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

Microbiological and Salivary Biomarkers Successfully Predict Site-Specific and Whole-Mouth Outcomes of Nonsurgical Periodontal Treatment

Background/Objectives: Nonsurgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) is the gold-standard technique for treating periodontitis. However, an individual's susceptibility or the inadequate removal of subgingival biofilms could lead to unfavorable responses to NSPT. This study aimed to assess the potential of salivary and microbiological biomarkers in predicting the site-specific and whole-mouth outcomes of NSPT. Methods: A total of 68 periodontitis patients exhibiting 1111 periodontal pockets 4 to 6 mm in depth completed the active phase of periodontal treatment. Clinical periodontal parameters, saliva, and subgingival biofilm samples were collected from each patient at baseline and three months after NSPT. A quantitative PCR assay was used to detect the presence of Fusobaterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis in the biofilm samples. Salivary biomarkers including matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, glutathione S-transferase (GST), and Annexin-1 were assayed both qualitatively (Western blot analysis) and quantitively (ELISA). Results: NSPT yielded significant improvements in all clinical parameters, including a reduction in bacterial load and decreased levels of MMP-9 together with increased concentrations of GST and Annexin-1. The binary logistic regression suggested that the overall accuracy of P. gingivalis identification, probing pocket depth, and interproximal sites was 71.1% in predicting successful site-specific outcomes. The salivary biomarker model yielded an overall accuracy of 79.4% in predicting whole-mouth outcomes following NSPT. Conclusions: At baseline, the presence of shallow periodontal pockets at interdental locations with a lower abundance of P. gingivalis is predictive of a favorable response to NSPT at the site level. Decreased salivary MMP-9 associated with increased GST and Annexin-1 levels can predict successful whole-mouth outcomes following NSPT.

Healing of Periodontal Suprabony Defects following Treatment with Open Flap Debridement with or without Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Application

Background and Objectives: This randomized, double-arm, multicentric clinical trial aims to compare the clinical outcomes following the treatment of suprabony periodontal defects using open flap debridement (OFD) with or without the application of hyaluronic acid (HA). Materials and Methods: Sixty systemically healthy patients with at least two teeth presenting suprabony periodontal defects were randomly assigned with a 1:1 allocation ratio using computer-generated tables into a test (OFD + HA) or control group (OFD). The main outcome variable was clinical attachment level (CAL). The secondary outcome variables were changes in mean probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival recession (GR), full-mouth plaque score (FMPS), and full-mouth bleeding score (FMBS). All clinical measurements were carried out at baseline and 12 months. Results: Sixty patients, thirty in each group, were available for statistical analysis. The mean CAL gain was statistically significantly different (p < 0.001) in the test group compared with the control group (3.06 ± 1.13 mm vs. 1.44 ± 1.07 mm). PPD reduction of test group measurements (3.28 ± 1.14 mm) versus the control group measurements (2.61 ± 1.22 mm) were statistically significant (p = 0.032). GR changes were statistically significant only in the test group 0.74 ± 1.03 mm (p < 0.001). FMBS and FMPS revealed a statistically significant improvement mostly in the test group. Conclusions: Suprabony periodontal defects could benefit from the additional application of HA in conjunction with OFD in terms of improvement of the clinical parameters compared with OFD alone.

Advances in Hydrogels for Periodontitis Treatment

Periodontitis is a common condition characterized by a bacterial infection and the disruption of the body's immune-inflammatory response, which causes damage to the teeth and supporting tissues and eventually results in tooth loss. Current therapy involves the systemic and local administration of antibiotics. However, the existing treatments cannot exert effective, sustained release and maintain an effective therapeutic concentration of the drug at the lesion site. Hydrogels are used to treat periodontitis due to their low cytotoxicity, exceptional water retention capability, and controlled drug release profile. Hydrogels can imitate the extracellular matrix of periodontal cells while offering suitable sites to load antibiotics. This article reviews the utilization of hydrogels for periodontitis therapy based on the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of the disease. Additionally, the latest therapeutic strategies for smart hydrogels and the main techniques for hydrogel preparation have been discussed. The information will aid in designing and preparing future hydrogels for periodontitis treatment.

