Long-term maintenance of patients treated for advanced periodontal disease

Stability of treated angular and horizontal bony defects: a retrospective radiographic evaluation in a private periodontal practice

BACKGROUND

This retrospective radiographic evaluation provided a comparative assessment of long-term alterations of alveolar bone levels at sites with angular and horizontal bony defects that underwent open-flap debridement and did not undergo resective or regenerative periodontal therapy.

METHODS

The investigation included 50 patients (27 met inclusion criteria) who had periodontal surgery and periodontal maintenance every 3 to 6 months and who presented with sites demonstrating radiographic angular defects and sites on adjacent or contralateral teeth that demonstrated horizontal bone loss. Subsequent to surgical therapy, alterations in bone levels at the alveolar crest of horizontal defects and at the base of angular defects were evaluated by comparing radiographs from the initial examination to those obtained after a period of periodontal maintenance (6 to 16 years; mean: 8.83 years).

RESULTS

After periodontal therapy, sites with angular and horizontal alveolar bone loss had additional bone loss of 5.56% and 3.88%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Based on a defining criterion of 10%, the angular and horizontal sites were clinically equivalent with respect to the magnitude of osseous resorption that occurred after periodontal surgery and maintenance.

Powered toothbrush plus triclosan only as effective as manual brush and fluoride toothpaste for periodontal maintenance patients

DESIGN

This randomised, controlled and single-masked clinical trial was carried out in specialist clinics in Sweden and the US.

INTERVENTION

The test group were instructed to use an rotation-oscillation action (ROA) powered toothbrush (Oral-B; Gillette, Boston, Massachusetts, USA) and a triclosan/ copolymer/ fluoride-containing dentifrice (Total; Colgate, Piscataway, New Jersey, US). The control group were instructed to brush using the modified Bass technique and a conventionally designed, multitufted, soft, manual toothbrush using a standard fluoride-containing dentifrice (Protection Caries; Colgate). Both groups were to brush twice a day and clean interdentally daily with dental floss, toothpicks and/ or interdental brushes.

OUTCOME MEASURE

Measurements were taken at baseline, and 1, 2 and 3 years for the following parameters: number of teeth, plaque, bleeding on probing (BoP), probing pocket depth (PPD) and level of the gingival margin (GM). GM was assessed as the distance between the soft tissue margin and the cemento-enamel junction or the border of a restoration. Relative attachment level (RAL) was calculated as PPD minus GM. Subgingival plaque samples were taken and analysed for their content of 40 bacterial species at each examination interval.

RESULTS

Both groups showed significant reduction in BoP, PPD and in mean total counts of the 40 bacterial species between baseline and 3 years, whereas plaque score and RAL remained almost unchanged. No significant differences between the two prevention programmes were found for any of the clinical outcome variables or in mean counts of the various bacterial species.

CONCLUSIONS

The study failed to demonstrate superior clinical and microbiological effects of powered toothbrush and triclosan dentifrice compared with manual toothbrush and standard fluoride-dentifrice in periodontitis-susceptible subjects undergoing regular maintenance therapy.

Influence of residual pockets on progression of periodontitis and tooth loss: results after 11 years of maintenance

BACKGROUND

Limited evidence exists on the significance of residual probing pocket depth (PPD) as a predictive parameter for periodontal disease progression and tooth loss.

AIM

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of residual PPD >or=5 mm and bleeding on probing (BOP) after active periodontal therapy (APT) on the progression of periodontitis and tooth loss.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this retrospective cohort, 172 patients were examined after APT and supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) for 3-27 years (mean 11.3 years). Analyses were conducted using information at site, tooth and patient levels. The association of risk factors with tooth loss and progression of periodontitis was investigated using multilevel logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The number of residual PPD increased during SPT. Compared with PPD<or=3 mm, PPD=5 mm represented a risk factor for tooth loss with odds ratios of 5.8 and 7.7, respectively, at site and tooth levels. The corresponding odds ratios for PPD=6 mm were 9.3 and 11.0 and for PPD>or=7 mm 37.9 and 64.2, respectively. At patient level, heavy smoking, initial diagnosis, duration of SPT and PPD>or=6 mm were risk factors for disease progression, while PPD>or=6 mm and BOP>or=30% represented a risk for tooth loss.

CONCLUSION

Residual PPD>or=6 mm represent an incomplete periodontal treatment outcome and require further therapy.

Commentary: prognosis revisited: a system for assigning periodontal prognosis

Prognosis is an integral part of the periodontal practice because it directly influences treatment planning. However, there is limited direct evidence in the literature regarding the assignment of periodontal prognosis. There are several important concepts to consider in developing a system of periodontal prognosis. Traditional systems are based on tooth loss and may have limited use for patient management. On the other hand, prognosis can be based on stability of the periodontal supporting apparatus, which is influenced by more evidence-based factors and may be more useful for patient management. Other important concepts include the timing of the projection (short and long term) and the consideration of individual teeth versus the overall dentition. Historically, several authors have formulated and investigated their own prognostication systems. Results were variable, but they generally showed that systems based on tooth loss were unpredictable over the long term. Therefore, the purpose of this report is to review relevant literature and propose a new periodontal prognostication system.

Supportive therapy and the longevity of dental implants: a systematic review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

To review systematically whether supportive implant treatment during a follow-up of at least 10 years after functional loading is effective in prevention of biological complications and fixture loss.

METHODS

A MEDLINE search was conducted for the period of 1965 to April 2006 of longitudinal clinical studies with follow-up periods after implant function of at least 10 years. Sixty-two studies were initially screened for inclusion and read in full text. Nine studies remained for the final assessment and 53 articles were thus excluded for the following reasons: (1) no information on implant maintenance was presented, (2) the number of patients/implants assessed at 10-year follow-up/final evaluation was not presented (3) fixture loss and marginal bone loss during function were not assessed at 10-year evaluation and (4) residual inflammation and/or probing pocket depth (PPD) not assessed at 10-year examination.

RESULTS

Fifty-six percent of 62 initially screened studies did not assess clinical inflammation and PPD around implants at long-term evaluation of implants. This was the most common reason for exclusion of studies. In 28% of excluded studies, there was no information on implant maintenance during follow-up. A total of 749 fixtures were included and followed for more than 10 years of functional load. Five of the included studies gave no detailed information of the assessments or the treatment at follow-up visits during the 10 years. Only in two of the included cohorts were patients enrolled in an individualized supportive program on a 3-6-month recall interval.

