Long-term effect of surgical/non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease

Clinical effects of electromagnetic stimulation as an adjunct to periodontal therapy

The clinical effects of electromagnetic stimulation (EMS) on periodontal soft tissues and alveolar bone level were studied among 23 patients. The sides of the arch to receive EMS were randomly selected and exposed for a period of eight weeks following periodontal surgery. The contralateral control sides received surgery only. The electromagnetic signal was a multiple pulse signal with 21 asymmetrical quasirectangular pulses per burst and a burst frequency of 16.9 Hz. The peak magnetic field strength reached 0.46 Gauss. Changes from baseline in clinical attachment level, probing depth, and radiographic alveolar bone level were assessed at six, 12, and 18 months postsurgically. A greater gain of clinical attachment level following EMS was observed only for pockets with initial depth of 1 to 3 mm. There were no consistent differences between test (EMS) and control sides in the change of clinical attachment level or probing depth for pockets deeper than 4 mm. Radiographically, the test sides demonstrated statistically significant gain of alveolar bone level compared with the control sides at six months following surgery. Hereafter, the rates of change were similar in the stimulated and unstimulated sides, and the total gain of alveolar bone level remained greater in the test side throughout the observation period. Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that electromagnetic stimulation does not promote gains in clinical attachment or alveolar bone level to the extent that it can be recommended as an adjunct to conventional periodontal therapy.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of periodontal disease control

Cost-effectiveness analysis was used to evaluate alternative methods of periodontal disease control. The alternatives considered included non-surgical and surgical procedures as well as the use of antimicrobial agents. Data on costs were obtained from American Dental Association publications of average charges for periodontal services. The concept of quality-adjusted tooth-years (QATYs) was developed to provide an outcome measure which could be compared across treatments. The conclusions of this analysis are as follows: (1) Conservative non-surgical treatments for periodontal disease control not only have costs lower than surgical alternatives, as would be expected, but also maximize expected quality-adjusted tooth-years over a wide range of estimates; (2) antimicrobial therapy used as an adjunct to non-surgical treatment is likely to be both effective and cost-effective; and (3) quality of tooth-years is a critical consideration in the determination of outcome of periodontal treatment. For example, when tooth-years are not adjusted for quality, differences between treatments are diminished, and surgical treatment becomes as good as or better than more conservative treatments for some levels of disease severity.

Periodontics in general practice: perspectives on nonsurgical therapy

Clinical studies have shown that nonsurgical treatment is a highly effective method of periodontal therapy. It can be instituted in both shallow and deep pockets; however, an objective evaluation of post-scaling soft tissue changes should be recorded to determine the response to therapy. Closed scaling and root planing has limitations as a definitive procedure for the removal of calculus from deep pockets and surgical treatment may be indicated for nonresponding sites. The condition of the tissue, not the probing depth, should dictate the course of action. During maintenance therapy all practitioners should recognize unsuccessfully treated or recurrent periodontitis and provide interceptive treatment to avoid a case of "supervised neglect." Periodontal treatments should be provided by the general practitioner. This can result in improved oral health for the patients and constitute a professionally rewarding part of dental practice.

4 modalities of periodontal treatment compared over 5 years

The purpose of the present study was to assess in a clinical trial over 5 years the results following 4 different modalities of periodontal therapy (pocket elimination or reduction surgery, modified Widman flap surgery, subgingival curettage, and scaling and rool planing). 90 patients were treated. The treatment methods were applied on a random basis to each of the 4 quadrants of the dentition. The patients were given professional tooth cleaning and oral hygiene instructions every 3 months. Pocket depth and attachment levels were scored once a year. 72 patients completed the 5 years of observation. Both patient means for pocket depth and attachment level as well as % distribution of sites with loss of attachment greater than or equal to 2 mm and greater than or equal to 3 mm were compared. For 1-3 mm probing depth, scaling and root planing, as well as subgingival curettage led to significantly less attachment loss than pocket elimination and modified Widman flap surgery. For 4-6 mm pockets, scaling and root planing and curettage had better attachment results than pocket elimination surgery. For the 7-12 mm pockets, there was no statistically significant difference among the results following the various procedures.

