Enamel matrix derivative stabilizes blood clot and improves clinical healing in deep pockets after flapless periodontal therapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Endoscopic Re-Instrumentation of Intrabony Defect-Associated Deep Residual Periodontal Pockets Is Non-Inferior to Papilla Preservation Flap Surgery: A Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Clinical practice guidelines suggest access flap surgery for managing deep residual pockets after steps 1 and 2 of periodontal therapy. Papilla-preservation flap surgery (PPFS) is the least invasive approach to access and instrument biofilm-contaminated root surfaces. Endoscopic-assisted subgingival debridement (EASD) may enhance the outcomes of repeated instrumentation and provide a minimally invasive non-surgical alternative.

METHODS

This was a single-blind, controlled, randomized, parallel-group, non-inferiority 12-month trial comparing EASD with PPFS. Male and female adults with generalized stage III periodontitis and persistent periodontal pockets associated with an intrabony defect after steps 1 and 2 of periodontal therapy were recruited at Prince Philip Dental Hospital. Inter-group differences in clinical attachment level (CAL) changes at 12 months were the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included pocket resolution (no pocket > 5 mm and no pocket > 4 with bleeding on probing), radiographic bone changes, treatment time, early wound healing and quality-of-life measurements.

RESULTS

Sixty-two subjects (30 EASD and 32 PPFS) were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. CAL gains were 2.0 ± 1.0 and 1.8 ± 1.0 mm for test and controls, respectively. The 95% CI of the inter-group difference was -0.3 to 0.8 mm and within the stipulated 1-mm non-inferiority margin. No inter-group differences were observed (i) in pocket resolution, which was achieved in more than 87% of cases for all groups/time points, and (ii) in radiographic bone healing. The treatment time was significantly shorter for EASD than for PPFS. Better early wound healing index scores were observed for EASD. No inter-group differences in pain, quality of life or safety were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

EASD was not inferior to PPFS for managing residual pockets associated with intrabony defects. The observed outcome profile supports additional developments and studies to validate EASD as an alternative to surgery for isolated persistent pockets (ChiCTR-INR-16008407).

Histological evaluation of nonsurgical periodontal treatment with and without the use of sodium hypochlorite / amino acids and cross-linked hyaluronic acid gels in dogs

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate periodontal wound healing following scaling and root planing (SRP) in conjunction with the application of sodium hypochlorite/amino acids and cross-linked hyaluronic acid (xHyA) gels in dogs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In four beagle dogs, 2-wall intrabony defects were created and metal strips were placed around the teeth. Clinical parameters were measured 4 weeks after plaque accumulation. The experimental root surfaces were subjected to SRP with either the subgingival application of a sodium hypochlorite/amino acid gel and a xHyA gel (test group) or SRP alone (control group) using a split-mouth design. Clinical parameters were re-evaluated at 6 weeks. The animals were sacrificed at 8 weeks for histological analysis.

RESULTS

The test group showed significant improvements in all clinical parameters compared to the control group. Histologically, the test group exhibited statistically significantly greater new bone formation [i.e., length of newly formed bone, new bone area] compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, statistically significantly greater formation of new attachment [i.e., linear length of new cementum adjacently to newly formed bone with inserting collagen fibers] and new cementum was detected in the test group compared with the control group at 8 weeks (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The adjunctive subgingival application of sodium hypochlorite/amino acid and xHyA gels to SRP offers an innovative novel approach to enhance periodontal wound healing/regeneration.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The present findings have for the first-time shown histologic evidence for periodontal regeneration in support of this novel treatment modality.

Effects of enamel matrix derivative in nonsurgical periodontal therapy on pro-inflammatory profiles, microbial environment and clinical outcome: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) application following subgingival instrumentation of residual pockets in periodontitis patients on inflammatory host response, microbiological composition, and clinical outcome.

METHODS

In this double-blinded randomized controlled trial, a total of 22 patients with generalized periodontitis stage III or IV presenting with ≥ 6 mm probing pocket depth (PPD) at re-evaluation after initial periodontal therapy were included. Participants were randomly allocated at a 1:1 ratio to subgingival instrumentation with (EMD +) or without (EMD-) non-surgical EMD application into the pocket. PPD, clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BoP), plaque index (PI), as well as a panel of pro-inflammatory cytokines and periodontal pathogen count in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of the respective sites were evaluated at baseline (T0) and six months afterwards (T1).

