Quality assessment and meta-analysis of systemic tetracycline use in chronic adult periodontitis

Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Systemic Antibiotic Adjunct to Nonsurgical Treatment of Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVES

Considering the importance of patient-centered care, we aimed to evaluate the impact of systemic antibiotics on oral health-related quality of life during nonsurgical periodontal treatment. This controlled trial addresses a gap in understanding how systemic antibiotics influence patient-reported outcomes, focusing on Stage III periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-one adults participated in a double-blind, randomized clinical trial, with participants divided into two groups: the test group, which received antibiotics, and the control group. All the participants received nonsurgical periodontal treatment. We conducted follow-up assessments at one and 3 months posttreatment, including recording clinical parameters and administering the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire.

RESULTS

The results showed a notable improvement in the quality of life for patients in the test group compared to the control group at 1 month (p value = 0.012) and 3 months (p value = 0.014) after treatment. While there were improvements in pocket probing depth, gingival index, and clinical attachment loss in both groups, it is worth noting that only bleeding on probing exhibited a significant improvement in the test group after 3 months compared to the control group (p value = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, incorporating systemic antibiotics alongside nonsurgical periodontal treatments appears to bring about positive outcomes for individuals dealing with Stage III periodontitis during nonsurgical treatment, ultimately enhancing their oral health-related quality of life.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT Id): IRCT20201221049786N1.

Surface Pre-Reacted Glass-Ionomer Eluate Suppresses Osteoclastogenesis through Downregulation of the MAPK Signaling Pathway

Surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) is a new bioactive filler utilized for the restoration of decayed teeth by its ability to release six bioactive ions that prevent the adhesion of dental plaque to the tooth surface. Since ionic liquids are reported to facilitate transepithelial penetration, we reasoned that S-PRG applied to root caries could impact the osteoclasts (OCs) in the proximal alveolar bone. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of S-PRG eluate solution on RANKL-induced OC-genesis and mineral dissolution in vitro. Using RAW264.7 cells as OC precursor cells (OPCs), TRAP staining and pit formation assays were conducted to monitor OC-genesis and mineral dissolution, respectively, while OC-genesis-associated gene expression was measured using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Expression of NFATc1, a master regulator of OC differentiation, and the phosphorylation of MAPK signaling molecules were measured using Western blotting. S-PRG eluate dilutions at 1/200 and 1/400 showed no cytotoxicity to RAW264.7 cells but did significantly suppress both OC-genesis and mineral dissolution. The same concentrations of S-PRG eluate downregulated the RANKL-mediated induction of OCSTAMP and CATK mRNAs, as well as the expression of NFATc1 protein and the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and p38. These results demonstrate that S-PRG eluate can downregulate RANKL-induced OC-genesis and mineral dissolution, suggesting that its application to root caries might prevent alveolar bone resorption.

Europe's contribution to the evaluation of the use of systemic antimicrobials in the treatment of periodontitis

This narrative review celebrates Europe's contribution to the current knowledge on systemically administered antimicrobials in periodontal treatment. Periodontitis is the most frequent chronic noncommunicable human disease. It is caused by dysbiotic bacterial biofilms and is commonly treated with subgingival instrumentation. However, some sites/patients do not respond adequately, and its limitations and shortcomings have been recognized. This has led to the development of alternative or adjunctive therapies. One is the use of antimicrobials to target bacteria in subgingival biofilms in the periodontal pocket, which can be targeted directly through the pocket entrance with a locally delivered antibiotic or systemically by oral, intravenous, or intramuscular methods. Since the early 20th century, several studies on systemic antibiotics have been undertaken and published, especially between 1990 and 2010. Europe's latest contribution to this topic is the first European Federation of Periodontology, S3-level Clinical Practice Guideline, which incorporates recommendations related to the use of adjuncts to treat stage I-III periodontitis. Understanding the etiopathogenesis of periodontal diseases, specifically periodontitis, has influenced the use of systemic periodontal antibiotic therapy. Randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews with meta-analyses have demonstrated the clinical advantages of adjunctive systemic antimicrobials. However, current recommendations are restrictive due to concerns about antibiotic misuse and the increase in microbial antibiotic resistance. European researchers have contributed to the use of systemic antimicrobials in the treatment of periodontitis through clinical trials and by providing rational guidelines. Nowadays, European researchers are exploring alternatives and directing clinical practice by providing evidence-based guidelines to limit the use of systemic antimicrobials.

Effectiveness of systemic antimicrobial therapy in combination with scaling and root planing in the treatment of periodontitis: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The use of systemic antibiotics in conjunction with scaling and root planing (SRP) may improve the clinical outcome and even could be essential for a successful treatment of periodontitis. However, the effectiveness and clinical safety of this combination of therapy remain unclear. The authors of this study reviewed the available literature related to this hypothesis, evaluating the effectiveness of the use of systemic antimicrobials in combination with SRP versus SRP alone in the treatment of chronic periodontitis (CP) or aggressive periodontitis (AgP).

