Effect of various graft materials with tetracycline in localized juvenile periodontitis

Efficacy of regenerative therapy in aggressive periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled clinical trials

OBJECTIVES

To analyse evidence regarding the efficacy of periodontal regenerative procedures in intrabony defects in patients treated for aggressive periodontitis (AgP).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic search of the literature for randomised controlled clinical trials including patients treated for aggressive periodontitis that compared a group treated with regenerative therapy with another group treated with surgical debridement alone was conducted by two independent reviewers.

RESULTS

Six studies were included in the meta-analysis of clinical and/or radiographic parameters at 6 and 12 months. Probing pocket depth was smaller at 6 months in patients treated with regenerative therapies compared with those treated with regular debridement (1.00 mm, p < 0.001, 95% CI (0.67, 1.34)). At 12 months this difference was more marked (0.41 mm, p = 0.12, 95% CI (- 0.10, 0.91)). The distance between the cemento-enamel junction and the alveolar crest at both 6 (1.36 mm, p < 0.001, 95% CI (1.03, 1.68)) and 12 months (0.90 mm, p = 0.01, 95% CI (0.24, 1.56)) was smaller in the group treated with regeneration.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of biomaterials for regenerative therapy in AgP may be more effective than surgical debridement. Better outcomes were observed in terms of probing pocket depth and distance between the cemento-enamel junction and the alveolar crest at 6 months. Regeneration should be considered as a therapy to prevent tooth loss, although more studies with larger sample size and longer follow-up are needed.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Periodontal regeneration is effective in the treatment of intrabony defects in patients with AgP, as it leads to better outcomes in clinical and radiographic parameters.

Management of Wound Infection and Acute Bacterial Rhinosinusitis After Sinus Elevation Surgery: A Case Report

Introduction

Sinus graft infection with consequent acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) is a complication that can occur during the postoperative period following sinus augmentation surgery. A small group of bacteria appear to predominate in ABRS, and these bacteria are empirically susceptible to tetracycline antibiotics, barring the presence of resistant strains. Historically, clinicians have mixed tetracycline with various biomaterials or hydrated biomaterials in a dilute tetracycline solution in the treatment of periodontal disease and for ridge preservation/augmentation indications.

Case Presentation

In the present case, a 39‐year‐old African‐American male with sinus graft infection and signs and symptoms consistent with ABRS was successfully treated by removing the initial graft material, thoroughly debriding and irrigating the antrum, and placing a freeze‐dried bone allograft hydrated in an aqueous tetracycline solution.

Conclusion

Given the typical bacteria present in ABRS, locally applied tetracycline may be useful prophylactically in sinus elevation surgery or as an adjunct in managing postoperative sinus graft infection.

Reconstruction of advanced bone defect associated with severely compromised maxillary anterior teeth in aggressive periodontitis: a case report

Introduction

Aggressive periodontitis is characterized by a rapid rate of attachment loss and bone resorption. Regenerative therapy offers reconstruction of the periodontium; however, certain advanced cases with a questionable prognosis might remain a challenge. We report a successful intervention outcome of a challenging case in the aesthetic zone of a patient with aggressive periodontitis.

Case presentation

A 34-year-old systemically healthy Malay woman was referred to the Periodontics Specialist Clinic of the Kulliyyah of Dentistry, International Islamic University Malaysia, with a chief complaint of bleeding gums and mobility of the upper anterior teeth. A diagnosis of localized aggressive periodontitis was made. A thorough non-surgical periodontal treatment was provided, followed by a series of regenerative periodontal surgeries to manage advanced bone defects. A successful treatment outcome with a good prognosis was achieved. Maintenance through the supportive treatment phase showed marked bone gain.

Conclusions

Teeth with severely compromised periodontium of unpredictable prognosis can still be maintained with satisfactory restoration of the function, support, and aesthetics, despite the baseline unpredicted treatment outcome. Proper selection of an advanced periodontal treatment plan can exclude the option of tooth extraction or prosthetic replacement.

