Long-term maintenance of patients treated for advanced periodontal disease

Pocket closure in stage III-IV grade C periodontitis: A multilevel analysis following non-surgical periodontal therapy

BACKGROUND

Risk of disease progression and tooth loss is higher in cases where deep probing pocket depths (PPDs) and bleeding on probing (BOP) persist after active periodontal treatment. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of non-surgical periodontal therapy on pocket closure (PC), defined as PPD ≤4 mm without BOP (PC1) or PPD ≤4 mm solely (PC2) 3 months after non-surgical periodontal treatment and to compare PC between smokers and non-smokers.

METHODS

This cohort study is a secondary analysis from a controlled clinical trial consisting of systemically healthy patients with stage III or IV grade C periodontitis. All the sites with baseline PPD ≥5 mm are included as diseased sites and PC at 3 months after completion of non-surgical periodontal treatment was calculated. PC was compared between smokers and non-smokers at site and patient levels. Multilevel analysis is used to investigate factors at patient, tooth and site levels affecting PPD changes and the probability of PC.

RESULTS

A total of 1998 diseased sites in 27 patients were included in the analysis. The rates of PC1 and PC2 were 58.4% and 70.2% and were significantly correlated to smoking habits at site level (r (1) = 7.03, p = 0.008; r (1) = 36.17, p < 0.001). Tooth type, mobility, clinical attachment level (CAL) and PPD at baseline significantly affected PC.

CONCLUSIONS

The present findings indicate that non-surgical periodontal treatment is effective in PC, but its performance is influenced by baseline PPD and CAL and residual pockets may remain.

Survival rate of teeth adjacent and nonadjacent to dental implants: A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the risk of tooth loss for teeth adjacent and nonadjacent to dental implants.

METHODS

A total of 787 patients with an average follow-up of 57.1 months were examined to define the tooth loss, cumulative survival rate, and odds ratio (OR) for teeth adjacent versus nonadjacent to implants. A multivariate logistic regression was employed to assess the association between dental history and various recorded etiologies of tooth loss among teeth adjacent to implants.

RESULTS

The incidence of tooth loss for teeth adjacent to implants was 8.1% at the tooth level and 15.1% at the patient level, while 0.7% and 9.5% at the tooth and patientlevel for teeth nonadjacent to implants. The 10-year cumulative survival rate for teeth adjacent to implants was 89.2%, and the primary etiology of tooth loss was root fracture (45.2%). The risk of tooth loss among teeth adjacent versus nonadjacent to implants was significantly higher (OR 13.15). Among teeth adjacent to implants, root canal-treated teeth had a significantly higher risk of tooth loss due to root fracture (OR 7.72), a history of existing restoration significantly increased the risk of tooth loss due to caries (OR 3.05), and a history of periodontitis significantly increased the risk of tooth loss due to periodontitis (OR 38.24).

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated that after patients received dental implant treatment, teeth adjacent to implants showed a 13.2-fold higher risk of tooth loss compared to teeth nonadjacent to implants, with the primary etiology being root fracture.

MRI-detected intraosseous bone marrow edema recedes after effective therapy of periodontitis

OBJECTIVES

T2 STIR MRI sequences can detect preclinical changes associated with periodontal inflammation, i.e. intraosseous edema in the tooth-supporting bone. In this study, we assessed whether MRI can be used for monitoring periodontal disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In a prospective cohort study, we examined 35 patients with periodontitis between 10/2018 and 04/2019 by using 3D isotropic T2-weighted short tau inversion recovery (STIR) and Fast Field Echo T1-weighted Black bone sequences. All patients received standardized clinical exams before and three months after non-surgical periodontal therapy. Bone marrow edema extent was quantified in the STIR sequence at 922 sites before and after treatment. Results were compared with standard clinical findings. Non-parametric statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Non-surgical periodontal treatment caused significant improvement in mean probing depth (p < 0.001) and frequency of bleeding on probing (p < 0.001). The mean depth of osseous edema per site was reduced from a median [IQR] of 2 [1, 3] mm at baseline to 1 [0, 3] mm, (p < 0.001). Periodontal treatment reduced the frequency of sites with edema from 35 to 24% (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The decrease of periodontal bone marrow edema, as observed with T2 STIR MR imaging, is indicative of successful periodontal healing.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

T2 STIR hyperintense bone marrow edema in the periodontal bone decreases after treatment and can therefore be used to evaluate treatment success. Furthermore, MRI reveals new options to depict hidden aspects of periodontitis.

KEY POINTS

• T2 STIR hyperintense periodontal intraosseous edema was prospectively investigated in 35 patients with periodontitis before and after treatment and compared to clinical outcomes. • The frequency of affected sites was reduced from 35 to 24% (p < 0.001), and mean edema depth was reduced from a median [IQR] of 2 [1, 3] mm at baseline to 1 [0, 3] mm 3 months after treatment. (p < 0.001). • T2 STIR sequences can be used to monitor the posttreatment course of periodontitis.

The Effect of Hyaluronic Acid Gel on Periodontal Parameters, Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines and Biochemical Markers in Periodontitis Patients

Hyaluronic acid in its various forms shows bacteriostatic, fungistatic, anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous, osteoinductive, and pro-angiogenetic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of subgingival delivery of 0.8% hyaluronic acid (HA) gel on clinical periodontal parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha) and biochemical markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein (CRP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzymes) in patients with periodontitis. Seventy-five patients with chronic periodontitis were divided randomly into three groups (25 in each group): group I received scaling and surface root debridement (SRD) + HA gel; group II received SRD + chlorhexidine gel; and group III received surface root debridement alone. Clinical periodontal parameter measurements and blood samples were collected to estimate pro-inflammatory and biochemical parameters at the baseline before therapy and after two months of therapy. The results show that HA gel has a significant effect on the reduction in clinical periodontal parameters (PI, GI, BOP, PPD, and CAL), IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, CRP, and ALP after 2 months of therapy as compared to the baseline (p < 0.05) with nonsignificant differences from the CHX group (p > 0.05), except GI (p < 0.05), and significant differences from the SRD group (p < 0.05). Moreover, significant differences were found between the three groups regarding the mean improvements of GI, BOP, PPD, IL-1β, CRP, and ALP. It can be concluded that HA gel has a positive effect on clinical periodontal parameters and improvements in inflammatory mediators similar to chlorhexidine. Therefore, HA gel can be used as an adjuvant to SRD in the treatment of periodontitis.

