorhexidine rinse for home use twice daily. Neither systemic nor local antibiotics were provided to either group. Subjects were asked to report any changes in diabetic medications, nutrition, and physical activity. Data analyses (ANOVA, t-test, Mann-Whitney) grouped subjects according to baseline HbA1c (>7 and < 9%, or > 9%), treatment protocol (minimal or frequent), and +/- medication change.

RESULTS

In both MT and FT groups the clinical attachment level (CAL) remained unchanged but the other measures [gingival index (GI) and pocket dept (PD)] of periodontal health improved. Mean reductions in plaque showed improvement but calculus was worse in the FT group, likely due to the use of chlorhexidine. At six months, the largest reduction of HbA1c was 3.7; experienced by a subject receiving FT but no changes in diabetic medication. Among the MT and no medication change subjects, the maximum reduction was 1.6. Overall mean reduction in HbA1c of 27 subjects with baseline HbA1c >9.0 and no medication change was 0.6 with no statistical difference between the MT and FT groups. Among the medication-change subjects with baseline HbA1c >9.0, mean reduction of 1.38 was seen with FT compared to 1.10 with MT.

CONCLUSION

Overall, modest improvements in HbA1c were detected with a trend towards FT being better than MT. Although this pilot trial was under-powered to detect small between-group differences, the magnitude of our findings (0.6 mean improvement in HbA1c) matches closely findings from the only meta-analysis conducted on this topic to date. Larger scale studies must be undertaken on diabetic patients with periodontal problems.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Preventive periodontal regimens for diabetic patients should be sufficiently intense and sustained to eliminate periodontal inflammation and should be closely coordinated with the patient's overall clinical diabetic management.

Effects of 5 different finger rest positions on arm muscle activity during scaling by dental hygiene students

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to determine the effects of 5 different finger rest positions: opposite arch, standard intraoral, basic extraoral, cross arch, and finger on finger on the muscle activity of 4 forearm muscles (extensor carpi radialis longus, flexor carpi ulnaris, biceps brachii, and pronator teres) during a simulated periodontal scaling experience.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 32 consenting senior dental hygiene students who met inclusion criteria participated. Using a 4 x 5 counter-balanced research design, each participant used a Gracey 11/12 curet to scale one cc of artificial calculus from first permanent molar typodont teeth (#3,14,19,30). Five different typodonts were set up for each participant with fulcrums randomly assigned for use on each typodont. While scaling, the participant's muscle activity was measured by surface electromyography. Two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was used to determine if significant differences existed in the amount of muscle activity generated with each fulcrum.

RESULTS

Results revealed no statistically significant interaction effect between area of the mouth scaled, muscle activity, and fulcrum used. Similar muscle activity was produced throughout the mouth regardless of the fulcrum used. The upper right quadrant produced the most muscle activity (p= 0.0101) and the lower left quadrant produced the least (p=< .0001). When comparing the overall muscle activity generated with each fulcrum, only the cross arch fulcrum when compared to the opposite fulcrum produced statistically significant results (p=0.0110).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results, similar muscle activity is produced when using any of the 5 fulcrums in each quadrant of the mouth. Clinicians appear to experience minimal ergonomic advantage in terms of fulcrums used and area of the mouth scaled during a simulated scaling experience.

Full-mouth disinfection for the treatment of adult chronic periodontitis

BACKGROUND

In an attempt to enhance treatment outcomes, alternative protocols for anti-infective periodontal therapy have been introduced.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effectiveness of full-mouth disinfection or full-mouth scaling compared to conventional quadrant scaling for periodontitis.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Data sources included electronic databases, handsearched journals and contact with experts. The Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched. Reference lists from relevant articles were scanned and the authors of eligible studies were contacted to identify trials and obtain additional information. Date of most recent searches: December 2006: (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2006, Issue 4).