METHODS

The authors used 3 electronic databases and hand searched articles published from April 2001 through October 2013 in selected journals. The authors selected clinical trials with a minimum of 6 months follow-up during which patients with either CP or AgP had been treated with systemic antibiotics plus SRP in comparison with SRP alone or with placebo. The authors analyzed the gain in clinical attachment level (CAL), reduction in probing pocket depth (PPD), reduction in bleeding on probing (BOP), and patient-related variables (that is, adverse effects).

RESULTS

After the selection process, the authors included 23 clinical trials in this review. Assessment of the quality of the studies revealed the risk of bias as a common finding. Overall, there was a tendency toward improvement of the measured outcomes, CAL, PPD, and BOP in studies for which systemic antibiotics were used as adjunctive therapy with SRP.

CONCLUSION

Owing to the high level of heterogeneity of the studies included in this review, the authors could not establish definitive conclusions and guidelines regarding the use of adjunctive systemic antibiotics. However, within the limitations of this review, the use of systemic antibiotics with SRP may be beneficial for specific populations. Standardized clinical disease diagnostic criteria and additional randomized controlled clinical trials are necessary to verify the effectiveness of the use of adjunctive systemic antimicrobials with SRP.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Owing to methodological differences and biases among clinical trials evaluating systemic antibiotics adjunctive to SRP, clinicians should base their decisions to prescribe on the results of weighing both benefits and risks for each patient.

[The relationship between inflammatory periodontal diseases and cardiovascular diseases]

Estimated the relationship between inflammatory periodontal diseases and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Installed combined effect of periodontitis and cardiovascular disease.

A systematic review of single crowns on endodontically treated teeth

OBJECTIVES

To test the hypothesis that the placement of a crown is associated with improved (long term) survival of root canal treated teeth, using a systematic review process of clinical studies.

DATA SOURCES

Papers referring to single crowns on endodontically treated teeth were located by a MEDLINE search and hand searching. One thousand six hundred and nine references were found, and they were subjected to a systematic review procedure.

STUDY SELECTION

A three-step inclusion-exclusion procedure was applied to identify papers that represented; good scientific practice (GSP), reported results of all patients, restorations on root canal treated teeth (RCT) for more than 2 years and had sufficient data to generate life table analyses. The outcomes were 'survival of RCT restored with crowns' and 'survival of RCT with direct restorations'. Ten studies survived. These data showed an overall mean GSP of 0.605 with a 10-year survival of 81% for crowned RCT and a 10-year survival of 63% for RCT with direct restorations (resin composites, amalgam, cements).

CONCLUSION

RCTs restored with crowns show an acceptable long-term survival of 10 years, while direct restorations have a satisfactory survival only for a short period.

Periodontal disease and systemic conditions: a bidirectional relationship

For decades, physicians and dentists have paid close attention to their own respective fields, specializing in medicine pertaining to the body and the oral cavity, respectively. However, recent findings have strongly suggested that oral health may be indicative of systemic health. Currently, this gap between allopathic medicine and dental medicine is quickly closing, due to significant findings supporting the association between periodontal disease and systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and osteoporosis. Significant effort has brought numerous advances in revealing the etiological and pathological links between this chronic inflammatory dental disease and these other conditions. Therefore, there is reason to hope that the strong evidence from these studies may guide researchers towards greatly improved treatment of periodontal infection that would also ameliorate these systemic illnesses. Hence, researchers must continue not only to uncover more information about the correlations between periodontal and systemic diseases but also to focus on positive associations that may result from treating periodontal disease as a means of ameliorating systemic diseases.

Determining the Optimal Obturation Length: A Meta-Analysis of Literature

The purpose was to aid in determining termination of instrumentation and obturation. A meta-analysis was conducted as to success/failure of different obturation lengths. Inclusion criteria were (a) minimum follow-up of 2 yr, (b) data on obturation length, (c) definition of success/failure, (d) available data on success/failure, (e) radiographic evaluation. Correlations were made as to success/failure as related to length of obturation from the apex. When comparing group A (obturated 0-1 mm from apex) versus group C (obturated past apex) using the DerSimonian and Laird estimates, group A showed a marginally better (p < 0.10) success rate than group C by 28.8%. Group A had better success than group B (obturated >1 mm short); the difference was insignificant. The results were similar after controlling for study quality using a single random effects regression model. In conclusion, the meta-analysis indicated that a better success rate is achieved when treatment includes obturation short of the apex.