The Pattern of Tooth Loss for Periodontally Favorable Teeth: A Retrospective Study

To retrospectively analyze local and systemic factors that resulted in the short-term tooth loss of teeth that were previously assigned a favorable prognosis in patients who were seen and treated over an observational five-year period. This retrospective study included the records of patients who had a minimum of two dental exams at least twelve months apart over a 5-year period. This study investigated extracted teeth with an initially favorable periodontal prognosis that were then divided into one of four categories based on the reason for extraction: caries, periodontal disease, endodontic reasons, or fracture. Patient- and tooth-related factors associated with the extracted teeth were recorded: crown-to-root ratio, initial pocket depth, initial periodontal diagnosis, maintenance interval, presence of existing restoration, furcation involvement, and systemic conditions. Data analysis was performed using a linear mixed model. A total of 50 patients with 111 teeth met the inclusion criteria for this study. A higher odds ratio (OR) for tooth loss due to caries, endodontic reasons, and fracture were found in teeth with a history of root canal treatment with an OR of 3.61, 3.86, and 2.52, respectively. For tooth loss due to periodontal disease, higher ORs were found in patients who were on anti-depressants (OR = 4.28) and patients who had an initial diagnosis of Stage III/IV periodontitis (OR = 2.66). In addition, teeth with initial probing depths ≥5 mm (OR = 4.32) and with furcation involvement (OR = 1.93) showed a higher OR for tooth loss due to periodontal disease. Within the limitations of this study, previously root-canal-treated teeth present a higher OR for early loss due to caries, recurrent endodontic lesions, or fracture. In addition, patients with anti-depressant medication use, sporadic maintenance, initial probing depths ≥5 mm, and furcation involvement represent a significantly higher OR of tooth loss due to periodontal disease even for initially favorable teeth.

Preventive dental care is associated with improved health care outcomes and reduced costs for Medicaid members with diabetes

Introduction

Preventive dental services have been associated with improved health outcomes. This study expands on previous observations by examining the relationship between oral health care and health care outcomes and costs in a publicly insured population with diabetes.

Methods

Utilization of dental services, health care outcomes and costs were evaluated for New York State Medicaid members with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM), ages 42 to 64, who were continuously enrolled between July 1, 2012 and June 30, 2015. Utilization of dental services focused on preventive dental care (PDC), and extractions and endodontic treatment (both indicative of advanced dental infection). Data were analyzed using regression models with propensity score weighting to control for potential confounding.

Results

Receipt of PDC was associated with lower utilization rates and costs compared to members who did not access dental services. The most pronounced average cost difference was observed for inpatient admissions at $823 per year for members who had at least one PDC without extraction or endodontic treatment. Each additional PDC visit received was associated with an 11% lower rate of inpatient admissions and lower average inpatient costs by $407 per member. The need for a dental extraction or endodontic therapy was associated with relatively higher rates and costs.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate an association between PDC and improved health care outcome rates and lower average costs among members with DM and suggest a general health benefit associated with provision of preventive dental care for persons with DM.

Clinical Effectiveness of Herbal Oral Care Products in Periodontitis Patients: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The use of herbal products in oral cavity has shown an increased popularity and potential benefits due to their additional anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties as well as the lack of side effects related to their use.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical effectiveness of herbal dental products (mouthwash, dentifrice, gel) when compared to conventional products or placebo in periodontitis patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic review with 22 studies was carried out using MEDLINE/Pubmed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases in addition to hand searches. Randomized and non-randomized clinical trials that evaluated the effect of any herbal dental product and compared it with conventional products or placebo in periodontitis patients and published up to March 2022, were screened.

RESULTS

Herbal products used as adjuncts to scaling and root planing (SRP) or supragingival debridement (SPD) led to superior clinical outcomes than placebo or no adjuncts (8 studies). In conjunction with SRP, these products showed comparable outcomes with chlorhexidine (6 studies) or better (4 studies). When used as adjuncts to SPD, herbal oral care products demonstrated comparable outcomes with chlorhexidine and conventional products (4 studies).

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of this systematic review, herbal oral care products may play a key role in the management of periodontal disease. Further well-designed studies are needed to establish their efficacy.

Magnification in Periodontics: An Overview

A plethora of changes in the concept and the techniques in dental sciences and an increase in patient awareness have spawned demand in advanced dental treatment encompassing elimination of disease with more precision and less discomfort. The use of magnification systems like microscopes is widespread in the medical field, and now it has successfully spread its wings in dentistry. Visual enhancement by using loupes or surgical microscopes can render refinement in the basic surgical procedures. Magnification periodontics refers to the wide range of procedures performed by the use of magnification systems like loupes and microscopes that allow convergence of ideas and efforts, which can make a huge impact on patients. Periodontal procedures are being increasingly performed nowadays that have enabled enhanced outcomes, which were difficult to achieve with the macrosurgery procedures when wound healing and tissue trauma are in consideration. The surgical operating microscope works within the microsurgical triad that includes illumination increased precision and magnification. The incorporation of smaller instruments and sutures and better visualization of the operating site enhance the surgical skills of the clinician. In the past decade, various periodontal procedures from the removal of calculus to the placement of dental implants have been performed using the surgical microscope, which have invariably provided favorable results. It is a topic of interest in the future of periodontal therapy.

At least 3 years of self-responsibility for periodontal care after 2 years of supportive periodontal therapy

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the periodontal condition when patients became self-responsible for the continuation of periodontal care, after non-surgical periodontal therapy and 2 years of Supportive Periodontal Therapy (SPT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-seven patients completed a previous 2-year SPT study and were afterward advised to seek for dental assistance for maintenance care. After 4.2 ± 0.45 years of self-responsibility for periodontal care (SRPC), 27 patients could be re-examined of which 9 patients had followed the advice to turn to a dental professional for SPT care. Visible Plaque (VPI), Gingival Bleeding (GBI), Periodontal Probing Depth (PPD), Bleeding on probing (BOP), and Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL) were obtained from SPT study: before and after non-surgical treatment, and after 2 years of SPT. The same parameters were reassessed for the present study. General linear models for repeated measures were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

At the end of the SRPC period, mean GBI, BOP, and PPD values (43.5%, 55.7%, 2.76 mm, respectively) were back to pre-treatment, whereas VPI (64.3%) and CAL (3.76 mm) became significantly higher. The percentage of sites with PPD ≥5 mm as well as sites with CAL ≥4 or ≥5 mm also returned to pre-treatment values. However, the percentage of sites with PPD ≥4 mm was still significantly lower compared to pre-treatment values but higher than after 2 years of SPT.

CONCLUSIONS

Self-responsibility for the continuation of periodontal care after professional treatment should be avoided.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Clinicians and specialists must be conscious of making all efforts to maintain the patient's frequent recalls.

P4 Medicine as a model for precision periodontal care

Objectives

P4 Medicine is based on a proactive approach for clinical patient care incorporating the four “pillars” of prediction, prevention, personalization, and participation for patient management. The purpose of this review is to demonstrate how the concepts of P4 medicine can be incorporated into the management of periodontal diseases (particularly periodontitis) termed P4 periodontics.

Methods

This is a narrative review that used current literature to explore how P4 periodontics can be aligned with the 2018 Classification of Periodontal Diseases, current periodontal treatment paradigms, and periodontal regenerative technologies.

Results

The proposed model of P4 periodontics is highly aligned with the 2018 Classification of Periodontal Diseases and represents a logical extension of this classification into treatment paradigms. Each stage of periodontitis can be related to a holistic approach to clinical management. The role of “big data” in future P4 periodontics is discussed and the concepts of a treat-to-target focus for treatment outcomes are proposed as part of personalized periodontics. Personalized regenerative and rejuvenative periodontal therapies will refocus our thinking from risk management to regenerative solutions to manage the effects of disease and aging.

Conclusions

P4 Periodontics allows us to focus not only on early prevention and intervention but also allow for personalized late-stage reversal of the disease trajectory and the use of personalized regenerative procedures to reconstruct damaged tissues and restore them to health.

