Clinical Efficacy of 1% Alendronate Gel in Adjunct to Mechanotherapy in the Treatment of Aggressive Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Emerging therapeutic strategies targeting bone signaling pathways in periodontitis

Periodontitis is a multifactorial immune-mediated disease exacerbated by dysregulated alveolar bone homeostasis. Timely intervention is crucial for disease management to prevent tooth loss. To successfully manage periodontitis, it is imperative to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis to develop novel treatment modalities. Non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) such as subgingival instrumentation/debridement has been the underlying treatment strategy over the past decades. However, new NSPT approaches that target key signaling pathways regulating alveolar bone homeostasis have shown positive clinical outcomes. This narrative review aims to discuss endogenous bone homeostasis mechanisms impaired in periodontitis and highlight the clinical outcomes of preventive periodontal therapy to avoid invasive periodontal therapies. Although the anti-resorptive therapeutic adjuncts have demonstrated beneficial outcomes, adverse events have been reported. Diverse immunomodulatory therapies targeting the osteoblast/osteoclast (OB/OC) axis have shown promising outcomes in vivo. Future controlled randomized clinical trials (RCT) would help clinicians and patients in the selection of novel preventing therapies targeting key molecules to effectively treat or prevent periodontitis.

Effectiveness of Topical Oxygen Therapy in Gingivitis and Periodontitis: Clinical Case Reports and Review of the Literature

Gingivitis and periodontitis are common oral pathological conditions. Several optional adjunctive local therapies are used clinically. While antibiotics and chlorhexidine are the most common agents of choice, their long-term use is associated with several adverse effects. Some of these include staining of teeth and restorations, cellular cytotoxicity and hypersensitivity. Topical oxygen therapy has been recently introduced and could be clinically capable of inhibiting plaque bacterial biofilm growth. Available as a mouthwash, toothpaste and oral gel, this formulation comprises cellulose, glycerol and sodium peroxoborate, and releases topical oxygen in a controlled manner. Moreover, it releases topical oxygen, in a controlled manner, and lactoferrin, which are capable of antibacterial action and stimulation of bone cells, respectively. The aim of this paper is to report a case of gingivitis and another case of periodontitis, both of which were successfully treated clinically with adjunctive local oxygen therapy (blue®m). Additionally, this paper aims to review the relevant literature in terms of adjunct topical or local therapies used in the treatment of gingivitis and periodontitis, in order to understand how local therapies are helpful and to know if local oxygen therapy is a suitable clinical alternative.

Adjunctive use of locally delivered host-modulators in intra-bony defects as part of step 2 periodontal therapy: systematic review, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

BACKGROUND

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at investigate the role of locally delivered host-modulators in combination with step 2 of periodontal therapy in reducing probing pocket depth, improving clinical attachment level and reducing bone defect depth in intra-bony defects.

HIGHLIGHT

RCT with at least 6 months follow-up were included in this study. Risk of bias assessment was performed with Cochrane collaboration tool and Grade GRADEpro. In addition, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis were used to aggregate the available evidence. 22 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this systematic review. At 6 months locally delivered host-modulators significantly improved PD and CAL and bone defect depth.

CONCLUSION

Considering the emerging role of host-inflammatory response in the treatment of periodontitis, several studies are exploring the role of locally delivered host modulators as an adjunct to step 2 of periodontal therapy.

Zoledronic acid affects the process of Porphyromonas gingivalis infecting oral mucosal epithelial barrier: An in-vivo and in-vitro study

Zoledronic acid (ZA), one of the commonly used bisphosphonates, is mainly used for bone-metabolic diseases. Studies proved that ZA has adverse effects on oral soft tissues. As the first line of innate immunity, the gingival epithelium could be infected by periodontal pathogens, which is a key process of the initiation of periodontal diseases. Yet, how ZA affects the periodontal pathogens infecting the epithelial barrier remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the influences of ZA on the process of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) infecting the gingival epithelial barrier via in-vitro and in-vivo experiments. In the in-vitro experiments, under the condition of different concentrations of ZA (0, 1, 10, and 100 μM), P. gingivalis was used to infect human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs). The infections were detected by transmission electron microscope and confocal laser scanning microscope. Besides, the internalization assay was applied to quantify the P. gingivalis, which infected the HGECs, in the different groups. To evaluate the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8, by infected HGECs, real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions were applied. In the in-vivo experiments, rats were given ZA solution (ZA group) or saline (control group) by tail intravenous injection for 8 weeks. Subsequently, we put ligatures around the maxillary second molars of all the rats and inoculated P. gingivalis to the gingiva every other day from day 1 to day 13. The rats were sacrificed on days 3, 7, and 14 for micro-CT and histological analyses. The in-vitro results manifested that the quantity of P. gingivalis that had infected HGECs increased with the ZA concentrations. Pro-inflammatory cytokines expression by HGECs were significantly increased by 100 μM ZA. In the in-vivo study, compared to the control group, more P. gingivalis was detected in the superficial layer of gingival epithelium in the ZA group. Besides, ZA significantly increased the expression level of IL-1β on day 14 and IL-6 on days 7 and 14 in gingival tissues. These findings suggest that the oral epithelial tissues of patients who receive high-dose ZA treatment may be more susceptible to periodontal infections, resulting in severe inflammatory conditions.

Comparison of simvastatin 1.2% gel and alendronate 1% gel in chronic periodontitis as local drug delivery: A randomized clinical trial

Introduction

Simvastatin (SMV) is used for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Long-term systemic administration of SMV has been shown to result in increased bone mineral density. Alendronate (ALN) is known to inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption and has osteostimulative properties.

Aim

To compare percentile changes in gain in clinical attachment level and reduction of pocket depth, and to radiographically evaluate osseous defect fill with subgingival local drug delivery of 1.2% SMV gel and 1% ALN gel.

Materials and Methods

A split-mouth study was conducted with 40 infrabony defects from 20 patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis. The sites were assigned as test site 1 (SMV gel) or test site 2 (ALN gel). After phase I therapy, a single application of SMV gel or ALN gel was done into periodontal pockets. Clinical periodontal parameters and percentage of bone fill were evaluated at baseline, 3 and 6 months.

Results

There was a statistically significant reduction in pocket depth, plaque index, and bleeding index scores, gain in Clinical attachment level (CAL) and bone defect fill from baseline to 6 months at both sites. On comparison between the groups, test site 2 showed significant improvement in clinical attachment level than in test site 1 at 6-month follow-up. Test site 2 showed more percentage bone fill than test site 1.

Conclusion

Usage of both SMV and ALN gels in periodontal intra bony defects can lead to significant improvements in clinical and radiographic parameters; however, ALN showed better osseous defect fill.

Effects of periodontal and bisphosphonate treatment on the gingival crevicular levels of sclerostin and dickkopf-1 in postmenopausal osteoporosis with and without periodontitis

OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND

Both periodontitis and osteoporosis are associated with osteoclast-related bone resorption. Bone metabolism is regulated by wingless-type MMTV integration site family (WNT), and WNT/β-catenin signals are controlled by physiological antagonists including dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) and sclerostin (SOST). This study examined the effects of periodontal and bisphosphonate (BP) treatment on the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) sclerostin (SOST) and dickkopf-related protein-1 (DKK-1) levels in osteoporotic and systemically healthy postmenopausal women with and without periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 48 postmenopausal women were divided into 4 groups (n = 12) according to periodontal health and osteoporosis status, as follows: Group OP/P: subjects with both osteoporosis and periodontitis; Group P: systemically healthy subjects with periodontitis; Group OP: periodontally healthy subjects with osteoporosis; Group H: systemically and periodontally healthy controls. Clinical data and GCF SOST and DKK-1 levels of the participants were collected at baseline and at 6 and 12 months following the initiation of periodontal and/or BP treatment in the experimental groups. GCF SOST and DKK-1 data were obtained by ELISA.