CONCLUSION

There are, to date, few available studies evaluating the long-term effect of supportive programs for implant patients. Based on the nine studies included, no evidence is available to suggest the frequency of recall intervals or to propose specific hygiene treatments. There is an urgent need for such studies to be initiated.

Evidence-Based Rationale Supports a National Periodontal Disease Screening Program

INTRODUCTION

The evidence-based decision-making process that led to the inclusion of periodontal diseases (PD) in the newly revised Austrian National Periodic Health Examination (PHE) is described. Although intraoral inspection by physicians had already been a routine part of the PHE, obvious signs of PD, which are highly prevalent in Austria, have been largely ignored.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this periodontal screening (PS) program are to direct persons with a series of identifiable risk factors to seek proper care.

METHOD

The PS program development methodology was based on 2 factors: a systematic review of evidence-based publications that establish correlations between individual risk factors or multifactorial risk models with an increased susceptibility to progression of PD, and a selection of brief and cost-effective screening interventions that could be administered by nondental clinicians such as general physicians.

RESULTS

The final screening model is a 3-step intervention:

CONCLUSION

The final PS model within the Austrian PHE is based on a wealth of data justifying an evidence-based intervention. The Austrian population is likely to benefit in many ways from the intervention through increased awareness of PD and through a collaboration of medical and dental clinicians in their prevention.

Long-term effects of supportive therapy in periodontal patients treated with fibre retention osseous resective surgery. II: tooth extractions during active and supportive therapy

BACKGROUND

Long-term tooth retention is the main objective of periodontal treatment. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the prevalence and reasons of tooth extraction during active periodontal therapy (APT) and supportive periodontal care (SPC) in periodontal patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Three hundred and four periodontal patients were examined. APT consisted of non-surgical periodontal treatment and fibre retention osseous resective surgery, where needed, to obtain no sites with PD>3 mm. All patients participated in an SPC programme for 3-17 years (mean time 7.8 years).

RESULTS

At the initial examination, 45% of the patients had moderate periodontitis and 41% severe periodontitis. During APT, 576 teeth were extracted (7.5%). The main reason for tooth extraction during APT was the presence of advanced periodontal lesions (44%). The number of tooth extractions was higher in cases with severe periodontitis. Extracted teeth showed a mean bone loss of 76% of the total root length. During SPT, a total of 67 teeth were removed (0.9%) in a subgroup of 50 patients. The clinical problems were primarily related to the incidence of root fracture (48%) and secondarily to the progression of periodontal disease (30%).

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of tooth extraction during APT is associated with the severity of periodontal disease. Tooth loss during supportive periodontal care may be negligible when a meticulous SPC programme is performed in patients where minimal probing depth is consequential to APT.

Long-term effects of supportive therapy in periodontal patients treated with fibre retention osseous resective surgery. I: recurrence of pockets, bleeding on probing and tooth loss

BACKGROUND

Periodontal surgery is indicated in the treatment of persistent pockets following cause-related therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effect of supportive therapy in periodontal patients treated with fibre retention osseous resective surgery.

METHODS

Three-hundred and four consecutive patients were identified and retrospectively examined while presenting for a supportive periodontal care (SPC) appointment (T2). All had received non-surgical periodontal treatment and osseous resective surgery as needed, to obtain no sites with probing depth (PD) >3 mm before being enrolled in the SPC programme. The mean SPC duration for the patients was 7.8+/-3.2 years while the mean interval of SPC was 3.4+/-0.8 months.

RESULTS

During SPC, a total of 67 teeth had been removed (0.9%). At T2, mean full-mouth plaque scores (FMPS) was 13+/-11.3% and full-mouth bleeding scores (FMBS) was 2+/-3%. In 98.5% of the sites, PD was minimal (<or=3 mm). The majority of pockets at T2 showed PDs of 4-5 mm (83.4% of pockets). At the same time, the total number of pockets >or=6 mm was 68 and limited to 41 patients (13.8% of sample). Initial periodontal diagnosis of severe periodontitis, smoking habits, FMBS, number of teeth at completion of active periodontal therapy (T1), number of surgically treated teeth, number of teeth with furcation involvement and number of multi-rooted teeth were associated with the number of pockets at T2. A total of 598 sites (2.1%) displayed bleeding on probing (BOP) at T2. The odds ratio of sites 4 mm or deeper to be BOP positive was 32.9 compared with sites of <3 mm depth. Gender, FMBS, FMPS, furcation involvements and overall number of pockets were associated with the number of bleeding pockets at T2.

CONCLUSION

Shallow PDs achieved by treatment of the persistent pockets by fibre retention osseous resective surgery can be maintained over time. These patients displayed minimal gingival inflammation and tooth loss during SPC.

Self-reported oral hygiene habits and oral health problems of Kuwaiti adults

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to examine self-reported oral hygiene habits and oral health problems of a sample of adult Kuwaitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A self-administered, anonymous, structured questionnaire was distributed to 2,400 adult Kuwaiti nationals from all 6 governates of Kuwait assessing socio-demographic variables, oral hygiene habits, and oral health problems.

RESULTS

Of the 2,400 questionnaires, 1,925 (80.25%) responded. Of these, 62% reported brushing their teeth at least twice daily, while daily use of dental floss was uncommon (11.8%). Adequate toothbrushing habits were significantly associated with female gender, educational level, non-smoking status, and history of recent preventive dental visits (p = 0.001). The majority of subjects reported multiple oral health problems (64.7% with 2 or more and 41.8% with 3 or more). Factors associated with multiple oral health complaints included younger age, smoking, not having a recent preventive dental visit, and brushing the teeth less than twice daily.

CONCLUSIONS

Less than two-thirds of the sampled adult Kuwaitis followed the recommended toothbrushing frequency of twice daily or more, and the majority of subjects have not had a preventive dental visit in the previous 6 months. Furthermore, most subjects reported multiple oral health problems that are mostly preventable through adequate oral hygiene habits and regular preventive dental visits.

Transitioning patients from teeth to implants

One major obstacle to treatment with implants is the transitional phase between a tooth supported occlusion and an implant supported occlusion. This is of particular concern when a patient with a failing dentition has not worn a removable prosthesis before and is planning to have a reconstruction supported by implants.