4-year observations of basic periodontal therapy

A total of 2214 sites from incisors, cuspids, and premolars were studied in 46 adult periodontitis patients following treatment consisting of plaque control and root debridement. The periodontal status at 24 months was used as baseline for observations during the subsequent 24-48 month interval which included 4 recall visits for debridement at the 24-, 30-, 36-, and 42-month time points. The data were analyzed for pooled groups of sites of different probing depth at 24 months: less than or equal to 3.5 mm, 4.0-6.5 mm, and greater than or equal to 7.0 mm. The results showed little change during the 24-48 month interval in mean scores for bleeding on probing, probing depth, and probing attachment level for all 3 groups of sites. Individual sites with probing attachment loss during the 24-48 month period were identified. The frequency of such sites was similar, irrespective of 24-month probing depth. The sites identified with probing attachment loss during the 24-48 month interval generally differed in location from those identified as having probing attachment loss during the preceeding 0-24 month period. Often, the loss of probing attachment during the 24-48 month interval seemed to be a reversal of a prior gain in probing attachment during the 0-24 month interval. This study in non-molar teeth of subjects with generally good level of compliance failed to demonstrate that sites with deeper probing depth were more difficult to maintain than shallower sites.

Recurrent periodontal disease and bacterial presence in the gingiva

Previous investigations have shown that, in biopsies taken from untreated sites of periodontitis, bacteria were present between the epithelial cells and within the connective tissue. In the present study we have examined Gram-stained sections of diseased gingival sites where the disease had recurred after surgical periodontal treatment. The six subjects chosen for the study were patients who had undergone surgical therapy for the treatment of periodontitis and who, upon subsequent recall visits, showed evidence of at least one site recurrent after treatment as detected by bleeding on probing and increased pocket depth of 5 mm or more. A normal control site from the same patient was chosen, preferably contralaterally, showing positive response to treatment with no signs of disease. Sections were stained with either hematoxylin and eosin for tissue survey or Gram for assessment of bacteria and examined by light microscopy. In many specimens, the bacterial nature of Gram-stained material was substantiated. Preliminary results showed a significantly increased number of bacteria in the refractory sites when compared with control sites which responded positively to treatment. The results of this investigation provided further evidence that bacterial presence inside the periodontal tissue may be an important pathogenic factor in periodontal disease.

Efficacy of mouthrinses in inhibiting dental plaque and gingivitis in man

The aim of the present trial was to determine the effect of different mouthwash preparations used as supplements to regular oral hygiene measures on dental plaque and gingivitis in humans. 96 volunteers were recruited for the study. Following a baseline examination, each subject was given a careful prophylaxis, following which the mouthrinse regimens were initiated. During the 6 weeks of trial, the subjects continued to exercise their regular non-supervised, self-performed plaque control measures. The 96 volunteers were assigned either to 1 or 3 different treatment groups or to a control group according to a randomized code. The members of the control group and the listerine group rinsed with 20 ml of the mouthrinse for 30 s, twice daily, while the members of the chlorhexidine groups (using either a 0.2% or a 0.1% solution) rinsed with 10 ml of the antiseptic solution for 60 s twice daily. Examinations regarding extrinsic stain and plaque were performed at baseline and after 3 and 6 weeks, while the conditions of the gingiva were examined at baseline and after 6 weeks. Extrinsic stain was evaluated using the Lobene index, plaque was assessed by the Turesky modification of Quigley-Hein index and the gingival condition was examined using the gingival index system of Loe & Silness. The results of the trial demonstrated that the 3 active mouthwash preparations used as supplements to regular tooth cleaning measures markedly improved both the oral hygiene status and the gingival conditions of the participating human volunteers, compared to the control rinse.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The effect of plaque control and root debridement in molar teeth