Clinical Significance

P4 Periodontics is a novel means of viewing a holistic, integrative, and proactive approach to periodontal treatment.

Microbial differences between active and remission peri-implantitis

Peri-implantitis has a polymicrobial etiology and is a major cause of dental implant loss. Various clinical protocols for its prevention and treatment have been proposed; however, some cases show a rapid progression with non-resolving clinical symptoms. To clear a means of differentiating between such cases, the implants with peri-implantitis in this study were categorized as the active group and the remission group and that two kinds of samples were obtained from the same subjects (n = 20). The microbiome was analyzed through pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. From LEfSe results, Porphyomonas, Fusobacterium, Treponema, Tannerella, and other periodontal pathogens were abundant in the active group, while lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillales and Bifidobacterium) were abundant in the remission group.

Efficacy of air polishing in comparison with hand instruments and/or power-driven instruments in supportive periodontal therapy and implant maintenance: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) is the key for a stable periodontal health following active treatment. Likewise, implant maintenance is crucial following implant placement. This systematic review aimed to assess clinical outcomes, patients' perception, and cost-effectiveness of repeated periodontal therapy with air polishing devices (APDs) in comparison with hand instruments and/or power-driven instruments (conventional interventions) in SPT and implant maintenance.

METHODS

Electronic search for randomised controlled clinical trials with minimum 6 months follow-up for SPT and implant maintenance programme was conducted for data published from 01 January 2000 to 30 April 2020 using multiple databases and hand searching. Risk of bias was assessed using the Revised Cochrane Risk-of-Bias tool (RoB 2).

RESULTS

A total of 823 articles were screened. 4 SPT and 2 implant maintenance studies were eligible for inclusion. For SPT, repeated APDs interventions revealed no statistically significant difference when compared to the conventional interventions (weighted mean difference [WMD] 0.11 mm, p = 0.08). Likewise, no statistical difference was noted in terms of percentage of bleeding on probing (BOP) and clinical attachment level (CAL) gain. APDs were associated with lower pain score (based on Visual Analogue Scale) and higher patient acceptance in SPT studies. For implant maintenance, APDs resulted in reduction in PPD and percentage of BOP. However, CAL gain was comparable between the two groups. In terms of patient reported outcomes, no implant maintenance studies recorded any forms of patient reported outcomes. In addition, no studies reported on economic evaluation of APDs in both SPT and implant maintenance.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of this systematic review and meta-analysis, repeated subgingival debridement using APDs in SPT resulted in similar clinical outcomes but better patients' comfort when compared to the conventional interventions. For implant maintenance, there is limited evidence to show that repeated application of APDs leads to improved clinical outcomes when compared to conventional treatments.

PATIENT PREFERENCE OF TOOTHBRUSH AND SKILL LEVEL MAY DETERMINE SUCCESS OF PLAQUE REMOVAL IN PERIODONTAL MAINTENANCE

ARTICLE TITLE AND BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

Slot DE, Valkenburg C, Van der Weijden GAF. Mechanical plaque removal of periodontal maintenance patients: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. J Clin Periodontol. 2020 Jul;47 Suppl 22:107-124. doi:10.1111/jcpe.13275. PMID: 32716118.

SOURCE OF FUNDING

The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest. However, Van der Weijden, Slot, and their research team at ACTA have previously received either external advisor fees, lecturer fees, or research grants from toothbrush, dentifrice, and interdental devices manufacturers. Those manufacturers included: Braun AG, Colgate, Dentaid, GABA, Lactona, Oral-B, Philips, Procter & Gamble, Sara Lee, TePe, Sunstar, Water Pik, and Unilever.

TYPE OF STUDY/DESIGN

Systematic review with network meta-analysis.

The impact of a "successfully treated stable periodontitis patient status" on patient-related outcome parameters during long-term supportive periodontal care

AIM

To assess the importance of achieving a successfully treated stable periodontitis patient status (PPS) during long-term supportive periodontal care (SPC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 100 periodontitis patients, who continued for ≥7.5 years after active periodontal treatment with SPC and were judged as overall adherent. The effect of various predictors on three patient-related outcome parameters was assessed: (1) number of diseased teeth at last SPC, (2) number of teeth lost due to periodontitis, and (3) number of teeth lost due to any reason.

RESULTS

One-fifth of the patients were classified as stable after active periodontal treatment. After a mean follow-up of 10.77 years, 24 patients lost 38 teeth due to periodontitis. An unstable PPS and a higher number of diseased teeth per patient at first SPC, and inadequate oral hygiene levels over time, significantly increased the risk for a higher number of diseased teeth per patient at last SPC and for more lost teeth due to periodontitis. However, high adherence to SPC appeared to mitigate the negative effect of an unstable PPS, especially regarding tooth loss due to periodontitis. Further, tooth loss due to any reason was about 3 times higher than tooth loss due to periodontitis and was affected by a larger number of predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

Successfully treated patients with a stable PPS maintained a small number of diseased teeth and barely lost any teeth during long-term SPC compared to patients who did not achieve a stable PPS after active periodontal therapy.

Agreement among international periodontal experts using the 2017 World Workshop classification of periodontitis

BACKGROUND

A new periodontitis classification was recently introduced involving multidimensional staging and grading. The aim of the study was to assess if individuals well-trained in periodontics consistently used the new classification for patients with severe periodontitis. The secondary goal was to identify "gray zones" related to classifications.

METHODS

Participants (raters) individually classified 10 pre-selected severe periodontitis cases using the 2017 World Workshop classification. An internet case-based study was conducted after inviting members from American Academy of Periodontology and European Federation of Periodontology. Gold-standard diagnoses were determined by five experts who developed the new periodontitis classification. Inter-reliability agreement among raters was assessed using Fleiss Kappa index with the jackknife method for linearly weighted kappa calculations. McNemar test was used to determine symmetry between raters and gold-standard panel.

RESULTS

A total of 103 raters participated and classified nine clinical cases. Fleiss Kappa values showed moderate inter-examiner consistency among raters for stage (K value: 0.49; 95% CI, 0.19 to 0.79), grade (K value: 0.50; 95% CI, 0.30 to 0.70) and extent (K value: 0.51; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.77). When analyzed as composite (stage, grade, extent) a moderate inter-reliability was present among raters, k = 0.479 (K value: 0.47; 95% CI, 0.442 to 0.515). Agreement between raters and gold-standard panel was staging 76.6%; grading 82%; and extent 84.8%. In six of nine cases 77% to 99% of raters consistently agreed with gold-standard panel, and the other three cases had gray zone factors that reduced rater consistency.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians trained in the 2017 World Workshop periodontitis classification demonstrated moderate concordance in classifying nine severe periodontitis cases, and in six of nine cases raters consistently agreed with the gold-standard panel.