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials were selected with at least 3 months follow up comparing full-mouth scaling and root planing within 24 hours with (FMD) or without (FMS) the adjunctive use of an antiseptic (chlorhexidine) with conventional quadrant scaling and root planing (control). The methodological quality of the studies was assessed within the data extraction form, mainly focusing on: method of randomisation, allocation concealment, blindness of examiners and completeness of follow up.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted independently by multiple review authors. The primary outcome measure was tooth loss, secondary outcomes were reduction of probing depth, bleeding on probing and gain in probing attachment. The Cochrane Collaboration statistical guidelines were followed.

MAIN RESULTS

The search identified 216 abstracts. Review of these abstracts resulted in 12 publications for detailed review. Finally, seven randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which met the criteria for eligibility were independently selected by two review authors. None of the studies included reported on tooth loss. All treatment modalities led to significant improvements in clinical parameters after a follow up of at least 3 months. For the secondary outcome, reduction in probing depth, the mean difference between FMD and control was 0.53 mm (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28 to 0.77) in moderately deep pockets of single rooted teeth and for gain in probing attachment 0.33 mm (95% CI 0.04 to 0.62) in moderately deep single and multirooted teeth. Comparing FMD and FMS the mean difference in one study for gain in probing attachment amounted to 0.74 mm in favour of FMS (95% CI 0.17 to 1.31) for deep pockets in multirooted teeth, while another study reported a mean difference for reduction in bleeding on probing of 18% in favour of FMD (95% CI -33.74 to -2.26) for deep pockets of single rooted teeth. No significant differences were observed for any of the outcome measures, when comparing FMS and control.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In patients with chronic periodontitis in moderately deep pockets slightly more favourable outcomes for pocket reduction and gain in probing attachment were found following FMD compared to control. However, these additional improvements were only modest and there was only a very limited number of studies available for comparison, thus limiting general conclusions about the clinical benefit of full-mouth disinfection.

Clinical, socioeconomic and patient outcomes of intensive versus conventional scaling and root planing in the treatment of periodontal infection

PURPOSE

To compare the two non-surgical periodontal treatment methods with regard to socioeconomic aspects, treatment results and complications.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Twenty-five patients were randomly divided into two groups for non-surgical treatment consisting of scaling and root planing. One group had intensive treatment (InT) performed within 24 h and the other group received conventional treatment (CoT) with one treatment session a week for 4 weeks. All the patients rinsed their mouth with chlorhexidine 0.2% after each treatment session for 5 weeks. The investigation before and after the treatment was performed by the same clinician blinded to the treatment modalities, and all the treatments were performed by the same dental hygienist. Treatment had significantly reduced the number of pockets in both the treatment groups, but there was no difference between the two treatment modalities regarding pocket reduction or reported discomfort/pain graded on the visual analogue scale. Only one patient receiving the InT was not satisfied. However, in the CoT group six patients answered that they would have preferred the InT, whereas the remaining patients answered that it did not matter whether they received InT or CoT. The patients in the CoT group consumed more analgesics after the treatment. The mean total travelling time for the InT group was 113 min compared with 357 min for the CoT group.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients preferred the InT if they were to undergo the treatment again. Furthermore, InT resulted in a substantial socioeconomic gain with no difference in the treatment result and the complication rate compared with CoT.

Effects of Er:YAG laser compared to ultrasonic scaler in periodontal treatment: a 2-year follow-up split-mouth clinical study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this clinical study was to compare the results of non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease with an erbium-doped:yttrium, aluminum, and garnet (Er:YAG) laser to root debridement with an ultrasonic scaler.

METHODS

Twenty-five patients furnished two quadrants containing four teeth with probing depths (PD) >4 mm; the quadrants were divided equally between the right and left sides. On one side, teeth were treated by Er:YAG laser using 160 mJ/pulse at 10 Hz (test group); on the contralateral side, teeth were treated by ultrasonic scaler (control group). Clinical baseline data, including plaque index, gingival index, probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL), were recorded before treatment and at 3 months and 1 and 2 years.