A comparative evaluation of freeze dried bone allograft and decalcified freeze dried bone allograft in the treatment of intrabony defects: A clinical and radiographic study

BACKGROUND

Ideal graft material for regenerative procedures is autogenous bone graft but the major disadvantage with this graft is the need for a secondary surgical site to procure donor material and the frequent lack of intraoral donor site to obtain sufficient quantities of autogenous bone for multiple or deep osseous defects. Hence, to overcome these disadvantages, bone allografts were developed as an alternative source of graft material.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 10 patients with chronic periodontitis, 20 bilateral infrabony defects were treated with freeze dried bone allograft (FDBA-Group A) and decalcified freeze dried bone allograft (DFDBA-Group B). Clinical and radiographic parameters were assessed preoperatively and at 3 months and 6 months postoperatively. Data thus obtained was subjected to statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Significant improvement in the reduction in probing depth and relative attachment level (RAL) from the baseline to 3 months to baseline to 6 months in group A and group B, which was statistically significant but no statistically significant reduction was seen between 3 months and 6 months. On inter-group comparison, no significant differences were observed at all-time points. In adjunct to the probing depth and RAL, the radiographic area of the defect showed a similar trend in intra-group comparison and no significant difference was seen on inter-group comparison at all-time points.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of the current study, it can be concluded that DFDBA did not show any improvement in the clinical and radiographic parameters in the treatment of the intrabony defects as compared to FDBA.

Combination of bone allograft, barrier membrane and doxycycline in the treatment of infrabony periodontal defects: A comparative trial

Aim

The purpose of the present study was to compare the regenerative potential of noncontained periodontal infrabony defects treated with decalcified freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) and barrier membrane with or without local doxycycline.

Methods

This study included 48 one- or two-wall infrabony defects from 24 patients (age: 30–65 years) seeking treatment for chronic periodontitis. Defects were randomly divided into two groups and were treated with a combination of DFDBA and barrier membrane, either alone (combined treatment group) or with local doxycycline (combined treatment + doxycycline group). At baseline (before surgery) and 3 and 6 months after surgery, the pocket probing depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), radiological bone fill (RBF), and alveolar height reduction (AHR) were recorded. Analysis of variance and the Newman–Keuls post hoc test were used for statistical analysis. A two-tailed p-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

In the combined treatment group, the PPD reduction was 2.00 ± 0.38 mm (32%), CAL gain was 1.25 ± 0.31 mm (17.9%), and RBF was 0.75 ± 0.31 mm (20.7%) after 6 months. In the combined treatment + doxycycline group, these values were 2.75 ± 0.37 mm (44%), 1.5 ± 0.27 mm (21.1%), and 1.13 ± 0.23 mm (28.1%), respectively. AHR values for the groups without and with doxycycline were 12.5% and 9.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

There was no significant difference in the regeneration of noncontained periodontal infrabony defects between groups treated with DFDBA and barrier membrane with or without doxycycline.

Comparison of Nano-Sized Hydroxyapatite and β-Tricalcium Phosphate in the Treatment of Human Periodontal Intrabony Defects

BACKGROUND

Since the advent of nanotechnology, various materials have been introduced for the treatment of the bone defects which have shown promising results.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of nano-sized Hydroxyapatite (NHA) and β-Tricalcium Phosphate (β-TCP) in the treatment of human periodontal defects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Tweleve patients with a total of 24 sites which were almost identical as determined clinically and radiographically were selected for the study. The selected sites were treated with access flap surgery were divided into two groups: Group I was treated with NHA and Group II treated with β-TCP. Following clinical and radiographic parameters were recorded at baseline, 3 months and 6 months post operatively: 1) Probing pocket depth (PPD); 2)Clinical attachment level (CAL); 3) Gingival recession (GR); 4) Radiographic Defect Depth.

RESULTS

Groups showed statistically significant improvements in soft and hard tissue parameters after 3 months and 6 months. Greater reduction in PPD, gain in CAL and Radiographic Defect Fill (RDF) was seen in Group I after three months whereas after six months were no statistically significant difference was seen with regard to soft and hard tissue measurements.

CONCLUSION

Within limits of the study, both NHA and β-TCP have proved to be beneficial in the management of periodontal defects. Treatment of intrabony periodontal defects with NHA leads to significant improvement in early clinical and radiographic outcomes as compared to β-TCP.