Treatment of Residual Periodontal Pockets Using a Hyaluronic Acid-Based Gel: A 12 Month Multicenter Randomized Triple-Blinded Clinical Trial

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the adjunctive effect of hyaluronic acid (HA) gel in the treatment of residual periodontal pockets over a 12-month period. Periodontal patients presenting at least one residual periodontal pocket 5-9 mm of depth in the anterior area were recruited from six university-based centers. Each patient was randomly assigned to subgingival instrumentation (SI) with the local adjunctive use of HA for test treatment or adjunctive use of local placebo for control treatment at baseline and after 3 months. Clinical parameters ( )probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BoP), plaque index (PI), recession (REC), clinical attachment level (CAL)) and microbiological samples for the investigation of the total bacterial count (TBC) and presence of specific bacterial species (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, Fusobacterium nucleatum) were taken at baseline and every 3 months, until study termination. PD was determined as the primary outcome variable. From a total of 144 enrolled, 126 participants (53 males, 73 females) completed the entire protocol. Both treatments resulted in statistically significant clinical and microbiological improvements compared to baseline. Although the local application of HA showed a tendency for better results, there was a lack of statistically significant differences between the groups.

Erbium-doped: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) versus scaling and root planing for the treatment of periodontal disease: A single-blinded split-mouth randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

This randomized, controlled clinical trial aimed to compare the differences in periodontal clinical outcomes, duration of the procedure, and patient's experience between conventional scaling and root planing and erbium-doped: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er:YAG) in the treatment of generalized moderate to severe chronic periodontitis or generalized Stages II or III, and Grade B periodontitis based on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), and European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) definitions.

METHODS

Thirty subjects were initially recruited. In a split-mouth fashion, right and left sides were randomly allocated into two treatment arms: conventional scaling and root planing (C-SRP) versus laser-assisted scaling and root planing (L-SRP). A blinded examiner recorded clinical measurements at baseline and 3 months. Duration of the procedure was also recorded for each visit, and the patient's experience was assessed with a questionnaire at baseline, 1, and 3 months.

RESULTS

The final sample consisted of 26 subjects. Both treatments resulted in overall improvement, but no significant differences were found between modalities for clinical attachment gain or probing depth reduction. The duration of the procedure was approximately half for L-SRP, and postoperative sensitivity was greater in C-SRP.

CONCLUSIONS

The low-energy protocol with Er:YAG (50 mJ) used for the non-surgical treatment of moderate-severe chronic or Stage II-III, Grade B periodontitis performed in this study population was a treatment modality that yielded similar clinical improvements when compared to conventional scaling and root planing.

Submucosal microbiome of peri-implant sites: A cross-sectional study

AIM

To study the peri-implant submucosal microbiome in relation to implant disease status, dentition status, smoking habit, gender, implant location, implant system, time of functional loading, probing pocket depth (PPD), and presence of bleeding on probing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Biofilm samples were collected from the deepest peri-implant site of 41 patients with paper points, and analysed using 16S rRNA gene pyrosequencing.

RESULTS

We observed differences in microbial profiles by PPD, implant disease status, and dentition status. Microbiota in deep pockets included higher proportions of the genera Fusobacterium, Prevotella, and Anaeroglobus compared with shallow pockets that harboured more Rothia, Neisseria, Haemophilus, and Streptococcus. Peri-implantitis (PI) sites were dominated by Fusobacterium and Treponema compared with healthy implants and peri-implant mucositis, which were mostly colonized by Rothia and Streptococcus. Partially edentulous (PE) individuals presented more Fusobacterium, Prevotella, and Rothia, whereas fully edentulous individuals presented more Veillonella and Streptococcus.

CONCLUSIONS

PPD, implant disease status, and dentition status may affect the submucosal ecology leading to variation in composition of the microbiome. Deep pockets, PI, and PE individuals were dominated by Gram-negative anaerobic taxa.

Long-term clinical outcomes of periodontal regeneration with Enamel Matrix Derivative (EMD): a retrospective cohort study with a mean follow-up of 10 years

BACKGROUND

Despite the large body of evidence on the efficacy of Enamel Matrix Derivative (EMD) in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects, few studies reported long-term data (≥ 10-year).

METHODS

Periodontal patients treated with regenerative surgery with EMD between 1999 and 2012 were invited to participate in a clinical examination. The following clinical parameters were recorded and compared at baseline (T0), 6 months after surgery (T1) and after at least 8 years of follow-up (T2): probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque and bleeding scores. The primary outcome variable was CAL change.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients with 75 treated teeth were available for analysis. Out of these, 68 (tooth survival rate: 90.7%) reached the latest follow-up with a mean observation period of 10.3 years (range: 8.0-21.3). The most frequent reason for tooth loss was recurrence of periodontal disease. Tooth survival curves showed a statistically significant difference between smokers and non-smokers (p = 0.028). Mean CAL changed from 8.43 ± 1.86 (T0) to 6.47 ± 1.70 (T1) (p<0.001) and to 5.91 ± 1.83 (T2) (p<0.001). At T1, a CAL gain of ≥3 mm was measured in 35% of the defects while at T2 it was detected in 51% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Within their limitations, the present results have shown that in intrabony defects, the clinical improvements obtained following regenerative surgery with EMD can be maintained on a mean period of 10 years. Smoking status and maxillary molars were correlated with an increased risk for tooth and CAL loss, respectively. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The effect of obesity on periodontitis progression: the 10-year retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

Due to inconsistent findings in limited previous cohort studies, the aim of this study was to estimate the obesity effect on periodontitis progression in Thai adults.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This 10-year retrospective cohort study comprised 2216 employees of the Electric Generation Authority of Thailand (EGAT). Their demographic, medical, and periodontal status was collected. Subjects with periodontitis progression were defined as having ≥ 2 teeth with progression. Additional proximal clinical attachment loss ≥ 3 mm or tooth loss with severe periodontitis at baseline were used to identify disease progression at the tooth level. Central obesity was classified using the waist-hip ratio. Multi-level Poisson regression was used to determine the effect of obesity on periodontitis progression by adjusting for age, sex, education, income, smoking, alcohol drinking, exercise, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension.

RESULTS

The cumulative incidence of periodontitis progression during the 10-year period was 59.6 cases per 100 persons (95% CI: 57.5, 61.6). The univariate analysis indicated that obese subjects had 15% higher risk of progression than that of healthy subjects. However, when confounders were analyzed simultaneously, the effect of obesity was not significant with a risk ratio of 0.98 (95% CI: 0.88, 1.08).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the higher incidence of disease progression in the obese, obesity is not an independent risk factor for periodontitis progression.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Obesity and periodontitis progression share many common risk factors. Using the obesity as a preliminary screening for periodontitis progression may be an alternative prevention protocol.

Hopeless tooth? Prognosis and comprehensive treatment. A case report

A hopeless tooth from a periodontal point of view, with severe bone resorption, mobility and abnormal tooth migration, is often extracted. In advanced cases, function and esthetics are impaired, and an interdisciplinary treatment is requested. Retaining or not these teeth is based on clinician judgment. A growing body of evidence claims that prognosis has great potential to be improved in a motivated patient with good oral hygiene and regular maintenance. This case report aims to present a periodontal regenerative technique combining enamel matrix protein derivatives and a particulated xenograft to treat intraosseous defects caused by periodontitis. The patient healed uneventfully, and no complications were recorded after the surgical procedure. To correct abnormal tooth migration and improve function and esthetics, orthodontic treatment was instituted. Tooth prognosis improved from hopeless to questionable. This approach extended the life span of a compromised tooth, improving periodontal support and decreasing tooth mobility. This could be an alternative to extraction and implant.