Survey of systematic reviews in dentistry

BACKGROUND

Although systematic reviews are the backbone of evidence-based dentistry, they have appeared infrequently in the clinical dental literature and their importance may not be recognized by dentists. The authors describe the steps taken in systematic reviews and perform a literature survey to identify published systematic reviews of topics relevant to clinical dentistry.

METHODS

The authors searched MEDLINE and the Cochrane databases of systematic reviews and abstracts of reviews of effectiveness, as well as identified reviews that were known to the authors but not found in the searches. Systematic reviews included in this survey stated the intention to identify all relevant articles within predefined limitations, applied defined exclusion and inclusion criteria, and presented complete raw or synthesized data from included studies.

RESULTS

This literature survey identified 131 systematic reviews, 96 of which had direct clinical relevance. During the past 14 years, clinically relevant systematic reviews have been published with increasing frequency. These reviews vary in the types of studies included and the assessment of those studies. The results of the reviews also varied in their definitiveness, with 17 percent finding the evidence to be insufficient to answer the key question. An additional 50 percent of the 96 reviews hedged in answering the key question, by noting that the supporting evidence was weak in quality or limited in quantity.

CONCLUSION

The number of systematic reviews that address clinical topics in dentistry is small but growing. However, the authors of more than one-half of these reviews believed that the evidence available to answer the key question was not strong.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

As systematic reviews continue to grow, dentistry will become better informed about the adequacy and congruence of the scientific evidence underpinning clinical practice.

Systemic anti-infective periodontal therapy. A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Periodontal diseases are infections and thus systemically administered antibiotics are often employed as adjuncts for their control. There are conflicting reports as to whether these agents provide a therapeutic benefit.

RATIONALE

The purpose of this systematic review is to determine whether systemically administered antibiotics improve a primary clinical outcome measure, periodontal attachment level change.

FOCUSED QUESTION

In patients with periodontitis, what is the effect of systemically administered antibiotics as compared to controls on clinical measures of attachment level?

SEARCH PROTOCOL

The Pub/Med database was searched from 1966 to May 2002. Searches were limited to human studies published in English. Hand searches were performed on the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, Journal of Periodontology, and Journal of Periodontal Research. References in relevant papers and review articles were also examined.

SELECTION CRITERIA

INCLUSION CRITERIA

Trials were selected if they met the following criteria: randomized controlled clinical trials, quasi-experimental studies, and cohort studies of > 1 month duration with a comparison group; subjects with aggressive, chronic, or recurrent periodontitis and periodontal abscess; use of a single or a combination of systemically administered antibiotics(s) versus non-antibiotic therapy; and a primary outcome of mean attachment level change (AL).

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

Studies involving the use of low-dose doxycycline, combinations of locally plus systemic antibiotics, or where the control group included a systemically administered antibiotic were excluded.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

A mean difference in AL between groups was available for all papers used in the meta-analysis. A standard deviation (SD) for the difference was used if provided or calculated from the SD or standard error of the mean (SEM) when provided for single measurements. Data were subset by antibiotic employed, type of adjunctive therapy, and disease type. Results were assessed with both fixed-effects and random-effects models.

MAIN RESULTS

1. Twenty-nine studies, 26 RCTs and 3 quasi-experimental (36 comparisons), met the entry criteria. Total study population, both control and test groups, was estimated at over 1,200. 2. Twenty-two studies (27 comparisons) were used in the meta-analysis, evaluating if the antibiotics provided a consistent benefit in mean AL change for different patient populations, for different therapies, and for different antibiotics. 3. For the majority of the comparisons, systemically administered antibiotics exhibited a more positive attachment level change than the control group in the study. The combined results were statistically significant (P < 0.001). 4. The systemic antibiotics were uniformly beneficial in providing an improvement in AL when used as adjuncts to scaling and root planing (SRP) and were consistently beneficial, although of borderline significance, when used as adjuncts to SRP plus surgery or as a stand alone therapy. 5. When examining the effects of individual or combinations of antibiotics, it was found that there were statistically significant improvements in AL for tetracycline, metronidazole, and an effect of borderline statistical significance for the combination of amoxicillin plus metronidazole. 6. Improvements in mean AL were consistent for both chronic and aggressive periodontitis subjects, although the aggressive periodontitis patients benefited more from the antibiotics.

REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS

1. The use of systemically administered adjunctive antibiotics with and without SRP and/or surgery appeared to provide a greater clinical improvement in AL than therapies not employing these agents. 2. The data supported similar effect sizes for the majority of the antibiotics; therefore, the selection for an individual patient has to be made based on other factors. 3. Due to a lack of sufficient sample size for many of the antibiotics tested, it is difficult to provide guidance as to the more effective ones.