Challenges in Optimizing Nanoplatforms Used for Local and Systemic Delivery in the Oral Cavity

In this study, we focused on innovative approaches to improve drug administration in oral pathology, especially by transmucosal and transdermal pathways. These improvements refer to the type of microneedles used (proposing needles in the saw), to the use of certain enhancers such as essential oils (which, besides the amplifier action, also have intrinsic actions on oral health), to associations of active substances with synergistic action, as well as the use of copolymeric membranes, cemented directly on the tooth. We also propose a review of the principles of release at the level of the oral mucosa and of the main release systems used in oral pathology. Controlled failure systems applicable in oral pathology include the following: fast dissolving films, mucoadhesive tablets, hydrogels, intraoral mucoadhesive films, composite wafers, and smart drugs. The novelty elements brought by this paper refer to the possibilities of optimizing the localized drug delivery system in osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint, neuropathic pain, oral cancer, periodontitis, and pericoronitis, as well as in maintaining oral health. We would like to mention the possibility of incorporating natural products into the controlled failure systems used in oral pathology, paying special attention to essential oils.

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

OBJECTIVES

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

MATERIALS AND METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

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

Repeated local delivery of hyaluronic acid gel as adjunctive treatment of residual pockets in periodontitis patients undergoing supportive periodontal care. A randomized controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of hyaluronic acid (HyA) application as adjunct to re-instrumentation of residual pockets in patients undergoing regular supportive periodontal care (SPC).

METHODS

Chronic periodontitis patients (stage III and IV, grade B and C) with 4 interproximal residual pockets were randomly assigned to the test (HyA gel) or control (saline) group. After subgingival instrumentation, test or control substance was applied subgingivally, then daily supragingivally for 3 months, and if required a second time after subgingival re-instrumentation after 3 months. Clinical and patient reported outcome parameters were recorded every 3 months for 12 months. Pocket closure [probing pocket depth (PPD) ≤ 4mm with absence of bleeding on probing (BoP) at PPD = 4mm] was the main outcome parameter.

RESULTS

Fifty-six patients (221 experimental sites) were analysed. Pocket closure was achieved in 56.8 and 46.6% of the experimental sites in the test and control group, respectively (p > 0.05), while median PPD and PPD distribution (< 5mm/5mm/ > 5mm) differed significantly between groups in favour of the test group, at 12 months. Further, significantly fewer sites in the HyA group required re-instrumentation at 3 months, and sites in the HyA group showed a tendency for lower odds to remain diseased compared to the control group (OR 0.48, 95%CI 0.22-1.06). The odds for a site to remain diseased after 12 months increased significantly in the presence of plaque (OR 7.94, 95%CI 4.12-15.28), but in general, decreased significantly over time (OR 0.48, 95%CI 0.28-0.81).

CONCLUSION

Re-instrumentation of residual pockets in SPC patients, per se, leads to a significant increase in pocket closure over time; this was impeded by poor plaque control. Repeated local application of HyA results in fewer sites requiring re-instrumentation and might slightly improve the rate of pocket closure. (clinicaltrials.gov registration nr. NCT04792541).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

HyA gel is easy to apply, well accepted by patients, and may have some positive effect in terms of fewer sites requiring re-instrumentation at 3 months and higher pocket closure rate at 12 months.