Maintenance visit regularity has a different impact on periodontitis-related tooth loss depending on patient staging and grading

AIM

To assess whether maintenance variables have a differential effect on tooth loss due to periodontitis (TLP) based on staging and grading.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients treated for periodontitis for a minimum of ≥10 years follow-up were included and categorized according to their stage and grade at baseline. Impact of number, regularity, and pattern of supportive periodontal therapy visits (SPT) on TLP was explored by dividing teeth into test (5 year time periods prior to TLP events) and control groups (random 5 year periods without tooth loss).

RESULTS

The regularity of maintenance visits, but not the overall quantity, had a significant impact on risk of TLP and showed higher importance as staging and grading increased (larger impact for stages III/IV and grade C). The minimum threshold of visits below which the risk of TLP was equivalent to that of the control group was one visit every 7.4 months for stages I-II, 6.7 months for stage III-IV, 7.2 months for grade B and 6.7 months for grade C. This frequency should be increased for former and current smokers, diabetics and elderly patients. Stage III and IV patients who skip more than 1 year of maintenance in a 5 year period have an increased risk of TLP (OR = 2.55) compared to those only miss 1 year. A similar trend was noted for grade C patients, but not for stages I/II or grades A/B.

CONCLUSIONS

Lack of SPT regularity and missing multiple years of maintenance had a larger influence on risk of TLP for higher-level staging and grading.

Predictors of tooth loss during long-term periodontal maintenance: An updated systematic review

AIM

To evaluate the risk factors / predictors of tooth loss in patients with periodontitis who underwent periodontal therapy and long-term periodontal maintenance (PM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PubMed, CENTRAL, EMBASE, Web of Science, LILACS and Scholar were searched up to and including September 2020. Studies limited to periodontitis patients who underwent active periodontal therapy (APT) and followed a regular PM programme with 5 years follow-up minimum were eligible for inclusion in this review. Studies were included if they reported data on tooth loss during PM. Random effects meta-analyses of number of tooth loss per patient per year were conducted.

RESULTS

Thirty-six papers regarding thirty-three studies were included in this review, with three prospective 30 retrospective trials. Subgroup meta-analysis showed no differences between prospective and retrospective studies, with an average of 0.1 tooth loss per year per patient (p < 0.001). Maxillary and molar teeth were more susceptible to be extracted during long-term PM. Baseline characteristics (smoking, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, being male and teeth with furcation lesions) showed no significance as predictor of tooth loss through meta-regression. The percentage of tooth loss due to periodontal reasons ranged from 0.45% to 14.4%. The individual outcomes in each study evidenced different patient-related factors (age and smoking) and tooth-related factors (i.e. tooth type and location) were associated with tooth loss during PM.

CONCLUSION

The majority of patients undergoing long-term PM have not lost teeth. On average, long-term PM effectively causes the loss of 1 tooth per patient every 10 years. Additional prospective trials may confirm these results.

Efficacy of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate delivered by a new-type scaler tip during scaling and root planing on chronic periodontitis: a split-mouth, randomized clinical trial

Background

(−)-Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) as green tea catechins possessed antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects on periodontal disease. This study was designed to evaluate the clinical and microbiological efficacy of scaling and root planing (SRP) using EGCG aqueous solution as coolants through a new-type ultrasonic scaler tip on chronic periodontitis.

Methods

This split-mouth, randomized clinical trial included 20 patients (2 drop-outs) with chronic periodontitis and the maxillary contra-lateral sides were allocated into test and control groups randomly. Through the new-type scaler tip, 762 sites with probing depth (PD) ≥ 4 mm were treated by SRP using EGCG solution or distilled water as coolants respectively. Clinical parameters and red complex pathogens in subgingival microbiome were evaluated at baseline, 3 and 6 months after treatments.

Results

During 6 months, the SRP plus EGCG medication contributed to additional PD reduction as 0.33 mm and gain of clinical attachment level as 0.3 mm compared with SRP alone, and approximate 8% more sites obtained PD reduction ≥ 2 mm (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the mean relative abundance of Tannerella forsythia was significantly lower in the combined treatment group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The purified EGCG showed the potential to improve the outcome of periodontal non-surgical treatment and the new-type scaler tip provided an alternative vehicle for subgingival medication.

Trial registration The trial was registered in Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 15 February 2020 (No.: ChiCTR2000029831, retrospectively registered). http://www.chictr.org.cn/showprojen.aspx?proj=49441.

Early Tooth Loss after Periodontal Diagnosis: Development and Validation of a Clinical Decision Model

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a predictive early tooth loss multivariable model for periodontitis patients before periodontal treatment. A total of 544 patients seeking periodontal care at the university dental hospital were enrolled in the study. Teeth extracted after periodontal diagnosis and due to periodontal reasons were recorded. Clinical and sociodemographic variables were analyzed, considering the risk of short-term tooth loss. This study followed the transparent reporting of a multivariable prediction model for individual prognosis or diagnosis (TRIPOD) guidelines for development and validation, with two cohorts considered as follows: 455 patients in the development phase and 99 in the validation phase. As a result, it was possible to compute a predictive model based on tooth type and clinical attachment loss. The model explained 25.3% of the total variability and correctly ranked 98.9% of the cases. The final reduced model area under the curve (AUC) was 0.809 (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.629–0.989) for the validation sample and 0.920 (95% CI: 0.891–0.950) for the development cohort. The established model presented adequate prediction potential of early tooth loss due to periodontitis. This model may have clinical and epidemiologic relevance towards the prediction of tooth loss burden.

Regular maintenance appointments after non-surgical scaling and root planing support periodontal health in patients with or without dry mouth: A retrospective study

Objective

Non‐surgical scaling and root planing (SRP), as an initial form of periodontal treatment, followed by ongoing periodontal maintenance appointments is necessary to manage periodontal disease and prevent tooth loss. Saliva also has an essential role in oral health though the relationship between low salivary flow and periodontal outcomes has not been extensively investigated. This study determined if patients with dry mouth have similar clinical outcomes as patients without dry mouth when receiving regular periodontal maintenance after SRP.

Materials and methods

This is a retrospective study that investigated clinical periodontal outcomes in patients with (n = 34) or without (n = 85) dry mouth who had undergone SRP 1 to 5 years prior and had routine periodontal maintenance. The presence of dry mouth was established based on a patient's unstimulated salivary flow rate.

Results

Probing depth for both patients with or without dry mouth was similar between groups and maintained 1 to 5 years following initial SRP. Improved probing depth achieved post‐SRP was sustained regardless of dry mouth status.

Conclusion

Patients with or without dry mouth did not exhibit different probing depths.