Niridazole biodegradable inserts for local long-term treatment of periodontitis: possible new life for an orphan drug

Periodontal pocket inserts of niridazole (NZ) made with Resomer(R) (grades RG 503H and RG858, designated as RH and RG, respectively) were studied. Various formulation variables were evaluated to obtain a biodegradable delivery systems showing device degradation and drug depletion parallel to each other in vitro. Drug release from the prepared inserts was evaluated using a static dissolution setup (for 1 month). Incorporation of 3 parts of RG in 1 part of RH inserts caused a 50% decrease in the initial release rate. The RH-NZ inserts showed a spurt in release around the 10th day of the study, which coincided with the decrease in device weight, suggesting onset of device degradation. Pilot-scale clinical trials in 12 patients indicated improvements in clinical indices from the baseline values. The average pocket depth was reduced significantly (alpha = 0.05) from 6.34 +/- 1.86 mm at baseline to 5.94 +/- 0.28 mm after 28 days of treatment.

Relationship Between Prereferral Periodontal Care and Periodontal Status at Time of Referral

BACKGROUND

According to a recent study, the severity of periodontal disease of individuals referred for periodontal care is greater now than in 1980. Variability in the standard of periodontal care in general dental practices may result in less than desirable outcomes and consequences of poorer periodontal health.

METHODS

A sample of 100 newly referred dental patients from three separate periodontal practices in the greater Kansas City, Missouri area participated in this study. Data were collected from three sources: 1) a clinical chart audit, 2) current periodontal disease status as determined by clinical examination, and 3) a patient response questionnaire on past professional care and personal oral care habits. Bivariate analyses were performed using a statistical package.

RESULTS

Of the 100 subjects, 74 were diagnosed as periodontal case type IV at the point of referral, of which 29.8% were treatment planned by the periodontist for two or more extractions. Teeth treatment planned for extraction were significant as a function of disease severity (P = 0.0001). Periodontal treatment provided in general dental practices did not vary because of disease severity. The incidence of deep cleanings (scaling and root planing) was reported slightly higher (32.4%) for case type IV than for case type III (26.9%), but this difference was not statistically significant. The average number of cleanings received in the general dental office was less than the standard of care according to the severity of the disease.

CONCLUSION

If one assumes that the data obtained in the Kansas City practices are representative of a larger geographic area, it indicates that dentistry may be failing to address issues of the timely diagnosis of periodontal disease, appropriate treatment, and/or timely referral for treatment.

Outcome of implant therapy in patients with previous tooth loss due to periodontitis

BACKGROUND

It is frequently debated whether implant treatment in individuals with previous tooth loss due to periodontitis is characterized by an increased incidence of implant loss and peri-implantitis.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the present systematic review was to assess whether individuals with previous tooth loss due to periodontitis have an increased risk of loss of suprastructures, loss of implants, peri-implantitis, and peri-implant marginal bone loss as compared with individuals with previous tooth loss due to reasons other than periodontitis.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Studies considered for inclusion were searched in MEDLINE (PubMed) and relevant journals were hand searched. Moreover, reference lists of articles selected for full-text screening as well as previously published reviews relevant for the present systematic review were searched. The search was performed by one reviewer and was restricted to human studies published from January 1, 1980 to January 1, 2006. No language restrictions were applied.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Prospective and retrospective cohort studies with at least a 5-year follow-up comparing the outcome of implant treatment in individuals with periodontitis-associated and non-periodontitis-associated tooth loss, respectively, were included. The outcome measures were survival of suprastructures, survival of implants, occurrence of peri-implantitis, and peri-implant marginal bone loss. The 5- and 10-year time points were evaluated.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Screening of eligible studies, methodological quality assessment, and data extraction were conducted in duplicate and independently by two of the authors. The authors were contacted for missing information. Results were expressed as random effect models using weighted mean differences for continuous outcomes and relative risk for dichotomous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

MAIN RESULTS

Two studies with a 5- and 10-year follow-up, respectively, were identified including a total of 33 patients with tooth loss due to periodontitis and 70 patients with non-periodontitis-associated tooth loss. There was no significant difference in the survival of the suprastructures after 5 years. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the survival of the implants after 5 and 10 years. However, there were significantly more patients affected by peri-implantitis in the group with periodontitis-associated tooth loss during the 10-year follow-up period, risk ratio (RR) 9 (95% CI 3.94-20.57). Moreover, significantly increased peri-implant marginal bone loss was observed in patients with periodontitis-associated tooth loss after 5 years, mean difference 0.5 mm (95% CI 0.06-0.94).

CONCLUSIONS

The survival of the suprastructures and the implants was not significantly different in individuals with periodontitis-associated and non-periodontitis-associated tooth loss. However, significantly increased incidence of peri-implantitis and significantly increased peri-implant marginal bone loss were revealed in individuals with periodontitis-associated tooth loss. The small sample size and the methodological quality assessment of the two studies suggest that the results should be interpreted with caution. Consequently, further long-term studies focusing particularly on the outcome of implant treatment in young adults with aggressive periodontitis are needed before final conclusions can be drawn about the outcome of implant treatment in patients with a history of periodontitis.

Tooth loss in well-maintained patients with chronic periodontitis during long-term supportive therapy in Brazil

AIM

The objective of this retrospective study was to assess the reasons for tooth loss in a sample of patients who underwent periodontal therapy and supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) in a Brazilian private periodontal practice.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A sample of 120 subjects who had been treated and maintained for 10 years or longer was selected from patients attending a periodontal practice. All patients followed a similar treatment: basic procedures, re-evaluation and periodontal surgery where indicated. Reasons for tooth loss were categorized as periodontal, caries, endodontal, root fractures and extraction of retained or partially erupted third molars.

RESULTS

Of the 2927 teeth present at the completion of active periodontal treatment, 53 (1.8%) were lost due to periodontal disease, 16 (0.5%) for root fracture, six (0.2%) to caries, five (0.2%) for endodontic reasons and 31 (1.0%) were lost to extraction of retained or partially erupted third molars. Logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between five independent variables with tooth loss due to periodontitis. Only age (> 60 years) and smoking were statistically significant (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The findings of this survey were consistent with previous studies. Older subjects and smokers were more susceptible to periodontal tooth loss. In addition, patients with generalized chronic periodontitis were treated and maintained for long-term periods with low rates of tooth loss.

Compliance as a prognostic indicator: retrospective study of 505 patients treated and maintained for 15 years

BACKGROUND

The relationship of patient compliance to overall tooth prognosis remains controversial. There are little data, often conflicting, that pertain to tooth loss as a function of patient compliance.