RESULTS

Clinical improvements were observed in all experimental groups. GCF SOST and DKK1 baseline levels varied significantly between groups due to periodontal disease (p < .001). Following treatment, significant increases in SOST and DKK-1 concentrations and significant decreases in total amounts of SOST were observed in both periodontitis groups (OP/P, P). However, while total amounts of DKK-1 decreased in Group OP/P, in Group P, these amounts had significantly increased at 12 months post-treatment (p < .05). At both 6 and 12 months post-treatment, SOST and DDK1 total amounts in Groups OP/P, OP, and H were similar (p > .05), whereas significant differences were observed between Groups H and P, indicating a deviation from periodontal health in Group P (p < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant changes in GCF SOST and DKK-1 levels were observed among women with osteoporosis who received both periodontal and BP treatment. A more detailed examination of how these treatment protocols can be combined may lead to new therapeutic approaches towards periodontal disease.

Added effect of 1% topical alendronate in intra-bony and inter-radicular defects as part of step II periodontal therapy: a systematic review with meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis

Background

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the role of alendronate combined with step 2 of periodontal therapy in reducing probing pocket depth, improving clinical attachment level, and reducing bone defect depth in intra-bony and inter-radicular defects.

Methods

RCTs with more than 6 months follow-up were included in this study. Risk of bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane collaboration tool. In addition, meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis were used to aggregate the available evidence.

Results

Seven studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Topical application of alendronate during second step of periodontal therapy significantly improved PD and CAL.

Conclusion

Local application of alendronate may confer a beneficial effect when applied during step II of periodontal therapy even if long term studies are needed to confirm these results.

Clinical relevance

Considering the emerging role of host-inflammatory response in treatment of periodontitis and the antiresorptive and osteostimulative properties of bisphosphonates, several studies are focusing on the role of alendronate as an addition to non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-022-02044-1.

Adjuvant therapy with 1% alendronate gel for experimental periodontitis treatment in rats

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of locally delivered 1% alendronate (ALN) gel used as an adjunct to non-invasive periodontal therapy.

Methods

Ligature-induced periodontitis was performed in 96 rats. The ligature was tied in the cervical area of the mandibular left first molar. The animals were randomly divided into 4 groups: 1) NT, no treatment; 2) SRP, scaling and root planning; 3) SRP/PLA, SRP followed by filling the periodontal pocket with placebo gel (PLA); and 4) SRP/ALN, SRP followed by filling the periodontal pockets with 1% ALN gel. Histomorphometric (percentage of bone in the furcation region [PBF]) and immunohistochemical (receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand, osteoprotegerin, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase) analyses were performed. Data were statistically analyzed, with the threshold of statistical significance set at P≤0.05.

Results

The SRP, SRP/PLA, and SRP/ALN groups presented a higher PBF than the NT group (P≤0.01) at 7, 15, and 30 days. The SRP/ALN group presented a higher PBF than the SRP/PLA group in all experimental periods, as well as a higher PBF than the SRP group at 15 and 30 days. No differences were observed in the immunohistochemical analyses (P>0.05 for all).

Conclusions

Locally delivered 1% ALN gel used as an adjunct to SRP enhanced bone regeneration in the furcation region in a rat model of experimental periodontitis.

Unusual Findings in Trials Evaluating Adjuncts to Scaling and Root Planing: Meta-analysis (Part 1)

BACKGROUND

A number of studies in patients with periodontitis have compared scaling and root planning (SRP) combined with an adjunctive treatment to SRP alone. Within that literature, an array of studies with overlapping investigators has consistently yielded substantially greater effects of adjunctive treatments than had been previously noted. This report investigates discrepancies between that cluster of research and the most recent American Dental Association (ADA) systematic review.

METHODS

This review was preregistered at https://osf.io/4meyd/. A search using the Scopus platform identified 32 articles published from 2010 to 2017 by investigators affiliated with the Government Dental College and Research Institute (GDCRI) in Bangalore, India. The primary outcome used in this meta-analysis was the change in clinical attachment level (CAL) after 6 mo. Effect sizes were estimated using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software after categorizing agents into groups based on pharmacologic similarity.

RESULTS

The search identified 32 studies encompassing 5 sets of adjunctive agents. Across the GDCRI studies, the CAL averaged 1.67 mm (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.43-1.91 mm), substantially exceeding values reported in the ADA review (mean: 0.39 mm, 95% CI: 0.27-0.51 mm). For categories of studies in which comparable subgroup estimates were available, the evaluations yielded overlapping estimates of SRP alone, but CAL estimates were discrepant for both locally delivered antimicrobials (GDCRI studies: mean: 1.45 mm, 95% CI: 0.63-2.27 mm; ADA review: mean: 0.38 mm, 95% CI: 0.16 -0.60 mm) and systemic antibiotics (GDCRI studies: mean: 1.35 mm, 95% CI: 0.97-1.73 mm; ADA review: mean: 0.39 mm, 95% CI: 0.21-0.57 mm).

CONCLUSION

In the literature on adjunctive agents supplementing SRP, findings from investigators linked to GDCRI stand out as having significantly more favorable estimated effects. Meanwhile, some agents studied by GDCRI-linked investigators have not been investigated by other researchers. In the absence of a clear explanation for discrepant results, it is recommended that unusually favorable reported effects of adjunctive agents be viewed with caution.

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER STATEMENT

The present meta-analysis observed an unusually large effect size of adjunctive agents to scaling and root planning in studies conducted by the same research group. These results were not consistent with trials on adjunctive agents and previous reports. As this research group has exclusively tested most of the agents, their results must be viewed with caution until other independent groups replicate the studies and reproduce the effect size.

EFFECT OF LOCALLY DELIVERED BISPHOSPHONATES ON ALVEOLAR BONE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of locally applied bisphosphonate drugs on alveolar bone defects caused by periodontitis and marginal bone level after placement of dental implants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus) were searched from January 2010 until May 2020 for randomized controlled clinical trials reporting the effect of locally delivered bisphosphonates on alveolar bone. The risk of bias was assessed and quantitative synthesis was conducted with both fixed and random-effects meta-analyses by using RevMan version 5.3. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed whenever required.

