Periodontal regenerative therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes using minimally invasive surgical technique with enamel matrix derivative under 3-year observation: A prospective cohort study

Current status of Er:YAG laser in periodontal surgery

Lasers have numerous advantageous tissue interactions such as ablation or vaporization, hemostasis, bacterial killing, as well as biological effects, which induce various beneficial therapeutic effects and biological responses in the tissues. Thus, lasers are considered an effective and suitable device for treating a variety of inflammatory and infectious conditions of periodontal disease. Among various laser systems, the Er:YAG laser, which can be effectively and safely used in both soft and hard tissues with minimal thermal side effects, has been attracting much attention in periodontal therapy. This laser can effectively and precisely debride the diseased root surface including calculus removal, ablate diseased connective tissues within the bone defects, and stimulate the irradiated surrounding periodontal tissues during surgery, resulting in favorable wound healing as well as regeneration of periodontal tissues. The safe and effective performance of Er:YAG laser-assisted periodontal surgery has been reported with comparable and occasionally superior clinical outcomes compared to conventional surgery. This article explains the characteristics of the Er:YAG laser and introduces its applications in periodontal surgery including conventional flap surgery, regenerative surgery, and flapless surgery, based on scientific evidence from currently available basic and clinical studies as well as cases reports.

Predictive factors of periodontal regeneration outcomes using rhFGF-2: A case-control study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing the clinical outcomes of regenerative therapy using recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-2 (rhFGF-2).

BACKGROUND

rhFGF-2 promotes periodontal regeneration, and identifying the factors influencing this regeneration is important for optimizing the effectiveness of rhFGF-2.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

This study used a hospital information-integrated database to identify patients who underwent periodontal regenerative therapy with rhFGF-2. Factors included age, smoking status, diabetes mellitus (DM), periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) at the initial visit, whether the most posterior tooth was involved or not, and preoperative radiological bone defect angle. Periodontal regenerative therapy outcomes were defined as good if radiographic bone fill ≥35% or periodontal pocket closure at 9-15 months after surgery. Bone fill rate (%) and periodontal pocket depth (mm) were also used as outcome measures. Factors were evaluated by simple regression analysis, and then the association between factors and the outcomes was determined by multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

PISA and age at the first visit did not significantly influence the success or failure of bone fill rate byrhFGF-2. However, DM, radiographic bone defect angle, and the most posterior tooth significantly influenced the regenerative effect (success/failure in bone fill) of rhFGF-2. The most posterior tooth was significantly associated with bone fill rate by rhFGF-2. Examination of the association between pocket closure and factors shows that the most posterior tooth significantly influenced. The most posterior tooth and preoperative PPD were significantly associated with pocket reduction depth. For the most posterior tooth, a significantly higher bone regeneration rate (p < .05) was observed with a combination of autologous bone graft and rhFGF-2 than with rhFGF-2 alone, and the effect was significant in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The radiographic bone defect angle, the involvement of most posterior teeth, and the presence of DM influenced the effectiveness of rhFGF-2 in periodontal regeneration. However, PISA values and age at the initial visit had no significant effect.

Genetic analysis of impaired healing responses after periodontal therapy in type 2 diabetes: Clinical and in vivo studies

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the mechanisms underlying the impaired healing response by diabetes after periodontal therapy.

BACKGROUND

Outcomes of periodontal therapy in patients with diabetes are impaired compared with those in patients without diabetes. However, the mechanisms underlying impaired healing response to periodontal therapy have not been sufficiently investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) and lean (ZL) rats underwent experimental periodontitis by ligating the mandibular molars for one week. The gingiva at the ligated sites was harvested one day after ligature removal, and gene expression was comprehensively analyzed using RNA-Seq. In patients with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D), the corresponding gene expression was quantified in the gingiva of the shallow sulcus and residual periodontal pocket after non-surgical periodontal therapy.