METHODS

This retrospective study evaluates the impact of compliance (complete versus erratic) on common periodontal clinical variables, such as probing depth, bleeding index, plaque index, and tooth loss for 505 patients in a long-term period of observation (15 to 23 years) and maintenance therapy (at least 10 years). Compliance was defined in two ways for all analyses. Under the definition for compliance 1, patients who missed <30% of all prescribed maintenance visits were classified as complete compliers. Under the definition for compliance 2, patients who never went 2 years without a maintenance visit were classified as complete compliers. Change in clinical variables was dichotomized into reduction in plaque index versus no reduction, reduction in bleeding on probing versus no reduction, reduction in the percentage of periodontal pockets>3 mm versus no reduction, no increase in decayed, missing, or filled teeth (DMFT) versus increase, and no tooth loss versus tooth loss. The effects of both definitions of compliance were then evaluated in a series of multiple logistic regression models with adjustment for potential confounders.

RESULTS

The analysis of the dichotomous change in clinical parameters over time revealed that complete compliers tended to show reduction in bleeding on probing and reduction in plaque index compared to erratic compliers for both definitions of compliance. In contrast, complete compliers under compliance 2 were less likely to have a reduction in the percentage of periodontal pockets >3 mm compared to erratic compliers, whereas complete compliers under compliance 1 had about the same likelihood of demonstrating a reduction in periodontal pockets compared to erratic compliers under this classification scheme. Under both definitions for compliance, complete compliers were more likely to exhibit tooth loss than erratic compliers, with the greatest tooth loss exhibited by complete compliers under the definition for compliance 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these results, complete compliers under both definitions tended to show a reduction in plaque and bleeding on probing over time. However, change in periodontal pockets and DMFT over time varied according to the definition of compliance that was used. In addition, the results seem to indicate that the decision for tooth extraction made by dental health professionals at maintenance visits may result in greater tooth loss.

Inhibition of Experimental Gingivitis in Beagle Dogs With Topical Mercaptoalkylguanidines

BACKGROUND

Nitric oxide is a free radical produced in host tissues by constitutive and inducible forms of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase. Nitric oxide plays physiological roles, but it is also involved in the pathophysiology of several inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and circulatory shock. Local increases in inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and reactive nitrogen products have also been demonstrated in humans and animals with periodontal disease. This masked, randomized, placebo-controlled preclinical investigation examined the effect of two mercaptoalkylguanidines, mercaptoethylguanidine (MEG) and guanidinoethyldisulfide (GED), which are iNOS inhibitors and reactive nitrogen scavenging compounds, on the development of experimental gingivitis in beagle dogs.

METHODS

Fifteen female, 1-year-old beagles first completed a 2-week dose-escalation experiment during which a maximum tolerated dose was determined for MEG and GED gels. Thereafter, all animals were brought to optimal gingival health by mechanical scaling, followed by rigorous daily toothbrushing over a 4-week washout period. Experimental gingivitis was then induced, with cessation of plaque control and institution of a soft diet over 8 weeks. Beagles randomly received 0.3% MEG, 0.3% GED, or placebo (vehicle) gels, topically applied twice daily to premolar teeth. Gingival inflammation, bleeding tendency, and supragingival plaque were clinically measured at baseline and at 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. Comparisons among groups and between group pairs (active versus placebo) were made using Kruskal-Wallis tests.

RESULTS

From baseline to day 7, all groups expressed similar indices. Thereafter, significant and time-dependent increases in the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and percentage of bleeding on probing (%BOP) were observed in placebo-treated beagles. Mean GI scores for beagles treated with GED or MEG gels remained at or below baseline levels for the entire treatment period. At weeks 2, 3, 4, and 8, GI scores were significantly lower for MEG and GED groups compared to the placebo group (P<0.05). In addition, MEG and GED gels significantly reduced gingival bleeding responses by 8 weeks (P<0.05). Although placebo-treated beagles demonstrated %BOP scores of 43% at week 8, GED- and MEG-treated beagles exhibited %BOP scores of 21% and 26%, respectively. Since no statistical difference among PI scores was noted for any of the time points, neither mercaptoalkylguanidine appeared to affect supragingival plaque levels.

CONCLUSION

The data from this preclinical study indicate that mercaptoalkylguanidines, topically administered, may significantly reduce experimental gingivitis in the beagle dog.

The Effect of Patient-Centered Plaque Control and Periodontal Maintenance Therapy on Adverse Outcomes of Periodontitis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate systematic reviews that addressed the effectiveness of periodontal maintenance therapy for the management of patients with periodontitis. Recent surveys of dental care patterns suggest a marked increase in preventive and maintenance periodontal care in populations that retain the dentition for an increasingly longer lifetime. A considerable body of clinical investigation concludes that a multitherapy periodontal maintenance approach is effective in improving periodontal outcomes in patients treated for periodontitis. Individual components of such maintenance therapy were assessed, including the effects of an oral examination, personal oral hygiene instructions, supragingival scaling and polishing, subgingival scaling and root planing, adjunctive procedures, and maintenance frequency. There is much controversy about improvement in oral health that may accrue from the placebo effect of an examination and the maintenance ritual. Improved plaque control by the patient in anticipation of a forthcoming examination alone might be reflected in decreased measurements for plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation but the role of placebo effects on periodontitis remains unclear. There are insufficient randomized controlled trials to reach conclusions regarding the individual beneficial effects of repeated oral hygiene instructions or routine scaling/polishing on the recurrence of periodontitis. While subgingival root planing seems an effective component of periodontal maintenance, neither clinical investigations nor randomly controlled trial evidence have established an ideal maintenance frequency based on individual patient risk for periodontitis. The adjunctive beneficial effects of both locally and systemically administered antimicrobial agents were statistically significant for some formulations, and may be particularly useful clinically in patients who are resistant to mechanical therapy. We conclude that few clinical or randomized controlled studies have evaluated the individual benefit or required frequency of the periodontal maintenance ritual for patients who are relatively resistant or susceptible to periodontitis.

Supportive periodontal therapy using mechanical instrumentation or 2% minocycline gel: a 12 month randomized, controlled, single masked pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the short-term performance of subgingival local delivery of 2% minocycline gel and conventional subgingival debridement in supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) patients.

METHODS

Forty adult patients having completed active treatment for moderate to advanced chronic periodontitis were included in a randomized, controlled, single masked maintenance care pilot study. Sites with residual pocket probing depths > or =5 mm and bleeding on probing were treated with either minocycline gel (minocycline-group) or scaling and root planing only (debridement-group) at baseline, 3, 6, and 9 months. Clinical and microbiological examinations were performed at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.