A systematic review on the effect of systemic antimicrobials as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in periodontitis patients

BACKGROUND

Scaling and root planing (SRP) are the bases of non-surgical therapy in the treatment of periodontitis. However, results from this therapy are often unpredictable and dependable from many different factors.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of the adjunctive use of systemic antimicrobials with scaling and root planing (SRP) vs. SRP alone in the treatment of chronic (CP) or aggressive periodontitis (AgP).

SEARCH STRATEGY

Use of computerized databases, namely MEDLINE, the Cochrane Oral Health Group Specialty Trials Register and EMBASE; reference lists from relevant articles were hand-searched; and a hand-search of selected journals until April 2001.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Studies were selected if they were designed as controlled clinical trials in which systemically healthy patients with either AgP or CP were treated with SRP plus systemic antimicrobials in comparison with SRP alone or with placebo, for a minimum of 6 months. Main outcome measures were clinical attachment level (CAL) change and probing pocket depth (PPD) change.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two reviewers extracted independently information regarding quality and study characteristics, in duplicate. Kappa scores determined their agreement. Main results were collected and grouped by drug, disease and PPD category. For the quantitative data synthesis, the data was pooled (when mean differences and standard errors were available), and either a Fixed Effects or Random Effects meta-analysis was used for the analysis.

RESULTS

After an initial selection, 158 papers were identified by the manual and electronic searches; 25 papers were eligible for inclusion. Their quality assessment showed that randomization and allocation concealment methods were seldom reported and blindness was usually not defined clearly. In general, selected studies showed high variability and lack of relevant information for an adequate assessment. Overall, SRP plus systemic antimicrobial groups demonstrated better results in CAL and PPD change than SRP alone or with placebo groups. Only limited meta-analyses could be performed, due to the difficulties in pooling the studies and the lack of appropriate data. This analysis showed a statistically significant additional benefit for spiramycin (PPD change) and amoxicillin/metronidazole (CAL change) in deep pockets.

CONCLUSION

Systemic antimicrobials in conjunction with SRP, can offer an additional benefit over SRP alone in the treatment of periodontitis, in terms of CAL and PPD change, and reduced risk of additional CAL loss. However, differences in study methodology and lack of data precluded an adequate and complete pooling of data for a more comprehensive analyses. It was difficult to establish definitive conclusions, although patients with deep pockets, progressive or 'active' disease, or specific microbiological profile, can benefit more from this adjunctive therapy.

Meta-analysis of local tetracycline in treating chronic periodontitis

BACKGROUND

Meta-analysis was used to assess the clinical efficacy of local delivery of tetracycline alone or as an adjunct to conventional mechanical therapy in patients with chronic periodontitis.

METHODS

Studies were identified in MEDLINE and others sources. Meta-analyses were performed on the basis of probing depth (PD) at baseline, type of antimicrobial used, and experimental and control regimens (i.e., tetracycline plus scaling and root planing [SRP] versus SRP, tetracycline versus SRP, and tetracycline versus placebo, or no treatment). The effect of local tetracycline was evaluated for follow-up times of 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, and 36 weeks. Sensitivity analysis was performed according to antimicrobial delivery mode (irrigation, fibers, strips). A random effects model was used.

RESULTS

The literature search identified 29 studies that met our inclusion criteria and were entered Into the meta-analysis. A significant mean reduction in PD for the combined tetracycline and SRP was observed regardless of initial probing depth and independently to the duration of follow-up. Tetracycline alone did not perform better than SRP, whereas they performed significantly better than placebo. Differences in improvement of attachment level (AL) were substantially similar to those encountered for PD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results documented that local. delivery of tetracycline improves the clinical outcomes of traditional treatment and should be considered particularly as an adjunct to SRP. Considerations regarding the adverse effects of widespread use of tetracycline should be taken into account when choosing a therapeutic strategy of chronic periodontitis.

The assessment of systematic reviews in dentistry

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of systematic reviews of effectiveness of interventions in dentistry. The Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched to identify systematic reviews examining the effectiveness of interventions for oral, dental and craniofacial disorders and diseases. Sixty-five reviews were identified and assessed independently by two reviewers. The area most frequently evaluated within the reviews was pain relief/prevention (20/65, 31%) followed by caries and oral medicine. The quality assessment of the identified systematic reviews highlighted key areas where improvements could be made. One major weakness of the reviews was that the search strategies employed were not always adequate. Only 12 reviews (19%) demonstrated an attempt to identify all relevant studies. Other areas of weakness include the screening and quality assessment of primary studies, the pooling of data and examination of heterogeneity, and the interpretation of findings. This investigation shows that the quality of systematic reviews in dentistry could be improved. If future clinical decisions are to be based upon systematic reviews, it is imperative that the reviews address clinically relevant, focused questions and follow a 'transparent', well-designed protocol.