RESULTS

Both treatment groups showed a significant PPD reduction (EMD + 1.33 ± 1.15 mm, p < 0.001; EMD- 1.32 ± 1.01 mm, p < 0.001) as well as CAL gain (EMD + 1.13 ± 1.58 mm, p < 0.001; EMD- 0.47 ± 1.06 mm, p = 0.005) from T0 to T1. While no intergroup differences for PPD reduction were observed, CAL gain was higher in EMD + sites compared to EMD- (p = 0.009). No essential effects on cytokine expression as well as bacterial count were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

Application of EMD as an adjunct to subgingival instrumentation of residual pockets yielded benefits regarding CAL gain; however, effects on PPD reduction, inflammatory cytokines, and bacterial count were negligible.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04449393), registration date 26/06/2020.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Based on the obtained results, additional non-surgical EMD application compared to subgingival instrumentation alone showed no clinically relevant effects on treatment outcome and underlying biological mechanisms.

Clinical and patient-reported outcomes of tissue engineering strategies for periodontal and peri-implant reconstruction

Scientific advancements in biomaterials, cellular therapies, and growth factors have brought new therapeutic options for periodontal and peri-implant reconstructive procedures. These tissue engineering strategies involve the enrichment of scaffolds with living cells or signaling molecules and aim at mimicking the cascades of wound healing events and the clinical outcomes of conventional autogenous grafts, without the need for donor tissue. Several tissue engineering strategies have been explored over the years for a variety of clinical scenarios, including periodontal regeneration, treatment of gingival recessions/mucogingival conditions, alveolar ridge preservation, bone augmentation procedures, sinus floor elevation, and peri-implant bone regeneration therapies. The goal of this article was to review the tissue engineering strategies that have been performed for periodontal and peri-implant reconstruction and implant site development, and to evaluate their safety, invasiveness, efficacy, and patient-reported outcomes. A detailed systematic search was conducted to identify eligible randomized controlled trials reporting the outcomes of tissue engineering strategies utilized for the aforementioned indications. A total of 128 trials were ultimately included in this review for a detailed qualitative analysis. Commonly performed tissue engineering strategies involved scaffolds enriched with mesenchymal or somatic cells (cell-based tissue engineering strategies), or more often scaffolds loaded with signaling molecules/growth factors (signaling molecule-based tissue engineering strategies). These approaches were found to be safe when utilized for periodontal and peri-implant reconstruction therapies and implant site development. Tissue engineering strategies demonstrated either similar or superior clinical outcomes than conventional approaches for the treatment of infrabony and furcation defects, alveolar ridge preservation, and sinus floor augmentation. Tissue engineering strategies can promote higher root coverage, keratinized tissue width, and gingival thickness gain than scaffolds alone can, and they can often obtain similar mean root coverage compared with autogenous grafts. There is some evidence suggesting that tissue engineering strategies can have a positive effect on patient morbidity, their preference, esthetics, and quality of life when utilized for the treatment of mucogingival deformities. Similarly, tissue engineering strategies can reduce the invasiveness and complications of autogenous graft-based staged bone augmentation. More studies incorporating patient-reported outcomes are needed to understand the cost-benefits of tissue engineering strategies compared with traditional treatments.

Minimally Invasive Non-Surgical Technique in the Treatment of Intrabony Defects-A Narrative Review

Intrabony defects occur frequently in periodontitis and represent sites that, if left untreated, are at increased risk for disease progression. Although resective or repair procedures have been used to treat intrabony defects, aiming at their elimination, the treatment of choice is surgical periodontal regeneration. The development of periodontal regeneration in the last 30 years has followed two distinctive, though totally different, paths. The interest of researchers has so far focused on regenerative materials and products on one side, and on novel surgical approaches on the other side. In the area of materials and products, three different regenerative concepts have been explored namely, barrier membranes, bone grafts, and wound healing modifiers/biologics, plus many combinations of the aforementioned. In the area of surgical approaches, clinical innovation in flap design and handling, as well as minimally invasive approaches, has radically changed regenerative surgery. Recently, a minimally invasive non-surgical technique (MINST) for the treatment of intrabony defects was proposed. Initial clinical trials indicated comparable results to the surgical minimally invasive techniques in both clinical and radiographic outcomes. These results support the efficacy of this treatment approach. The aim of this review is to present the evidence on the application of minimally invasive non-surgical techniques and their efficacy in the treatment of intrabony defects.

Efficacy of biologics for the treatment of periodontal infrabony defects: An American Academy of Periodontology best evidence systematic review and network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A large variety of biomaterials, biologics and membranes have been utilized in the past 40 years for the regenerative treatment of periodontal infrabony defects. Biologic agents have progressively gained popularity among clinicians and are routinely used for periodontal regeneration. In alignment with the goals of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) Best Evidence Consensus (BEC) on the use of biologic mediators in contemporary clinical practice, the aim of this sytematic review was to evaluate the effect of biologic agents, specifically autogenous blood-dervied products (ABPs), enamel matrix derivative (EMD) and recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rhPDGF-BB), on the regenerative outcomes of infrabony defects.