RESULTS

There were statistically significant differences in PD between the test and control groups for pockets of 1 to 4 mm (P <0.05), 5 to 6 mm (P <0.01), and > or =7 mm (P <0.001). However, there were no significant differences between the test and control groups for CAL gain in pockets of 1 to 4 mm; statistically significant differences were found between the test and control groups in pockets of 5 to 6 mm (P <0.01) and > or =7 mm (P <0.001).

CONCLUSION

Er:YAG laser periodontal treatment resulted in statistically significant improvements in PD and CAL gain compared to ultrasonic scaler treatment at 2-year follow-up, especially in moderate and deep pockets.

Nd:YAG laser clinical assisted in class II furcation treatment

The Nd:YAG laser efficacy associated with conventional treatment for bacterial reduction has been investigated throughout literature. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bacterial reduction after Nd:YAG laser irradiation associated with scaling and root planning in class II furcation defects in patients with chronic periodontitis. Thirty-four furcation lesions were selected from 17 subjects. The control group received conventional treatment, and the experimental group received the same treatment followed by Nd:YAG laser irradiation (100 mJ/pulse; 15 Hz; 1.5 W, 60 s, 141.5 J/cm(2)). Both treatments resulted in improvements of most clinical parameters. A significant reduction of colony forming unit (CFU) of total bacteria number was observed in both groups. The highest reduction was noted in the experimental group immediately after the treatment. The number of dark pigmented bacteria and the percentage of patients with Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans reduced immediately after the treatment and returned to values close to the initial ones 6 weeks after the baseline for both groups. The Nd:YAG laser associated with conventional treatment promoted significant bacterial reduction in class II furcation immediately after irradiation, although this reduction was not observed 6 weeks after the baseline.

Comparison Between Full-Mouth Scaling and Root Planing and Quadrant-Wise Basic Therapy of Aggressive Periodontitis: 6-Month Clinical Results

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that there are no differences in clinical parameters in generalized aggressive periodontitis patients after full-mouth scaling and root planing (FRP) or quadrant-wise basic periodontal therapy (BPT) when combined with an antibiotic regimen.

METHODS

Patients were allocated randomly to BPT (N = 15; mean age: 29.5 +/- 5.7 years) or FRP (N = 15; mean age: 28.4 +/- 5.7 years). All subjects received oral hygiene instructions including the use of a 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthrinse solution twice a day for 2 months. Patients also received amoxicillin, 500 mg, and metronidazole, 250 mg, three times a day for 7 days. Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level, visible plaque, and bleeding on probing were recorded at baseline and at 2, 4, and 6 months post-therapy. Statistically significant changes within and between groups were determined using the general linear model repeated measures procedure.

RESULTS

Both groups showed a significant improvement in all clinical parameters post-therapy, which was particularly evident at 2 months in the sites that had been deepest at baseline. For instance, the mean PD at sites with mean PD > or =7 mm at baseline had decreased 3.9 mm in the BPT group and 3.6 mm in the FRP group. At 6 months, the percentage of sites with PD > or =7 mm decreased from 13.2% +/- 3.2% to 0% in the BPT group and from 13.3% +/- 3.5% to 0.2% +/- 0.1% in the FRP group. No statistically significant differences were observed between groups for most clinical parameters.

CONCLUSION

Within the limits of the present investigation, FRP and BPT caused comparable clinical effects in aggressive periodontitis patients when an adjunctive combined antibiotic regimen was included.

Effect of the Diode Laser on Bacteremia Associated with Dental Ultrasonic Scaling: A Clinical and Microbiological Study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential use of diode lasers (DLs) to reduce bacteremia associated with ultrasonic scaling (US). Furthermore, the clinical efficacy of DLs as an adjunct to US in the treatment of gingivitis was investigated.

BACKGROUND DATA

Recently, lasers have found new applications in dental practice. The benefits of the use of DLs as an adjunct to US have not yet been determined.

METHODS

Twenty-two gingivitis patients were treated using a split-mouth study design in which each side was randomly treated by US alone or DL followed by US (DL + US). Blood samples were drawn just before and during US in each treatment step to detect induced bacteremia. Clinical parameters including plaque index, sulcus bleeding index, probing depth, and relative attachment level were recorded at baseline and 4 weeks postoperatively.