RESULTS

Ligation-induced bone resorption and its recovery after ligature removal were significantly impaired in the ZDF group than in the ZL group. The RNA-Seq analysis revealed 252 differentially expressed genes. Pathway analysis demonstrated the enrichment of downregulated genes involved in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway. PPARα and PPARγ were decreased in mRNA level and immunohistochemistry in the ZDF group than in the ZL group. In clinical, probing depth reduction was significantly less in the T2D group than control. Significantly downregulated expression of PPARα and PPARγ were detected in the residual periodontal pocket of the T2D group compared with those of the control group, but not in the shallow sulcus between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Downregulated PPAR subtypes expression may involve the impaired healing of periodontal tissues by diabetes.

Assessment of bone defect morphology for the adjunctive use of bone grafting combined with enamel matrix derivative: A 3-year cohort study

BACKGROUND

There have been limited studies with statistically sufficient sample sizes for assessment of suitable bone defect morphology for combination therapy with enamel matrix derivative (EMD) and bone grafting. The aim of this study was to investigate the appropriate feature of intrabony defects, such as bone defect angle (DA) and the containment by bony wall, for yielding the additional benefit of bone grafting in combination with periodontal regenerative therapy using EMD.

METHODS

Following periodontal regenerative therapy using EMD with or without autologous bone grafting, 282 intrabony defects of 177 participants were maintained for 3 years. Multilevel linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the radiographic bony defect depth (RBD) reduction after adjusting for confounders.

RESULTS

The baseline parameters, except for the proportion of contained bony defects and tooth mobility, did not differ significantly between the groups with and without bone grafts. There was no significant difference in the improvement of clinical parameters between the groups. The 1- and 3-year reduction of RBD showed significant inverse correlations with preoperative DA only in the group without bone graft. Furthermore, multivariate analysis showed a significant interaction between DA at baseline ≥40° and adjunctive bone grafting in the reduction of RBD, regardless of the number of bony walls.

CONCLUSION

Adjunctive autologous bone grafting with enamel matrix derivative might be significantly beneficial for defect depth improvement in the case of DA at baseline ≥40°.

Influence of Reactive Oxygen Species on Wound Healing and Tissue Regeneration in Periodontal and Peri-Implant Tissues in Diabetic Patients

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with periodontal disease. Clinically, periodontal treatment is less effective for patients with DM. Oxidative stress is one of the mechanisms that link DM to periodontitis. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is increased in the periodontal tissues of patients with DM and is involved in the development of insulin resistance in periodontal tissues. Insulin resistance decreases Akt activation and inhibits cell proliferation and angiogenesis. This results in the deterioration of wound healing and tissue repair in periodontal tissues. Antioxidants and insulin resistance ameliorants may inhibit ROS production and improve wound healing, which is worsened by DM. This manuscript provides a comprehensive review of the most recent basic and clinical evidence regarding the generation of ROS in periodontal tissues resulting from microbial challenge and DM. This study also delves into the impact of oxidative stress on wound healing in the context of periodontal and dental implant therapies. Furthermore, it discusses the potential benefits of administering antioxidants and anti-insulin resistance medications, which have been shown to counteract ROS production and inflammation. This approach may potentially enhance wound healing, especially in cases exacerbated by hyperglycemic conditions.

Complications and treatment errors related to regenerative periodontal surgery

Regenerative periodontal surgical procedures are an important component in the treatment of advanced periodontitis. They aim to improve the long-term prognosis of teeth that are periodontally compromised by the presence of intrabony and/or furcation defects, resulting biologically in formation of root cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone and evidenced clinically by reduction of deep pockets to maintainable probing depths and/or improvements of vertical and horizontal furcation depth. Over the last 25 years, substantial clinical evidence has been accumulated to support the value of regenerative procedures in periodontally compromised dentitions. However, treatment success requires close attention to certain factors on the level of the patient, the tooth/defect, and the operator. Ignoring these factors in case selection, treatment planning, and treatment execution will increase the risk of complications that may jeopardize clinical success and may even be considered as treatment errors. Based on the currently available evidence from clinical practice guidelines, treatment algorithms, and on expert opinion, the present article provides an overview on the main factors, which influence the outcomes of regenerative periodontal surgery and gives recommendations on how to prevent complications and treatment errors.