RESULTS

Among the included studies, the effect of locally delivered bisphosphonates on alveolar bone regeneration in periodontitis was measured by 15 studies and on marginal bone level after installation of dental implants by three studies. Bisphosphonates showed significantly higher intrabony defect depth reduction than placebo/control in vertical bone defects treated with non-surgical approach (MD = 1.69mm; 95% CI, 1.32-2.05; P < 0.00001; I²=93%) or surgical approach (MD = 0.70mm; 95% CI, 0.23-1.16; P = 0.003; I² = 78%) and in class II furcation defects treated with non-surgical approach (MD = 1.61mm; 95% CI, 1.15-2.07; P < 0.00001; I² = 99%) or surgical approach (MD = 0.24mm; 95% CI, 0.05-0.42; P = 0.01; I² = 62%). Clinical attachment loss increased by 1.39mm (95% CI, 0.92-1.85; P < 0.01; I²=93%) and 1mm (95% CI, 0.75-1.26; P < 0.001; I² = 0%) in vertical bone defects after non-surgical and surgical treatments, respectively, and by 1.95mm (95% CI, 1.37-2.53; P < 0.00001; I² = 96%) and 0.84mm (95% CI, 0.58-1.10; P < 0.01, I² = 47%) after non-surgical and surgical treatment in class II furcation defects, respectively. Lesser marginal bone loss during pre-loading (MD = -0.18 mm; 95% CI, -0.24- -0.12; P<0.00001; I²=0%) and 1-year post-loading (MD = -0.33 mm; 95% CI, -0.59-0.07; P = 0.01; I² = 0%) periods was observed when bisphosphonate coated dental implants were used.

CONCLUSION

Locally delivered bisphosphonates induce bone regeneration in periodontal defects and decrease the rate of marginal bone loss after dental implant therapy.

The adjunctive use of host modulators in non-surgical periodontal therapy. A systematic review of randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies

BACKGROUND

Considering the role of the inflammatory host response in the pathogenesis of periodontitis, different host modulators have been proposed to enhance the outcomes of non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT), but their efficacy has not been fully clarified.

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review investigated the efficacy of host modulators combined with NSPT in reducing probing pocket depth (PPD) in periodontitis patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Placebo-controlled RCTs with ≥6 months follow-up were searched. Meta-analysis was conducted when ≥5 studies using the same host modulator were identified.

RESULTS

Fifty eight studies met the inclusion criteria. After 6 months, local administration of 1.2% statin gels as adjuncts to NSPT significantly improved PPD reduction (1.83 mm) in infrabony defects and systemic administration of sub-antimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD) in addition to NSPT improved PPD reduction of deep pockets. Administration of probiotics conferred limited clinical benefits. Local bisphosphonate and metformin gels showed potential for clinical use in infrabony defects, which needs to be confirmed.

CONCLUSIONS

Local delivery of statins in infrabony defects and systemic SDD for deep pockets may confer additional clinical benefits to NSPT. Their long-term effectiveness and safety need to be confirmed in independent multi-centred studies. Further studies are needed to confirm the benefit of other host modulators.

Ibandronate Reduces the Surface Bone Resorption of Mandibular Bone Grafts: A Randomized Trial With Internal Controls

Autologous bone grafts are considered the gold standard for reconstruction of the edentulous alveolar ridges. However, this procedure is associated with unpredictable bone loss caused by physiological bone resorption. Bisphosphonates are antiresorptive drugs that act specifically on osteoclasts, thereby maintaining bone density, volume, and strength. It was hypothesized that the resorption of bone grafts treated with an ibandronate solution would be less advanced than bone grafts treated with saline. Ten patients who underwent bilateral sagittal split osteotomy were included in a randomized double‐blind trial with internal controls. Each patient received a bone graft treated with a solution of ibandronate on one side and a graft treated with saline (controls) contralaterally. Radiographs for the measurement of bone volume were obtained at 2 weeks and at 6 months after surgery. The primary endpoint was the difference in the change of bone volume between the control and the ibandronate bone grafts 6 months after surgery. All of the bone grafts healed without complications. One patient was excluded because of reoperation. In eight of the nine patients, the ibandronate bone grafts showed an increase in bone volume compared with baseline, with an average gain of 126 mm³ (40% more than baseline) with a range of +27 to +218 mm³. Only one ibandronate‐treated graft had a decrease in bone volume (8%). In the controls, an average bone volume loss of −146 mm³ (58% of baseline) with a range of −29 to −301 mm³ was seen. In the maxillofacial field, the reconstructions of atrophic alveolar ridges, especially in the esthetical zones, are challenging. These results show that bone grafts locally treated with ibandronate solution increases the remaining bone volume. This might lead to new possibilities for the maxillofacial surgeons in the preservation of bone graft volumes and for dental implant installations. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Effect of adjuvant bisphosphonates on treatment of periodontitis: Systematic review with meta-analyses

Background

Previous systematic reviews showed additional benefit of adjuvant bisphosphonates (BP) in the treatment of periodontitis. In contrast, it is unclear the effect of BP in patients with diabetes and smokers, its pooled effect when administered locally or systemically is also unknown.

Objectives

This study aimed to systematically review the literature about the use of BP as adjuvant to nonsurgical scaling and root planning (SRP).

Methodology

This study followed the PRISMA guideline. This study included randomized clinical trials that administered locally or systemically BPs as adjuvant for periodontal treatment. Five databases were used. Meta-analyses were performed, using the pooled mean differences (MD) for clinical attachment level (CAL) and probing pocket depth (PPD). Standard mean difference (SMD) was used for radiographic assessment (RADIO). Subgroup analyses were performed for locally delivered meta-analyses, considering diabetes and smoking exposure.

Results

Thirteen studies were included. It was showed MD of 1.52 ​mm (95%CI: 0.97-2.07) and 1.44 ​mm (95%CI: 1.08-1.79) for PPD reduction and CAL gain, respectively, for locally delivered BP. BP was not able to provide significant improvements in smokers (subgroup analysis) when considering CAL (MD: 1.37; 95%CI: -0.17-2.91) and PPD (MD: 1.35; 95%CI: -0.13-2.83). Locally delivered BP also improved significantly the RADIO assessments (SMD: 4.34; 95%CI: 2.94-5.74). MD for systemically administered BP was 0.40 ​mm (95%CI: 0.21-0.60), 0.51 ​mm (95%CI: 0.19-0.83) and 1.05 (95%CI: 0.80-1.31) for PPD, CAL and RADIO, respectively.

Conclusion

The administration of BP in adjunct to SRP may result in additional clinical effects.

Bisphosphonates, Old Friends of Bones and New Trends in Clinics

Bisphosphonates, used for a long time in osteoporosis management, are currently the target of intensive research, from pre-formulation studies to more advanced stages of clinical practice. This review presents an overview of the contributions of this family of compounds to human health, starting with the chemistry and clinical uses of bisphosphonates. Following this, their pharmacology is described, highlighting administration-borne handicaps and undesirable effects. The last three sections of the review describe the research efforts that seek to curb delivery-related issues and expand bisphosphonate use. Innovative routes and strategies of administration, such as nano-encapsulation for oral intake or injectable cements for local or in-bone delivery are presented, as well as the latest results of case studies or preclinical studies proposing new therapeutic indications for the clinically approved bisphosphonates. Finally, a selection of anti-infectious bisphosphonate new drug candidates is shown, with focus on the molecules reported in the last two decades.