RESULTS

Bacteremia was detected in 15 patients (68%) after US alone, and in 8 patients following DL + US (36%). The reduction of the incidence of odontogenic bacteremia during US after the application of DL was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Clinical signs improved eventually, with no significant differences between the two treatment regimens (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Application of DL energy can reduce bacteria in gingival crevices which may reduce bacteremia following US. The use of DL did not show additional clinical influence on gingival healing after treatment of gingivitis with US.

Periodontics: 3. Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy in General Dental Practice

Non-surgical periodontal therapy is an integral part of periodontal treatment and has been defined as plaque removal, plaque control, supra- and subgingival scaling, root surface debridement, and the adjunctive use of chemical agents.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Knowledge of the role of non-surgical periodontal therapy is central to good patient care.

Timing Affects the Clinical Outcome of Adjunctive Systemic Antibiotic Therapy for Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis

BACKGROUND

Systemic antibiotics improve the outcome of scaling and root planing (SRP) in patients exhibiting severe periodontitis. This study evaluated the influence of timing of adjunctive systemic antibiotics in the sequence of periodontal therapy.

METHODS

Two cohorts of patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis and treated by SRP, adjunctive antibiotics, and supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) were analyzed retrospectively. Cohort A (17 patients; 36 +/- 5 years of age) received systemic amoxicillin/metronidazole immediately after SRP ("immediate"); cohort B (17 patients; 36 +/- 4 years of age) received the same regimen 3 months after SRP, following SPT, including subgingival reinstrumentation ("late"). Clinical parameters, including probing depth (PD), relative attachment level (RAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and suppuration, were recorded with a pressure-sensitive electronic probe at baseline and 3 and 6 months after SRP.

RESULTS

Significant time*group interactions were found for all clinical parameters except BOP, i.e., timing of antibiotic therapy affected the course of clinical changes over time. Immediate antibiotic therapy produced significantly higher initial changes (0 to 3 months) in PD and RAL. Late antibiotic therapy at 3 months resulted in additional significant improvements in all clinical parameters between 3 and 6 months. In initially deep sites (baseline PD >6 mm), improvements in PD and RAL over 6 months were significantly higher with immediate antibiotic therapy compared to late antibiotic therapy.

CONCLUSION

Within the limits of a retrospective analysis, these findings indicate that administration of amoxicillin/metronidazole immediately after initial SRP provides more PD reduction and RAL "gain" in initially deep sites than late administration at SPT with reinstrumentation after 3 months.

Effects of sonic and ultrasonic scaling on the surface roughness of tooth-colored restorative materials for cervical lesions

This study investigated the effects of sonic and ultrasonic scaling on the surface roughness of five commonly used tooth-colored restorative materials for Class V cavities, including a flowable resin composite (Tetric Flow), a compomer (Compoglass F), a glass ionomer (Fuji II), a resin-modified glass ionomer (Fuji II LC Imp) and a resin composite (Z100). Twenty rectangular block specimens (16 x 6 x 1.5 mm) of each material were cured against matrix strips, then stored in artificial saliva for two months before performing the periodontal instrumentation. Each specimen was divided into two experimental zones, and both scaling treatments were performed on each sample. The surface roughness (Ra) of these materials was determined before and after the different instrumentations, and differences were evaluated with the use of a profilometer. Data were statistically analyzed using repeated measures of ANOVA with Tukey's multiple comparisons and paired t-tests at a significance level of 0.05. Significant increases in surface roughness of all test materials were recorded from both scaling treatments. With the exception of Tetric Flow, ultrasonic scaling had more adverse effects on the surface roughness of all test materials compared to sonic scaling. For the test materials Z100 and Tetric Flow, resin composites showed the least surface changes in both scaling treatments, while Fuji II glass ionomer demonstrated the greatest roughness after instrumentation. More importantly, the mean surface roughness values of several materials after instrumentation were above the critical threshold roughness of 0.2 microm.