Prognostic factors affecting periodontal regenerative therapy using recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-2: A 3-year cohort study

Introduction

Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) has been reported to promote periodontal tissue regeneration. However, no study has investigated the long-term prognosis of periodontal regenerative therapy using FGF-2 to date. The aim of this study was to observe the long-term outcomes as well as to investigate the factors affecting the prognosis of periodontal regenerative therapy using FGF-2.

Methods

Sixty intrabony defects were prospectively investigated for three years after periodontal regenerative therapy with recombinant human FGF-2 (rhFGF-2) by evaluating probing pocket depth (PPD) and radiographic bone defect depth (RBD). The factors influencing RBD were assessed by conducting a multivariate linear regression analysis after adjusting for confounders.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 62.4 ± 13.4 years, and baseline PPD and RBD were 6.1 ± 1.9 mm and 4.5 ± 1.8 mm, respectively. At six months, one year, and three years after surgery, PPD and RBD had significantly improved to 4.2 ± 1.7, 3.7 ± 1.4, 4.0 ± 1.9 mm and to 3.08 ± 2.05, 2.73 ± 1.90, 2.51 ± 2.15 mm, respectively. At the three-year examination, a significant positive association was deteced between RBD reduction and RBD at baseline, while the association was not significant between RBD reduction and the radiographic bony angle, number of bony walls of the defect, or the furcation involvement at baseline.

Conclusions

rhFGF-2 was effective for alveolar bone regeneration in patients with periodontitis and maintained the improved parameters over the three-year observation period. The radiographic bone defect depth at baseline was found to be the factor affecting the periodontal regenerative therapy using rhFGF-2 in the intrabony defects.

Trial registration number

UMIN000027979.

•

Mid-term observation following periodontal regenerative therapy using rhFGF-2.

•

Reductions in PPD and radiographic defect depth were maintained for 3 years.

•

Evaluation of prognostic factors of rhFGF-2 application in intrabony defects.

•

Preoperative radiographic defect depth predicts postoperative bone fill.

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

The Scientific Investigation Committee of the American Academy of Restorative Dentistry offers this review of the 2021 dental literature in restorative dentistry to inform busy dentists regarding noteworthy scientific and clinical progress over the past year. Each member of the committee brings discipline-specific expertise to coverage of this broad topical area. Specific subject areas addressed, in order of the appearance in this report, include COVID-19 and the dental profession (new); prosthodontics; periodontics, alveolar bone, and peri-implant tissues; implant dentistry; dental materials and therapeutics; occlusion and temporomandibular disorders; sleep-related breathing disorders; oral medicine and oral and maxillofacial surgery; and dental caries and cariology. The authors focused their efforts on reporting information likely to influence daily dental treatment decisions with an emphasis on future trends in dentistry. With the tremendous volume of dentistry and related literature being published daily, this review cannot possibly be comprehensive. Rather, its purpose is to update interested readers and provide important resource material for those interested in pursuing greater details on their own. It remains our intent to assist colleagues in negotiating the extensive volume of important information being published annually. It is our hope that readers find this work useful in successfully managing the patients and dental problems they encounter.

Magnification in Periodontics: An Overview

A plethora of changes in the concept and the techniques in dental sciences and an increase in patient awareness have spawned demand in advanced dental treatment encompassing elimination of disease with more precision and less discomfort. The use of magnification systems like microscopes is widespread in the medical field, and now it has successfully spread its wings in dentistry. Visual enhancement by using loupes or surgical microscopes can render refinement in the basic surgical procedures. Magnification periodontics refers to the wide range of procedures performed by the use of magnification systems like loupes and microscopes that allow convergence of ideas and efforts, which can make a huge impact on patients. Periodontal procedures are being increasingly performed nowadays that have enabled enhanced outcomes, which were difficult to achieve with the macrosurgery procedures when wound healing and tissue trauma are in consideration. The surgical operating microscope works within the microsurgical triad that includes illumination increased precision and magnification. The incorporation of smaller instruments and sutures and better visualization of the operating site enhance the surgical skills of the clinician. In the past decade, various periodontal procedures from the removal of calculus to the placement of dental implants have been performed using the surgical microscope, which have invariably provided favorable results. It is a topic of interest in the future of periodontal therapy.