RESULTS

Full-mouth plaque and bleeding scores remained <10% and <20%, respectively, for both groups throughout the study. In both groups there was a persistent reduction in number of teeth and sites with probing pocket depths > or =5 mm (p<0.05) with no significant differences between the groups. The prevalence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, and Prevotella nigrescens, remained at levels < or =10(5) in the majority of patients and sites in both groups.

CONCLUSION

This pilot study failed to show a difference between local delivery of 2% minocycline gel as mono-therapy and traditional subgingival debridement in patients on SPT.

Disease progression: identification of high-risk groups and individuals for periodontitis

AIMS

While the role of bacteria in the initiation of periodontitis is primary, a range of host-related factors influence the onset, clinical presentation and rate of progression of disease. The objectives of this review are (1) to present evidence for individual predictive factors associated with a patient's susceptibility to progression of periodontitis and (2) to describe the use of prognostic models aimed at identifying high-risk groups and individuals in a clinical setting.

METHODS

Relevant publications in the English language were identified after Medline and PubMed database searches. Because of a paucity of longitudinal studies investigating factors including clinical, demographic, environmental, behavioural, psychosocial, genetic, systemic and microbiologic parameters to identify individuals at risk for disease progression, some association studies were also included in this review.

FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

Cigarette smoking is a strong predictor of progressive periodontitis, the effect of which is dose related. High levels of specific bacteria have been predictive of progressive periodontitis in some studies but not all. Diabetics with poor glycaemic control have an increased risk for progression of periodontitis. The evidence for the effect of a number of putative factors including interleukin-1 genotype, osteoporosis and psychosocial factors is inconclusive and requires further investigation in prospective longitudinal studies. Specific and sensitive diagnostic tests for the identification of individuals susceptible to disease progression are not yet a reality. While factors assessed independently may not be valuable in predicting risk of future attachment loss, the combination of factors in a multifactorial model may be useful in identifying individuals at risk for disease progression. A number of multifactorial models for risk assessment, at a subject level have been developed but require validation in prospective longitudinal studies.

Oral Health Impacts on Daily Living Related to Four Different Treatment Protocols for Chronic Periodontitis

BACKGROUND

The aims of this study were to evaluate the oral health impacts perceived by patients submitted to different treatments of chronic periodontitis and their association with clinical parameters.

METHODS

Sixty patients were assigned to one of the following therapeutic groups: control, treated with full-mouth scaling and root planing (SRP); test 1, treated with SRP and 400 mg systemically administered metronidazole (MET) three times per day for 10 days; test 2, treated with SRP and professional supragingival plaque removal (PP) every week for 3 months; and test 3, treated with SRP and MET plus PP. Clinical periodontal measurements and data regarding patients' oral health impacts (perceived impacts on bleeding gums, gingival recession, sensitivity to cold, packing foods, aesthetics, bad breath, and tooth mobility) were collected at baseline and 3 months after therapy.

RESULTS

All groups presented significant improvement in oral health perceived impacts. There was no statistically significant difference in the improvement of oral health impacts among groups subjected to different treatments. The clinical data of percentage of deep probing depth, deep clinical attachment level, and bleeding on probing were found to be correlated significantly with oral health impacts.

CONCLUSIONS

Periodontal treatment leads to a significant reduction of self-perceived impacts regardless of the non-surgical treatment protocol employed. Most of the clinical data were associated with oral health impacts.

Re-treatment profiles during long-term maintenance therapy in a periodontal practice in Norway

BACKGROUND

Periodontal therapy coupled with active maintenance has been shown to be effective in maintaining periodontal health, however, the question of re-treatment is rarely alluded to in the literature.

AIM

To quantify the type and extent of re-treatment in a group of patients who had completed a definitive course of periodontal treatment in a Norwegian specialist periodontal practice. The study also investigated factors associated with the provision of periodontal surgery as a re-treatment modality.

METHODS

A consecutive group of patients who had comprehensive periodontal treatment, which included periodontal surgery, and were subsequently maintained for between 10 and 17 years were studied.

RESULTS

One hundred and one patients with an average age at reassessment of 59.4 (standard deviation (SD) 9.0) years were studied. The average length of the review period was 13.1 (SD 1.9) years. In addition to routine maintenance, 50 patients had further re-treatment and 40 of those who were re-treated had periodontal surgery in the study period. Logistic regression showed that independent predictors of surgical re-treatment, with the effects adjusted for other variables in the model, were uncertain or poor prognosis at baseline, erratic or poor post baseline compliance and a family history of periodontal disease.

CONCLUSION

Considerable amounts of re-treatment, including in many cases extensive non-surgical treatment or periodontal surgery, were provided for patients who had surgical periodontal treatment and were subsequently maintained for least 10 years in a specialist periodontal practice.

Periodontal maintenance in a specialist periodontal clinic and in general dental practice

OBJECTIVES

To monitor the efficacy of periodontal maintenance whether conducted in a specialist periodontology clinic or in the practice of the referring general dentist.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-five subjects with a diagnosis of moderate-severe chronic periodontitis who were referred to the specialist clinic received periodontal non-surgical therapy. Following a 6-month healing phase, subjects were randomly allocated to one of two groups: A (n=18, periodontal maintenance provided within the specialist clinic) or B (n=17, periodontal maintenance provided by the referring general dentist in accordance with written instructions provided by the specialist). All subjects were examined at months 0 (corresponding to 6 months post-completion of non-surgical therapy), 6 and 12. Full-mouth plaque index (PI), % bleeding on probing (%BOP) and probing depth (PD) measurements were recorded. PDs were also recorded at eight test sites which, prior to non-surgical therapy, exhibited PD 5-8 mm, BOP and radiographic alveolar bone loss. Standardized radiographs were exposed at test sites at months 0 and 12, and bone changes assessed using digital subtraction radiography (DSR).

RESULTS

As a result of the non-surgical therapy, statistically significant improvements in all clinical parameters were recorded. In the maintenance period, mean PI increased significantly from months 0 to 12 (p<0.05), but this increase did not differ significantly between groups A and B (p>0.05). No other clinical parameters changed significantly in the maintenance phase of the study. Reductions in %BOP, mouth mean PD and mean test sites PD achieved by the non-surgical therapy were maintained and did not differ significantly whether subjects were allocated to group A or group B (p>0.05). Current smokers had significantly deeper PD than non-smokers and former smokers at all time points (p<0.05), although otherwise, smoking status did not affect the outcomes of the study. DSR analysis identified statistically non-significant, slight, alveolar bone loss in both groups between months 0 and 12.