The healing response of non-molar sites, molar flat surface sites, and molar furcation sites was investigated in 19 adult periodontitis patients following a periodontal therapy of plaque control and root debridement. A total of 2472 sites were monitored by recordings of dental plaque, bleeding on probing, probing depth, and probing attachment levels every 3rd month for 24 months. The results demonstrated that in sites with initial probing depth of 4.0 mm or greater, molar furcation sites responded less favorably to the therapy as compared to molar flat surface sites or non-molar sites. This was demonstrated by higher mean scores for bleeding on probing, less reduction in probing depth, and a mean loss of probing attachment of 0.5 mm over 24 months. Site analyses using linear regression showed a higher % of deeper sites with probing attachment loss for the molar furcations than either molar flat surface or non-molar sites. Among sites initially 7.0 mm or deeper, 21% of molar furcations were identified as showing probing attachment loss as compared to 7% of the molar flat surface sites and 11% of the non-molar sites.

Calculus removal by scaling/root planing with and without surgical access

We assessed the presence and extent of calculus on subgingival root surfaces of teeth that received scaling and root planing (S/RP) alone, S/RP with modified Widman flap, or no treatment. After extraction, each surface was examined to determine the pocket depth (PD), area of root surface exposed to the pocket (A), and amount of pocket area showing retained calculus (C). Calculus-positive teeth (CPT) and surfaces (CPS) and percentage of pocket area occupied by calculus (C/A) were derived for each group. In general, CPT and CPS were significantly lower after S/RP with flap (37% and 14%, respectively) than after S/RP alone (62% and 24%). The advantage of S/RP with flap was greatest for facial and lingual surfaces and for anterior and premolar teeth. In both treatment groups CPS were similar over a pocket depth range of 0 to 6 mm. But in deeper pockets, CPS in teeth treated by S/RP with flap remained constant at 17% while after S/RP alone CPS increased linearly to approximately 45% at greater than 8 mm. The mean C/A was essentially equal in both treatment groups (11%) and was not related to pocket depth.

Topical antimicrobial therapy and diagnosis of subgingival bacteria in the management of inflammatory periodontal disease

Bacterial specificity in human periodontal diseases suggests the possibility of diagnosing and treating periodontitis as specific infections and using microbiological diagnostic means to evaluate the efficacy of periodontal therapy. In a series of clinical trials, the usefulness of topical antimicrobial agents in combination with surgical and non-surgical conventional periodontal therapy were tested. The healing result was estimated by monitoring probing attachment levels (PAL). The usefulness of clinical and microbiological parameters to evaluate post-treatment healing result was tested. 9 of the patients exhibiting sites with recurrent periodontal disease were then evaluated for clinical and microbiological parameters to define accurate means to differentiate between active and inactive periodontal disease. The results showed that the frequency of periodontal lesions with significant loss of PAL after treatment was less in patients treated with antimicrobial agent. Specific microbiological parameters showed stronger correlation than clinical parameters with gain and/or loss of PAL post-treatment. Thus Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Bacteroides gingivalis occurred in periodontal lesions with progressing disease after treatment, but were rarely detected in samples from pockets of the same depths which did not exhibit further loss of PAL over a study period of 1 year. This study points to the usefulness of topical antimicrobial agent as an adjunct to mechanical subgingival debridement in the treatment of periodontitis in adults. The results also indicate the utility of diagnostic microbiology in the assessment of periodontal disease activity post-treatment.

Healing following surgical and non-surgical treatment of juvenile periodontitis. A 5-year longitudinal study