METHODS

A detailed systematic search was conducted to identify eligible randomized control trials (RCTs) reporting the outcomes of periodontal regenerative therapy using biologics for the treatment of infrabony defects. A frequentist mixed-modeling approach to network meta-analysis (NMA), characterized by the assessment of three individual components for the treatment of an infrabony defect (the bone graft material [BG], the biologic agent, the application of a barrier membrane) was performed to evaluate and compare the relative efficacy of the different components, on the outcomes of different therapeutic modalities of periodontal regeneration.

RESULTS

A total of 153 eligible RCTs were included, with 150 studies contributing to the NMA. The quantitative analysis showed that the addition of biologic agents to bone graft significantly improves the clinical and radiographic outcomes, as compared to BG and flap procedures alone. Barrier membranes enhanced the regenerative outcomes of BG but did not provide further benefits in combination with biologics. The type of BG (autogenous, allogeneic, xenogeneic or alloplastic) and the biologic agent (EMD, platelet-rich fibrin [PRF], platelet-rich plasma [PRP] or rhPDGF-BB) played a significant role on the final outcomes of infrabony defects. Allogeneic and xenogeneic BGs exhibited statistically significantly superior clinical gain than synthetic and autogenous BGs (p < 0.05 in all the comparisons), while rhPDGF-BB and PRF demonstrated significantly higher stability of the gingival margin (p < 0.01) and radiographic bone fill/gain (p < 0.05), together with greater, although not statistically significant, clinical attachment level gain and pocket depth reduction, than EMD and PRP. Overall, rhPDGF-BB exhibited the largest effect size for most parameters, including clinical attachment level gain, pocket depth reduction, less gingival recession and radiographic linear bone gain. Considering the relatively high number of trials presenting an unclear or high risk of bias, the strength of recommendation supporting the use of PRP was judged weak, while the recommendation for EMD, PRF and rhPDGF-BB was deemed in favor.

CONCLUSIONS

Biologics enhance the outcomes of periodontal regenerative therapy. Combination therapies involving BGs + biologics or BGs + barrier membrane demonstrated to be superior to monotherapies. The choice of the type of BG and biologic agent seems to have significant impact on the clinical and radiographic outcomes of infrabony defects.

TGF-β Signalling Mediates the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Enamel Matrix Derivative In Vitro

Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) prepared from extracted porcine fetal tooth material can support the regrow of periodontal tissues. Previous findings suggest that EMD has anti-inflammatory properties and TGF-β activity in vitro. However, the anti-inflammatory activity of EMD is mediated via TGF-β has not been considered. To this aim, we first established a bioassay to confirm the anti-inflammatory activity of EMD. The bioassay was based on the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line and proven with primary macrophages where EMD significantly reduced the forced expression of IL-6. We then confirmed the presence of TGF-β1 in EMD by immunoassay and by provoking the Smad2/3 nuclear translocation in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Next, we took advantage of the TGF-β receptor type I kinase-inhibitor SB431542 to block the respective signalling pathway. SB431542 reversed the anti-inflammatory activity of EMD and TGF-β in a bioassay when IL-6 and CXCL2 expression was driven by the LPS stimulation of RAW 264.7 macrophages. This central observation was supported by showing that SB431542 reversed the anti-inflammatory activity of EMD using IL-1β and TNF-α-stimulated ST2 bone marrow stromal cells. Together, these findings implicate that the TGF-β activity mediates at least part of the anti-inflammatory activity of EMD in vitro.

Challenges and tissue engineering strategies of periodontal guided tissue regeneration

Periodontitis is a chronic infectious oral disease with a high prevalence rate in the world, and is a major cause of tooth loss. Nowadays, people have realized that the local microenvironment that includes proteins, cytokines, and extracellular matrix has a key influence on the functions of host immune cells and periodontal ligament stem cells during a chronic infectious disease such as periodontitis. The above pathological process of periodontitis will lead to a defect of periodontal tissues. Through the application of biomaterials, biological agents, and stem cells therapy, guided tissue regeneration (GTR) makes it possible to reconstruct healthy periodontal ligament tissue after local inflammation control. To date, substantial advances have been made in periodontal guided tissue regeneration. However, the process of periodontal remodeling experiences complex microenvironment changes, and currently periodontium regeneration still remains to be a challenging feat. In this review, we summarized the main challenges in each stage of periodontal regeneration, and try to put forward appropriate biomaterial treatment mechanisms or potential tissue engineering strategies that provide a theoretical basis for periodontal tissue engineering regeneration research.