Reconstructive Approach in Residual Periodontal Pockets with Biofunctionalized Heterografts-A Retrospective Comparison of 12-Month Data from Three Centers

The regenerative capacity of well-preserved blood clots may be enhanced by biologics like enamel matrix derivative (EMD). This retrospective analysis compares outcomes reported by three centers using different heterografts. Center 1 (C1) treated intrabony defects combining cross-linked high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (xHyA) with a xenograft; center 2 (C2) used EMD with an allograft combination to graft a residual pocket. Center 3 (C3) combined xHyA with the placement of a resorbable polymer membrane for defect cover. Clinical parameters, BoP reduction, and radiographically observed defect fill at 12-month examination are reported. The 12-month evaluation yielded significant improvements in PPD and CAL at each center (p < 0.001, respectively). Analyses of Covariance revealed significant improvements in all parameters, and a significantly greater CAL gain was revealed for C2 vs. C1 (p = 0.006). Radiographic defect fill presented significantly higher scores for C2 and C3 vs. C1 (p = 0.003 and = 0.014; C2 vs. C3 p = 1.00). Gingival recession increased in C1 and C3 (p = 1.00), while C2 reported no GR after 12 months (C2:C1 p = 0.002; C2:C3 p = 0.005). BoP tendency and pocket closure rate shared similar rates. Within the limitations of the study, a data comparison indicated that xHyA showed a similar capacity to enhance the regenerative response, as known for EMD. Radiographic follow-up underlined xHyA's unique role in new attachment formation.

Evaluation of Sterify Gel as an Adjunctive Treatment to Scaling and Root Planing in Promoting Healing of Periodontal Pockets: A Split-Mouth Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Periodontal disease is a common infectious disease that leads to the destruction of tooth-supporting structures. Current treatments, such as scaling and root planing (SRP), have limitations in deep and complex pockets, and antibiotic use carries the risk of resistance. Sterify Gel, a medical device composed of polyvinyl polymers, hydroxytyrosol, nisin, and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, offers a new approach to periodontal care. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Sterify Gel as an adjunctive treatment to SRP in promoting the healing of periodontal pockets.

Methods

The study includes 34 patients with moderate to advanced chronic periodontal disease. Randomization assigned one site for SRP alone (control) and the other site for SRP with Sterify Gel (treatment). Periodontal parameters were evaluated at baseline, 1, 2, and 3 months after treatment bacterial contamination was assessed through quantitative PCR at baseline and 3 months after treatment. Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA and Wilcoxon test.

Results

Treatment with Sterify Gel and SRP demonstrated significant improvements in pocket depth, gingival recession, and clinical attachment level compared with SRP alone. Bleeding and plaque indexes, pain perception, tooth mobility, and furcations showed no significant differences between the two groups. The treatment group showed a reduction in bacterial contamination at 3 months.

Conclusions

Sterify Gel in combination with SRP shows the potential for improving periodontal health by promoting healing and reducing periodontal pockets. It may offer benefits in preventing bacterial recolonization and reducing reliance on antibiotics.

Clinical evaluation of sodium hypochlorite/amino acids and cross-linked hyaluronic acid adjunctive to non-surgical periodontal treatment: a randomized controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

To compare the clinical outcomes obtained with either mechanical subgingival debridement in conjunction with a sodium hypochlorite and amino acids containing gel followed by subsequent application of a cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel (xHyA) gel, or with mechanical debridement alone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fourty-eight patients diagnosed with stages II-III (Grades A/B) generalised periodontitis were randomly treated with either scaling and root planing (SRP) (control) or SRP plus adjunctive sodium hypochlorite/amino acid and xHyA gels (test). The primary outcome variable was reduction of probing depth (PD), while changes in clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP) and plaque index (PI) were secondary outcomes. The outcomes were assessed at baseline, at 3 and 6 months following therapy.

