Occlusal analysis, diagnosis and management in the practice of periodontics

Association between dental implants in the posterior region and traumatic occlusion in the adjacent premolars: a long-term follow-up clinical and radiographic analysis

Purpose

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the association between dental implants in the posterior region and traumatic occlusion in the adjacent premolars, using data collected during from 2002 to 2015.

Methods

Traumatic occlusion in the adjacent premolars was assessed by examining clinical parameters (bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, fremitus, and tooth mobility) and radiographic parameters (loss of supporting bone and widening of the periodontal ligament space) over a mean follow-up of 5 years. Clinical factors (gender, age, implant type, maxillary or mandibular position, opposing teeth, and duration of functional loading) were evaluated statistically in order to characterize the relationship between implants in the posterior region and traumatic occlusion in the adjacent premolars.

Results

The study inclusion criteria were met by 283 patients, who had received 347 implants in the posterior region. The incidence of traumatic occlusion in the adjacent premolars was significantly higher for splinted implants (P=0.004), implants in the maxillary region (P<0.001), and when implants were present in the opposing teeth (P<0.001). The other clinical factors of gender, age, and duration of functional loading were not significantly associated with traumatic occlusion.

Conclusions

This study found that the risk of traumatic occlusion in the adjacent premolars increased when splinted implants were placed in the maxillary molar region and when the teeth opposing an implant also contained implants.

WITHDRAWN: Occlusal interventions for periodontitis in adults

BACKGROUND

Occlusal interventions may be used in adults with periodontitis. At present there is little consensus regarding the indications and effectiveness of occlusal interventions in periodontal patients.

OBJECTIVES

To identify and analyse the evidence for the effect of occlusal interventions on adults who have periodontitis in relation to tooth loss, probing depths, clinical attachment level, adverse effects and patient-centred outcomes.

SEARCH METHODS

The search was last conducted in April 2008. We searched the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register (to 30th April 2008); the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2008, Issue 1); MEDLINE (1966 to 30th April 2008); and EMBASE (1980 to 30th April 2008). There were no language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing occlusal interventions in patients with periodontitis with a follow up of at least 3 months.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Screening of eligible studies, assessment of the methodological quality of the trials and data extraction were conducted in duplicate and independently by two review authors. Any disagreements between the review authors were resolved by discussion. The main investigator of the included trial was contacted to obtain missing information. The Cochrane Collaboration statistical guidelines were to be followed for data synthesis.

MAIN RESULTS

Abstracts of 54 papers were identified by the search. One paper was eligible for inclusion. This paper studied the effect of occlusal adjustment against no occlusal adjustment in patients who were treated with non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapy. Methodological quality assessment of the included paper revealed that randomisation of the patients into the treatment groups was adequate. Allocation concealment, masking of patients and clinicians were not reported and no response to author contact was received.Mean change in attachment level and mean pocket depth were reported in the included trial. Mean difference in clinical attachment level between occlusal intervention and control in the non-surgical group amounted to 0.38 mm (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04 to 0.72) favouring the occlusal intervention group and was statistically significant. In the surgical group the mean difference in clinical attachment level between occlusal intervention and control amounted to 0.40 mm (95% CI 0.05 to 0.75) favouring the occlusal intervention group and was also statistically significant. The difference in mean pocket depth reduction between the occlusal intervention and control in both the surgical and non-surgical groups was less than 0.1 mm and was not statistically significant. Tooth loss, patient-centred affects and adverse effects were not reported. Meta-analysis was not possible due to the inclusion of only one study.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is only one randomised trial that has addressed this question. The data from this study are inconclusive. We therefore conclude there is no evidence for or against the use of occlusal interventions in clinical practice. This question can only be addressed by adequately powered bias-protected randomised controlled trials.

Rescue of a periodontally compromised tooth by non-surgical treatment: a case report

PURPOSE

This article describes a case of the successful non-surgical management of a periodontally compromised maxillary premolar.

METHODS

A combination therapy, including root planing, occlusal adjustment, and tooth splinting, was applied. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed during the 16-month follow-up period.

RESULTS

All periodontal parameters were improved. There were dramatic decreases (3-6 mm) in the probing pocket depth, tooth mobility, and marginal bone loss. Interestingly, gradual resolution of the periapical radiolucency and alveolar bone regeneration were observed in the radiographs, and the periodontal condition was maintained during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limits of this study, these results demonstrate the importance of natural tooth preservation through proper periodontal treatment and occlusal adjustment of the periodontally compromised tooth, which is typically targeted for tooth extraction and dental implantation.

Effect of bone loss simulation and periodontal splinting on bone strain: Periodontal splints and bone strain

OBJECTIVES

The influence of bone loss and periodontal splinting on strains in supporting bone is still not well understood. The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of bone loss and periodontal splints on strains in an anterior mandible structure.