CONCLUSION

In the short term, periodontal maintenance can be provided in general dental practice with the same expected outcomes compared with maintenance that is provided in a specialist clinic, providing that general dentists are given specific instructions regarding the maintenance regimen. A strong emphasis on effective plaque control is necessary.

Tooth loss during maintenance following periodontal treatment in a periodontal practice in Norway

BACKGROUND

Periodontal therapy coupled with careful maintenance has been shown to be effective in maintaining periodontal health; however, a small number of teeth are still lost because of progressive periodontitis.

AIM

To investigate factors associated with tooth loss due to periodontal reasons during maintenance following periodontal treatment in patients in a Norwegian specialist periodontal practice. The study also examined how initial prognosis related to actual outcome as measured by periodontal tooth loss.

METHODS

Hundred consecutive patients (68 females, 32 males) who had comprehensive periodontal treatment and attended for 9.8 (SD: 0.7), range: 9-11 years of maintenance care, were studied. All teeth classified as being lost due to periodontal disease over the period were identified.

RESULTS

Only 36 (1.5%) of the 2436 teeth present at baseline were subsequently lost due to periodontal disease. There were 26 patients who lost at least one tooth. Logistic regression analysis showed that tooth loss was significantly related to male gender (p=0.049; adjusted odds ratio: 2.8; confidence interval (c.i.): 1.0-8.1), older age, i.e.>60 years (p=0.012; adjusted odds ratio: 4.0; c.i.: 1.3-12.0) and smoking (p=0.019; adjusted odds ratio: 4.2; c.i.: 1.4-13.8). The majority 27 (75%) of the teeth lost due to periodontal disease had been assigned an uncertain, poor or hopeless initial prognosis; however, nine teeth (25%) lost had been assigned a good prognosis at baseline. The prognosis for 202 teeth was judged to have worsened over the period of the study.

CONCLUSION

Compliance with maintenance following periodontal treatment was associated with very low levels of tooth loss in a referral practice in rural Norway. Male gender, older age (>60 years) and smoking were predictors of tooth loss due to progressive periodontitis.

Effect of Periodontal Therapy in Smokers and Non-Smokers With Advanced Periodontal Disease: Results After Maintenance Therapy for a Minimum of 5 Years

BACKGROUND

Longitudinal clinical studies show smoking is a risk factor for periodontal disease progression. It has also been documented that smoking impairs healing after periodontal therapy. However, the longitudinal effect of smoking on treatment results in patients who undergo long-term maintenance therapy has not been extensively investigated. This study clinically and radiographically compared smoking and non-smoking patients who had been treated for advanced periodontal disease and who received maintenance therapy for a minimum of 5 years.

METHODS

Twenty-nine patients were selected over a 6-month period when they presented for a regularly scheduled visit in a private office. Patients were selected on the basis of initially having lost 50% of bone support on 50% of their teeth; had received follow-up therapy for at least 5 years; were compliant at 75% of the appointments; and had plaque scores < 20% in 75% of the visits. All patients had received non-surgical and surgical therapy as required for pocket elimination. Fourteen were active smokers during the entire maintenance period. Clinical measurements of probing depths and presence of plaque and gingivitis and a new set of standardized radiographs were taken.

RESULTS

Smokers had higher mean radiographic bone loss values prior to treatment (7.52 +/- 1.39 versus 6.65 +/- 1.39) and at the final examination (7.32 +/- 1.42 versus 6.29 +/- 1.29) mean radiographic bone loss as well as initial, immediate post-therapy, and final percent of pockets > or = 6 mm (1.42% +/- 1.87% versus 0.60% +/- 1.11%). Differences were not statistically significant. Over 5 to 8 years, seven sites in four non-smokers and 11 sites in six smokers exhibited radiographic bone loss > or = 2 mm. One tooth in a non-smoker and three teeth in two smokers were lost. In a logistic regression analysis, smoking increased the odds ratio 10.7 times of having > or = 1 site with bone loss > or = 2 mm.

CONCLUSION

The present study on a small group of patients treated for advanced periodontal disease and well maintained over 5 to 8 years showed no statistically significant differences between smokers and non-smokers in clinical probing depth and radiographic bone loss measurements.

Position PaperPeriodontal Maintenance

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the role of periodontal maintenance procedures in the treatment of periodontal diseases. Reliance on this position paper in patient management will not guarantee a successful outcome, as periodontal diseases typically involve complex causes and symptoms. Ultimately, decisions regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and management of disease, as well as subsequent preventive therapy, must be made by the treating practitioner based on specific circumstances presented by the patient.

A systematic review of efficacy of machine-driven and manual subgingival debridement in the treatment of chronic periodontitis

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy of machine-driven compared with manual subgingival debridement in the treatment of periodontitis.

BACKGROUND

Mechanical debridement of the periodontal pocket plays a pivotal role in the treatment of periodontitis.

METHODS

A literature search for controlled clinical trials with at least 6 months' follow-up comparing machine-driven instruments with hand instruments for the treatment of chronic periodontitis was performed up to April 2001. Screening of titles and abstracts as well as data extraction was conducted independently by two reviewers (J.T. & T.F.F.). As primary outcome variable, the prevention of tooth loss was used; secondary outcome variables were the prevention of disease progression, the resolution of anatomical defects and the resolution of gingival inflammation. Efficiency was assessed by mean time needed to treat one tooth.

RESULTS

From a total of 419 abstracts, 27 articles were included for the review. The weighted kappa score for agreement between the two reviewers was 0.77, 95% CI: 0.65-0.89, indicating substantial agreement. No study reported on the selected primary outcome variables. Using clinical attachment gain, probing pocket depth reduction or bleeding on probing reduction as outcome variables, there appeared to be no differences between ultrasonic/sonic and manual debridement. No major differences in the frequency or severity of adverse effects were found. However no meta-analysis could be performed on any of the previously mentioned parameters. Ultrasonic/sonic debridement was found to take significantly less time, i.e. 36.6%, than debridement using hand instruments (P = 0.0002, 95% CI of the standardized effect estimate: 0.39-1.37, heterogeneity P = 0.77).