RESULTS

All patients completed the 6 months evaluation. At 6 months, the test group showed statistically significantly better results in terms of mean PD reduction (2.9 ± 0.4 vs 1.8 ± 0.6 mm, p < 0.001). Similarly, mean CAL gain was statistically higher in the test group compared to the control one (test: 2.6 ± 0.5 vs control: 1.6 ± 0.6 mm, p < 0.001). Mean BOP decreased from 81.8 ± 16.2% to 48.9 ± 14.5% in control (p < 0.001) and from 83.2 ± 15.5% to 17.6 ± 11.5% in test (p < 0.001) groups with a statistically significant difference favouring the test group (p < 0.001). Mean PI scores were reduced statistically significantly in both groups (from 38.8 ± 26% to 26.5 ± 20.5% in control (p = 0.039) and from 60.6 ± 10.9% to 12.7 ± 8.9% in test group (p < 0.001)), with a statistically significant difference between the groups (p < 0.001). The number of moderate pockets (4-6 mm) were reduced from 1518 (41.2%) to 803 (22.6%) in the control and from 1803 (48.6%) to 234 (7.7%) in the test group with a statistically significant difference between the groups (p < 0.001), while the number of deep pockets (≥ 7 mm) changed from 277 (7.6%) to 35 (1.0%) in the control and from 298 (8.7%) to 4 (0.1%) in test group (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Within their limits the present data indicate that: a) both treatments resulted in statistically significant improvements in all evaluated clinical parameters, and b) the adjunctive subgingival application of sodium hypochlorite/amino acid and xHyA to SRP yielded statistically significantly higher improvements compared to SRP alone.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The combination of sodium hypochlorite/amino acid and xHyA gels to subgingival mechanical debridement appears to represent a valuable approach to additionally improve the outcomes of non-surgical periodontal treatment. Clinical Trial Registration Number NCT04662216 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

In vitro activity of hyaluronic acid and human serum on periodontal biofilm and periodontal ligament fibroblasts

OBJECTIVES

A beneficial effect of cross-linked hyaluronic acid (cHA) on periodontal wound healing and regeneration has recently been demonstrated. The present in vitro study was designed to obtain deeper knowledge on the effect of cHA when applied in the gingival sulcus (serum-rich environment) during non-surgical periodontal therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The influence of cHA, human serum (HS), and cHA/HS on (i) a 12-species biofilm formation, (ii) the adhesion of periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF) to dentine surface, (iii) the expression and secretion of interleukin-8, and (iv) the expression of receptors of HA in PDLF and gingival fibroblasts (GF) were evaluated.

RESULTS

At 4 h of biofilm formation, cHA and HS in combination (cHA/HS) slightly decreased the colony-forming unit counts in biofilm whereas the metabolic activity of biofilm was reduced in all test groups (cHA, HS, cHA/HS) vs. control. At 24 h, the quantity of biofilm was reduced in all test groups vs. untreated control. The test substances did not affect adhesion of PDLF to dentin. HS increased the expression of IL-8 by PDLF and GF which was partially downregulated by cHA. HS and/or cHA promoted the expression of the HA receptor RHAMM in GF but not in PDLF.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, the present data indicate that serum neither negatively affect the activity of cHA against periodontal biofilm nor had any unwanted influence on the activity of PDLF.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

These findings lend additional support for the positive effects of cHA on cells involved in periodontal wound healing, thus pointing to its potential use in non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Osteogenic stimulation of osteoprogenitors by putamen ovi peptides and hyaluronic acid