The patient sample used in the present study comprised 16 young individuals who were referred for treatment of advanced periodontal disease. Based upon the age of the patients and the location of the diseased sites, the patients were divided into 2 groups; a juvenile periodontitis group (JP) and a post-juvenile periodontitis group (post-JP). The patients in the JP group had periodontal lesions only at first molars and incisors. All 16 subjects were in excellent general health and none had been treated with antibiotics during a period of at least 12 months prior to the 1st examination. At a baseline examination and 6, 24 and 60 months after active therapy, the diseased sites were examined regarding plaque, gingivitis, probing pocket depths, probing attachment level, recession of the gingival margin and marginal alveolar bone level. Following a case presentation and instruction in proper oral hygiene measures, the 16 subjects were subjected to periodontal treatment, utilizing a split mouth design. By random selection, the diseased sites in one side of the jaws were treated by scaling and root planing in conjunction with a "modified Widman flap" procedure, while in the contralateral jaw quadrants treatment was restricted to scaling and root planing. During the 1st 6 months following active therapy, the patients were subjected to professional tooth cleaning once every 4 weeks. Subsequently, the interval between the recall appointment was 3 months. 2 years after treatment, this maintenance care program was terminated. A final examination was performed 5 years after therapy. None of the patients involved in the trial received antibiotic treatment during the 5 years of observation. The findings of the present study revealed that the response of the periodontal tissues to therapy, both in the JP and the post-JP group of patients, was almost identical to that found for similar types of treatment in patients with adult periodontitis. The re-examinations performed after 6, 24 and 60 months following active therapy of JP and post-JP lesions revealed that excision of the granulation tissue in conjunction with flap elevation did not enhance the degree of probing pocket depth reduction, probing attachment gain and bone fill that occurred following meticulous root surface instrumentation.

Clinical alterations in relation to the morphological composition of the subgingival microflora following scaling and root planing

The aim of the present study was to relate shifts in the composition of subgingival plaque in periodontal pockets to alterations of the clinical periodontal conditions following a single course of subgingival scaling and root planing during a period of professional supragingival plaque control. For this purpose, 36 pairs of contralateral periodontal pockets in 10 subjects with moderately advanced periodontitis were assessed for the degree of gingival inflammation, probing pocket depths, bleeding on probing, attachment levels and the amount of supragingival plaque. In addition, samples of subgingival plaque were analyzed morphologically by dark-field microscopy. All patients received detailed information about proper oral hygiene and every 1-2 weeks, professional removal of supragingivally located deposits. When the oral hygiene standard had been sufficiently improved, 1 course of subgingival scaling on 1 side of each jaw only (test side) was carried out. Clinical and microbiological examinations were repeated after the scaling as well as after 2 and 6 months, while patients were recalled for supragingival prophylaxis every 2nd to 4th week. Our data showed that a single course of subgingival scaling and root planing resulted in reduced probing depths, a gain in clinical attachment and a shift in the composition of the subgingival microflora to a composition found in relatively healthy periodontal conditions. In relatively shallow pockets, however, a possible influence of repeated sampling on the subgingival microflora could not be ruled out. Bleeding on gentle probing was a reliable parameter for predicting a subgingival microflora where motile bacteria hold an increased portion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of periodontal therapy on patients maintained for 15 years or longer. A retrospective study

A retrospective study of tooth loss in 211 patients who were treated for periodontal disease in private practice and maintained for 15 to 34 years on 3- to 6-month recall schedules is reported. The average age of the patients was 42 years, and the average length of time in maintenance was 22 years. On the basis of response to therapy, the patients were classified as Well-Maintained (62%), Downhill (28%) and Extreme Downhill (10%). Seven hundred and seventy-one (771) teeth were lost (13.4%) due to all causes. Molar teeth are the most prone to loss and the mandibular cuspid is the most resistant. The importance of maintenance therapy is emphasized.

Longitudinal evaluation of a self-inspection plaque index in periodontal recall patients

This paper presents a controlled clinical trial to compare the effects of 2 programs for maintenance of oral hygiene after periodontal treatment. Oral hygiene instruction using a self-inspection plaque index was compared to traditional instruction using professional monitoring of disclosed plaque. 31 periodontal recall patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups. 15 patients in the self-inspection group were provided a manual that taught scoring of disclosed plaque on 6 teeth, a lighted dental mirror, and disclosing wafers. 16 patients in the traditional group were shown disclosed plaque in their own mouths, and were given feedback regarding oral hygiene skills. Instruction was given initially, at 2 weeks, at 1.5 months and at 3 months. The teeth were scaled at the start and at 3 months. Disclosed dentogingival plaque (before and after brushing), gingival bleeding on probing, and oral hygiene skills were assessed at 0, 1.5, 3 and 6 months. Initial mean plaque scores for only the self-inspection group decreased significantly at 1.5 months and were maintained throughout the study; however differences between groups were not observed at any time except at baseline. Gingival bleeding scores were low throughout the study for both groups. Results provide some evidence for the effectiveness of self-evaluation of disclosed plaque as a means for improving oral hygiene behavior in already-motivated patients.

