Tooth loss and pocket probing depths in compliant periodontally treated patients: a retrospective analysis

Treating Periodontitis Strictly Non-Surgically-A Retrospective Long-Term Analysis of Tooth Loss During Supportive Periodontal Care

Background/Objectives: Retrospective analysis of long-term periodontal tooth loss (PTL) during supportive periodontal care (SPC) in patients with Stage III/IV periodontitis who received strictly non-surgical periodontal treatment. Methods: Fully documented medical documentation of SPC > 5 years was analyzed at T0 (baseline), T1 (after Steps 1/2), and during SPC (T2). PTL, periodontal pocket depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), tooth mobility (TM), furcation involvement (FI), and frequency of SPC were recorded. Each parameter was tested for significance in a bivariate analysis, before a multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed to identify possible factors with an impact on PTL during SPC. Results: A total of 51 women/64 men (T1 mean age 55.4 ± 10.3 yrs) were surveilled after 9.0 ± 2.4 yrs; 2647 teeth were included. On average, patients attended 10.6 ± 3.8 SPC sessions between T1 and T2; 77 patients (67%) attended at least 1/year. At T1, 68 teeth were lost; 6.1% of the remaining teeth showed FI, and 13.8% showed TM. During SPC, the PTL range was 118 (1.03 ± 1.21/patient). TM, FI, mean PD, and Stage IV periodontitis proved to be statistically significantly associated with increased PTL. Conclusions: PTL was low in this cohort. Nevertheless, at T1, it may be beneficial to focus on stopping TM by splinting the mobile teeth and reducing the PD or treating FI appropriately, understanding that these precise applications of surgical procedures could positively affect long-term tooth retention.

Tooth loss during long-term periodontal therapy in specialized practices - a retrospective cohort study from a periodontal practice-based research network (Perio-PBRN)

OBJECTIVES

To investigate tooth-specific, clinical tooth-, and patient-related factors associated with tooth loss (TL) in patients with mild to severe periodontitis treated in a periodontal practice-based research network (Perio-PBRN) over at least 5 years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The Perio-PBRN consists of five German periodontal practices where clinical data were collected regarding patient age, tooth type, bleeding on probing (BOP), pocket probing depth (PPD), furcation involvement (FI), number of attended appointments, and other variables of interest. The data were evaluated regarding factors influencing TL.

RESULTS

Data from 687 patients (aged 54.5 ± 11.1 years) with mild (N = 23, 3.35%), moderate (N = 247, 35.95%) or severe (N = 417, 60.70%) periodontitis and 15,931 teeth over a mean observation period of 6.83 ± 1.40 years per patient were gathered via the Perio-PBRN. In this period, a total of 657 teeth were lost (4.12%, overall TL: 0.14 ± 0.22 teeth/patient/y). The risk of TL was significantly increased for teeth with persistent PPD ≥ 6 mm (hazard ratio: 6.81 [95% confidence interval: 5.07-9.15] in comparison to PPD < 4 mm. Additionally, BOP (3.90 [2.46-6.19]), furcation involvement, jaw, age and tooth type showed a significant influence on TL, while number of visits were not significantly associated with TL.

CONCLUSIONS

Periodontal care of patients with moderate to severe disease in specialized practices was associated with a low rate of TL. Known tooth-related prognostic factors were confirmed. However, the results must be interpreted cautiously without knowledge of risk factors such as smoking and diabetes.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

PBRNs can help gather large amounts of periodontal practice-level data.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS 00011448).

A nomogram-based predictive model for tooth survival in Chinese patients with periodontitis: An 11-year retrospective cohort study

AIM

To develop a nomogram-based predictive model of tooth survival by comprehensively analysing clinical and radiographic risk factors of tooth loss (TL).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, 3447 teeth of 131 subjects who underwent non-surgical periodontal treatment were examined retrospectively within a mean follow-up period of 11.6 years. The association of risk factors including clinical and radiographic parameters with TL was assessed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. A nomogram-based predictive model was developed, and its validation and discriminatory ability were analysed.