Role of Communication, Professionalism, and Clinical Care Skills of Postgraduate Students on Patients Recall Visits in Dental School-An Observational Study

Preservation of periodontal health after periodontal therapy is paramount for the complete elimination of periodontal diseases. In most of the Dental Schools, recall appointments are considerably low, and in particular, to the Department of Periodontics, the compliance to recall visits by the patients diagnosed with periodontal disease is still inadequate. Faculty from the Department of Periodontics framed new criteria to follow in the comprehensive clinics by the postgraduate students. The criteria include communication, intraoral examination skills, and professionalism toward dental patients. Faculty in each comprehensive dental clinic observed the clinical encounters of postgraduate students with patients and provided the feedback. The study conducted from May 2018 to April 2019, and the patients attended were 1164 of 1544. Unattended patients were 380 of 1544. Effective evaluation of the feedback provided by faculty and communication with both the postgraduate students and unattended patients resulted in further improvement in recall, that is, 151 of 380 patients. Reframed criteria, direct observation of the postgraduate students by faculty during patients interaction, assessment of feedback forms, and immediately modifying the student’s way of communication allowed maximum recall visits to the Department of Periodontics.

Efficacy of glycine powder air-polishing in supportive periodontal therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to assess the effects of glycine powder air-polishing (GPAP) in patients during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) compared to hand instrumentation and ultrasonic scaling.

METHODS

The authors searched for randomized clinical trials in 8 electronic databases for relevant studies through November 15, 2019. The eligibility criteria were as follows: population, patients with chronic periodontitis undergoing SPT; intervention and comparison, patients treated by GPAP with a standard/nozzle type jet or mechanical instrumentation; and outcomes, bleeding on probing (BOP), patient discomfort/pain (assessed by a visual analogue scale [VAS]), probing depth (PD), gingival recession (Rec), plaque index (PI), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival epithelium score, and subgingival bacteria count. After extracting the data and assessing the risk of bias, the authors performed the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 17 studies were included in this study. The difference of means for BOP in patients who received GPAP was lower (difference of means: -8.02%; 95% confidence interval [CI], -12.10% to -3.95%; P<0.00001; I²=10%) than that in patients treated with hand instrumentation. The results of patient discomfort/pain measured by a VAS (difference of means: -1.48, 95% CI, -1.90 to -1.06; P<0.001; I²=83%) indicated that treatment with GPAP might be less painful than ultrasonic scaling. The results of PD, Rec, PI, and CAL showed that GPAP had no advantage over hand instrumentation or ultrasonic scaling.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study suggest that GPAP may alleviate gingival inflammation more effectively and be less painful than traditional methods, which makes it a promising alternative for dental clinical use. With regards to PD, Rec, PI, and CAL, there was insufficient evidence to support a difference among GPAP, hand instrumentation, and ultrasonic scaling. Higher-quality studies are still needed to assess the effects of GPAP.

Staging and Grading Discussion of Borderline Cases in Gray Zones

INTRODUCTION

Staging and grading for chronic periodontal disease, as described in 2018, is designed to focus on key distinctions with the recognition that there is a subset of individuals who are on a different clinical trajectory of disease. The staging and grading framework aids the clinician in generating a periodontal diagnosis, however, some cases fall into gray zones in which the simple diagnostic parameters make it challenging to categorize the patient. These cases do not present with clear clinical findings and medical and dental histories that fit within the simple guidelines defined in the staging and grading tables and subsequent algorithms.

CASE PRESENTATION

Two cases are presented and demonstrate typical clinical scenarios that fall into gray zones when it comes to differentiating whether the patient will respond predictably to standard principles of care. Case 1 presents a scenario in which the patient's early history suggests the potential for disease progression and increases the likelihood that the patient may develop a need for complex rehabilitation due to periodontal breakdown. Clinical judgment was used to evaluate whether the patient remained at elevated risk and the potential implications for disease progression. Case 1 was diagnosed with generalized Stage III, Grade B. The initial presentation of Case 2 had a higher severity and complexity and therefore was diagnosed with generalized Stage IV, Grade C. The need for complex rehabilitation in Case 2, however, was not primarily due to periodontitis.

CONCLUSION

Decision guidelines and algorithms help in establishing a standardized diagnosis, however cases that fall into gray zones require clinical judgment to establish the most appropriate diagnosis to guide a treatment plan that is personalized based on current knowledge.

Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-10 Gene Polymorphisms in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis and Response to Treatment after 3 Years

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate whether genetic susceptibility to chronic periodontitis, conferred by the presence of the IL-6 -572GG genotype or the IL-10 -592A allele, influences the outcomes following a non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT)over a long period of time.

Material and methods

Thirty-seven chronic periodontitis patients were divided into two groups according to genotype as susceptible (SCP) and non-susceptible (NSCP). All subjects were clinically evaluated at baseline and 3 years following NSPT. Blood samples were collected at baseline from the individuals who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. All participants received NSPT from a single periodontist who was blind to the genotype status of each patient. A statistical analysis was performed by comparing the variables between groups using the Mann-Whitney U test and between baseline and 3 years for each group using the Wilcoxon test.

Results

The mean age of the population was estimated to be 47.68±8.64 years and it included 51.4% females, 48.6% smokers, and 45.9% alcohol consumers. Following a genetic analysis, 70.3% of patients were homozygous carriers of the IL-6 -572G (IL-6 SCP), and 46.0% of them were carriers of the IL-10 -592A allele (IL-10 SCP). NSPT reduced all studied parameters (probing depth, attachment loss, bleeding on probing, percentage of sites with 4-6mm and ≥7mm pocket depth and attachment loss) to all participants, but the treatment outcome was not associated with the genotype. The SCP and NSCP individuals showed similar clinical parameters at baseline and at 3 years.

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this 3-year prospective cohort study in Caucasians diagnosed with chronic periodontitis, individuals susceptible to periodontal disease as determined by the presence of the IL-6 -572GG genotype or the IL-10 -592A allele showed similar treatment outcome following NSPT.

Residual periodontal ligament in extracted teeth - is it associated with indication for extraction?

BACKGROUND

Periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss. Few studies have evaluated the residual area of the periodontal ligament in extracted teeth and, to the best of our knowledge, none from Latin America have done so regarding indications for extraction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the residual periodontal ligament (RPL) with respect to indication for extraction in a sample of teeth from a Brazilian Public Health Service district.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All teeth extracted within the Public Health Service district of Santa Maria, Brazil, over a 5-month period were requested for analysis. A total of 414 teeth eligible for measurement were stained and evaluated for RPL using a stereo microscope. Participating Public Health Service dentists completed a questionnaire detailing demographic variables and indication for each extracted tooth. The percentage of RPL was determined for each tooth. Comparisons of RPL between teeth extracted on periodontal versus other indications were made using the Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS

RPL averaged 34.8% for teeth extracted on periodontal indications versus 79.5% for other teeth (P ≤ 0.001). When considering teeth with an RPL ≥ 30% as possible to maintain, 189 (76%) of the teeth extracted on periodontal indications could have been maintained. When RPL cut-off limits of ≥ 40% or ≥ 50% are applied, 93 (37%) and 43 (17%) teeth, respectively, could have been maintained.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that strictly based on RPL, a large number of teeth extracted on periodontal indications conceivably could be maintained.