METHODS

Ten anterior mandible models were fabricated using polystyrene resin. Eighty human teeth were divided in 10 groups (right first premolar to left premolar) and embedded in simulated periodontal ligament. Strain gauges were attached to the buccal and lingual mandible surfaces. The models were sequentially tested for 7 conditions: no bone alterations and no splinting; 5mm of bone loss between canine teeth; bone loss associated with resin splint between canine teeth; bone loss with wire splint; bone loss with wire/resin splint; bone loss with extracoronal fibre-glass/resin splint; and bone loss with intracoronal fibre-glass/resin splint. Oblique loads (50, 100, and 150N) were applied on the teeth. Data were analysed using 3-way ANOVA and Scheffe's test (α=.05).

RESULTS

Strains on buccal surface were higher than on lingual surface. Bone loss resulted in strain increase at 100 and 150N loading. Dental splinting with resin resulted in strain values similar to the control levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Bone loss increased strain mainly in the buccal region. Dental splints with adhesive system and composite resin produced lower bone strains irrespective of occlusal load.

Occlusal interventions for periodontitis in adults

BACKGROUND

Occlusal interventions may be used in adults with periodontitis. At present there is little consensus regarding the indications and effectiveness of occlusal interventions in periodontal patients.

OBJECTIVES

To identify and analyse the evidence for the effect of occlusal interventions on adults who have periodontitis in relation to tooth loss, probing depths, clinical attachment level, adverse effects and patient-centred outcomes.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The search was last conducted in April 2008. We searched the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register (to 30th April 2008); the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2008, Issue 1); MEDLINE (1966 to 30th April 2008); and EMBASE (1980 to 30th April 2008). There were no language restrictions.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing occlusal interventions in patients with periodontitis with a follow up of at least 3 months.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Screening of eligible studies, assessment of the methodological quality of the trials and data extraction were conducted in duplicate and independently by two review authors. Any disagreements between the review authors were resolved by discussion. The main investigator of the included trial was contacted to obtain missing information. The Cochrane Collaboration statistical guidelines were to be followed for data synthesis.

MAIN RESULTS

Abstracts of 54 papers were identified by the search. One paper was eligible for inclusion. This paper studied the effect of occlusal adjustment against no occlusal adjustment in patients who were treated with non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapy. Methodological quality assessment of the included paper revealed that randomisation of the patients into the treatment groups was adequate. Allocation concealment, masking of patients and clinicians were not reported and no response to author contact was received. Mean change in attachment level and mean pocket depth were reported in the included trial. Mean difference in clinical attachment level between occlusal intervention and control in the non-surgical group amounted to 0.38 mm (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04 to 0.72) favouring the occlusal intervention group and was statistically significant. In the surgical group the mean difference in clinical attachment level between occlusal intervention and control amounted to 0.40 mm (95% CI 0.05 to 0.75) favouring the occlusal intervention group and was also statistically significant. The difference in mean pocket depth reduction between the occlusal intervention and control in both the surgical and non-surgical groups was less than 0.1 mm and was not statistically significant. Tooth loss, patient-centred affects and adverse effects were not reported. Meta-analysis was not possible due to the inclusion of only one study.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is only one randomised trial that has addressed this question. The data from this study are inconclusive. We therefore conclude there is no evidence for or against the use of occlusal interventions in clinical practice. This question can only be addressed by adequately powered bias-protected randomised controlled trials.

The Influence of Dynamic Occlusal Interferences on Probing Depth and Attachment Level: Results of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP)

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to investigate potential associations between dynamic occlusal interferences and signs of periodontal disease in posterior teeth based on dental and medical measurements obtained from a population-based sample in the cross-sectional epidemiological study entitled, "Study of Health in Pomerania" (SHIP).

METHODS

Medical history and dental and sociodemographic parameters of 2,980 representatively selected dentate subjects, 20 to 79 years of age, were collected. The analysis was performed on posterior teeth only using a mixed linear model that considers the clustered structure of the data. The model also was adjusted with respect to known risk factors for periodontal disease.

RESULTS

The presence of non-working side contacts only was significantly related to probing depth (P<0.0001) and attachment loss (P=0.001). The presence of non-working side contacts and working side contacts on the same tooth was significantly related to increased probing depth (P=0.004) but not attachment level. The effect magnitude was a mean increase of 0.13 mm for probing depth and 0.14 mm in attachment loss. Known risk factors for periodontal disease that also showed significant associations with probing depth and attachment loss included male gender, age, smoking, education, and plaque score. Other factors significantly related to probing depth and/or attachment loss were tilted teeth, restored occlusal surfaces versus sound surfaces, elongated teeth, and tooth type (molar versus premolar).

CONCLUSION

The effect of non-working contacts on periodontal disease status was discernible, but weak in terms of magnitude and specificity.