Treatment of aggressive periodontitis

Despite etiological differences between aggressive and chronic periodontitis, the treatment concept for aggressive periodontitis is largely similar to that for chronic periodontitis. The goal of treatment is to create a clinical condition that is conducive to retaining as many teeth as possible for as long as possible. When a diagnosis has been made and risk factors have been identified, active treatment is commenced. The initial phase of active treatment consists of mechanical debridement, either alone or supplemented with antimicrobial drugs. Scaling and root planing has been shown to be effective in improving clinical indices, but does not always guarantee long-term stability. Antimicrobials can play a significant role in controlling aggressive periodontitis. Few studies have been published on this subject for localized aggressive periodontitis, but generalized aggressive periodontitis has been subject to more scrutiny. Studies have demonstrated that systemic antibiotics as an adjuvant to scaling and root planing are more effective in controlling disease compared with scaling and root planing alone or with supplemental application of local antibiotics or antiseptics. It has also become apparent that antibiotics ought to be administered with, or just after, mechanical debridement. Several studies have shown that regimens of amoxicillin combined with metronidazole or regimens of clindamycin are the most effective and are preferable to regimens containing doxycycline. Azithromycin has been shown to be a valid alternative to the regimen of amoxicillin plus metronidazole. A limited number of studies have been published on surgical treatment in patients with aggressive periodontitis, but the studies available show that the effect can be comparable with the effect on patients with chronic periodontitis, provided that proper oral hygiene is maintained, a strict maintenance program is followed and modifiable risk factors are controlled. Both access surgery and regenerative techniques have shown good results in patients with aggressive periodontitis. Once good periodontal health has been obtained, patients must be enrolled in a strict maintenance program that is directed toward controlling risk factors for disease recurrence and tooth loss. The most significant risk factors are noncompliance with regular maintenance care, smoking, high gingival bleeding index and poor plaque control. There is no evidence to suggest that daily use of antiseptic agents should be part of the supportive periodontal therapy for aggressive periodontitis.

Treatment of peri-implantitis with deproteinised bovine bone and tetracycline: a case report

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to evaluate the use of tetracycline in a patient with peri-implantitis.

BACKGROUND

Tetracycline is widely used in regeneration procedures owing to its positive effect with bone graft material, regeneration of extraction socket bone and its traditional antibacterial effect. However, there have been limited reports on bone graft procedures combined with tetracycline application in peri-implantitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The detoxification procedure was performed with chlorhexidine and tetracycline, and the defect area was grafted with a 4:1 volume ratio combination of deproteinised bovine bone mixed with tetracycline.

RESULTS

Soft tissue healing was uneventful, and the treatment yielded improved clinical results with a reduced probing depth.

CONCLUSIONS

Tetracycline was used in the treatment of peri-implantitis by burnishing the implant surface and applying tetracycline in conjunction with an osseous graft to the defect area. The treatment of peri-implantitis with tetracycline seemed to show improved clinical results up to the follow-up period.

Controlling systematic perioperative anaerobic contamination during sinus-lift procedures by using metronidazole: an innovative approach

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Analysis of tomodensitometric controls following sinus grafts clearly demonstrates a quite systematic lack of homogeneity. Sinus contamination by anaerobic bacteria seems almost unavoidable during bone graft surgery, and this problem may jeopardize the healing process. The aim of this study was to characterize in a systematic way the nonhomogeneities observed at 1, 2, or 3 months postsurgery within allogenous sinus grafts, and to assess the possible influence of a 0.5% sterile solution of metronidazole incorporated in the sinus bone graft.

MATERIALS

This clinical study was conducted on 72 patients treated with single or bilateral sinus-lifts: 94 sinus elevations performed with freeze-dried bone allograft (Phoenix, TBF, Mions, France), with (test group) or without (control group) metronidazole. In the test group, each bone graft was hydrated with 2 mL of a 0.5% metronidazole solution, i.e., only 10 mg of metronidazole. All the patients went through a first presurgical computerized tomography (CT)-scan followed by a second scan performed at 1, 2, or 3 months postsurgery (which was used as the preimplant reference scan). For 11 patients, 2 postsurgical CT-scans were performed respectively at 10 days and 2 months. Using an arbitrary gray scale (Arbitrary Densitometric Unit) which functions according to the Hounsfield unit principle, the degree of radiographic homogeneity of the grafts was established. Density scattering provides some information on the homogeneity or nonhomogeneity of the bone graft.