Bisphosphonates as Supplement to Dental Treatment: A Network Meta-Analysis

The objective of this study was to assess clinical measurements related to the effectiveness of bisphosphonate (BP) administration as a supplement to conventional dental treatment in patients free of bone-related diseases using a network meta-analysis. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included that provided dental clinical measurements on human patients treated with BPs with or without similar untreated controls or treated with placebo. Information sources included a systematic search of 17 electronic databases up to August 2020, complemented by manual searches. Risk of bias assessment was performed with the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0). Extracted measurements were pooled according to time of evaluation. The random-effects model by DerSimonian and Laird was used to calculate mean differences (MDs) and the respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Seven RCTs were included in the network meta-analysis, assessing 391 subjects reporting on periodontal treatment effects after 2 to 12 mo of BP administration. BP treatment was associated with significant improvement of most clinical measurements, compared with BP-naive controls. According to the network ranking, alendronate was more efficient in improvement of probing depth and clinical attachment gain when compared to zoledronate or alendronate/risedronate. Similarly, the local application of alendronate as a gel was more effective than the oral administration. A long-term analysis of the pharmaceutical effects was not possible due to insufficient data. The current review, performed according to existing guidelines, included only RCTs and, through appropriate statistical analyses, provided precise estimates for most assessed outcomes. However, no adverse effects or long-term treatment results were analyzed due to inadequate pertinent data. BP administration seems to be beneficial in the short term for the treatment of periodontal diseases, mainly through controlling periodontal inflammation.

Local delivery therapies as adjuvants to non-surgical periodontal treatment of periodontitis grade C: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this article was to perform a systematic review on the effectiveness of local adjuvant therapies in the treatment of aggressive periodontitis (AgP), now reported as periodontitis grade C.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors selected randomized clinical trials of AgP patients who received local therapy as adjuvants to non-surgical periodontal with a duration of at least 90 days. Seven databases were searched up to January 2020. The gain in clinical attachment level (CAL) and reduction of probing depth (PD) were the outcomes of interest.

RESULTS

Of the 3583 studies found, only five articles were included in the qualitative analysis. Among the substances analyzed, only 1.2 mg of simvastatin gel (SMV) (1.2 mg/0.1 ml), 1% of alendronate gel (ALN) (10 mg/ml), and 25% metronidazole gel (MTZ) (Elyzol^@) showed a significant decrease in the probing depth when compared with their respective control groups. The gain CAL was shown using 1.2 mg SMV gel (1.2 mg/0.1 ml) and 1% ALN gel (10 mg/ml).

CONCLUSION

Although 1.2 mg SMV gel (1.2 mg/0.1 ml), 1% ALN gel (10 mg/ml), and 25% MTZ gel (Elyzol) have shown better results, local therapies adjuvant to SRP the data found were limited. Future clinical studies with appreciable methodological quality should be conducted.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Despite some benefits of local delivery therapy, up to now, it has not been possible to prove the efficacy of local therapy as an adjunct to standard treatment of AgP (periodontitis grade C).

Topical sodium alendronate combined or not with photodynamic therapy as an adjunct to scaling and root planing: Histochemical and immunohistochemical study in rats

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate influence of topical sodium alendronate (ALN), photodynamic therapy (aPDT), or a combination thereof as adjuvant to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of experimental periodontitis in rats.

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic protocols to control periodontitis progression that aim to equalize bacterial action and load with tissue immune response are well addressed in current scientific research.

METHODS

Experimental periodontitis was induced in 96 rats with a ligature around the mandibular left first molar. After 7 days, ligature was removed and animals were treated according to the following experimental groups (n = 8): control-SRP plus saline solution; ALN-SRP plus ALN; aPDT-SRP plus methylene blue irrigation, followed by low-level laser therapy (LLLT); and ALN/aPDT-SRP plus ALN and methylene blue irrigation followed by LLLT. The animals were euthanized at 7, 15, and 30 days after treatments. Collagen maturation (picrosirius red staining) and immunohistochemical analyses (TRAP, RANKL and osteoprotegerin [OPG]) were performed. Data were submitted to statistical analysis (P < .05).

RESULTS

At 7 days, group ALN presented a significantly higher number of TRAP-positive cells and percentage of immature collagen fibers than group ALN/aPDT, while group ALN/aPDT presented a significantly higher percentage of mature collagen fibers than group ALN. At 30 days, group ALN presented significantly lower percentage of immature collagen fibers and higher percentage of mature collagen fibers than control.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that topical use of ALN coadjutant to SRP, alone or combined with aPDT, enhanced collagen maturation and reduced osteoclastogenesis during the healing of experimental periodontitis.

Customized Therapeutic Surface Coatings for Dental Implants

Dental implants are frequently used to support fixed or removable dental prostheses to replace missing teeth. The clinical success of titanium dental implants is owed to the exceptional biocompatibility and osseointegration with the bone. Therefore, the enhanced therapeutic effectiveness of dental implants had always been preferred. Several concepts for implant coating and local drug delivery had been developed during the last decades. A drug is generally released by diffusion-controlled, solvent-controlled, and chemical controlled methods. Although a range of surface modifications and coatings (antimicrobial, bioactive, therapeutic drugs) have been explored for dental implants, it is still a long way from designing sophisticated therapeutic implant surfaces to achieve the specific needs of dental patients. The present article reviews various interdisciplinary aspects of surface coatings on dental implants from the perspectives of biomaterials, coatings, drug release, and related therapeutic effects. Additionally, the various types of implant coatings, localized drug release from coatings, and how released agents influence the bone–implant surface interface characteristics are discussed. This paper also highlights several strategies for local drug delivery and their limitations in dental implant coatings as some of these concepts are yet to be applied in clinical settings due to the specific requirements of individual patients.

Effects of systematic bisphosphonate use in patients under orthodontic treatment: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Bisphosphonates are a class of drugs prescribed for several osseous related disorders owing to their ability to regulate bone turnover, which could in turn affect orthodontic treatment outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effect of bisphosphonate (BP) use on orthodontic patients through clinical and radiographic measurements.

SEARCH METHODS

Systematic and unrestricted search of 17 databases complemented with additional hand-searches were performed up to March 2019.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Articles reporting on human patients with a history of BPs administration that received orthodontic treatment were eligible for inclusion.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data regarding the medical profile of the patients, the specific type of malocclusion and the performed treatment plan, as well as the clinical and radiographic outcomes were extracted. Quality assessment was performed by the ROBINS-I tool for the cohort studies and by a slightly modified checklist from the original one proposed by Agbabiaka et al. for the case reports.

RESULTS

7 articles (1 retrospective cohort study and 6 case reports) were eventually included in the present review including 122 subjects (29 patients and 93 controls) reporting on the clinical and radiographic changes following orthodontic treatment of patients during or after BPs use. BPs seem to have a controversial effect on the clinical and patient-reported variables, even though the majority of the included patients presented with compromised treatment results and a rather slow rate of tooth movement. Most radiographic findings revealed mild root resorption, widened periodontal ligament spaces and sclerotic changes on the surrounding alveolar bone. However, these results should be interpreted with caution, due to the limited number of the eligible articles and their limitations.

LIMITATIONS

The included studies were of rather low quality due to study design and incomplete reporting.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

BP administration seems to be associated with compromised clinical outcomes, prolonged treatment time, and moderate changes on the roots and surrounding tissues of orthodontic patients.

REGISTRATION

Non-registered.

FUNDING

None.