CONCLUSIONS

With respect to clinical outcome measures, the available data do not indicate a difference between ultrasonic/sonic and manual debridement in the treatment of chronic periodontitis for single-rooted teeth; however, the evidence for this is not very strong. In addition, ultrasonic/sonic subgingival debridement requires less time than hand instrumentation. Further research is needed to assess the efficacy of machine-driven debridement on multirooted teeth and clinical outcome variables having tangible benefit to the patients should be used.

Supportive periodontal care: the effect of periodic subgingival debridement compared with supragingival prophylaxis with respect to clinical outcomes

BACKGROUND

The programme of supportive periodontal care (SPC) is essential to the long-term stability of patients with chronic periodontitis. The clinical strategy for SPC is often determined according to 'clinical needs' of the patient and is thus determined by clinical observation and individual decision-making rather than being based on the best available clinical evidence.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of supragingival prophylaxis vs. sub-gingival debridement for SPC following the treatment of chronic periodontitis.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Computerized for Medline and the Cochrane Oral Health Group Specialty Trials Register. Hand searching of the Journals of Clinical Periodontology, Periodontal Research and Periodontology. Reference lists from relevant articles were scanned and the authors of eligible studies were contacted to obtain additional information.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Studies were selected if they were designed as a prospective clinical trial in which patients with chronic periodontitis had followed a programme of SPC, which included at least one of the regimens of interest in part of the mouth, for a minimum of 12 months.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Information regarding methods, patients, interventions (SPC), outcome measures and results were extracted independently, in duplicate, by two reviewers (P.A.H., G.McC.). Absent data were recorded as such and incomplete data were sought from the researchers wherever possible.

RESULTS

In all, 28 papers were identified by the manual and electronic searches; 11 papers were eligible for inclusion. Only one study reported a direct comparison of the two SPCs of interest. The data were reported as mean changes in probing depth and attachment level between baseline and the 12-month follow-up point. For coronal scaling DeltaPD = 0.59 mm [0.13], DeltaAL = -0.13 mm [0.19]. For subgingival debridement DeltaPD = 0.37 mm [0.15], DeltaAL = -0.14 mm [0.18]. There were no significant differences between the SPC regimens. The weighted mean DeltaPD [95% confidence intervals] for the five additional studies that reported supragingival prophylaxis as the SPC regimen was 1.15 mm [-0.17, 2.38]. The weighted mean DeltaPD [95% confidence intervals] for the four studies that reported subgingival debridement as the SPC regimen was 0.56 mm [0.37, 1.47]. The difference between the SPC treatments for the mean DeltaPD is therefore 0.23 mm. The confidence interval for the combined studies was very wide [0.37, 1.47] and very little additional information is gained unless some strong assumptions are made about the comparability of the populations from which the samples are drawn. Such an assumption was not considered appropriate. The weighted mean DeltaAL [95% confidence intervals] for the six additional studies that reported supragingival prophylaxis as the SPC regimen was 0.18 mm [-0.38, 0.74]. The weighted mean DeltaAL [95% confidence intervals] for the six additional studies that reported supragingival prophylaxis as the SPC regimen was 0.50 mm [0.11, 0.89]. The difference between the SPC treatments for mean DeltaAL is 0.32 mm. The confidence interval [-0.36, 1.00] is very wide and the data from the additional studies provide little extra information than that reported in the one study that compared the treatments directly.

CONCLUSION

It is not possible to make any firm recommendations regarding clinical practice based on the crude meta-analysis and the review of these 11 studies. The best available evidence indicates that SPC regimens of supragingival prophylaxis and subgingival debridement are comparable with respect to the clinical outcomes of probing depth and attachment levels at 12 months post non-surgical treatment.

Five-year maintenance follow-up of early-onset periodontitis patients

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological status of patients with early-onset or aggressive periodontitis (EOP) who had received supportive periodontal care (SPC) every 3-6 months for a period of 5 years, following active periodontal treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study population consisted of 25 individuals with early-onset periodontitis. Clinical examination and recordings of probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were performed at baseline prior to treatment (T0), 3 months following the termination of active periodontal treatment (T1) and annually at the SPC appointments (T2,T3,T4,T5). Microbiological samples were obtained at the 5-year SPC (T5). Subgingival plaque samples for each individual were collected from one deep pocket (>5 mm), based on pretreatment measurements, randomly selected in each quadrant. The levels of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Bacteroides forsythus, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola were determined using oligonucleotide probe hybridization.

RESULTS

During the 5-year period, the mean of SPC/patient was 12.7 sessions. A significant improvement was observed in PPD, CAL, gingival bleeding index and suppuration following treatment. However, between T1 and T5, 134 sites in 20 patients deteriorated with a CAL loss of> or =2 mm. Out of these 134 sites showing disease progression, microbial samples were randomly obtained in 13 sites (9.7%) from 8 patients. Among other factors, smoking and stress were found to have significant predictive value on the future attachment loss. P. gingivalis, T. denticola and total bacterial load were statistically significantly higher in patients who experienced disease progression during the 5-year maintenance period.

CONCLUSIONS

For most EOP patients, regular SPC was effective in maintaining clinical and microbiological improvements attained after active periodontal therapy. However, a small percentage of sites was identified as progressive in 20 patients. Variables found to be related to periodontal progression were the presence of as well as the high bacterial counts of P. gingivalis, T. denticola and total bacterial load, number of acute episodes, number of teeth lost, smoking and stress.

Effects of the Er:YAG laser irradiation on titanium implant materials and contaminated implant abutment surfaces

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the morphological changes and temperature increases of the titanium after Er:YAG laser irradiation, and also to investigate the effect of this laser on debridement of contaminated healing abutments.

BACKGROUND DATA

Mechanical instruments have been used for the cleaning of implant abutment surfaces, however, most of them are not appropriate for the application to titanium surface. Recently, the Er:YAG laser has been expected to have a promising ability for the debridement of implant surface.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experiments were composed of three parts. At first, ten titanium round plates were exposed to the Er:YAG laser irradiation at 30-200 mJ/pulse and the surface changes were observed by stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope. Secondly, the surface temperature changes of 60 titanium plates during and after Er:YAG laser irradiation at 30 and 50 mJ/pulse were measured by thermographic equipment. At last, calculus on the surface of six contaminated healing abutments was removed by Er:YAG laser or ultrasonic scaler, and the treated surfaces were examined by stereomicroscope.

RESULTS

Under 50 mJ/pulse, distinct morphological changes were not observed and the elevation of surface temperature was minimal, especially in the use of water-cooling. The Er:YAG laser at 30 mJ/pulse and 30 Hz with water spray was capable of effectively removing plaque and calculus on the implant abutments without injuring their surfaces.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that the Er:YAG laser can be a novel technical modality for the debridement of implant abutment surface.