RESULTS

The 12 grafts performed without metronidazole show significant nonhomogeneities at 1, 2, or 3 months. Moreover, when a CT-scan is performed during the first postoperative days (at 10 days), the presence of air bubbles in the graft is confirmed. The tomodensitometric aspects of all grafts treated with metronidazole in this series are absolutely identical: they show a high degree of homogeneity. Sixty-three cases (76.8%) are homogeneous, and 19 cases (23.2%) are significantly homogeneous. The time at which the control scan is performed (10 days, 1, 2, or 3 months) does not seem to influence significantly the degree of homogeneity assessed. In the control group, some inflammatory events associated with facial oedema were observed in 25% of the cases. In the test group, no such event was recorded for the 82 sinus-lifts treated with metronidazole.

CONCLUSION

A possible correlation may exist between the occurrence of non homogeneities within the bone grafts and the anaerobic bacterial contamination. The local use of a very small quantity of metronidazole (equivalent to only 1/20 of a common 200 mg oral tablet) could provide more security when performing sinus-lift procedures and an improved quality of the graft. This protocol should not be considered as an antibiotherapy, but only as way to limit the initial contamination of bone graft.

Bone replacement grafts for the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects

Bone replacement grafts, including autogenous grafts from intraoral donor sites, allografts, xenografts, and alloplastic bone substitutes, are the most widely used treatment modalities for the regeneration of periodontal osseous defects. Studies suggest a favorable clinical outcome with the use of these materials in terms of improvements in periodontal probing depths, probing attachment gains, and bone fill. In terms of bone fill, most studies report more than 50% resolution of intrabony defects when treated with bone replacement grafts. However, histologic evidence of periodontal regeneration, including new bone, periodontal ligament, and cementum, has been reported only for autogenous bone grafts and demineralized freeze-dried bone allografts.

Osseous Coagulum Collected in Bone Traps: Potential for Bacterial Contamination and Methods for Decontamination

Because of its excellent osteogenic potential, autogenous bone is the preferred grafting material for dental procedures; however, bone collected in osseous coagulum traps is subject to contamination by oral bacteria. This study assessed bacterial contamination of osseous coagulum and tested treatments for reducing contamination. Fifty bone samples from patients undergoing implant osteotomy procedures were collected in osseous coagulum traps, divided into groups of 10, and rinsed with normal saline, 0.12% chlorhexidine, or 50 mg/mL tetracycline. Twenty control samples received no treatment. The bone samples were plated in triplicate on selective and differential media to assay aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and potential bacterial pathogens, including staphylococci, streptococci, enterics, and black-pigmented bacteria (BPB). Inoculations were performed with an Autoplate 4000, and plates were incubated at 37 degrees C either aerobically or in a Coy anaerobic chamber. Bacteria were isolated from all samples. In control samples, the mean colony-forming units (cfu) per milliliter of suspended osseous coagulum was 6.5 x 10(4) +/- 9.6 x 10(4) in aerobic cultures and 4.8 x 10(4) +/- 6.9 x 10(4) in anaerobic cultures. Viridans streptococci were isolated from 46 samples, with a mean of 2.9 x 10(4) +/- 4.1 x 10(4) cfu/mL. Enterics were in 16 samples with cfu ranging from 200 cfu/mL to 3.4 x 10(4) cfu/mL. Mannitol nonfermenting staphylococci were found in one sample at 106 cfu/mL. BPB were not isolated. A Mann-Whitney U test with significance set at P = .05 determined that the only statistically significant reductions in bacterial numbers occurred in tetracycline-treated samples of anaerobic bacteria (5-fold decrease, P = .02) and aerobic bacteria (6-fold decrease, P = .01). Tetracycline treatments effected a 7-fold decrease in streptococci, but the difference was not significant (P = .07). These data indicate significant bacterial contamination of bone collected in osseous coagulum traps and justify further research into methods for eliminating that contamination.