Enamel Matrix Derivative Decreases Pyroptosis-Related Genes in Macrophages

Background: Pyroptosis is a caspase-dependent catabolic process relevant to periodontal disorders for which inflammation is central to the pathophysiology of the disease. Although enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has been applied to support periodontal regeneration, its capacity to modulate the expression of pyroptosis-related genes remains unknown. Considering EMD has anti-inflammatory properties and pyroptosis is linked to the activation of the inflammasome in chronic periodontitis, the question arises whether EMD could reduce pyroptosis signalling. Methods: To answer this question, primary macrophages obtained from murine bone marrow and RAW 264.7 macrophages were primed with EMD before being challenged by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cells were then analysed for pyroptosis-signalling components by gene expression analyses, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) immunoassay, and the detection of caspase-1 (CAS1). The release of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) was also detected. Results: We report here that EMD, like the inflammasome (NLRP3) and CAS1 specific inhibitors—MCC950 and Ac-YVAD-cmk, respectively—lowered the LPS-induced expression of NLRP3 in primary macrophages (EMD: p = 0.0232; MCC950: p = 0.0426; Ac-YVAD-cmk: p = 0.0317). EMD further reduced the LPS-induced expression of NLRP3 in RAW 264.7 cells (p = 0.0043). There was also a reduction in CAS1 and IL-1β in RAW 264.7 macrophages on the transcriptional level (p = 0.0598; p = 0.0283; respectively), in IL-1β protein release (p = 0.0313), and CAS1 activity. Consistently, EMD, like MCC950 and Ac-YVAD-cmk, diminished the ROS release in activated RAW 264.7 cells. In ST2 murine mesenchymal cells, EMD could not be tested because LPS, saliva, and IL-1β + TNF-α failed to provoke pyroptosis signalling. Conclusion: These findings suggest that EMD is capable of dampening the expression of pyroptosis-related genes in macrophages.

Managing the Systemic Impact of Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a microbially driven host-mediated disease that leads to loss of periodontal attachment and bone. It is associated with elevation of systemic inflammatory markers and with the presence of systemic co-morbidities. Furthermore, periodontal treatment leads to a 24-48 h-long acute local and systemic inflammatory response. This systemic response might increase the burden of patients with compromised medical history and/or uncontrolled systemic diseases. The correlation between periodontitis and systemic diseases, the impact of periodontitis on the quality of life and public health, the effects of periodontal treatment on systemic health and disease, and the available methods to manage systemic inflammation after periodontal therapy are discussed. The main focus then shifts to a description of the existing evidence regarding the impact of periodontitis and periodontal treatment on systemic health and to the identification of approaches aiming to reduce the effect of periodontitis on systemic inflammation.

Enamel matrix derivative as adjunctive to non-surgical periodontal therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objectives

To assess the potential additional benefit of the local application of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) on the clinical outcomes following non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) (steps 1 and 2 periodontal therapy).

Materials and Methods

A systematic literature search was performed in several electronic databases, including Medline/PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Register of Central Trials (CENTRAL), LILACS, and grey literature. Only randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) were eligible for inclusion. Clinical attachment level (CAL) change (primary outcome), probing pocket depth (PPD), and bleeding on probing (BoP) reductions (secondary outcomes) were evaluated. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0) was used to assess the quality of the included trials. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between test and control sites were estimated using a random-effect model for amount of mean CAL and PPD change.

Results

Six RCTs were included for the qualitative analysis, while data from 4 studies were used for meta-analysis. Overall analysis of CAL gain (3 studies) and PPD reduction (4 studies) presented WMD of 0.14 mm (p = 0.74; CI 95% − 0.66; 0.94) and 0.46 mm (p = 0.25; CI 95% − 0.33; 1.26) in favor of NSPT + EMD compared to NSPT alone respectively. Statistical heterogeneity was found to be high in both cases (I² = 79% and 87%, respectively).

Conclusions

Within their limitations, the present data indicate that the local application of EMD does not lead to additional clinical benefits after 3 to 12 months when used as an adjunctive to NSPT. However, due to the high heterogeneity among the studies, additional well-designed RCTs are needed to provide further evidence on this clinical indication for the use of EMD.

Clinical relevance

The adjunctive use of EMD to NSPT does not seem to additionally improve the clinical outcomes obtained with NSPT alone.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00784-022-04474-1.