Interleukin-1 gene polymorphisms and experimental gingivitis

BACKGROUND

Recently, an association between the severity of periodontitis and specific variations in the interleukin-1 (IL1) alpha and beta genes has been demonstrated.

AIM

: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship of the IL1 genotype to the development of experimental gingivitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty young adult subjects presenting with healthy gingival conditions participated after giving their informed consent. The group included 10 risk genotype positive (P+) and 10 risk genotype negative (P-) individuals. The IL1 genotypes were determined on DNA samples from peripheral blood using PCR-RFLP analyses for the IL1alpha and IL1beta polymorphisms. Experimental gingivitis was allowed to develop in two posterior sextants per subject. Bleeding on probing (BOP%) and gingival crevicular fluid volume (GCF) were assessed at baseline and days 2, 7, 9, 14, 16 and 21. The day 21 results for BOP and GCF as well as the rate of increase of these parameters - mean area under the curve (AUC) and mean increase per day (slope) - were evaluated using risk analyses for IL1 genotype, smoking status and gender.

RESULTS

Experimental gingivitis developed with a gradual increase in BOP scores and GCF values (expressed as Periotron units=PU) from baseline to day 21 (BOP, P+: 0.5 to 26.0%; P-: 1.0 to 28.1%; GCF, P+: 36.8 to 138.5 PU, P-: 43.1 to 143.4 PU). No significant risk was associated with P+ and P- for day 21 results, AUC or slope.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study failed to provide evidence that the IL1 risk genotype was associated with higher GCF volume and percentage BOP during the development of experimental gingivitis.

Tooth loss and pocket probing depths in compliant periodontally treated patients: a retrospective analysis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

This retrospective study determined the treatment outcomes of 142 compliant periodontal patients observed for at least 10 years at the University of Kiel. All patients had been treated for moderate to advanced periodontitis and regularly received supportive periodontal therapy (SPT).

METHODS

Patient- and tooth-related variables [tooth loss and pocket probing depth (PPD)] were analysed.

RESULTS

Of a total of 3353 teeth, 167 were extracted during active treatment and 99 during SPT, mainly for periodontal reasons. Forty-five per cent of the patients did not lose any teeth during 11.7 years of observation. Thirty-seven per cent underwent extractions during active treatment or SPT, 18% both during active periodontal therapy and SPT. Mean tooth loss per patient was 0.07 teeth/year during SPT. Mobility, furcation involvement, smoking, and prescription antibiotics had a negative impact on prognosis. Intraindividual differences in PPD were significant between single- and multirooted teeth with initial PPD > or = 4 mm at baseline, following active treatment and at the end of SPT, and between firm and mobile teeth at baseline. Interindividual differences in mean PPD were only significant between smokers and non-smokers at the end of the observation period.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term maintenance of our patients was effective. Periodontal disease represented the major cause of tooth loss in a minority of the population.

Clinical significance of non-surgical periodontal therapy: an evidence-based perspective of scaling and root planing

Analysis of Egyptian hieroglyphics and medical papyri indicate that non-surgical periodontal treatment was common 3000-4000 years ago. Even today, scaling and root planing (SRP) remains an essential part of successful periodontal therapy. The collective evidence from numerous clinical trials reveals a consistency of clinical response in the treatment of chronic periodontitis by SRP using manual, sonic, or ultrasonic instrumentation. Thus, SRP remains the 'gold standard' to which more recently developed therapeutic modalities must be compared. Inherent to the clinical evaluation of SRP are such concerns as manual versus sonic and ultrasonic instrumentation, control of sub-gingival bacterial populations, removal of calculus, root smoothness and changes in various clinical parameters, e.g. probing depth, attachment levels, bleeding on probing and gingival inflammation. Lastly, an abbreviated discussion is presented on a relatively new paradigm of complete mouth 'disinfection' in a compressed time-frame that includes SRP as a significant component of the treatment regimen.

Bioerodible injectable poly(ortho ester) for tetracycline controlled delivery to periodontal pockets: preliminary trial in humans

The semisolid consistency of poly(ortho esters) (POEs) containing tetracycline free base allows direct injection in the periodontal pocket and shows sustained and almost constant in vitro release in phosphate buffer, pH 7.4 at 37 degrees C, for up to 14 days. Total polymer degradation concomitant with drug release was obtained. Formulations containing 10% or 20% (wt/wt) tetracycline were evaluated in a panel of 12 patients suffering from severe and recurrent periodontitis. In the first trial including 6 patients, single-rooted teeth and molar teeth with furcations were treated immediately after scaling and root planing. Patients tolerated both formulations well, experienced no pain during application, and showed no signs of irritation or discomfort during the observation period. However, retention of the formulation was minimal in this first study. An improved clinical protocol followed in the second study (stopping bleeding after scaling and root planning) prolonged the retention of the formulations in the inflamed periodontal pockets. For up to 11 days, tetracycline concentrations in the gingival crevicular fluid were higher than the minimum inhibitory concentration of tetracycline against most periodontal pathogens.

Maintenance of periodontal attachment levels in prosthetically treated patients with gingivitis or moderate chronic periodontitis 5-17 years post therapy

OBJECTIVES

The present retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the long-term results of initial periodontal and fixed prosthodontic treatment in patients with gingivitis or moderate chronic periodontitis during post-therapeutic irregular maintenance of 5-17 years.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-four patients participated in the study. Baseline data were taken from the patients' records when the periodontal and the prosthetic treatment was finished. A follow-up examination was performed in conjunction with the radiographic examination including assessment of plaque, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, recession and probing attachment loss. Information regarding the oral hygiene habits of the subjects as well as the amount of dental and initial therapy received between the observation time was obtained from the patients' records.

RESULTS

The results from the clinical trial revealed that during the mean examination period of 11 years only 31 teeth were lost. The remaining restored and non-restored teeth did not show any significant differences in attachment loss (from 2.9 mm to 3.0 mm) in spite of a higher plaque value at the follow-up examination (from 42% to 48%). The BoP remained stable in the same time period and scored 31% to 28%.

CONCLUSIONS

The periodontal attachment levels were maintained during a prolonged period despite irregular maintenance care. This indicates that in a population of obviously decreased susceptibility to chronic periodontitis, it is possible that fixed reconstructions will not - even under suboptimal supportive care - jeopardize the periodontal status.