Eggshell peptides (EP) majorly contribute to rapid bone building in chicks, wherefore this paper investigated their potential for stimulating osteogenesis in vitro. In this study, the effects of EP, also called putamen ovi peptides and a combination of hyaluronic acid with EP in cell culture medium were tested towards proliferation, differentiation, gene expression and mineralization of bovine osteoprogenitors and primary human osteoblasts. The influence of EP at concentrations of 0.005 g/L, 0.5 g/L and 0.5 g/L with 0.25% hyaluronic acid was analyzed using immunocytochemical staining of bone-specific matrix proteins, namely collagen type I, osteonectin, osteopontin and osteocalcin, to prove osteoblastic differentiation. Additionally, Richardson-staining was performed. All tests revealed a superior osteoblastic differentiation with EP at 0.5 g/L after 5 days of cultivation. Hyaluronic acid alone showed controversial results and partially constrained osteoblastic differentiation in combination with EP to a level as low as for pure EP at 0.005 g/L. Of particular interest is the osteoblast-typical mineralization, as an important indicator of bone formation, which was measured indirectly via the calcium concentration after cultivation over 4 weeks. The mineralization showed an increase by a factor of 286 during the cultivation of primary human osteoblasts with hyaluronic acid and EP. Meanwhile, cell cultures treated with EP (0.5 g/L) only showed an 80-fold increase in calcium concentration.The influence of EP (0.5 g/L) on primary human osteoblasts was investigated by gene expression after 2 weeks of cultivation. Microarray and qRT-PCR analysis showed a strongly increased expression of main important genes in bone formation, bone regeneration and the physiological bone remodelling processes. Namely, BMP 2, osteopontin and the matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 9, were present during in vitro osteoprogenitor culture with EP. By explicitly underlining the potential of eggshell peptides for stimulating osteogenesis, as well as emphasizing complex and controversial interaction with hyaluronan, this manuscript is relevant for developing new functionalized biomaterials for bone regeneration.

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

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

Efficacy of surgical periodontal treatment with and without photobiomodulation in the treatment of severe periodontitis: An evaluation of periodontal, microbiological, and cytokine levels

AIM

To compare the efficacy of surgical periodontal treatment (SPT) alone and PDT-assisted surgery in participants with severe periodontitis MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present clinical trial was completed by 64 participants (n=32 each). The selection was made according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients in group A were treated with SPT only and participants in group B were treated with SPT adjunct to PDT. Microbiological assessment of P.Gingivalis; T. Forsythia and T.Denticola were evaluated using cultural analysis and periodontal parameters plaque score (PSc), bleeding on probing (BoP) periodontal depth (PD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) at baseline and post-treatment at 6 months and 12 months were performed. The gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected for the estimation of IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). For intra-group comparison and post hoc correction, Student's t-test along with Bonferroni was used. For the difference between follow-ups, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) multiple rank tests were incorporated.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants in the SPT group was 55.25±4.6yrs. Whereas, participants treated with PDT adjunct to SPT were 54.88±3.6yrs. Periodontal parameters (BoP, PD, PSc, CAL) showed no significant difference at baseline. At 6 months and 12 months follow-up, a significant difference in all parameters (BoP, PD, PSc, and CAL) was found in participants treated with SPT alone and PDT adjunct to SPT (p<0.05). Inflammatory biomarkers at 6-month and 12-month follow-ups, a statistically significant difference in the level of biomarkers (IL-1β and TNF-α) were observed in both groups from baseline (p<0.05). However, at baseline, no significant difference was noted in both groups (p> 0.05). The microbiological assessment showed a significant drop in the bacterial count in participants treated with both regimes i.e., SPT alone and PDT adjunct to SPT.

CONCLUSION

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) adjunct to surgical periodontal treatment (SPT) in severe periodontitis improves microbiological and periodontal parameters and lowers the level of proinflammatory cytokines.

Adjunctive Application of Hyaluronic Acid in Combination with a Sodium Hypochlorite Gel for Non-Surgical Treatment of Residual Pockets Reduces the Need for Periodontal Surgery-Retrospective Analysis of a Clinical Case Series