RESULTS

In all, 313 teeth were lost in 94 patients in this study (overall tooth loss [OTL] 9.08%; 0.21 teeth/patient/year). Male, heavy smoking, molar teeth, probing depth (PD), attachment loss (AL), tooth mobility and radiographic bone loss were significantly associated with TL (p < .05). A gradient effect of tooth mobility on TL increased from degree I to III versus none (p < .0001). The area under the curve (AUC) of the model was 0.865. Calibration curve and decision curve analysis demonstrated good performance and high net benefit, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Adopting a specific nomogram could facilitate the prediction of tooth survival and the development of tailored treatment plans in Chinese patients with advanced periodontitis.

Tooth- and implant-related prognostic factors in treatment planning

Following a comprehensive patient examination, including the assessment of periodontal and peri-implant diseases as well as considering the patient's needs, a pretherapeutic prognosis for each tooth and implant is given. Teeth and implants with a secure pretherapeutic prognosis require simple procedures and may be regarded as secure abutments for function and with a doubtful pretherapeutic prognosis usually need a comprehensive therapy. Such teeth and implants must be brought into the category with a secure prognosis by means of additional therapy such as endodontic, restorative, and surgical procedures. Teeth and implants with a hopeless pretherapeutic prognosis should be extracted/explanted during the initial phase of cause-related therapy (i.e., infection control). For example, teeth with vertical root fracture or unrestorable caries and implants with mobility or unrestorable malposition fall into the category of hopeless units. The primary goal of periodontal and peri-implant therapy should be to arrest disease progression. The latest consensus statement highlights that periodontitis can be successfully controlled and treated teeth can be retained for life. Nevertheless, for patients with uncontrolled contributing factors, the endpoints might not always be achievable, and low disease activity may be an acceptable therapeutic goal. Similarly, the management of peri-implantitis frequently requires surgical intervention following nonsurgical therapy due to incomplete treatment outcomes. Different surgical modalities can be effective and lead to significant improvement; however, achieving complete resolution of peri-implantitis is challenging, not always predictable, and can depend on multiple baseline factors. Therefore, this review aims at summarising available evidence on the rationale for incorporating systemic, lifestyle-related, clinical, and radiographic prognostic factors into treatment planning of patients diagnosed with periodontal and peri-implant diseases.

Early Response and Clinical Efficacy of a Mouthwash Containing Chlorhexidine, Anti Discoloration System, Polyvinylpyrrolidone/Vinyl Acetate and Sodium DNA in Periodontitis Model: A Triple-Blind Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Polyvinylpyrrolidone/vinyl acetate (PVP/VA) is a molecule with increased adhesion capacity, and can be associated in the bacterial plaque control with sodium DNA, a natural anti-aging molecule able to improve gingival trophism. The aim of the study is to test at two weeks the antimicrobial and antiplaque properties, subjects affected by chronic periodontitis, showed by a mouthwash containing Chlorhexidine (CHX) 0.2% with Anti Discoloration System (ADS), PVP-VA, and Sodium DNA in comparison with a placebo mouthwash. A single center randomized controlled trial was conducted on a total of fifty-four (54) subjects. In the test Group (n = 27) patients were treated by a 0.2% Chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash with ADS, PVP-VA, and Sodium DNA, while a placebo mouthwash was used in the control Group (B). The full mouth plaque score (FMPS), full mouth bleeding score (FMBS), and gingival index (GI) were assessed at baseline, and at 1 and 2 weeks after treatment. FMPS score recorded at baseline (V2) was 52.7 ± 9.2 in the Group Test and 58.2 ± 6.1 in the Group Control (p > 0.05). After 1 week (V3), FMPS was 13.3 ± 5.6 in the Group Test and 18.7 ± 4.3 in the Group Control (p < 0.05), while at V4 (2 weeks), FMPS was 14.2 ± 4.1 in the Group Test and 20.3 ± 5.2 in the Group Control (p < 0.05). FMBS score recorded at baseline (V2) was 46.7 ± 8.7 in the Group Test and 49.2 ± 6.2 in the Group Control (p > 0.05). After 1 week (V3), FMBS was 12.7 ± 4.2 in the test Group Test and 18.5 ± 5.9 in the control Group Control (p < 0.05), while after 2 weeks (V4), it was 13.1 ± 3.2 in the Group Test and 19.8 ± 4.9 Group Control (p < 0.05). This trial has clinically showed the efficacy of a new formulation of chlorhexidine mouthwash in reducing bacterial plaque and gingival inflammation. A significant reduction of inflammation and bleeding scores was found in periodontal patients treated by a mouthwash containing CHX 0.2% with ADS, PVP-VA, and Sodium DNA compared to those treated with a placebo mouthwash.