Quality of RCTs in periodontology--a systematic review

Randomization, concealment of treatment allocation, blinding, and patient follow-up are key quality components of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The objective of this study was to assess the quality of RCTs in periodontology using these evidence-based components. Following a detailed search, screening and quality assessments of RCTs were conducted in duplicate and independently. The results showed that although 91% of trials were described as randomised, adequate methods for randomization and allocation concealment were found in 17% and 7% of studies, respectively. Blinding was adequate for the caregiver in 17% and for the examiner in 55% of studies. A clear accounting of all participants was present in 56% of reports. This rigorous systematic review revealed that the quality of RCTs in periodontology, judged by their publications, frequently does not meet recommended standards. If this quality is reflected in actual study conduct, fundamental errors could have a significant impact on the outcomes of these trials.

The long-term effect of systemic tetracycline used as an adjunct to non-surgical treatment of advanced periodontitis

AIM

In the present study both the short- and the long-term effects were evaluated of a treatment that, during the phase of basic therapy, included administration of systemic tetracycline and non-surgical intervention.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

35 adult human subjects with advanced periodontitis, 19 females and 16 males, aged between 24 and 60 years, were included in a test group. 80 age- and sex-matched adult periodontitis subjects were recruited for a control group (42 females and 38 males). A baseline examination included assessment of the following parameters: number of teeth, plaque, bleeding on probing, probing attachment level, probing pocket depth. In radiographs, the distance between the cemento-enamel junction and the alveolar bone crest was determined at all interproximal sites. The subjects were given oral hygiene instruction. The members of the test group were provided with tablets with 250 mg of tetracycline hydrochloride and were instructed to take 1 tablet 4x per day for a period of 3 weeks. No antibiotic was given to the subjects in the control group. During the 3-week interval, all participants received 4-6 sessions of non-surgical periodontal therapy. All subjects were subsequently enrolled in a maintenance care program and were provided with supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) 3-4x per year. Clinical re-examinations were performed after 1, 3, 5 and 13 years.

RESULTS

The present investigation demonstrated that tetracycline administered during a 3-week period concomitant with non-surgical treatment enhanced the outcome of mechanical therapy. At the re-examination 1 year after active therapy, there was in the test group an average gain in probing attachment that was almost 3x higher than the gain that occurred in an age and sex matched Control group. Re-examinations after 3, 5, and 13 years of SPT disclosed that this short-term benefit was not maintained in the longer perspective.

CONCLUSION

The beneficial effect of systemically administered tetracycline on probing attachment level occurred in the first year post-therapy. Annual rates of probing attachment level change from 1 to 13 years did not differ between groups.

A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of azithromycin as an adjunct to non-surgical treatment of periodontitis in adults: clinical results

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The aim of the study was to investigate the clinical and microbiological effects of azithromycin as an adjunct to the non-surgical treatment of periodontitis in adults. Azithromycin is an antibiotic which is taken up by phagocytes and is released over long periods in inflamed tissue but requires a total of only three doses of 500 mg to produce its therapeutic effect.

METHOD

46 patients were treated in a double-blind placebo-controlled study with assessments at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, 10 and 22. Throughout the trial measurements were made of plaque, gingival bleeding, calculus, probing pocket depths and bleeding on probing. Microbiological sampling was carried out from a selected pocket >or=6 mm at each visit. The regime employed consisted of OHI, scaling and root planing at weeks 0, 1 and 2 with reinforcement of OHI and minimal scaling at weeks 6, 10 and 22. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either azithromycin, (A), or placebo capsules, (C), 500 mg, 1x daily for 3 days at week 2. 44 patients completed the study. Mean pocket depths were analysed using analysis of covariance in 3 groups with initial pocket depth values of 1-3 mm, 4-5 mm and >or=6 mm.

RESULTS

The results of the microbiology have been reported in a separate paper. The clinical data showed that by week 22 a lower % of pockets initially >5 mm deep remained above that level in the 23 patients taking azithromycin (A), than the 21 taking the placebo (C), (A, 5.6%; C, 23.3%). Also at week 22, for pockets initially 4 mm or more, the test group had fewer pockets >3 mm deep (A, 26.1%; C, 44.3%), fewer failing to improve in probing depth (A, 6.6%; C, 21.6%) and fewer continuing to bleed on probing (A, 46.9%; C, 55.6%) when compared with the control group. Pocket depths initially 4-5 mm or 6-9 mm analysed by analysis of covariance showed lower mean pocket depths in the patients on azithromycin, at weeks 6, 10 and 22, (pockets initially 4-5 mm, p<0.001 on all occasions, pockets initially 6-9 mm, p<0.001, week 6; p< 0.003, week 10; p<0.001, week 22).

CONCLUSIONS

Azithromycin may be a useful adjunct in the treatment of adult periodontitis, particularly where deep pockets are present.