[Evaluation of the clinical effects and scanning electron microscopic observation of different kinds of ultrasonic scaler used in subgingival scaling]

PURPOSE

To assess and compare the clinical effects of Odontogain and Prophy Max ultrasonic scaler used in periodontal treatment.

METHODS

Twenty patients with chronic periodontitis were selected using both the Odontogain (group A) and Prophy Max (group B) ultrasonic scaler in a split mouth design. Six teeth of each patient were included in one group. The time used in each instrumentation was collected, and the periodontal indices (BOP,PD,CAL) were recorded before treatment, one month and two months after treatment, respectively. Meanwhile, 10 extracted human single-rooted teeth were collected and divided randomly into A and B group. The root surface of the treated teeth were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The time used in each instrumentation was recorded. SAS6.12 software package was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Each periodontal index of group A and group B had improved significantly one and two months after subgingival scaling (P<0.01). The effect of the treatment of group A was better than group B, but there was no significant difference between them (P>0.05). For the time used on clinical treatment and extracted teeth , group A was significantly better than group B (P<0.01). It was observed from SEM that the root surfaces of both group A and B were smooth after scaling, and the remaining dental calculus of group A was less.

CONCLUSION

The two kinds of ultrasonic scaler could improve the clinical indices in periodontal therapy. Odontogain ultrasonic scaler was more effective.

Periodontal healing after non-surgical therapy with a new ultrasonic device: a randomized controlled clinical trial

AIM

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and microbiological healing outcomes following non-surgical periodontal therapy using the new Vector ultrasonic system versus scaling and root planing (S/RP) with Gracey curettes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study comprised 20 chronic periodontitis patients. Using a split-mouth design, both treatment modalities were randomly applied to one quadrant of the upper and the lower jaws each. Clinical and microbiological parameters were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 6 months after treatment. Furthermore, post-operative hypersensitivity was assessed. The Wilcoxon signed rank test (alpha=0.05) was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Both therapies provided statistically significant clinical and microbiological improvements of periodontal conditions after 4 weeks and 6 months. Hypersensitive teeth were found only 4 weeks after S/RP. Besides a significantly better bleeding on probing reduction in deep S/RP sites, no other clinical and microbiological parameters revealed significant differences between the sites treated with the Vector system or S/RP.

CONCLUSION

Both the Vector system and S/RP provided favourable periodontal healing results, although in deep pockets S/RP appeared to achieve a better resolution of inflammation.

Microbiological outcomes of quadrant versus full-mouth root planing as monitored by real-time PCR

OBJECTIVES

To study the short-term microbiological changes following full-mouth compared with quadrant wise scaling and root planing (FMRP and QRP) as well as long-term effects.

METHOD

Twenty patients with chronic periodontitis were randomized into a test group treated in two sessions with subgingival scaling and root planing within 24 h (FMRP) and a control group treated quadrant by quadrant in four sessions at intervals of one week (QRP). Microbiological samples were taken in the two deepest pockets of the maxillary right quadrant immediately before treatment and after 1 day, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks. The samples were evaluated by real-time PCR for quantification of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum ssp., Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia as well as for total bacterial counts (TBC).

RESULTS

Treatment resulted in a TBC median log reduction of 0.75 (FMRP) and 0.72 (QRP). There were no differences between groups either for the short term (1 day-4 weeks) (analysis of variance: p=0.3150) or for long term (4-24 weeks) (analysis of variance: p=0.9671). Likewise, no differences were detected for selected target bacteria.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study showed similar microbiological outcomes following both treatment modalities.

In vitro evaluation of Nd:YAG laser radiation at three different wavelengths (1064, 532, and 355 nm) on calculus removal in comparison with ultrasonic scaling

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of laser treatment for calculus removal at different wavelengths and compare it with that of ultrasonic scaling (US).

BACKGROUND DATA

Conventional methods of treatment of periodontal tissues can be limited by morphology, root anatomy, and the periodontal pocket. In the search for an effective therapy to achieve a biocompatible root surface, laser treatment appeared in the field of periodontology.