Inflammasomes as contributors to periodontal disease

A genome‐wide association study of ≈2.5 million markers identified unique biologically informed periodontal complex traits with distinct microbial communities and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) levels. Each trait was associated with different single nucleotide polymorphisms. These variants include genes associated with immune responses, microbial colonization, and the epithelial barrier function. The specific set of variants leads to individual biological paths that converge into an overlapping clinical phenotype of periodontal tissue destruction. This concept suggests that periodontal disease is a group of distinct conditions. We identified polymorphisms in inflammasome genes interferon gamma inducible protein 16 (IFI16) and absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) that were associated with increased severity of periodontal disease. Inflammasomes respond to pathogen or tissue “danger” signals and assemble into multiprotein “machineries” that are essential for the cleavage of proinflammatory mediator IL‐1β into an active form. Thus, understanding how variants of IFI16 and AIM2 contribute to periodontal disease pathogenesis may lead to treatment options that address individual biological variations and precision therapies for oral health.

Quality of Life and Health in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis: A Qualitative Study

PURPOSE

Periodontal disease causes tooth loss if not treated early, and advanced periodontitis can cause a decline in various oral functions. These results diminish the health-related quality of life (QOL) for various populations. Thus, early detection and management of the disease, as well as a systematic strategy for the prevention of periodontal disease, are necessary.

METHODS

Adults, 19 years of age or older and diagnosed with chronic gingivitis or chronic periodontitis under the ICD-10 codes, were selected to participate in the study. A total of 20 participants were informed of the purpose of the study and gave consent to participate in in-depth interviews.

RESULTS

The treatment of periodontal disease improved health-related QOL and enabled the participants to have positive dental care health behaviors. Furthermore, the participants recognized the severity of periodontal disease and the importance of dental examinations. It enabled them to be aware of the societal need for dental care awareness.

CONCLUSIONS

This study was an in-depth examination of the health-related QOL of periodontal patients through a qualitative research methodology. We expect that this study will expand research on health-related QOL due to periodontal disease and revitalize the dental health system and practices.

Effects of enamel matrix derivative on clinical and inflammatory outcomes in periodontal maintenance patients: Randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Efficient methods to treat persistent pockets during periodontal maintenance therapy (PMT) require further investigation. The hypothesis of this randomized controlled clinical trial was that local application of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) added to papilla reflection/root preparation (PR/RP) could enhance clinical and inflammatory outcomes, primarily clinical attachment level (CAL).

METHODS

Fifty PMT patients with generalized stage III-IV, grade B periodontitis presenting with a 6- to 9-mm interproximal PD were randomly allocated to (PR/RP+EMD; n = 24) and control (PR/RP+saline; n = 26) therapies by sex and smoking status. Roots were treated with reflection of interproximal papillae, root planing assisted with endoscope evaluation, and acid etching, followed by EMD or saline application. Probing depth (PD), CAL, plaque index (PI), and interproximal bone height were evaluated at baseline and 12-months post-therapy. Gingival crevicular fluid, bleeding on probing (BOP), and interleukin-1β were tested (ELISA) at baseline, 2 weeks, and 6 and 12 months. Groups were compared over time and between groups with Wilcoxon Rank Sum and t-tests.

RESULTS

Both PR/RP+ EMD and PR/RP+S resulted in significant improvements in clinical outcomes (PD and CAL, BOP) from baseline to 12 months. No significant differences were found in clinical or inflammatory outcomes between the experimental and control groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of EMD to PR/RP does not significantly improve clinical or inflammatory outcomes compared with PR/RP alone during periodontal maintenance therapy.

Pocket elimination after osseous resective surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To systemically review the available evidence on the clinical performance of osseous resective surgery (ORS) in the treatment of residual periodontal defects in terms of pocket elimination and biological costs in patients with chronic periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three databases (PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane) were searched up to January 2019. Clinical trials with a follow-up duration of at least 12 months after ORS with or without fibre retention technique were included. Quantitative synthesis was conducted with random-effect meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, 1,765 studies were retrieved, of which 53 full-text articles were screened by two reviewers. Finally, a total of three RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Random-effect meta-analysis showed a weighted mean percentage of pocket elimination (final PD ≤ 4 mm) at 12 months of 98.3% (95% CI: 96.8; 99.7) with I² of 26%. The weighted mean amount of resected bone was 0.87 mm (95% CI: 0.49; 1.25), and the weighted mean increase in gingival recession was 2.13 mm (95% CI: 1.49; 2.78) at 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

ORS represents an effective surgical approach for the elimination of residual periodontal pockets in the short to medium term. Additional randomized controlled clinical trials with data on pocket elimination are warranted.

Higher intakes of flavonoids are associated with lower salivary IL-1β and maintenance of periodontal health 3-4 years after scaling and root planing

Aims

Higher intakes of fruits and vegetables, and vitamin C are associated with improved periodontal healing post‐scaling and root planing (SRP). This study determined if this association was sustained at 3–4 years post‐SRP, and if flavonoid intake is associated with periodontal health. Whether reduced probing depth (PD) is sustained and whether PD is correlated with salivary IL‐1β, IL‐6 and CRP at 3–4 years post‐SRP were also studied.

Materials and Methods

Clinical periodontal outcomes, dietary intakes and salivary markers of inflammation were measured in patients (n = 43, 23 females, 37–93 years) who had undergone SRP 3–4 years earlier and had been part of a periodontal maintenance programme.

Results

Flavonoid intake was inversely associated with PD (p = .042) and salivary IL‐1β concentration (p = .015) after adjustment for multiple confounders. When changes in PD were considered, the association of flavonoid intake with reduced PD became borderline significant (p = .051) but persisted for IL‐1β (p = .018). PD at 3–4 years and 2–4 months post‐SRP was similar. There was a positive correlation between PD and salivary IL‐1β (p = .005) but not with salivary CRP and IL‐6.

Conclusion

Higher flavonoid intake is associated with lower IL‐1β. Also, regular supportive periodontal therapy maintained the improved PD at 3–4 years post‐SRP regardless of smoking status.

Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy - Evidence and Opinion

Effective non-surgical periodontal therapy is fundamental to achieve and maintain periodontal health, particularly in individuals who are susceptible to periodontitis. This article aims to highlight current evidence and published guidance, together with personal insights and suggestions from the author's clinical experience to help with management of patients utilising this common treatment modality.

Periodontal status and self-reported systemic health of periodontal patients regularly visiting dental clinics in the 8020 Promotion Foundation Study of Japanese Dental Patients

This nationwide cross-sectional survey investigated the association between periodontal disease and self-reported systemic health in periodontal patients who regularly visited private dental clinics in Japan. Data from 999 patients of 444 dental clinics were analyzed; the patients were aged 40 years or older, regularly visited dentists, and had diagnosed periodontal disease (defined as two or more teeth with a clinical attachment level ≥6 mm). Medical history was collected with a self-reported questionnaire. Number of teeth with a probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥5 mm was used to define periodontal status, and the highest quartile was used as the dependent variable. A Poisson regression model showed that histories of diabetes and hypertension were associated with a larger number of teeth with a PPD ≥5 mm (diabetes: prevalence rate ratio [PRR] 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00-1.85; hypertension: PRR 1.27, 95% CI 1.02-1.58) after adjusting for potential periodontal risk factors. These findings suggest that diabetes and hypertension are associated with worse periodontal disease. Dentists should confirm the diabetes and hypertension status of patients who receive maintenance care, because these conditions could affect periodontal management of patients.