Periodontal disease as a specific, albeit chronic, infection: diagnosis and treatment

Periodontal disease is perhaps the most common chronic infection in adults. Evidence has been accumulating for the past 30 years which indicates that almost all forms of periodontal disease are chronic but specific bacterial infections due to the overgrowth in the dental plaque of a finite number of mostly anaerobic species such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Bacteroides forsythus, and Treponema denticola. The success of traditional debridement procedures and/or antimicrobial agents in improving periodontal health can be associated with the reduction in levels of these anaerobes in the dental plaque. These findings suggest that patients and clinicians have a choice in the treatment of this overgrowth, either a debridement and surgery approach or a debridement and antimicrobial treatment approach. However, the antimicrobial approach, while supported by a wealth of scientific evidence, goes contrary to centuries of dental teaching that states that periodontal disease results from a "dirty mouth." If periodontal disease is demonstrated to be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and stroke, it will be a modifiable risk factor since periodontal disease can be prevented and treated. Since the antimicrobial approach may be as effective as a surgical approach in the restoration and maintenance of a periodontally healthy dentition, this would give a cardiac or stroke patient and his or her physician a choice in the implementation of treatment seeking to improve the patient's periodontal condition so as to reduce and/or delay future cardiovascular events.

Systemic and local antimicrobial use in periodontal therapy in England and Wales

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The aim of this study was to investigate antimicrobial use during periodontal therapy in dental practice in England & Wales.

METHOD

This was a postal questionnaire survey of 800 dentists, 400 general dental practitioners (GDP) in National Health Service practice and 400 members of the British Society of Periodontology (Periodontal Society) primarily in dental practice. We designed and piloted a questionnaire to evaluate both systemic and local antibiotic use with periodontal therapy as well as factors affecting their prescription. In addition, we also investigated the potential use of antibiotic sensitivity testing, since this has been recommended prior to prescribing antibiotics. Two follow-up mailings were used to encourage non-responders.

RESULTS

The useable return rate for the questionnaires was 587/800 (73%). Systemic antibiotics were used by 7.4% Periodontal Society members and 18.4% GDP for untreated adult periodontitis patients (p<0.001). Antimicrobials were prescribed more frequently by Periodontal Society members in early onset (52.7%) and refractory periodontitis patients (49.6%), and this was highly statistically significantly greater usage than GDP (p<0.001). Regarding local antimicrobials, usage for untreated adult periodontitis was Periodontal Society 8.9% and GDP 5.4%. Higher usage of local antimicrobials was found both for the treatment of recurrent pocketing in adult periodontitis (Periodontal Society 26.3%, GDP 14.8%, p<0.014) and refractory periodontitis (Periodontal Society 30.8%, GDP 15.2%, p<0.001). As reasons for using local antimicrobials, more than 80% of all respondents stated superiority over root debridement alone. Barriers to use included cost, no perceived need and lack of supporting research data. The percentage of responders considering diagnostic microbiology either theoretically or at a cost of pound 60 were by group, Periodontal Society 83% & 70.4% and GDP 76% & 51.2%. 33% of Periodontal Society members and 3.8% of GDP spent at least 45 min per quadrant on root planing and Periodontal Society members had a greater exposure to lectures on both systemic and local drug therapy compared with GDP (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic antimicrobial use was infrequent for adult periodontitis and generally in line with current recommendations for other disease types. Whilst local antimicrobial therapy for periodontitis was not widespread, a substantial minority of dentists use this form of therapy and most believe that it is more effective than root debridement alone.

Oral Chlamydia trachomatis in patients with established periodontitis

Periodontitis is considered a consequence of a pathogenic microbial infection at the periodontal site and host susceptibility factors. Periodontal research supports the association of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Bacteroides forsythus, and periodontitis; however, causality has not been demonstrated. In pursuit of the etiology of periodontitis, we hypothesized that the intracellular bacteria Chlamydia trachomatis may play a role. As a first step, a cross-sectional study of dental school clinic patients with established periodontitis were assessed for the presence of C. trachomatis in the oral cavity, and in particular from the lining epithelium of periodontal sites. C. trachomatis was detected using a direct fluorescent monoclonal antibody (DFA) in oral specimens from 7% (6/87) of the patients. Four patients tested positive in specimens from the lining epithelium of diseased periodontal sites, one patient tested positive in healthy periodontal sites, and one patient tested positive in the general mucosal specimen. In conclusion, this study provides preliminary evidence of C. trachomatis in the periodontal sites. Planned studies include the use of a more precise periodontal epithelial cell collection device, the newer nucleic acid amplification techniques to detect C. trachomatis, and additional populations to determine the association of C. trachomatis and periodontitis.

A systematic review of single-tooth restorations supported by implants

OBJECTIVES

To make an inventory of clinical studies on single-tooth restorations supported by implants using a systematic review procedure and to aggregate overall survival results.