The impact of a "successfully treated stable periodontitis patient status" on patient-related outcome parameters during long-term supportive periodontal care

AIM

To assess the importance of achieving a successfully treated stable periodontitis patient status (PPS) during long-term supportive periodontal care (SPC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 100 periodontitis patients, who continued for ≥7.5 years after active periodontal treatment with SPC and were judged as overall adherent. The effect of various predictors on three patient-related outcome parameters was assessed: (1) number of diseased teeth at last SPC, (2) number of teeth lost due to periodontitis, and (3) number of teeth lost due to any reason.

RESULTS

One-fifth of the patients were classified as stable after active periodontal treatment. After a mean follow-up of 10.77 years, 24 patients lost 38 teeth due to periodontitis. An unstable PPS and a higher number of diseased teeth per patient at first SPC, and inadequate oral hygiene levels over time, significantly increased the risk for a higher number of diseased teeth per patient at last SPC and for more lost teeth due to periodontitis. However, high adherence to SPC appeared to mitigate the negative effect of an unstable PPS, especially regarding tooth loss due to periodontitis. Further, tooth loss due to any reason was about 3 times higher than tooth loss due to periodontitis and was affected by a larger number of predictors.

CONCLUSIONS

Successfully treated patients with a stable PPS maintained a small number of diseased teeth and barely lost any teeth during long-term SPC compared to patients who did not achieve a stable PPS after active periodontal therapy.

Development and characterization of an oral microbiome transplant among Australians for the treatment of dental caries and periodontal disease: A study protocol

BACKGROUND

Oral microbiome transplantation (OMT) is a novel concept of introducing health-associated oral microbiota into the oral cavity of a diseased patient. The premise is to reverse the state of oral dysbiosis, and restore the ecological balance to maintain a stable homeostasis with the host immune system. This study will assess the effectiveness, feasibility, and safety of OMT using an interdisciplinary approach.

METHODS/DESIGN

To find donors suitable for microbial transplantation, supragingival plaque samples will be collected from 600 healthy participants. Each sample (200μL) will subsequently be examined in two ways: 1) 100μL of the sample will undergo high-throughput 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and shotgun sequencing to identify the composition and characterisation of a healthy supragingival microbiome, 2) the remaining 100μL of the plaque sample will be mixed with 25% artificial saliva medium and inoculated into a specialised in-vitro flow cell model containing a hydroxyapatite disk. To obtain sufficient donor plaque, the samples would be grown for 14 days and further analysed microscopically and sequenced to examine and confirm the growth and survival of the microbiota. Samples with the healthiest microbiota would then be incorporated in a hydrogel delivery vehicle to enable transplantation of the donor oral microbiota. The third step would be to test the effectiveness of OMT in caries and periodontitis animal models for efficacy and safety for the treatment of oral diseases.

DISCUSSION

If OMTs are found to be successful, it can form a new treatment method for common oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontitis. OMTs may have the potential to modulate the oral microbiota and shift the ecological imbalances to a healthier state.

Tooth loss and radiographic bone loss in patients without regular supportive care: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Very few studies have investigated the effect of patient and site factors on periodontal progression and long-term tooth loss in populations with minimal dental care. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess tooth loss and radiographic bone loss over at least 5 years in patients attending a national-health service primary care practice in Sicily and undergoing no regular care.