Position Paper: Periodontal Regeneration

Untreated periodontal disease leads to tooth loss through destruction of the attachment apparatus and tooth-supporting structures. The goals of periodontal therapy include not only the arrest of periodontal disease progression,but also the regeneration of structures lost to disease where appropriate. Conventional surgical approaches (e.g., flap debridement) continue to offer time-tested and reliable methods to access root surfaces,reduce periodontal pockets, and attain improved periodontal form/architecture. However, these techniques offer only limited potential towards recovering tissues destroyed during earlier disease phases. Recently, surgical procedures aimed at greater and more predictable regeneration of periodontal tissues and functional attachment close to their original level have been developed, analyzed, and employed in clinical practice. This paper provides a review of the current understanding of the mechanisms, cells, and factors required for regeneration of the periodontium and of procedures used to restore periodontal tissues around natural teeth. Targeted audiences for this paper are periodontists and/or researchers with an interest in improving the predictability of regenerative procedures. This paper replaces the version published in 1993.

Periodontal regeneration techniques for treatment of periodontal diseases

The ultimate goal of periodontal therapy is the regeneration of structures lost to disease. Conventional surgical approaches such as open-flap debridement offer only limited regeneration potential.Currently, surgical procedures for predictable regeneration of periodontal tissues are being developed, analyzed, and employed in clinical practice. This article addresses current trends in periodontal regeneration. Various materials/agents such as bone replacement grafts, barrier membranes, and biologic modifiers currently used for the regeneration of periodontal infrabony and furcation defects are discussed.

The effect of high local concentrations of antibiotics on demineralized bone induction in rats

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the effect of high local concentrations of antibiotics on bone repair induced by demineralized bone in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-two 3-week-old rats, weighing 200 to 300 g, were used for the experiment. Rats were divided into 4 groups: control group (group 1), saline-impregnation group (group 2), gentamicin-impregnation group (group 3), and tetracycline-impregnation group (group 4). The rats were killed at 3, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. Samples were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and subjected to the histomorphometric analyses.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in new bone formation among groups at all time periods. Comparing differences between groups at each time point, significantly more new bone formation was present in group 2 than in group 1 at 3 weeks, more in group 2 than in group 1 and more in group 2 than in group 4 at 8 weeks, and the most in group 2 among all groups at 12 weeks. In terms of the time period, significantly more new bone formation was observed at 8 weeks during the time period between 3 and 8 weeks, and at 12 weeks during the time period between 3 and 12 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Our result suggests that the bone graft material is most effective when mixed with saline for the regeneration of osseous defects.

The efficacy of bone replacement grafts in the treatment of periodontal osseous defects. A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Bone replacement grafts (BRG) are widely used in the treatment of periodontal osseous defects; however, the clinical benefits of this therapeutic practice require further clarification through a systematic review of randomized controlled studies.

RATIONALE

The purpose of this systematic review is to access the efficacy of bone replacement grafts in proving demonstrable clinical improvements in periodontal osseous defects compared to surgical debridement alone.

FOCUSED QUESTION

What is the effect of bone replacement grafts compared to other interventions on clinical, radiographic, adverse, and patient-centered outcomes in patients with periodontal osseous defects?

SEARCH PROTOCOL

The computerized bibliographical databases MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from 1966 and 1974, respectively, to October 2002 for randomized controlled studies in which bone replacement grafts were compared to other surgical interventions in the treatment of periodontal osseous defects. The search strategy included screening of review articles and reference lists of retrieved articles as well as hand searches of selected journals.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

All searches were limited to human studies in English language publications.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

Non-randomized observational studies (e.g., case reports, case series), publications providing summary statistics without variance estimates or data to permit computation, and studies without BRG intervention alone were excluded.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The therapeutic endpoints examined included changes in bone level, clinical attachment level, probing depth, gingival recession, and crestal resorption. For purposes of meta-analysis, change in bone level (bone fill) was used as the primary outcome measure, measured upon surgical re-entry or transgingival probing (sounding).

MAIN RESULTS

1. Forty-nine controlled studies met eligibility criteria and provided clinical outcome data on intrabony defects following grafting procedures. 2. Seventeen studies provided clinical outcome data on BRG materials for the treatment of furcation defects.

REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS

1. With respect to the treatment of intrabony defects, the results of meta-analysis supported the following conclusions: 1) bone grafts increase bone level, reduce crestal bone loss, increase clinical attachment level, and reduce probing depth compared to open flap debridement (OFD) procedures; 2) No differences in clinical outcome measures emerge between particulate bone allograft and calcium phosphate (hydroxyapatite) ceramic grafts; and 3) bone grafts in combination with barrier membranes increase clinical attachment level and reduce probing depth compared to graft alone. 2. With respect to the treatment of furcation defects, 15 controlled studies provided data on clinical outcomes. Insufficient studies of comparable design were available to submit data to meta-analysis. Nonetheless, outcome data from these studies generally indicated positive clinical benefits with the use of grafts in the treatment of Class II furcations. 3. With respect to histological outcome parameters, 2 randomized controlled studies provide evidence that demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) supports the formation of a new attachment apparatus in intrabony defects, whereas OFD results in periodontal repair characterized primarily by the formation of a long junctional epithelial attachment. Multiple observational studies provide consistent histological evidence that autogenous and demineralized allogeneic bone grafts support the formation of new attachment. Limited data also suggest that xenogenic bone grafts can support the formation of a new attachment apparatus. In contrast, essentially all available data indicate that alloplastic grafts support periodontal repair rather than regeneration. 4. The results of this systematic review indicate that bone replacement grafts provide demonstrable clinical improvements in periodontal osseous defects compared to surgical debridement alone.

Tissue banking of bone allografts used in periodontal regeneration

This paper was prepared by the Committee on Research, Science and Therapy of the American Academy of Periodontology for the information of the dental profession. However, it may also be of interest to the lay public. It represents the position of the American Academy of Periodontology regarding tissue banking and the use of bone allografts in periodontal therapy.

Bioactive ceramics for periodontal treatment: comparative studies in the Patus monkey

Four bioactive ceramic materials currently recommended for regeneration of osseous tissues in treatment of periodontal disease have been compared with Bioglass particulates, of equivalent size in two compositions, in a monkey model. Both Bioglass materials were found to be easily manipulated, were haemostatic and osteoproductive allowing restoration of both alveolar bone and periodontal ligament. Epithelial downgrowth was inhibited and epithelial attachment was close to the preimplantation level. The other materials were slower to act and epithelial downgrowth was to the same level as in unfilled control defects.

Oral and periodontal tissue. Maintenance, augmentation, rejuvenation, and regeneration

This article discusses the controversies, usefulness, and limitations of oral and periodontal tissue maintenance, augmentation, rejuvenation, and regeneration in the dog and cat. It details many of the specialized materials and techniques used in these procedures in attempts to re-establish healthy conditions within the periodontium. Bone loss following tooth extraction is discussed with consideration as to which teeth should have alveolar ridge maintenance procedures and the important reasons as to why. Radiographs show the degree of improvement demonstrated in treatment of various cases involving bone loss from periodontal disease, treatment of bone injuries with oral fractures and their prevention.

Six-year clinical evaluation of HTR synthetic bone grafts in human grade II molar furcations

A biocompatible microporous composite of PMMA (poly-methyl-methacrylate), PHEMA (poly-hydroxy-ethyl-methacrylate) and calcium hydroxide bone replacement graft material (Bioplant HTR Synthetic Bone) was evaluated in 16 maxillary molar and 10 mandibular molar Grade II furcations in 13 patients. Following initial preparation, full thickness flaps were raised to gain access to the furcations; mechanical hand and ultrasonic root and defect debridement and chemical tetracycline root preparation were performed; furcation and adjacent osseous defects in each patient were grafted with HTR Synthetic Bone; and the host flaps replaced or slightly coronally positioned. Weekly, then monthly deplaquing was performed until surgical re-entry at 6-12 months. Patients were then followed on approximate 3-month recalls for > or = 6 yr. Evaluation of the primary clinical outcome of furcation grade change showed that in the maxilla 5/16 furcations were clinically closed, 9/16 were Grade I, and 2/16 remained Grade II; while in the mandible 3/10 were clinically closed, 5/10 were Grade I, and 2/10 remained Grade II. Other significant clinical changes included decrease in mean horizontal furcation probing attachment level from 4.4 mm at surgery to 2.2 mm at re-entry to 2.0 mm at 6 yr, decrease in probing pocket depth from 5.4 mm at surgery to 3.0 mm at re-entry to 3.2 mm at 6 yr, and improvement in vertical clinical probing attachment level from 5.4 mm at surgery to 4.2 mm at re-entry to 4.1 mm at 6 yr (all p < 0.05 from surgery to re-entry and surgery to 6 yr, n.s. from re-entry to 6 yr via ANOVA). These favorable results with HTR polymer are similar to several reports with other graft materials and with GTR barriers, and suggest that HTR polymer may have a beneficial effect in the clinical management of Grade II molar furcations.