DATA SOURCES

Papers referring to single-tooth implants were located by a MEDLINE search 1990 to April 1998. Three hundred and twenty references were found, and they were subjected to a systematic review procedure.

STUDY SELECTION

A three-step inclusion/exclusion procedure was applied to identify papers that represented: good scientific practice (GSP), reported results of all patients, implants and crowns for more than 2years, and had sufficient data to generate life-table analyses. The outcomes were 'implant failure' and 'crown completion'. Nine studies survived. These data showed an overall mean GSP of 0.37 with a predicted 4year implant survival of 97% (n=459), and an uncomplicated crown maintenance of 83% (n=240).

CONCLUSION

Single-tooth implants show an acceptable short-term survival of 4years, but crown complications are common.

The antimicrobial treatment of periodontal disease: changing the treatment paradigm

Over the last 100 years, methods of surgical periodontal treatment have enjoyed a history of success in improving oral health. The paradigm of care is based on the "non-specific plaque hypothesis"--that is, the overgrowth of bacterial plaques cause periodontal disease, and the suppression of this overgrowth reduces disease risk. The central feature of this approach to care is the removal of inflamed gingival tissue around the teeth to reduce periodontal pocket depth, thereby facilitating plaque removal by the dentist and by the patient at home. Over the last 30 years, with the recognition that periodontal disease(s) is caused by specific bacteria and that specific antimicrobial agents can reduce or eliminate the infection, a second paradigm has developed. This new paradigm, the "specific plaque hypothesis", focuses on reducing the specific bacteria that cause periodontal attachment loss. The contrast between the two paradigms can be succinctly stated as follows: The antimicrobial therapy reduces the cause, while the surgical therapy reduces the result of the periodontal infection. The specific plaque hypothesis has two important implications. First, with the increasing attention to evidence-based models for prevention, treatment, outcome assessment, and reimbursement of care, increasing attention and financial effort will be channeled into effective preventive and treatment methods. Second, the recent observations that periodontal infections increase the risk of specific systemic health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, argue for the prevention and elimination of these periodontal infections. This review highlights some of the evidence for the specific plaque hypothesis, and the questions that should be addressed if antimicrobial agents are to be used responsively and effectively.

Meta-analysis of anterior veneer restorations in clinical studies

OBJECTIVES

To make an inventory of clinical studies on veneer restorations (VRs) using a meta-analysis review procedure and to aggregate an overall survival result for four types of VRs.

METHODS

From the dental literature published from 1983 to November 1996, papers were selected using an in- and exclusion protocol in a two-step procedure. Additionally, the papers selected were subjected to a quality assessment. Although not all studies used an identical definition of 'failure of a restoration', this item was chosen to be the common study outcome. After a homogeneity test, cumulative survival curves were constructed by pooling the data from the studies.

RESULTS

On a 0-1 scale, the weighted overall mean quality score of the studies was 0.57 (s.e. 0.09). There was adequate agreement between the independent assessors. The results of the quality assessment could not be used as weights for the survivals, but the quality outcome supports the description of the sample of studies. From the nine studies on porcelain VRs, the pooled cumulative proportion of survival after 3 years was 0.92 (s.e. 0.01) and from three studies on preformed acrylic VRs this figure was 0.74 (s.e. 0.03). From both direct and indirect resin composite VRs, data from only one study were available after 2.5 and 2 years, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The evaluative and statistical basis of clinical VR studies may be improved to obtain an effective inference of the results. Furthermore, porcelain VRs show acceptable longevity after 3 years, which appears to be better than that of preformed acrylic VRs.

Clinical and microbiological changes associated with the use of 4 adjunctive systemically administered agents in the treatment of periodontal infections

The purpose of the present investigation was to assess the effects of periodontal surgery and 4 systemically administered agents, Augmentin, tetracycline, ibuprofen or a placebo on clinical and microbiological parameters of periodontal disease. 98 subjects were monitored at 2-month intervals at 6 sites per tooth for clinical parameters. Subgingival plaque samples were taken from the mesial surface of each tooth at each visit and evaluated for their content of 14 subgingival species using DNA probes and a colony lift method. 40 subjects who exhibited loss of attachment > 2.5 mm at 1 or more sites during longitudinal monitoring were treated using modified Widman flap surgery at sites with probing pocket depth > 4 mm, subgingival scaling at all other sites and were randomly assigned 1 of the 4 agents. Treatment was completed within 30 days during which time the subject took the assigned agent. Overall, subjects exhibited a mean attachment level "gain" of 0.34 +/- 0.10 mm (SEM) and a mean pocket depth reduction of 0.62 +/- 0.09 mm 10 +/- 4 months post-therapy. However, certain subjects in each treatment group showed a poor response. Subjects receiving antibiotics exhibited significantly more attachment level "gain" (0.57 +/- 0.15 mm, SEM) than subjects receiving either ibuprofen or a placebo (0.02 +/- 0.10). The differences between Augmentin and tetracycline groups were not significant, nor were the differences between ibuprofen and placebo. 10 months post-therapy, there was a reduction in the number of sites colonized in any subject group by detectable levels (10(3)) of P. gingivalis. Species showing similar reductions were B. forsythus, P. intermedia and P. micros. Subjects receiving systemically administered antibiotics had a significant increase in the proportion of sites colonized by C. ochracea coupled with a greater decrease in the number of sites colonized by P. gingivalis, B. forsythus, P. intermedia and P. micros post-therapy than subjects not receiving antibiotics. The results of this investigation indicate that adjunctive systemic antibiotics increase periodontal attachment "gain" and decrease the levels of some suspected periodontal pathogens in subjects with evidence of current disease progression.