Staging and grading of periodontitis: Framework and proposal of a new classification and case definition

BACKGROUND

Authors were assigned the task to develop case definitions for periodontitis in the context of the 2017 World Workshop on the Classification of Periodontal and Peri-Implant Diseases and Conditions. The aim of this manuscript is to review evidence and rationale for a revision of the current classification, to provide a framework for case definition that fully implicates state-of-the-art knowledge and can be adapted as new evidence emerges, and to suggest a case definition system that can be implemented in clinical practice, research and epidemiologic surveillance.

METHODS

Evidence gathered in four commissioned reviews was analyzed and interpreted with special emphasis to changes with regards to the understanding available prior to the 1999 classification. Authors analyzed case definition systems employed for a variety of chronic diseases and identified key criteria for a classification/case definition of periodontitis.

RESULTS

The manuscript discusses the merits of a periodontitis case definition system based on Staging and Grading and proposes a case definition framework. Stage I to IV of periodontitis is defined based on severity (primarily periodontal breakdown with reference to root length and periodontitis-associated tooth loss), complexity of management (pocket depth, infrabony defects, furcation involvement, tooth hypermobility, masticatory dysfunction) and additionally described as extent (localized or generalized). Grade of periodontitis is estimated with direct or indirect evidence of progression rate in three categories: slow, moderate and rapid progression (Grade A-C). Risk factor analysis is used as grade modifier.

CONCLUSIONS

The paper describes a simple matrix based on stage and grade to appropriately define periodontitis in an individual patient. The proposed case definition extends beyond description based on severity to include characterization of biological features of the disease and represents a first step towards adoption of precision medicine concepts to the management of periodontitis. It also provides the necessary framework for introduction of biomarkers in diagnosis and prognosis.

Periodontal health

OBJECTIVES

To date there is a paucity of documentation regarding definitions of periodontal health. This review considers the histological and clinical determinants of periodontal health for both intact and reduced periodontium and seeks to propose appropriate definitions according to treatment outcomes.

IMPORTANCE

Defining periodontal health is can serve as a vital common reference point for assessing disease and determining meaningful treatment outcomes.

FINDINGS

The multifactorial nature of periodontitis is accepted, and it is recognized that restoration of periodontal health will be defined by an individual's response to treatment, taking into account allostatic conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

It is proposed that there are 4 levels of periodontal health, depending on the state of the periodontium (structurally and clinically sound or reduced) and the relative treatment outcomes: (1) pristine periodontal health, with a structurally sound and uninflamed periodontium; (2) well-maintained clinical periodontal health, with a structurally and clinically sound (intact) periodontium; (3) periodontal disease stability, with a reduced periodontium, and (4) periodontal disease remission/control, with a reduced periodontium.

The impact of maintenance on peri-implant health

Most of the literature evaluating dental implants focuses on implant survival, which is a limited proxy for the successful rehabilitation of patients with missing teeth. Success should include not only survival but also lack of mechanical, biological, and esthetics problems. A comprehensive review of local and systemic risk factors prior to implant placement will allow the tailoring of treatment planning and maintenance protocols to the patient's profile in order to achieve longitudinal success of the therapy. This review discusses the role of controlling different risk factors and prevention/treatment of peri-implant mucositis in order to avoid peri-implantitis. Although the literature addressing the topic is still scarce, the existing evidence shows that performing optimal plaque control and regular visits to the dentist seem to be adequate to prevent peri-implant lesions. Due to impossibility of defining a probing depth associate with peri-implant health, radiographic evaluations may be considered in the daily practice. So far, there is a strong evidence linking a past history of periodontal disease to peri-implant lesions, but this is not so evident for other factors including smoking and diabetes. The prevention of biological complications starts even before implant placement and include a broader analysis of the patient risk profile and tailoring the rehabilitation and maintenance protocols accordingly. It should be highlighted that the installation of implants does not modify the patient profile, since it does not modify genetics, microbiology or behavioral habits of any individual.

Long-term assessment of periodontal disease progression after surgical or non-surgical treatment: a systematic review

The primary aim of this systematic review was to assess the evidence on periodontal disease progression after treatment in patients receiving supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) and to identify predictors of clinical attachment level (CAL) loss. A protocol was developed to answer the following focused question: In adult patients treated for periodontitis, what is the disease progression in terms of CAL loss after surgical or non-surgical treatment? Randomized controlled clinical trials, prospective cohort studies, and longitudinal observational human studies with a minimum of 5 years of follow-up after surgical or non-surgical treatment that reported CAL and probing depth changes were selected. Seventeen publications reporting data from 14 investigations were included. Data from 964 patients with a follow-up range of 5-15 years was evaluated. When the CAL at the latest follow-up was compared to the CAL after active periodontal therapy, 10 of the included studies reported an overall mean CAL loss of ≤0.5 mm, 3 studies reported a mean CAL loss of 0.5-1 mm, and 4 studies reported a mean CAL loss of >1 mm. Based on 7 publications, the percentage of sites showing a CAL loss of ≥2 mm varied from 3% to 20%, and a high percentage of sites with CAL loss was associated with poor oral hygiene, smoking, and poor compliance with SPT. The outcomes after periodontal therapy remained stable over time. Disease progression occurred in a reduced number of sites and patients, mostly associated with poor oral hygiene, poor compliance with SPT, and smoking.

Contemporary approaches for identifying individual risk for periodontitis

Key breakthroughs in our understanding of the etiology and principles of predictable treatment of patients with chronic periodontitis first emerged in the late 1960s and carried on into the mid-1980s. Unfortunately, some generalizations of the evidence led many to believe that periodontitis was a predictable result of exposure to bacterial plaque accumulations over time. For a brief period, the initial plaque concept was translated by some to implicate specific bacterial infections, with both concepts (plaque exposure and specific infection) being false assumptions that led to clinical outcomes which were frustrating to both the clinician and the patient. The primary misconceptions were that every individual was equally susceptible to periodontitis, that disease severity was a simple function of magnitude of bacterial exposure over time, and that all patients would respond predictably if treated based on the key principles of bacterial reduction and regular maintenance care. We now know that although bacteria are an essential initiating factor, the clinical severity of periodontitis is a complex multifactorial host response to the microbial challenge. The complexity comes from the permutations of different factors that may interact to alter a single individual's host response to challenge, inflammation resolution and repair, and overall outcome to therapy. Fortunately, although there are many permutations that may influence host response and repair, the pathophysiology of chronic periodontitis is generally limited to mild periodontitis with isolated moderate disease in most individuals. However, approximately 20%-25% of individuals will develop generalized severe periodontitis and probably require more intensive bacterial reduction and different approaches to host modulation of the inflammatory outcomes. This latter group may also have serious systemic implications of their periodontitis. The time appears to be appropriate to use what we know and currently understand to change our approach to clinical care. Our goal would be to increase our likelihood of identifying those patients who have a more biologically disruptive response combined with a more impactful microbial dysbiosis. Current evidence, albeit limited, indicates that for those individuals we should prevent and treat more intensively. This paper discusses what we know and how we might use that information to start individualizing risk and treat some of our patients in a more targeted manner. In my opinion, we are further along than many realize, but we have a great lack of prospective clinical evidence that must be accumulated while we continue to unravel the contributions of specific mechanisms.