Annual alveolar bone loss in older adults taking oral bisphosphonate: a retrospective cohort study

Background

Although several studies assessed the effect of bisphosphonate (BIS) administration on alveolar bone loss, this relationship has not been fully investigated using longitudinal analysis. The aim of the this article is to predict annual alveolar bone loss in a subpopulation of older adults patients who were taking oral bisphosphonate (BIS), adjusting for systemic diseases and associated risk factors.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study. We identified all subjects who reported receiving oral bisphosphonate from 2008 to 2015 (N = 30) using the electronic health records of each patient to identify suitable radiographs for analysis. For the longitudinal data analysis, 26 subjects were eligible for inclusion, having at least two exposures of the complete mouth set or repeated bitewing radiographs at least a one-year interval; they were then matched on age and sex to another 26 patients who did not report receiving bisphosphonate at any point of their life.

Results

Mild periodontitis was higher in the BIS group compared to the no BIS group; however, moderate periodontitis was higher in the no BIS group. For those who did not take oral BIS, change over time was not significant after the two-year period. However, the BIS group had experienced 0.088 mm more bone loss compared to the no BIS group (95% CI: 0.001, 0.176. P-value = 0.048), adjusting for all other variables included in the model.

Conclusion

The group that reported receiving oral bisphosphonates showed no improvement in maintaining alveolar bone level, and the use of oral BIS may not be effective in reducing annual alveolar bone loss; however, emerging evidence is promising for the use of bisphosphonate as an adjunctive local delivery medication for the management of periodontal diseases.

Synergistic Application of Platelet-Rich Fibrin and 1% Alendronate in Periodontal Bone Regeneration: A Meta-Analysis

Periodontal bone regeneration relies on coupled and cooperative bone formation and resorption. Accordingly a novel strategy on concurrent use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) (anabolic agent) and 1% alendronate (ALN) (anticatabolic agent) was proposed recently in regenerative periodontal treatment. It was supposed to enhance bone formation and reduce bone resorption simultaneously. However, there is a lack of evidence-based studies to answer whether this concurrent application was superior to single application until now. Besides, concerns on ALN lead to some reservation on this synergistic way. ALN may impair new bone formation and necrotize jaws. Thus, in order to compare the clinical efficacy between PRF plus 1%ALN and PRF alone on periodontal bone regeneration, we performed present systematic review and meta-analysis. Because it is the prerequisite for measuring the combined efficacy of PRF plus 1%ALN, firstly we evaluated the effectiveness of 1%ALN. Our data indicated that adjunctive 1%ALN was effective in promoting periodontal bone repair. Further, PRF plus 1%ALN showed a greater capacity for periodontal regeneration than PRF alone with statistical significance. The findings of this study revealed the promising prospects on synergistic application of bone anabolic agents (PRF) and antiresorption medications (1%ALN) in regenerative periodontal treatment.

Effects of topical application of 1% sodium alendronate gel in the surgical treatment of periodontal intrabony defects: A 6-month randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Sodium alendronate (ALN) is an aminobisphosphonate and potent inhibitor of bone resorption. It has been suggested that ALN might be a promising carrier of biomolecules for periodontal bone repair. The aim of this randomized split-mouth clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of the topical application of 1% ALN gel in intrabony defects during the surgical treatment of patients with periodontitis.

METHODS

Sixty-four intrabony defects from 32 patients with periodontitis were randomly treated with either 1% ALN gel or placebo gel during periodontal surgeries. Full-mouth periodontal examination was performed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after surgical treatment. Clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded as the clinical outcomes. Bone defects were evaluated by digital subtraction radiography (DSR) at baseline and 6 months post-treatment. Analyses were performed through Fisher, Kruskal-Wallis, and ANOVA tests and a generalized estimation equations method.

RESULTS

Both ALN and placebo groups showed significant improvements in BOP, PD, and CAL after periodontal surgical procedures (P < 0.001). Intergroup analysis showed significantly better outcomes in the ALN group with higher PD reduction and clinical attachment gain. DSR showed positive effects on periodontal bone repair strongly associated in the ALN group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Topical application of 1% ALN may be a promising and beneficial adjuvant for the treatment of intrabony defects during surgical periodontal therapy.

One percent alendronate and aloe vera gel local host modulating agents in chronic periodontitis patients with class II furcation defects: A randomized, controlled clinical trial

AIM

Alendronate (ALN) has antiresorptive and osteostimulative properties. The major component of aloe vera (AV) gel is acemannan, which has been found to have osteogenic properties. The aim of the present study is to explore the effectiveness of 1% ALN and AV gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in chronic periodontitis patients with class II furcation defects.

METHODS

Ninety volunteers were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: (a) SRP plus placebo gel; (b) SRP plus 1% ALN gel; and (c) SRP plus AV gel. Clinical and radiographic parameters were recorded at baseline and at 6 and 12 months.

RESULTS

The mean probing depth reduction and relative horizontal clinical attachment level (CAL) and relative vertical CAL gains were greater in the ALN group than in the AV and placebo groups at 6 and 12 months. Furthermore, a significantly greater mean percentage of defect depth reduction (DDR) was found in the ALN group (38.09 ± 9.53, 44.86 ± 6.29) than the AV groups (11.94 ± 15.10, 14.59 ± 25.49) at 6 and 12 months, respectively.

CONCLUSION

ALN showed significant improvement in all clinical parameters, along with greater DDR, compared to AV in the treatment of class II furcation defects as an adjunct to SRP.

A randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of zoledronate gel as a local drug delivery system in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: A clinical and radiological correlation

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of local drug delivery system of zoledronate (ZLN) gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) for the treatment of human periodontal intrabony defects clinically and radiographically.

Materials and Methods

Forty intrabony defects (three walled and combined defects without involving furcation) in moderate to severely affected forty chronic periodontitis patients (range, 30-50 years) were randomly divided into two groups and treated either with 0.05% ZLN gel (ZLN n = 20; 1 dropout) or placebo gel (control group [CG] n = 20) after SRP. Clinical parameters such as plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), tooth-specific pocket probing depth (T_s PPD), and clinical attachment levels (TsCAL) were assessed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months using occlusal acrylic stent. Radiographic parameters were assessed at baseline and 6 months, utilizing "ONIS 2.5 PROFESSIONAL" and "SYNGO" software compatible with DentaScan to measure the volumetric bone changes in intrabony defects.

Results

In intragroup comparisons, both groups showed significant PI and GI reduction (P < 0.001) after treatment at 3 and 6 months. In intergroup comparisons, T_s PPD reduction and T_s CAL gain were significant only in ZLN at 6 months from both baseline and 3 months. Radiographically, significant reduction in defect depth and buccolingual width with volumetric defect gain of 40.24% ± 7.44% in ZLN compared to insignificant gain of 1.60% ± 4.06% in CG was observed at 6 months.

Conclusion

ZLN gel applied subgingivally in intrabony defects resulted in significant improvements both clinically and radiographically.

Bisphosphonate releasing dental implant surface coatings and osseointegration: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are a class of drugs that are used to treat osteoporosis. It has been suggested that BP coatings on dental implants have a positive effect on new bone formation. The purpose of this review is to analyse the currently available data concerning the clinical and experimental efficacy of BP-releasing titanium implants such that their potential in clinical oral implant dentistry may be ascertained.