Tetracyclines in the management of periodontal diseases. A review

Periodontal diseases essentially comprise a group of oral infections whose primary aetiological factor is dental plaque. Removal of the cause (and its effects) is the primary aim of both non-surgical and surgical treatment regimens, although the infective nature of the diseases has led to the widespread use of antimicrobials as an adjunct to mechanical debridement. The tetracyclines are primarily bacteriostatic agents that are effective against many Gram-negative species including putative periodontopathogens such as Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (A.a.). The proven efficacy of this group of drugs in the management of periodontal diseases may be related not only to their antibacterial actions, but to a number of additional properties that have been recently identified. These include collagenase inhibition, anti-inflammatory actions, inhibition of bone resorption and their ability to promote the attachment of fibroblasts to root surfaces. Consequently, tetracyclines have also been used as an adjunct to bone grafting in periodontal defects, and as agents for 'conditioning' root surfaces to enhance the regeneration of periodontal tissues. When tetracyclines are taken orally, consideration must be given both to the potential unwanted effects and to interactions with other drugs that are taken concurrently. Such problems are minimised however, when the drugs are incorporated into controlled, slow-release formulations which are currently being researched and marketed for intra-oral use.

Clinical and microbiological effects of controlled-release locally delivered minocycline in periodontitis

The clinical efficacy of minocycline in a subgingival local delivery system was evaluated alone (M) or as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (M + SRP), in comparison to scaling and root planing (SRP) or to no subgingival treatment (NoTx) in adult periodontitis. Fifty-one adult patients with > or = 7 mm periodontal pockets demonstrating the presence by culture of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Prevotella intermedia (P(i)), or Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) were randomized into one of the above 4 treatment groups. All sites > or = 5 mm in the most diseased quadrant in each patient received the therapy. Other quadrants were not treated. All patients received standardized oral hygiene instructions at the beginning of the study. At 0, 1, 3 and 6 months following therapy the 7 mm experimental sites were evaluated for selected periodontal pathogens by DNA probe analysis. At these same time points, the plaque index, gingival index, and bleeding on probing were evaluated as well as probing depth and relative clinical attachment level which were assessed by means of an automated probe. Probing depth reduction with M + SRP was significantly greater than all other groups at one month and significantly greater than NoTx and SRP at 3 months. There were no differences in probing depth reduction among groups at 6 months. At 6 months the gain in clinical attachment level was significantly greater for SRP than for either the NoTx or M groups. The prevalence of Pg decreased significantly in the M and M + SRP groups at one month.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Meta-analysis of surgical versus non-surgical methods of treatment for periodontal disease

A meta-analysis was performed on 5 randomized controlled trials comparing surgical with non-surgical treatment for periodontal disease. The specific procedures considered were the modified Widman flap compared with scaling and root planning or curettage with anesthesia. We chose the most consistently reported outcomes, pocket depth and attachment level, for analysis. At 1 year of follow-up, surgical treatment reduced pocket depth more than non-surgical for all initial levels of disease, but by 5 years, only the deepest initial pockets (> 7 mm) showed significant improvement over non-surgically treated teeth (0.51 mm reduction, p < 0.01). Attachment level showed significantly better early results for non-surgical treatment for less diseased teeth, but by 5 years, all significant differences had disappeared. We computed quality scores following a method described by Chalmers. The mean quality score for study data analysis and presentation was 0.37 +/- 0.009 and for the study protocol, the mean quality score was 0.19 +/- 0.002. We find that this meta-analysis supports findings relating response to therapy with initial level of disease severity. We also find that the choice of outcome measure influences the choice of therapy, with surgical therapy providing greater benefit for probing depth and non-surgical therapy providing greater benefit for attachment level. These results must be viewed, however, in light of the low quality scores of the evaluated studies and the potential for bias due to lack of binding, the small mean treatment differences, and the observer measurement variability.