The comprehensive treatment of periodontitis stage 2 to 4 aims at the resolution of periodontal inflammation and “pocket closure”, which implies a residual probing depth of ≤4 mm and a negative BoP. However, supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) regularly leaves behind persistent periodontal pockets with 5 or more mm in residual PPD and sites that often re-colonize and re-infect. Various adjunctive options for subgingival instrumentation have been proposed to enhance the antimicrobial effects to better control the re-infection of these residual sites. The locally applied adjuncts, based on their anti-inflammatory effect, are sodium hypochlorite antiseptic cleaning gel and cross-linked hyaluronic acid (xHyA). Both recently moved into the focus of clinical research on non-surgical and surgical therapy for periodontitis. The surgical use of xHyA indicates regenerative potential, supporting periodontal regeneration. This case series retrospectively analyzes the clinical benefits of the consecutive flapless application of sodium-hypochlorite-based cleaning gel and xHyA at the SPT to achieve pocket closure, thereby reducing the need for periodontal surgery. In 29 patients, 111 sites received the treatment sequence. At 6-month re-evaluation, an overall PPD reduction exceeding 2 mm was achieved, associated with a similar CAL gain (2.02 mm); the bleeding tendency (BoP) was reduced by >60%. Pocket closure occurred in almost 25% of all the sites. Within their limits, the present data suggest that the proposed combined adjunctive treatment of residual active periodontal sites yielded significant improvement in the clinical parameters. Further studies in RCT format are required to confirm these observations.

Hyaluronic Acid as an Adjunct to Coronally Advanced Flap Procedures for Gingival Recessions: A Systematic Review and Meta—Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials

Previous systematic reviews have reported that coronally advanced flap (CAF) + connective tissue graft (CTG) are the gold standard in root coverage procedures (RCP). Nevertheless, adjunctive treatment with hyaluronic acid (HA) has been proposed to aim at improving clinical outcomes and reducing patient morbidity. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare the use of HA as an adjunctive treatment to CAF procedures in Miller class I and II (recession type 1; RT1) gingival recession (GR) defects treatment with no adjunctive/other treatments. MEDLINE, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, Scopus databases and gray literature were searched up to April 2022. The primary outcome variables were mean recession coverage (MRC) and reduction of the recession depth (RecRed). Weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals between treatments were estimated using a random-effect mode. From 264 titles identified, 3 RCTs reporting 90 GR defects in 60 patients were included. Overall analysis of MRC and RecRed were 0.27% (p = 0.01) and 0.40 mm (p = 0.45) in favor of CAF + HA compared to CAF alone/CAF + subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG), respectively, with a statistically significant difference only for MRC values. Nevertheless, due to the limited number and heterogeneity of the included studies, well-performed RCTs are needed to clarify a potential advantage of HA in RCPs in the future.

Considerations on the Controlled Delivery of Bioactive Compounds through Hyaluronic Acid Membrane

(1) Background: The standard treatment for periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory state caused by the interaction between biofilms generated by organized oral bacteria and the local host defense response, consists of calculus and biofilm removal through mechanical debridement, associated with antimicrobial therapy that could be delivered either systemically or locally. The present study aimed to determine the effectiveness of a hyaluronic acid membrane matrix as a carrier for the controlled release of the active compounds of a formulation proposed as a topical treatment for periodontal disease, and the influence of pH on the complex system’s stability. (2) Methods: The obtained hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel membrane with dispersed melatonin (MEL), metronidazole (MZ), and tetracycline (T) was completely characterized through FTIR, XRD, thermal analysis, UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, fluorescence microscopy, zeta potential and dielectric analysis. The MTT viability test was applied to check the cytotoxicity of the obtained membranes, while the microbiological assessment was performed against strains of Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. The spectrophotometric investigations allowed to follow up the release profile from the HA matrix for MEL, MZ, and T present in the topical treatment considered. We studied the behavior of the active compounds against the pH of the generated environment, and the release profile of the bioactive formulation based on the specific comportment towards pH variation. The controlled delivery of the bioactive compounds using HA as a supportive matrix was modeled applying Korsmeyer–Peppas, Higuchi, first-order kinetic models, and a newly proposed pseudo-first-order kinetic model. (3) Results: It was observed that MZ and T were released at higher active concentrations than MEL when the pH was increased from 6.75, specific for patients with periodontitis, to a pH of 7.10, characterizing the healthy patients. Additionally, it was shown that for MZ, there is a burst delivery up to 2.40 × 10⁻⁵ mol/L followed by a release decrease, while for MEL and T a short release plateau was recorded up to a concentration of 1.80 × 10⁻⁵ mol/L for MEL and 0.90 × 10⁻⁵ mol/L for T, followed by a continuous release; (4) Conclusions: The results are encouraging for the usage of the HA membrane matrix as releasing vehicle for the active components of the proposed topical treatment at a physiological pH.