Flapless application of enamel matrix derivative in non-surgical periodontal treatment: A systematic review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of the flapless application of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in combination with non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) when compared to non-surgical periodontal treatment alone in adult patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An electronic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Scopus and Cochrane Library up to March 2021 complemented by a manual search. Human longitudinal studies of >5 participants and at least 3 months follow-up were eligible for inclusion in the review. Clinical outcomes were extracted and pooled. Meta-analysis of the included studies was not possible due to methodological differences.

RESULTS

A total of 1199 publications were identified and reviewed for eligibility. Nine of them fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Eight studies were randomized clinical trials. The clinical findings of the majority of the included studies demonstrated that the adjunctive use of EMD with NSPT could lead to significantly improved treatment outcomes including higher PPD reduction, more CAL gain, more robust BOP reduction, higher number of sites with PPD < 5 mm and more frequent pocket closure which reduces the need for further periodontal surgical treatment. Limited biological, microbiological and histological findings were reported. Minimal adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSION

The flapless application of EMD during NSPT leads to an improved clinical outcome in regards to CAL gain and PPD reduction when compared to conventional treatment alone. The potential effect on the biological and microbiological outcome is unclear.

A Novel 3D Titanium Surface Produced by Selective Laser Sintering to Counteract Streptococcus oralis Biofilm Formation

The topography of implant surfaces influences the interaction relationship between material and bacteria. The aim of this work was to characterize a novel 3D titanium surface, produced using Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and to compare the bacterial interaction with machined and double acid etching (DAE) discs. The surface was characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDX). The wettability was measured using the sessile method. The microbiological investigation consisted in the cultivation of a bacterial pioneer, Streptococcus oralis, on titanium surfaces, previously covered by human saliva in order to form the acquired pellicle. Then, colony forming units (CFUs), biofilm biomass quantification, analyses of viable and dead cells, and SEM observation were determined after 24 h of S. oralis biofilm formation on the different discs. A significantly higher nano-roughness with respect to the other two groups characterized the novel 3D surface, but the wettability was similar to that of machined samples. The microbiological assays demonstrated that the 3D discs reported significantly lower values of CFUs and biofilm biomass with respect to machined surfaces; however, no significant differences were found with the DAE surfaces. The live/dead staining confirmed the lower percentage of living cells on DAE and 3D surfaces compared with the machined. This novel 3D surface produced by SLS presented a high antiadhesive and antibiofilm activity.

The ever-changing landscape in modern dentistry therapeutics - Enhancing the emptying quiver of the periodontist

Introduction/Objectives

Periodontitis comprises of a wide range of inflammatory conditions of the gums leading to soft tissue damage and attachment loss. The initiation of periodontitis constitutes a rather complex disease pathogenesis which is based on pathogenic shifts of the oral microbiota combined with the host-microbiome interactions. The severity of the periodontitis is multifactorial depending on genetic, environmental, as well as host immunity factors.

Data and sources

To make an inclusive analysis on the periodontitis therapeutics, reading of the recent relevant literature was carried out using the MEDLINE/PubMed database, Google Scholar and the NIH public online database for clinical trials (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Conclusions

Tackling the inflammation associated periodontal defects can be succeeded with conventional therapy or resective and regenerative treatment. To date, the mechanical removal of the supragingival and subgingival biofilm is considered the “gold standard” of periodontal therapy in combination with the use of antibacterial compounds. The antimicrobial resistance phenomenon tends to turn all the currently applied antibacterials into “endangered species”. Ongoing efforts through the conduct of clinical trials should be focused on understanding the advantages of modern approaches in comparison to traditional therapies.

Enamel matrix derivative as an adjunct to minimally invasive non-surgical treatment of intrabony defects: A randomized clinical trial

AIM

To compare the efficacy of minimally invasive non-surgical technique (MINST) with or without enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in the treatment of intrabony defects ≤7 mm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-six patients were randomly assigned to the two groups. The control group received MINST, while the experimental MINST+EMD. Clinical measurements were recorded at baseline and at 6 and 12 months, and radiographic measurements were made at baseline and 12 months.

RESULTS

All subjects completed the study, 18 in each group. Significant improvements were observed in both groups at 12 months (p < .001) with no differences in mean PD reduction (4.0 ± 1.4 vs. 4.2 ± 1.7 mm), CAL gain (3.5 ± 1.4 vs. 3.4 ± 1.6 mm), and defect resolution (1.9 ± 1.1 vs. 1.8 ± 0.9 mm) for the MINST and the MINST+EMD groups, respectively (p > .05). A trend for greater pocket closure (PD ≤4 mm and no BoP) was achieved with the application of EMD (77.8% vs. 55.6% sites), particularly for sites with baseline PD ≤8 mm (92.3% vs. 69.2% sites), accompanied by an increased number of successful composite outcome results (61.1% vs. 44.4% sites).