The Effect of Diabetes Mellitus on IGF Axis and Stem Cell Mediated Regeneration of the Periodontium

Periodontitis and diabetes mellitus (DM) are two of the most common and challenging health problems worldwide and they affect each other mutually and adversely. Current periodontal therapies have unpredictable outcome in diabetic patients. Periodontal tissue engineering is a challenging but promising approach that aims at restoring periodontal tissues using one or all of the following: stem cells, signalling molecules and scaffolds. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) represent ideal examples of stem cells and signalling molecules. This review outlines the most recent updates in characterizing MSCs isolated from diabetics to fully understand why diabetics are more prone to periodontitis that theoretically reflect the impaired regenerative capabilities of their native stem cells. This characterisation is of utmost importance to enhance autologous stem cells based tissue regeneration in diabetic patients using both MSCs and members of IGF axis.

Treatment of intrabony periodontal defects in controlled diabetic patients with an enamel matrix derivative: a split-mouth randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

This split-mouth randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effect of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) associated with a simplified papilla preservation flap (SPPF) compared to SPPF alone in the surgical treatment of intrabony defects (ID) in type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirteen patients with controlled T2DM presenting with ID in at least two quadrants were included. In each patient, the test site (TS) was treated with SPPF plus EMD, whereas the control site (CS) was treated only with SPPF. Prior to surgery and at 6 months after intervention, the following parameters were evaluated: clinical attachment level (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), and gingival recession (GR).

RESULTS

The TS and CS demonstrated a mean CAL gain of 3.31 ± 0.96 mm and 1.61 ± 1.12 mm, and a PPD reduction from 8.15 ± 0.98 to 3.00 ± 0.57 mm and 7.53 ± 0.96 to 4.69 ± 0.63 mm after 6 months, respectively. In both sites, the mean CAL gain and PPD reduction improved significantly after 6 months compared to baseline; however, the improvement was higher in the TS (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Both surgical procedures presented with clinical improvements in controlled T2DM patients. However, the additional use of EMD showed enhanced clinical results after 6 months with regard to CAL gain and PPD reduction.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study showed a better PPD reduction and CAL gain when an EMD was applied in addition to SPPF. Therefore, EMD may be used to enhance clinical outcomes in periodontal ID of controlled T2DM patients.

The Outcomes of Enamel Matrix Derivative on Periodontal Regeneration under Diabetic Conditions

Background and Objectives: Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) is a biomaterial used for periodontal regenerative therapy due to its properties of stimulating cementum development and bone synthesis. Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects healing and predisposes to infection. The aim of this review was to evaluate the current studies available on the application and results of EMD for periodontal regenerative therapy under diabetic conditions. Materials and Methods: Five databases (PubMed, ResearchGate, Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar) were searched for relevant articles, using specific keywords in different combinations. The inclusion criteria were clinical trials, case reports, case studies, and animal studies published in English, where periodontal treatment for bone defects includes EMD, and it is performed under diabetic conditions. Results: Of the 310 articles resulted in search, five studies published between 2012 and 2020 met the inclusion criteria and were selected for the current review. In human studies, the use of EMD in infrabony defects showed favorable results at follow-up. In animal studies, periodontal regeneration was reduced in diabetic rats. Conclusions: EMD might promote bone healing when used under diabetic conditions for the regenerative periodontal therapy. Due to limited number of studies, more data are required to sustain the effects of EMD therapy in diabetic settings.

Influence of aging on periodontal regenerative therapy using enamel matrix derivative: A 3-year prospective cohort study

AIM

To investigate the influence of chronological aging on periodontal regenerative therapy (PRT) outcomes with enamel matrix derivative (EMD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In total, 253 intra-bony defects (151 patients) including 44 furcation involvement were prospectively investigated for 3 years after regenerative therapy with EMD by evaluating probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and radiographic bone defect depth (RBD). The influence of age on these outcomes was assessed using multilevel regression analyses adjusting for confounders.