METHODS

Based on a literature review, a focused research question was constructed: what is the effect of a BP-releasing coating on the osseointegration of titanium dental implant? The databases of PubMED/MEDLINE; ISI Web of Knowledge; Embase and Google Scholar were searched electronically using the keywords 'dental implant'; 'bisphosphonate' and 'titanium.' The quality; general characteristics and outcomes of each study were summarized and analysed systematically.

RESULTS

A total of eleven articles fulfilled the criteria to be included in this review. Eight studies were experimental; two studies were clinical; and one study was experimental and clinical. In nine studies (82%), BP-coated implants resulted in higher osseointegration, as indicated by higher resonance frequency values, removal torque, bone-implant contact and new bone formation. In two studies (18%), there was no difference between the osseointegration of BP-coated implants and controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Bisphosphonates-loaded implants may have a positive effect on osseointegration. However, more well-designed clinical studies are required to demonstrate their osseoconductive effects.

Role of 1% alendronate gel as adjunct to mechanical therapy in the treatment of chronic periodontitis among smokers

Objective

Alendronate (ALN) inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption and triggers osteostimulative properties both in vivo and in vitro, as shown by increase in matrix formation. This study aimed to explore the efficacy of 1% ALN gel as local drug delivery (LDD) in adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) for the treatment of chronic periodontitis among smokers.

Material and Methods

75 intrabony defects were treated in 46 male smokers either with 1% ALN gel or placebo gel. ALN gel was prepared by adding ALN into carbopol-distilled water mixture. Clinical parameters [modified sulcus bleeding index, plaque index, probing depth (PD), and periodontal attachment level (PAL)] were recorded at baseline, at 2 months, and at 6 months, while radiographic parameters were recorded at baseline and at 6 months. Defect fill at baseline and at 6 months was calculated on standardized radiographs by using the image analysis software.

Results

Mean PD reduction and mean PAL gain were found to be greater in the ALN group than in the placebo group, both at 2 and 6 months. Furthermore, a significantly greater mean percentage of bone fill was found in the ALN group (41.05±11.40%) compared to the placebo group (2.5±0.93%).

Conclusions

The results of this study showed 1% ALN stimulated a significant increase in PD reduction, PAL gain, and an improved bone fill compared to placebo gel in chronic periodontitis among smokers. Thus, 1% ALN, along with SRP, is effective in the treatment of chronic periodontitis in smokers.

Effect of 1% sodium alendronate in the non-surgical treatment of periodontal intraosseous defects: a 6-month clinical trial

Background and objectives

Few studies have evaluated the effect of the topical application of sodium alendronate (ALN) on the treatment of intrabuccal bone defects, especially those caused by periodontitis. This 6-month randomized placebo controlled clinical trial aimed at evaluating the effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment associated with the use of 1% ALN, through clinical evaluations and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Material and Methods

Twenty individuals with chronic periodontitis underwent periodontal examination at the baseline as well as 3 and 6 months after periodontal treatment, registering clinical attachment level (CAL), periodontal probing depth (PPD), and bleeding on probing (BOP) as the clinical outcomes. After manual scaling and root planing, 40 bilateral sites with interproximal vertical bone defects were randomly treated with either 1% ALN gel or a placebo. Bone defects were evaluated through CBCT at the baseline and 6 months post-treatment. The clinical and CBCT parameters were compared using the Wilcoxon and Friedman tests (p<0.05).

Results

Although ALN produced a greater CAL gain when compared to the placebo at 6 months post-treatment (p=0.021), both treatments produced similar effects on the PPD, BOP, and bone height. Significant differences in bone fill were observed only in patients of the ALN group (4.5 to 3.8 mm; p=0.003) at 6 months post-treatment.

Conclusions

Topical application of 1% ALN might be a beneficial adjuvant to non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Effect of bisphosphonates on root resorption after tooth replantation - a systematic review

BACKGROUND/AIM

Replantation of avulsed teeth may lead to root resorption. Bisphosphonates (BPs), a class of drugs of used to treat resorptive diseases of the bone such as osteoporosis and Paget's disease, have been observed to exert an antiresorptive effect on periodontal bone as well. The antiresorptive properties of BPs could prove them useful in preventing root resorption of replanted avulsed teeth. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze and summarize the currently available literature concerning the use of BPs in preventing root resorption of avulsed teeth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, ISI Web of Knowledge, and Embase databases were searched using keywords 'bisphosphonate', 'replantation', and 'tooth'. Quality assessment of each study was carried out. In addition, general characteristics and outcomes of each study were summarized.

RESULTS

After exclusion of 116 irrelevant articles, 10 animal studies were included in this review. The majority of the studies suggest that surface application of zoledronate or alendronate reduces root resorption of replanted teeth in animal models. Surface treatment with etidronate had no significant effect on root resorption, and intracanal etidronate accelerated resorption.

CONCLUSION

Surface application of zoledronate and alendronate reduces root resorption of replanted teeth in animal models. However, the efficacy of intracanal usage of BPs is still debatable.

Effectiveness of alendronate as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of periodontitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials

Purpose

Alendronate has been proposed as a local and systemic drug treatment used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) for the treatment of periodontitis. However, its effectiveness has yet to be conclusively established. The purpose of the present meta-analysis was to assess the effectiveness of SRP with alendronate on periodontitis compared to SRP alone.

Methods

Five electronic databases were used by 2 independent reviewers to identify relevant articles from the earliest records up to September 2016. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing SRP with alendronate to SRP with placebo in the treatment of periodontitis were included. The outcome measures were changes in bone defect fill, probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) from baseline to 6 months. A fixed-effect or random-effect model was used to pool the extracted data, as appropriate. Mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane χ² and I² tests.

Results

After the selection process, 8 articles were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with SRP alone, the adjunctive mean benefits of locally delivered alendronate were 38.25% for bone defect fill increase (95% CI=33.05–43.45; P<0.001; I²=94.0%), 2.29 mm for PD reduction (95% CI=2.07–2.52 mm; P<0.001; I²=0.0%) and 1.92 mm for CAL gain (95% CI=1.55–2.30 mm; P<0.001; I²=66.0%). In addition, systemically administered alendronate with SRP significantly reduced PD by 0.36 mm (95% CI=0.18–0.55 mm; P<0.001; I²=0.0%) and increased CAL by 0.39 mm (95% CI=0.11–0.68 mm; P=0.006; I²=6.0%).

Conclusions

The collective evidence regarding the adjunctive use of alendronate locally and systemically with SRP indicates that the combined treatment can improve the efficacy of non-surgical periodontal therapy on increasing CAL and bone defect fill and reducing PD. However, precautions must be exercised in interpreting these results, and multicenter studies evaluating this specific application should be carried out.

Efficacy of bisphosphonate as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal therapy in the management of periodontal disease: a systematic review

AIMS

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of bisphosphonate therapy as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the management of periodontitis.

METHODS

Databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register databases) were searched up to and including July 2016. The primary outcome was probing depth (PD), and the secondary outcomes were changes in clinical attachment level (CAL) and bone defect (BD) fill. The mean differences (MD) of outcomes and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for each variable were calculated using random effect model.