Calculus revisited. A review

Although there is no doubt that gingivitis can develop in the absence of supragingival calculus, it is not clear to what extent the presence of mineralized deposit enhances gingival inflammation. Partial inhibition of plaque mineralization can be accomplished by chemical agents, but there has been no demonstration in humans of a reduction in gingivitis. It remains to be established what level of inhibition (if any) is required to have more than a cosmetic effect. Since the accepted scenario is that apical growth of supragingival plaque precedes the formation of subgingival calculus, there is no longer an issue of whether subgingival calculus is the cause or the result of periodontal disease. Subgingival mineralization results from the interaction of subgingival plaque with the influx of mineral salts that is part of the serum transudate and inflammatory exudate. This chronology, however, should not be the basis for relegating calculus to the ash heap. Morphologic and analytical studies point to the porosity of calculus and retention of bacterial antigens and the presence of readily available toxic stimulators of bone resorption. When coupled with the increased build up of plaque on the surface of the calculus, the combination has the potential for extending (beyond that of plaque alone) the radius of destruction and the rate of displacement of the adjacent junctional epithelium. The centrality of thorough scaling and root planing in the successful maintenance of periodontal health supports the view that subgingival calculus contributes significantly to the chronicity and progression of the disease, even if it can no longer be considered as responsible for initiation.

The effect of non-surgical treatment on periodontal pockets in smokers and non-smokers

Changes in probing pocket depth following non-surgical periodontal treatment were investigated in 75 patients, 40 of whom were heavy smokers. Pockets with an initial probing depth of 4-6 mm were studied. The treatment consisted of patient instruction and motivation and debridement of plaque and calculus by hand instrumentation. The treatment was completed within 5 months and probing depth was recorded prior to and 1 month following the completion of therapy. Plaque index was reduced to a minimum in both smokers (P1I = 0.2) and non-smokers (P1I = 0.1) following treatment. An average reduction in probing pocket depth of 1.1 mm in smokers and 1.2 mm in non-smokers was observed. The reduction attained was less in smokers than in non-smokers for all regions of the dentition investigated. The greatest difference between groups was observed for the maxillary anterior region.

The impact of research on scaling and root planing

The research expanding our knowledge of the periodontally involved root surface and its treatment is reviewed. To improve communication in the clinic and classroom, definitions are suggested for the terms "scaling" and "root planing." The objective and limitations of root planing procedures are discussed.

Depth of penetration in periodontal pockets with oral irrigation

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of the Water Pik oral irrigator as a vehicle for delivering an aqueous solution into periodontal pockets. Plaque-disclosing dye diluted with sterile saline solution was applied with the irrigator toward the gingival margins of teeth at 90 degrees and at 45 degrees prior to their extraction. The mean % penetration measured between a reference notch at the gingival crest and the periodontal ligament at the bottom of the pocket showed no statistical difference between the two angles of application. Penetration ranged from 44% to 71%, the lowest being into pockets 4-7 mm; higher mean penetration was noted in both subgroups 0-3 and greater than 7 mm. No statistical difference was found between proximal and facial or lingual surfaces, maxilla and mandible, existence of tooth contact, and proximal tissue contour or consistency. The mean % penetration was independent of pocket depth (chi 2 analysis). Correlation between pocket depth and mean penetration was low for all but one subgroup (90 degrees application and pockets greater than 7 mm). The results suggest that the oral irrigator will deliver an aqueous solution into periodontal pockets and will penetrate on average to approximately half the depth of the pockets.

Adsorption of antibiotic TA to dental hard tissues

Antibiotic TA (TA) is a wide-spectrum, bactericidal antibiotic produced by Myxococcus xanthus strain TA. It was previously demonstrated that TA binds tightly to soft tissues while retaining its bactericidal activity in the bound form. The present study was undertaken to investigate TA adsorption to dental hard tissues. Slabs of dental tissues that had been cut from periodontally-involved extracted human teeth were treated with TA and then washed in saline with shaking (saline being replaced every 15 minutes). After 30, 60, and 120 minutes of washing, 45, 39, and 27% of the input TA activities were retained on the slabs, respectively. The tooth-bound TA was released slowly into the aqueous medium in active form. Similar experiments with beta-lactam antibiotics resulted in no significant adhesion to the slabs. The study demonstrates that TA binds tightly to dental tissues while retaining its bactericidal properties.