RESULTS

Participants' mean age was 55.9 ± 12.3 years (range: 22-85). Baseline PPD, CAL, and RBD were 6.14 ± 1.82, 7.22 ± 2.14, and 5.08 ± 2.04 mm, respectively. Significant improvement was observed with PPD reductions of 2.84 ± 1.73 and 2.87 ± 1.87 mm, CAL gains of 2.40 ± 1.87 and 2.47 ± 1.89 mm, and RBD gains of 1.76 ± 1.98 and 2.39 ± 2.41 mm at 1- and 3-year examinations, respectively. At the 1-year examination, multivariate analysis revealed a significant negative association between age and improvement in PPD and CAL (coefficients: -0.13, -0.23 mm per 10 years). However, by the 3-year examination, no significant association was noted between age and improvement in PPD, CAL, or RBD.

CONCLUSION

Although the statistical difference was detected with age at 1-year examination, PRT with EMD significantly improved clinical outcomes on long-term observation, irrespective of the patient's age.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

UMIN000039846.

Novel flapless esthetic procedure for the elimination of extended gingival metal tattoos adjacent to prosthetic teeth: Er:YAG laser micro-keyhole surgery

PURPOSE

This article describes a novel, minimally invasive procedure called Er:YAG laser micro-keyhole surgery (EL-MIKS) that removes metal or amalgam tattoos in the gingiva adjacent to prosthetic teeth without gingival deformity and recession. We aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of EL-MIKS for removing metal tattoos and present its long-term treatment outcomes.

METHODS

The EL-MIKS procedure consists of several steps that are all performed under a microscope. First, a micro-keyhole (1-2 mm diameter) was prepared using an Er:YAG laser in the center of the metal pigmentation. The connective tissue was evaporated in the deep layer, where metal debris was deposited. Second, within the accessible range, the irradiation angle was changed in various directions to ablate the metal pieces and discolored connective tissue without enlarging the keyhole. Finally, after blood filled the space created by the tissue evaporation, the surface of the blood clot at the entrance of the micro-keyhole was thermally coagulated with defocus laser irradiation. Pigmentation that could not be successfully removed from a single micro-keyhole was treated by forming new micro-keyholes at a distance of 3 mm or more from each previously created hole. Depigmentation over an extended area was completed over a few sessions every 4 weeks without gingival recession after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

EL-MIKS, a novel depigmentation technique, was able to successfully remove an extended area of metal tattoos in the gingiva using a simpler, easier, and less invasive procedure than conventional periodontal plastic surgery. Esthetic restoration was successfully achieved without postoperative alteration of the gingival contour.

Long-term observation of periodontal condition following placement of removable partial dentures with rigid retainers and major connector in patients with/without diabetes: A retrospective study

PURPOSE

This retrospective study evaluated the periodontal tissues of the abutment teeth of removable partial dentures (RPDs) with rigid retainers and major connectors in patients with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D).

METHODS

A total of 313 patients who had been treated with RPDs, including rigid retainers and major connectors, were divided into two groups: T2D and non-T2D. The periodontal parameters and radiographic bone heights of the abutment teeth were evaluated at baseline and at a 5-year examination during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). For patients with accessible standardized radiographs, bone density was analyzed based on the gray level (GL) using digital subtraction radiography (n = 83).

RESULTS

Overall, 739 abutment teeth (86 in the T2D group) of 235 patients (25 in the T2D group) were analyzed, and 95.0% (94.2% in the T2D group, and 95.2% in the non-T2D group) were maintained. The mean probing pocket depth significantly increased in both groups ( p < 0.001). There were significant changes in the radiographic bone height (p = 0.038) and GL on the side of the denture base area (p = 0.048) in the T2D group compared to those in the non-T2D group.

CONCLUSIONS

Regardless of T2D, RPDs with rigid retainers and major connectors could prevent the progression of periodontal disease and successfully maintain most of the abutment teeth during 5-years of SPT. However, T2D may be significantly associated with loss of bone height reduction and density on the side of the denture base area.