RESULTS

Eight clinical studies were included. Seven studies used alendronate as an adjunct to SRP; of these, four studies used topical application and three used oral alendronate. Considering the effects of adjunctive bisphosphonates as compared to SRP alone, a high degree of heterogeneity for PD (Q value = 39.6, P < 0.0001, I²  = 87.38%), CAL (Q value = 13.65, P = 0.008, I²  = 70.71%), and BD fill (Q value = 53.26, P < 0.0001, I²  = 92.49%) was noticed among both the groups. Meta-analysis showed a statistically significant PD reduction (MD = -1.18, 95% CI = -1.91 to -0.44, P = 0.002), CAL gain (MD = -0.69, 95% CI = -1.20 to -0.18, P = 0.008) and BD fill (MD = -2.36, 95% CI = -3.64 to -1.08, P < 0.001) for SRP + bisphosphonate treatment vs. SRP alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjunctive bisphosphonate therapy appears to be effective in managing periodontitis, however, due to the potential risk of osteonecrosis of the jaws and short-term follow-up of the studies, their clinical application is debatable.

Mandibular Degree II Furcation Defects Treatment With Platelet-Rich Fibrin and 1% Alendronate Gel Combination: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Different materials have been investigated for renewal of lost supporting periodontal structures and tested for furcation defect treatment. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a pool of growth-promoting factors and cytokines that promote bone regeneration and maturation of soft tissue. Alendronate (ALN), an influential member of the bisphosphonate group, is known to enhance osteoblastogenesis and inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption, thus promoting tissue regeneration. This randomized trial was done to assess effectiveness of PRF and 1% ALN gel combination in mandibular degree II furcation defect treatment in comparison with PRF and access therapy alone.

METHODS

Seventy-two mandibular molar furcation defects were treated with either access therapy alone (group 1), access therapy with PRF (group 2), or access therapy with PRF and 1% ALN (group 3). Plaque index, modified sulcus bleeding index, probing depth (PD), relative vertical attachment level (RVAL) and relative horizontal attachment level (RHAL), and intrabony defect depth were recorded at baseline and 9 months postoperatively. Radiographically, defect fill, assessed in percentage, was evaluated at baseline, before surgery, and 9 months post-therapy.

RESULTS

Group 3 showed greater PD reduction and RVAL and RHAL gain when compared with groups 1 and 2 postoperatively. Moreover, group 3 sites showed a significantly greater percentage of radiographic defect fill (56.01% ± 2.64%) when compared with group 2 (49.43% ± 3.70%) and group 1 (10.25% ± 3.66%) at 9 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Furcation defect treatment with autologous PRF combined with 1% ALN gel results in significant therapeutic outcomes when compared with PRF and access therapy alone. Combining ALN with PRF has potential for regeneration of furcation defects without any adverse effect on healing process.

Effect of Alendronate with β - TCP Bone Substitute in Surgical Therapy of Periodontal Intra-Osseous Defects: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION

Alendronate (ALN), an aminobisphosphonate, inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption and also stimulates osteogenesis. Beta-Tricalcium Phosphate (β-TCP) is an osteoconductive graft material which provides a scaffold for bone formation and also a widely used drug delivery vehicle for growth factors and antibiotics. Drug delivery vehicles, like β-TCP, improve the potency of the drugs by specific local site delivery of the drug, optimal release characteristics and easy handling.

AIM

The aim of the this study was to evaluate the bone formation potential of 400μg ALN delivered in β-TCP in the treatment of periodontal intra-osseous defects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty patients with periodontal defects were randomly assigned to 400μg ALN + β-TCP + Saline (test) group and β-TCP + Saline (active-control) group. Clinical parameters like Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) gain, Probing Depth (PD) reduction, post-operative Gingival Recession (GR) were assessed from the baseline, 3 months and 6 months recordings. Radiographic parameters like Linear Bone Growth (LBG), Percentage Bone Fill (%BF), and change in alveolar crest height (ACH) were assessed from baseline and 6 months radiographs.

RESULTS

Mean measurements in the ALN test group for CAL gain (3.4 ± 0.74 mm), PD reduction (4.33 ± 0.82 mm), LBG (2.88 ± 0.88 mm), and %BF (51.98 ± 15.84%) were significantly greater with a p-value <0.05 compared to the mean measurements of CAL gain (2.20 ± 0.86 mm), PD reduction (3.20 ± 1.15 mm), LBG (1.70 ± 0.39 mm), and %BF (30.35 ± 6.88%) of the control group. There was mild alveolar crestal apposition (0.32 ± 0.68 mm) in the ALN test group and mild alveolar crestal resorption (-0.24 ± 0.40 mm) in the control group.

CONCLUSION

400μg ALN combined with β-TCP bone graft material was effective in improving soft tissue parameters, inhibiting alveolar crestal resorption and enhancing bone formation, compared to β-TCP alone.

Investigating the Effects of Systemically Administered Strontium Ranelate on Alveolar Bone Loss Histomorphometrically and Histopathologically on Experimental Periodontitis in Rats

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to investigate effects of strontium ranelate (SR) on alveolar bone loss (ABL) in rats with experimental periodontitis.

METHODS

Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: 1) control (n = 8); 2) ligated (n = 8); 3) 300 mg/kg SR (SR300, n = 8); 4) 625 mg/kg SR (SR625, n = 8); and 5) 900 mg/kg SR (SR900, n = 8). To create experimental periodontitis, 4/0 silk ligatures were inserted submarginally around first molars at the right mandible. After 11 days, rats were sacrificed. ABL was calculated by measuring cemento-enamel junction and alveolar crest distance. Interleukin (IL)-1β, osteoprotegerin (OPG), and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) serum levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Histopathologic analysis was used to evaluate inflammatory cell infiltration, numbers of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) activity.

RESULTS

ABL was significantly lower in SR900 group than in the ligated group (P <0.05). Osteoclast numbers in ligated group were significantly higher than in the control, SR300, and SR900 groups (P <0.05). In ligated, SR625, and SR900 groups, significantly higher osteoblast numbers were detected than in control group (P <0.05). Osteoblast numbers in SR625 group were significantly higher than in the SR300 group (P <0.05). RANKL activities in SR900 and control groups were close to each other (P >0.05). Serum IL-1β, OPG, and BALP levels revealed no significant difference (P >0.05).

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that SR can reduce RANKL activity and osteoclast numbers, as well as ABL.

Synergistic Approach Using Platelet-Rich Fibrin and 1% Alendronate for Intrabony Defect Treatment in Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a reservoir of concentrated platelets that provides a pool of biologic growth-promoting factors and cytokines, which help in mediating regeneration of lost bone and soft tissue maturation. Alendronate (ALN), a member of the amino-bisphosphonate group, is known to enhance periodontal tissue regeneration by inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and promoting osteoblast-mediated osteogenesis. The current intervention aims to assess combined effectiveness of PRF and 1% ALN with access therapy in intrabony defect (IBD) treatment in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP).

METHODS

Single IBDs in 90 patients were categorized into three groups: 1) group 1 had access therapy alone; 2) group 2 had access therapy with PRF; and 3) group 3 had access therapy with PRF + 1% ALN. Site-specific plaque index, modified sulcus bleeding index, probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival marginal level, included as parameters for clinical assessment, were evaluated before surgery at baseline and 9 months postoperatively. Percentage IBD depth reduction, assessed using radiographs, was evaluated at baseline and postoperatively.