CONCLUSIONS

MINST demonstrates significant improvements 12 months after treatment of intrabony defects ≤7 mm. The additional application of EMD does not further improve the mean clinical or radiographic outcomes. This study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03622255).

Influence of Nano, Micro, and Macro Topography of Dental Implant Surfaces on Human Gingival Fibroblasts

Current research on dental implants has mainly focused on the influence of surface roughness on the rate of osseointegration, while studies on the development of surfaces to also improve the interaction of peri-implant soft tissues are lacking. To this end, the first purpose of this study was to evaluate the response of human gingival fibroblasts (hGDFs) to titanium implant discs (Implacil De Bortoli, Brazil) having different micro and nano-topography: machined (Ti-M) versus sandblasted/double-etched (Ti-S). The secondary aim was to investigate the effect of the macrogeometry of the discs on cells: linear-like (Ti-L) versus wave-like (Ti-W) surfaces. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed that the Ti-S surfaces were characterized by a significantly higher micro and nano roughness and showed the 3D macrotopography of Ti-L and Ti-W surfaces. For in vitro analyses, the hGDFs were seeded into titanium discs and analyzed at 1, 3, and 5 days for adhesion and morphology (SEM) viability and proliferation (Cck-8 and MTT assays). The results showed that all tested surfaces were not cytotoxic for the hGDFs, rather the nano-micro and macro topography favored their proliferation in a time-dependent manner. Especially, at 3 and 5 days, the number of cells on Ti-L was higher than on other surfaces, including Ti-W surfaces. In conclusion, although further studies are needed, our in vitro data proved that the use of implant discs with Ti-S surfaces promotes the adhesion and proliferation of gingival fibroblasts, suggesting their use for in vivo applications.

Flapless application of enamel matrix derivative in periodontal retreatment: A multicentre randomized feasibility trial

AIM

To investigate the potential benefit of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) as adjunct to re-instrumentation of residual pockets persisting after steps 1 and 2 of periodontal therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

44 adult patients participated in a multicentre feasibility randomized clinical trial with split-mouth design. They had presented at re-evaluation after initial non-surgical periodontal therapy (steps 1 and 2 of periodontal therapy) for generalized periodontitis with at least 2 teeth with residual probing pocket depths (PPD) ≥5 and ≤8 mm, with bleeding on probing (BOP). Two teeth with similar PPD were randomized to receive re-instrumentation either with (test) or without (control) adjunctive flapless administration of EMD. Differences in the changes of PPD and BOP from baseline to 6 and 12 months were analysed, and the frequencies of pocket closure (PPD ≤4 mm and no BOP) compared.

RESULTS

For the primary outcome "change of mean PPD after 6 months," a significant additional benefit of 0.79 ± 1.3 mm (p < .0001) could be observed for the test group. At 12 months, this difference could be maintained (0.85 ± 1.1 mm; p < .0001). The frequency of pocket closure in the test group was 69% at 6 and 80% at 12 months and significantly higher than in the control group with 34% and 42%, respectively (p < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the present feasibility study indicate a benefit of adjunctive EMD during non-surgical retreatment (step 3 of periodontal therapy) of residual deep pockets.

Amnion-Chorion Membrane in Open-Wound Approach for Localized Horizontal Ridge Augmentation: A Case Series Report

INTRODUCTION

Guided bone augmentation often requires extensive releasing of the mucoperiosteal flap to achieve primary wound closure, an invasive procedure that can compromise the keratinized tissue volume and increase patient morbidity. Amnion-chorion membranes have been used to actively promote healing in chronic open-wound situations in the medical field, suggesting that they could be used in a similar manner in the oral cavity.The ability to use open-wound healing techniques for guided bone regeneration would allow clinicians to avoid invasive procedures that cause additional tissue trauma at the surgical site.

CASE SERIES

Amnion-chorion membranes were applied over the bone grafting material augmenting localized horizontal ridge defects, and a gap between the flaps was left intentionally during healing. Minor flap releasing procedures were performed in these cases, which demonstrated uneventful soft tissue healing, good volume of bone regeneration and preserved keratinized tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary clinical outcomes suggested contained minor horizontal ridge defects may be treated satisfactorily in a controlled, open-wound healing manner that reduces surgical trauma, chair time, and patient morbidity.