Evaluation of Therapeutic Benefits of a Novel Herbal Ingredient-Based Hyaluronic Acid Gel as Monotherapy for Inflammatory Enlargement of a Patient with Diabetes Mellitus

The reason for the destruction of the attachment apparatus in patients with periodontal disease is the supra- and the subgingival microflora. Hence, the treatment of this inflammatory gingival disease is primarily focused on eliminating the cause. The present case report assessed the therapeutic benefit of adjunctive use of a commercially available topical agent containing 1% hyaluronic acid gel combined with nonsurgical periodontal therapy. A patient aged 64 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus reported to the Department of Periodontology. He complained of gum enlargement and frequent bleeding during brushing. The patient was not under any medication for his diabetes control. On examination, there was a localized papillary gingival enlargement. Therefore, Klirich gel containing hyaluronic acid was applied on the surface of the gingiva during the first visit of the patient. During the follow-up visit, he continued with this adjunctive use of the gel along with the nonsurgical periodontal therapy. In addition, he controlled his blood sugar level with diet and exercise. During the follow-up visit after one year, there was a noticeable clinical change in the overall health of his gingiva.

The Influence of Hyaluronic Acid Adjunctive Therapy of Periodontitis on Salivary Markers of Oxidative Stress: Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial

Periodontitis is a common oral disease affecting the tooth-supporting tissues. Bacteria have been long viewed as the main causative factor in its development; however, many investigations have proved that aberrant immune and inflammatory response and the resulting misbalance between the damage caused by reactive oxygen species and the antioxidant capacity of tissues may be an underlying factor in disease progression that reduces healing potential. The objective of the current trial is to assess the outcomes of the addition of hyaluronic acid (HA) to standard non-surgical periodontal therapy (NST) on some major oxidative stress markers in saliva. HA-based gel designed for dental application was used and the measurements were taken after 3 months. HA adjunctive therapy had a significantly greater increase in markers with antioxidant properties as well as total antioxidant capacity compared to standard NST alone. Furthermore, clinically measured levels of gingival inflammation (bleeding on probing-BOP) and periodontal destruction (clinical attachment loss-CAL) were significantly correlated with these markers, and the correlation was negative. This investigation demonstrates that HA may indeed express antioxidant properties and improve the antioxidant capacity of periodontal tissues, thus improving the prognosis for the teeth and the results of periodontal therapy. Further investigations will be necessary to determine the duration of these effects over time.

Biomolecules in Dental Applications: Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial Evaluating the Influence of Hyaluronic Acid Adjunctive Therapy on Clinical Parameters of Moderate Periodontitis

The biological activity of hyaluronic acid (HA) has been well-researched during the past decades; however, there are few randomized, controlled trials of its clinical effects in periodontal therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of hyaluronic acid on the principal parameters of periodontal healing. A specific, commercially available formulation designed and registered for professional dental application, composed of 16 mg/mL of cross-linked and 2 mg/mL of non-cross-linked HA, was used as an adjunctive to non-surgical periodontal therapy, and clinical parameters were evaluated after 3 months. The addition of HA to periodontal therapy demonstrated more favorable clinical results regarding reduction in inflammation, measured by bleeding on probing (-6% compared to the control group) and gain in periodontal attachment (1 mm more than control group), while it had no effect on probing depth reduction. No side effects were reported. Our study demonstrated that HA is a safe and easy-to-use biological agent; due to its wide array of properties, it may significantly improve the results of periodontal therapy. However, more long-term studies are needed to investigate whether these favorable effects remain over time.