RESULTS

Compared with groups 1 and 2, group 3 exhibited significantly greater reduction in PD and gain in CAL postoperatively. Significantly greater IBD depth reduction was shown in group 3 (54.05% ± 2.88%) compared with group 2 (46% ± 1.89%) and group 1 (7.33% ± 4.86%) postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Combined approach therapy of PRF + 1% ALN for IBD treatment in patients with CP showed better clinical parameter outcomes with greater IBD depth reduction compared with PRF and access therapy alone.

Comparative evaluation of subgingivally delivered 1% alendronate versus 1.2% atorvastatin gel in treatment of chronic periodontitis: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

AIM

Alendronate (ALN) and atorvastatin (ATV) are known to inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption and were proposed to have osteostimulative properties. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of 1% ALN and 1.2% ATV gel as a local drug-delivery system in adjunct to scaling and root planning (SRP) for the treatment of intrabony defects in chronic periodontitis patients.

METHODS

A total of 90 intrabony defects were treated with either 1% ALN, 1.2% ATV, or placebo gel. Clinical parameters (plaque index, modified sulcus bleeding index, probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL)) were recorded at baseline, 3, 6, and 9 months. Intrabony defect depth (IBD) and defect depth reduction (DDR%) was calculated on standardized radiographs at 6 and 9 months.

RESULTS

The mean PD reduction, CAL gain, and DDR% were greater in the ALN and ATV group than in the placebo group at 3, 6, and 9 months. Furthermore, a significantly greater DDR% was found in the ALN group at 6 and 9 months than in the ATV and placebo groups.

CONCLUSION

Local delivery of 1% ALN results in significantly greater improvement in PD, CAL, IBD depth, and DDR% as compared to 1.2% ATV gel.

Effect of Bisphosphonate and Age on Implant Failure as Determined by Patient-Reported Outcomes

The aim of the current study was to elucidate whether there is an association between selected risk factors and implant failure, as determined by patient-reported outcomes. A trained clinician administered a formal survey questionnaire to 415 patients who had received a total of 963 implants through the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry's implant training program. The questionnaire was designed to obtain information about potential risk factors that may affect implant failure. Patients were also asked to rate their satisfaction with the appearance and function of the implant, their surgical experience, and the levels of pain and mobility associated with the implant(s). Both patient-level and implant-level data were analyzed in this study. Multiple logistic regression analysis at the patient level indicated that the following variables did not contribute to the success or failure of the implants: sex, smoking status, diabetes, osteoporosis, and use of bisphosphonates. When the statistical analyses controlled for these variables, the odds of patient-reported implant failure increased with the patient's age (by 15% every 5 years). The results of implant-level analyses adjusted for smoking status, diabetes, and osteoporosis showed that the patient's age (odds of failure increased by 12% every 5 years) and no use of bisphosphonates (odds ratio, 9.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.849, 45.975) were significantly associated with poor implant outcome. Our findings suggest a possible association between implant failure and the patient's age and use of bisphosphonates.

Bisphosphonate associated osteonecrosis of the jaw: an update on pathophysiology, risk factors, and treatment

Osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients treated with bisphosphonates is a relatively rare but well known complication at maxillofacial units around the world. It has been speculated that the medication, especially long-term i.v. bisphosphonate treatment, could cause sterile necrosis of the jaws. The aim of this narrative review of the literature was to elaborate on the pathological mechanisms behind the condition and also to gather an update on incidence, risk factors, and treatment of bisphosphonate associated osteonecrosis of the jaw. In total, ninety-one articles were reviewed. All were published in internationally recognized journals with referee systems. We can conclude that necrotic lesions in the jaw seem to be following upon exposure of bone, for example, after tooth extractions, while other interventions like implant placement do not increase the risk of osteonecrosis. Since exposure to the bacterial environment in the oral cavity seems essential for the development of necrotic lesions, we believe that the condition is in fact chronic osteomyelitis and should be treated accordingly.

Stand-alone anterior lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine: results with a 2-year follow-up

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

OBJECTIVE

To report outcomes of a consecutive series of patients diagnosed with degenerative disc disease (DDD) between L4 and S1, treated with stand-alone anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF, either 1 or 2 levels) and use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 for bony fusion with instrumented fixation.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Degeneration of the lumbar spine is described as lumbar spondylosis, or DDD. To treat DDD, surgical interventions include: ALIF, circumferential fusion (360° fusion), posterior spinal fusion, and total disc replacement. Currently, there has been paucity in the literature on the evaluation of ALIFs.

METHODS

Researchers reviewed a consecutive series of patients with DDD who had undergone a 1-level or 2-level ALIF between 2005 and 2010, with the use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2. Patients' clinical and functional outcomes were documented. Radiographs were analyzed for disc height, mean optical density, and integrated optical density. Operative time, length of hospital stay, and estimated blood loss were also reported.

RESULTS

Patients' 2-year Oswestry Disability Index and visual analogue scale presurgery scores significantly improved (P ≤ 0.0001). Patients' 2-year postoperative disc height was significantly greater than the preoperative disc height at the fused level (P ≤ 0.0001); there was no significant difference at the level adjacent to fusion. Majority of patients (107 of 115, 93.0%) satisfied fusion criteria based on mean optical density. Intraoperative time, estimated blood loss, and hospital stay was significantly fewer with 1-level and 2-level ALIFs than 360° fusions and total disc replacement.

CONCLUSION

Stand-alone ALIF used to treat DDD can produce comparative clinical and functional outcomes. ALIFs showed significant decreases in blood loss, operative time, and hospital stay. Furthermore, at 2 years' time, mean optical density suggests high rate of bony fusion, and no significant loss of disc height was noted at the adjacent level.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4.

Diverse osteoclastogenesis of bone marrow from mandible versus long bone

BACKGROUND

Mandibles (MB) and maxillae possess unique metabolic and functional properties and demonstrate discrete responses to homeostatic, mechanical, hormonal, and developmental stimuli. Osteogenic potential of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) differs between MB versus long bones (LB). Furthermore, MB- versus LB-derived osteoclasts (OCs) have disparate functional properties. This study explores the osteoclastogenic potential of rat MB versus LB marrow in vitro and in vivo under basal and stimulated conditions.

METHODS

Bone marrow from rat MB and LB was cultured in osteoblastic or osteoclastic differentiation media. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, resorption pit assays, and real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed. Additionally, osmotic mini-pumps were implanted in animals, mandibles and tibiae were isolated, and multinucleated cells (MNCs) were measured.

RESULTS

MB versus LB marrow cultures that were differentiated with receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor produced more TRAP(+) MNCs and greater resorptive area. To explore MB versus LB BMSC-supported osteoclastogenesis, confluent BMSCs were cultured with parathyroid hormone (PTH), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D3), or PTH+1,25D3. 1,25D3- or PTH+1,25D3-treated LB BMSCs expressed significantly higher RANKL and lower osteoprotegerin (OPG) mRNA and increased RANKL:OPG ratio. When whole marrow was cultured with PTH+1,25D3, more TRAP(+) MNCs were seen in LB versus MB cultures. Ultimately, rats were infused with PTH+1,25D3, and MB versus tibia MNCs were measured. Hormonal stimulation increased osteoclastogenesis in both MB and tibiae. However, higher TRAP(+) MNC numbers were observed in tibiae versus MB under basal and hormonal stimulation.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these data illustrate differences of both osteoclastogenic potential and OC numbers of MB versus LB marrow.