Application of enamel matrix derivative in conjunction with non-surgical therapy for treatment of moderate to severe periodontitis: A 12-month, randomized prospective, multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Treatment of periodontitis aims to halt progressive bone and attachment loss and regenerate periodontal structures. In this study, the effect of using an enamel matrix derivative (EMD) as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy (test) versus non-surgical therapy alone (control) was evaluated.

METHODS

A prospective, split-mouth, multicenter study evaluated scaling and root planing (SRP) with and without EMD in 51 patients presenting with moderate to severe periodontitis (PPD = 5 to 8 mm) in at least 2 pockets per contralateral quadrants within the same arch. The primary outcome variable was change in clinical attachment level (CAL) after 12 months. Secondary variables included probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BoP), gingival margin level, dentin hypersensitivity, and percent of pockets converted to sites no longer requiring surgical treatment.

RESULTS

CAL changed significantly (P  < 0.001) from baseline to 12 months for both treatment modalities (test = -2.2 ± 1.5 mm versus control = -2.1 ± 1.3 mm) and similarly for PPD; the difference between groups was not significant. A significant difference, favoring test conditions, was observed in percentage of both healthy PPDs (pockets < 5 mm) and converted pockets (sites no longer requiring surgical treatment); 79.8% of test versus 65.9% of control sites. BoP decreased significantly more (P < 0.05) in test sites (BoP at 17.8% test versus 23.1% control).

CONCLUSIONS

Both test and control treatments resulted in significant improvements in CAL and PPD. The adjunct use of EMD with SRP resulted in significantly greater improvements in overall periodontal health with less frequent BoP and a higher number of healthy PPDs.

Prevention of Periodontal Pocket Formation after Mandibular Third Molar Extraction Using Dentin Autologous Graft: A Split Mouth Case Report

Surgical extraction of the third molar can often result in the development of a periodontal pocket distal to the second molar that could delay the healing, and the socket could be colonized by bacteria and lead to secondary abscesses, or it may cause mobility or hypersensitivity. The aim of this case report is to assess the efficacy of a dentin autograft in the prevention of periodontal dehiscences after the surgical extraction of the third molar, obtained by the immediate grinding of the extracted tooth. A healthy 18-year-old male patient underwent surgery of both impacted mandibular molars: right postextractive socket was filled with grinded dentin; then, the left one was filled with fibrin sponge. The patient was followed up for six months, and clinical and radiographic assessment were performed: measurements of plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), gingival index (GI), clinical attachment level (CAL), and probing pocket depth (PPD) were done before surgery and repeated at 90 and 180 days after the extractions. Measurements made at six months after the surgery revealed that the grafted site was characterized by a minor depth of the pocket if compared with the nongrafted site, with no clinical/radiographic signs of complications.

Annual review of selected scientific literature: A report of the Committee on Scientific Investigation of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry

This comprehensive review of the 2019 restorative dental literature is offered to inform busy dentists regarding remarkable publications and noteworthy progress made in the profession. Developed by the Scientific Investigation Committee of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry, each author brings discipline-specific expertise to 1 of 8 sections of the report: (1) prosthodontics; (2) periodontics, alveolar bone, and peri-implant tissues; (3) implant dentistry; (4) dental materials and therapeutics; (5) occlusion and temporomandibular disorders; (6) sleep-related breathing disorders; (7) oral medicine and oral and maxillofacial surgery; and (8) dental caries and cariology. The report targets important information likely to influence day-to-day dental treatment decisions. Each review is not intended to stand alone but to update interested readers so that they may visit source material when greater detail is desired. As the profession moves toward evidence-based clinical decision-making, an incredible volume of potentially valuable dental literature continues to increase. It is the intention of this review and its authors to provide assistance in negotiating the extensive dental literature published in 2019. It is our hope that readers find this work useful in the clinical management of dental patients.

[Effect of scaling and root planing on serum C-reactive protein levels in patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis: a systematic review and Meta-analysis]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of scaling and root planing (SRP) on serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases from the inception to July 8th, 2019. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data, and evaluated the bias risk of included studies. Then, a meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

A total of 13 randomized controlled clinical trials and 12 prospective clinical trials were included. Meta-analysis showed that serum CRP levels decreased at 2 and 3 months after SRP (P<0.05), and no significant difference in serum CRP levels was found at 6 months (P=0.49).

CONCLUSIONS

SRP can reduce serum CRP levels in systematically healthy patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis at 2 and 3 months after SRP.

Effect of Flap Design for Enamel Matrix Derivative Application in Intraosseous Defects

Objective:

To systematically review the literature addressing the focused question: What is the effectiveness of different surgical and nonsurgical procedures combined with enamel matrix derivative (EMD) on clinical, radiographic, and patient-centered outcomes in intraosseous defects?