Periodontal regeneration around natural teeth

1. Evidence is conclusive (Table 2) that periodontal regeneration in humans is possible following the use of bone grafts, guided tissue regeneration procedures, both without and in combination with bone grafts, and root demineralization procedures. 2. Clinically guided tissue regeneration procedures have demonstrated significant positive clinical change beyond that achieved with debridement alone in treating mandibular and maxillary (buccal only) Class II furcations. Similar data exist for intraosseous defects. Evidence suggests that the use of bone grafts or GTR procedures produce equal clinical benefit in treating intraosseous defects. Further research is necessary to evaluate GTR procedures compared to, or combined with, bone grafts in treating intraosseous defects. 3. Although there are some data suggesting hopeful results in Class II furcations, the clinical advantage of procedures combining present regenerative techniques remains to be demonstrated. Additional randomized controlled trials with sufficient power are needed to demonstrate the potential usefulness of these techniques. 4. Outcomes following regenerative attempts remain somewhat variable with differences in results between studies and individual subjects. Some of this variability is likely patient related in terms of compliance with plaque control and maintenance procedures, as well as personal habits; e.g., smoking. Variations in the defects selected for study may also affect predictability of outcomes along with other factors. 5. There is evidence to suggest that present regenerative techniques lead to significant amounts of regeneration at localized sites on specific teeth. However, if complete regeneration is to become a reality, additional stimuli to enhance the regenerative process are likely needed. Perhaps this will be accomplished in the future, with combined procedures that include appropriate polypeptide growth factors or tissue factors to provide additional stimulus.

A clinical evaluation of demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft in combination with tetracycline in the treatment of periodontal osseous defects

The purpose was to evaluate the use of demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft reconstituted with 50 mg/ml tetracycline hydrochloride in the treatment of intrabony periodontal defects. Fifteen systemically healthy patients (12 females, 3 males; aged 35 to 61) with moderate-advanced periodontitis were treated. Patients had 3 osseous defects with probing depths (PD) > 5 mm after initial therapy. Each site in each subject was randomly assigned to one of the following groups: 1) demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft reconstituted with 50 mg/ml tetracycline (DFDBA + TCN); 2) demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft alone (DFDBA); or 3) debridement only (D). Clinical measurements were taken the day of surgery, 6 months, and 1 year. Standardized radiographs were taken at baseline and 1 year and were evaluated by computer assisted densitometric image analysis (CADIA). Clinical measurements included gingival recession, PD, clinical attachment level, and mobility. Osseous defect measurements were taken at baseline and at the 1 year reentry. No adverse healing responses occurred. The results showed that all patients had a statistically significant improvement in probing depth and attachment level at 1 year. Osseous measurements showed bone fill of 2.27 mm (51.6%) for the DFDBA + TCN group, 2.20 mm (52.4%) for the DFDBA group, and 1.27 mm (32.8%) for the D group. Defect resolution was 77.3% for the DFDBA + TCN group, 77.9% for the DFDBA group, and 63.8% for the D group. The mean CADIA values were 5.04 for the DFDBA + TCN group, 6.79 for the DFDBA group and 2.78 for the D group. The CADIA values did not correlate with the clinical parameters. Although the grafted groups showed greater bone fill and defect resolution, there was no statistically significant difference in any of the clinical parameters between the treatment groups. This study suggests that there is no significant benefit from reconstituting the allograft with 50 mg/ml of tetracycline hydrochloride.