METHODS

Radiation from a Nd:YAG laser operating at the fundamental (1064 nm), second harmonic (532 nm) and third harmonic (355 nm) wavelengths was used for calculus removal. Environment scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) was used for the morphological analysis of the treated surfaces. The wavelength dependence of the ablation thresholds for calculus and cementum was evaluated by applying a photoacoustic technique.

RESULTS

US achieved complete calculus removal, leaving a smooth and regular surface in a more efficient way than laser treatment. ESEM examination and photoacoustic methods confirmed a nonselective removal of material that entails partial cementum ablation of the root surface with the laser treatment.

CONCLUSION

UV radiation at 355 nm can constitute an adjunctive therapy to US, by eliminating toxic agents and the contaminated layer of cementum.

Periodontal healing after non-surgical therapy with a modified sonic scaler: a controlled clinical trial

AIM

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and microbiological healing outcomes following non-surgical periodontal therapy using a modified sonic scaler system versus scaling and root planing (S/RP) with hand instruments.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study comprised 20 chronic periodontitis patients. Using a split-mouth design, both treatment modalities were randomly applied to one quadrant of the upper and lower jaws. Clinical and microbiological parameters were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 6 months after treatment. Furthermore, post-operative hypersensitivity was investigated. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test (alpha = 0.05) was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

With both therapy methods, periodontal conditions showed statistically significant clinical and microbiological improvements after 4 weeks and 6 months. Hypersensitive teeth were found only 4 weeks after S/RP. Besides a significantly better bleeding on probing reduction in deep S/RP sites and less time required for root instrumentation by the sonic scaler, no other clinical and microbiological parameters revealed significant differences between sites treated with the sonic scaler or S/RP.

CONCLUSION

The sonic scaler system and S/RP seem to provide similarly favourable periodontal healing results, although in deep pockets S/RP appeared to achieve a better resolution of inflammation.

Er:YAG laser scaling of diseased root surfaces: a histologic study

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to observe the effects of an erbium-doped:yttrium, aluminum, and garnet (Er:YAG) laser when used to treat periodontally involved root surfaces.

METHODS

Forty teeth affected by severe periodontal disease and scheduled for extraction were divided into two groups: in group A (control), 20 teeth were treated by hand instrumentation, and in group B (test), 20 teeth were treated by Er:YAG laser.

RESULTS

In group A (teeth treated by curets), the root cementum layer was completely removed, but many deep scratches on the dentin layer were also observed. In group B, the laser-treated root surfaces, there was no cracking or carbonization, and the bacterial flora was completely eliminated, leaving a rough and uniform surface.

CONCLUSION

Results of the present study showed that clinical use of an Er:YAG laser in vivo achieves plaque and calculus removal, providing a rough surface morphology.

A comparative study between different techniques in non-surgical periodontal treatment

AIM

This study was carried out to compare a conventional manual instrumentation with an ultrasonic technique (Odontoson M) in scaling and root planing periodontal treatment. The effects of subgingival irrigation with 10% iodised solution in association with Odontoson M were studied.

METHODS

Sixty patients were selected: they were suffering from adult periodontitis, aged between 35 and 65 and non-smokers. They were randomly divided into 3 groups (Gs1, Gs2, Gs3). Gs1 was treated with curettage using Gracey curettes, Gs2 was treated with scaling and root planing using Odontoson M, while in Gs3 scaling and root planing with Odontoson M irrigated with a 10% iodised solution were performed. Clinical parameters (probing depth, bleeding on probing, dental mobility, loss of attachment level) were measured before treatment (T0), after 30 days (T1), after 90 days (T2) and after 120 days (T3).

RESULTS

No statistical significant differences between Gs1 and Gs2 were observed. The improvement of clinical parameters in Gs3 was greater and statistical significant differences with other groups treated were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

There are no significant differences between the effectiveness of scaling and root planing with manual instruments and with Odontoson M. The 10% iodised solution used such as topic antiseptic carries out greater effects in not surgical periodontal treatments.