Methods:

Electronic (Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane databases) and hand literature searches were performed for studies including at least 1 treatment arm where EMD had been applied according to 1 of the following procedures: modified Widman flap; papilla preservation variants (PPVs), including papilla preservation technique, modified papilla preservation technique, and simplified papilla preservation technique; minimally invasive variants, including minimally invasive surgical approach and minimally invasive surgical technique; single-flap variants (SFVs), including single-flap approach and modified minimally invasive surgical technique; or nonsurgical application (flapless approach). Data from 42 selected articles were used to perform a network meta-analysis, and a hierarchy of surgical and nonsurgical applications of EMD was built separately for EMD and EMD + graft based on 6- to 12-mo clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Results:

Among surgical approaches, EMD was associated with best regenerative outcomes when applied through SFVs, with a mean clinical attachment level gain of 3.93 mm and a reduction in the intrabony component of the defect of 3.35 mm. For EMD + graft, limited differences in regenerative outcomes were observed among surgical procedures. PPVs were associated with the highest residual probing depth for EMD (4.08 mm) and EMD + graft (4.32 mm).

Conclusions:

In the treatment of periodontal intraosseous defects, 1) SFVs appear to optimize the regenerative outcomes of EMD; 2) substantial regenerative outcomes can be obtained with SFVs and conservative double flaps (i.e., PPVs and minimally invasive variants) when EMD is combined with a graft; and 3) residual probing depth was higher following PPVs for EMD and EMD + graft.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

The results of the present systematic review and meta-analysis can be used by clinicians to identify the most effective surgical or nonsurgical procedure to treat an intraosseous defect with EMD or EMD + graft. The main findings indicate that when EMD application is indicated, surgical access based on a single flap seems the most appropriate to optimize clinical outcomes. The application of EMD + graft can be effectively combined with single flaps and conservative double flaps.

Commercial Local Pharmacotherapeutics and Adjunctive Agents for Nonsurgical Treatment of Periodontitis: A Contemporary Review of Clinical Efficacies and Challenges

Periodontal infections tend to be site-specific, mostly confined to the periodontal pocket. With the surge of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the trend is shifting towards other therapeutic modalities, especially locally delivered approaches that include other pharmacotherapeutic drugs and medical devices. This narrative review aimed to provide insights into the clinical efficacy of local drug delivery and adjunctive agents used in nonsurgical management of periodontitis. Electronic (PubMed/MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and EMBASE) and bibliographic searches of past systematic reviews were carried out to identify previous publications on the topic. Only relevant literature and randomized controlled trials published in English were selected. In addition, a literature review was developed based on the selected articles. Experimental drugs or agents were excluded. This review highlights the clinically proven and commercially available therapeutic agents related to the management of periodontal disease with comparisons of their clinical efficacies and challenges. A vast array of commercial local pharmacotherapeutic agents had been clinically tested, but the methodologies and clinical results varied within and between each agent used, causing difficulty in drawing conclusions and providing support to the superiority of one agent over another. Considering the benefit-cost ratio with the modest clinical results, the long-term usefulness of these agents remains debatable.

Adjunctive use of enamel matrix derivatives to porcine-derived xenograft for the treatment of one-wall intrabony defects: Two-year longitudinal results of a randomized controlled clinical trial

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential advantages of adjunctive use of enamel matrix protein derivative (EMD) in combination with demineralized porcine bone matrix (DPBM) for the treatment of one‐wall intrabony defects in the molar regions, in comparison with the use of DPBM alone, through a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Methods

Forty‐two participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one where DPBM with the adjunctive use of EMD (test group, n = 20) was applied and the other without EMD (control group, n = 22). Changes in the clinical and radiographic parameters from baseline at 6, 12, and 24 months were measured (probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, defect depth, and defect width). Postoperative discomfort (severity/duration of pain and swelling) and early soft tissue wound healing (dehiscence/fenestration, persistent swelling, spontaneous bleeding, and ulceration) were also assessed.

Results

Both treatment modalities, with and without EMD, resulted in significant improvement of clinical and radiographic outcomes without any severe adverse events. However, no statistically significant differences in any of the measured parameters were found when the two groups were compared. Early wound healing outcomes and the severity of swelling did not differ between the groups, but the severity of pain (P = 0.046), duration (P = 0.033), and swelling (P = 0.022) were significantly lower in the test group.

Conclusions

DPBM has been verified for biocompatibility and can be used as a scaffold to enhance the clinical and radiographic outcomes of periodontal regeneration of one‐wall intrabony defects. In particular, the adjunctive use of EMD significantly reduced the postoperative discomfort.