Comparative effectiveness of various regenerative modalities for the treatment of localized juvenile periodontitis

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of surgical debridement versus various guided tissue regeneration techniques for the treatment of localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP). Seven patients, 14 to 18 years old, were selected on the basis of having; 1) vertical bone loss on at least 3 first molars; 2) probing attachment loss > or = 5 mm; 3) presence of Actinobacillus actinomycetecomitans (Aa) as determined by the DNA probe test; 4) no systemic diseases; and 5) not taken antibiotics for 6 months prior to treatment. Each patient was randomly assigned by first molar involvement to one of four treatment modalities: 1) surgical debridement alone (DEBR); 2) ePTFE membrane alone (G); 3) ePTFE membrane plus root conditioning (G + D); or 4) ePTFE membrane plus root conditioning plus composite graft (G + D + B). Standardized clinical attachment level measurements (CAL) were taken at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months. Hard tissue measurements were evaluated radiographically (RAD) at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months, and volumetrically at baseline and 12 months post-surgery. At 12 months re-entry, all residual defects were re-treated with a composite graft consisting of calcium sulfate + DFDBA + doxycycline. Results were evaluated 6 months post-retreatment using CAL and RAD measurements. Statistical analysis of the data showed: 1) a significant gain in clinical attachment as well as increased volumetric bone fill of the defects 12 and 18 months following the various treatment modalities when compared to baseline (P < 0.05); and 2) no statistically significant differences among the tested treatment modalities and surgical debridement alone for all parameters (P > 0.05).

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 evaluation of coralline calcium carbonate as a bone replacement graft material in human periodontal osseous defects

A resorbable coralline calcium carbonate graft material (CalCarb) was compared to open flap debridement (DEBR) in human periodontal osseous defects. Following appropriate initial preparation procedures, flap surgery with defect and root debridement was performed in 20 patients. Alternating defects in each segment of surgery were treated with each procedure. Appropriate periodontal maintenance schedules were followed, and at 6 to 12 months a re-entry flap surgery was performed for documentation and finalization of treatment. Forty defects which received CalCarb grafts demonstrated significantly better mean defect fill of 2.3 mm (67.7%) versus a mean defect fill of 0.7 mm (25.9%) (P < 0.01) for 39 defects treated with DEBR. Other hard tissue findings showed similar clinically superior results with the use of CalCarb. Relative defect fill results showed 88% positive (50% to 100% defect fill) responses with CalCarb and only 13% positive responses with DEBR. There were 7 times more failures (minimal response) with DEBR than with CalCarb. Soft tissue findings showed no significant differences between treatments. These results are similar to those with other synthetic and natural bone replacement graft materials. However, the ease of handling of the CalCarb material, its resorbability, and its potential for improved bone regeneration may be of clinical advantage.

Autogenous and allogeneic bone grafts in periodontal therapy

This article is limited to a review of bone autografts and allografts, as used in periodontal therapy. The various graft materials are discussed with respect to case reports, controlled clinical trials, and human histology. Other reviewed areas are wound healing with periodontal bone grafts, tissue banking and freeze-dried bone allografts, and the use of bone grafts in guided tissue regeneration.

HTR polymer grafts in human periodontal osseous defects. I. 6-month clinical results

HTR polymer was evaluated as a grafting material in periodontal osseous defects in 21 adult patients. Following initial preparation and pre-surgical documentation with standardized measurements, radiographs, and photographs, vertical osseous defects were treated with surgical open flap debridement alone (DEBR) or with DEBR plus placement of HTR polymer graft material. Patients were followed with frequent recalls until surgical re-entry at about 6 months for documentation and any needed remedial therapy. Re-entry data show that use of HTR polymer grafts resulted in significantly better mean defect fill of 2.2 mm (60.8%) compared to 1.0 mm (32.2%) with DEBR alone (P less than .001). Other hard tissue findings such as residual defect depth, crestal resorption, and percent defect resolution showed similar clinically superior results with the use of HTR polymer. Soft tissue findings showed significant differences in favor of HTR for decrease in probing depth and gain in clinical attachment. These results are similar to those reported with other graft materials. Over a 6-month period, HTR polymer was found to show promise for the repair of periodontal osseous defects.

Report of the Committee on Scientific Investigation of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry

The growth in the dental literature continues to escalate, as evidenced by the publication of at least 326 new books in 1988 and 1989 and more than 20 new journals in 1989. There still appears to be undue emphasis on quantity instead of quality of research. This proliferation in the literature poses ever increasing difficulties to this Committee in filtering out the articles that are of particular interest to the members of the Academy and identifying those that are most likely to have a major impact on dental practice and service. The subjects covered include periodontics, caries and preventive dentistry, craniomandibular disorders, occlusion, pulp biology, ceramics, and restorative dental materials.