Efficacy of clindamycin hydrochloride in refractory periodontitis. 12-month results

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of clindamycin hydrochloride as an adjunct to conventional periodontal therapy in the treatment of patients who had previously been unsuccessfully treated with scaling, periodontal surgery and the use of tetracycline. Thirteen patients with a history of "refractory" periodontitis were thoroughly scaled and monitored by repeated attachment level measurements for the presence of active destructive periodontitis. Disease activity was defined as a 3-mm loss in attachment from baseline measurements or the occurrence of a periodontal abscess. When active disease was detected, each patient was scaled again and placed on clindamycin hydrochloride 150 mg qid for 7 days. Following the adjunctive use of clindamycin in combination with scaling, the incidence of gingival sites demonstrating active disease in the group of 13 patients decreased from an annual rate of 10.7 to 0.5%. Each patient demonstrated a decreased incidence of active sites per unit of time. Clinical parameters such as probing depth, gingival redness, bleeding on probing and suppuration showed dramatic improvement at 12 months after clindamycin therapy. The percentage of pockets with probing depths greater than 6 mm, 4 to 6 mm and 1 to 3 mm changed from 11 to 2%, 38 to 24% and 51 to 74% respectively, following clindamycin therapy as compared to scaling alone. The percentage of sites bleeding on probing decreased from 33% after scaling alone to 8% following clindamycin and scaling. Gingival redness decreased from 36 to 1% of sites. Suppuration also decreased from 8% of buccal or lingual surfaces after scaling alone to 1% of surfaces following scaling and clindamycin.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Improved periodontal conditions following therapy

The aim of the present clinical trial was to evaluate the effect of different modes of periodontal therapy on patients with moderately advanced periodontal disease and to express the findings in terms of probing pocket depth and attachment level alterations at periodontal sites with different initial probing depths. The material consisted of 16 patients, 35-65 years of age. Following a Baseline examination including assessments of oral hygiene status, gingival conditions, probing pocket depths and probing attachment levels, the patients were subjected to periodontal treatment. A "split-mouth" design approach of therapy was used and the jaw quadrants were randomly selected for the following different treatment procedures: (1) scaling and root planning, (2) scaling and root planing in conjunction with a gingivectomy procedure, (3) scaling and root planing in conjunction with an apically repositioned flap procedure without bone recontouring, (4) scaling and root planing in conjunction with an apically repositioned flap procedure including bone recontouring, (5) scaling and root planing in conjunction with a modified Widman flap procedure without bone recontouring and (6) scaling and root planing in conjunction with a modified Widman flap procedure including bone recontouring. The patients were following active treatment enrolled in a supervised maintenance care program including "professional tooth cleaning" once every 2 weeks during a 6-month period of healing, after which a final examination was performed. The investigation demonstrated that active therapy including meticulous subgingival debridement resulted in a low frequency of gingival sites which bled on probing, a high frequency of sites with shallow pockets (less than 4 mm) and the disappearance of pockets with a probing depth of greater than 6 mm. Between the Baseline examination and the 6-month re-examination, the probing attachment level for initially shallow pockets remained basically unaltered, but with a tendency of a minor apical shift. This occurred in all 6 treatment groups. For sites with initial probing depths of 4-6 mm and greater than 6 mm, there was in all groups some gain of probing attachment. This gain was most pronounced in the initially deeper (greater than 6 mm) pockets. With the use of regression analysis, the "critical probing depth" (CPD) value (i.e. the initial probing depth value below which loss of attachment occurred as a result of treatment and above which gain of probing attachment level resulted) was calculated for each of the 6 methods of treatment used. A comparison of the CPD-values between the 6 treatment groups did not reveal any major differences.