METHODS

Records of two hundred consecutive patients with at least 5 years follow-up were screened and demographic, clinical and radiographic data were retrieved. Analyses of associations between patient and site factors and tooth loss were performed.

RESULTS

After excluding not suitable patients, a total of 159 patient records with clinical and radiographic data with average 8.6 years follow-up were included. One hundred of these patients had no professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR) carried out throughout the study follow-up. Nearly 65% of patients lost at least 1 tooth during the follow-up period, with a total of 400 extracted teeth (for periodontal and non-periodontal reasons). The annual tooth loss rate was slightly higher for "no PMPR" (untreated) patients (0.30 teeth/patient/year) compared with patients who had PMPR (0.27 teeth/patient/year). On a patient-level, only reduced frequency of daily tooth brushing was associated with tooth loss at logistic regression, whereas staging, grading and diagnosis of caries were associated with rates of tooth loss/year. At multilevel analysis including patient- and tooth-factors, age, diagnosis of caries and endodontic disease and percentage of bone loss at baseline were associated with tooth loss.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the importance of tooth brushing, initial bone loss, caries and endodontic disease in predicting tooth survival in a primary care setting.

Predictors of tooth loss during long-term periodontal maintenance: An updated systematic review

AIM

To evaluate the risk factors / predictors of tooth loss in patients with periodontitis who underwent periodontal therapy and long-term periodontal maintenance (PM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

PubMed, CENTRAL, EMBASE, Web of Science, LILACS and Scholar were searched up to and including September 2020. Studies limited to periodontitis patients who underwent active periodontal therapy (APT) and followed a regular PM programme with 5 years follow-up minimum were eligible for inclusion in this review. Studies were included if they reported data on tooth loss during PM. Random effects meta-analyses of number of tooth loss per patient per year were conducted.

RESULTS

Thirty-six papers regarding thirty-three studies were included in this review, with three prospective 30 retrospective trials. Subgroup meta-analysis showed no differences between prospective and retrospective studies, with an average of 0.1 tooth loss per year per patient (p < 0.001). Maxillary and molar teeth were more susceptible to be extracted during long-term PM. Baseline characteristics (smoking, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, being male and teeth with furcation lesions) showed no significance as predictor of tooth loss through meta-regression. The percentage of tooth loss due to periodontal reasons ranged from 0.45% to 14.4%. The individual outcomes in each study evidenced different patient-related factors (age and smoking) and tooth-related factors (i.e. tooth type and location) were associated with tooth loss during PM.

CONCLUSION

The majority of patients undergoing long-term PM have not lost teeth. On average, long-term PM effectively causes the loss of 1 tooth per patient every 10 years. Additional prospective trials may confirm these results.

Association, prediction, generalizability: Cross-center validity of predicting tooth loss in periodontitis patients

OBJECTIVES

To predict patients' tooth loss during supportive periodontal therapy across four German university centers.

METHODS

Tooth loss in 897 patients in four centers (Kiel (KI) n = 391; Greifswald (GW) n = 282; Heidelberg (HD) n = 175; Frankfurt/Main (F) n = 49) during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) was assessed. Our outcome was annualized tooth loss per patient. Multivariable linear regression models were built on data of 75 % of patients from one center and used for predictions on the remaining 25 % of this center and 100 % of data from the other three centers. The prediction error was assessed as root-mean-squared-error (RMSE), i.e., the deviation of predicted from actually lost teeth per patient and year.

RESULTS

Annualized tooth loss/patient differed significantly between centers (between median 0.00 (interquartile interval: 0.00, 0.17) in GW and 0.09 (0.00, 0.19) in F, p = 0.001). Age, smoking status and number of teeth before SPT were significantly associated with tooth loss (p < 0.03). Prediction within centers showed RMSE of 0.14-0.30, and cross-center RMSE was 0.15-0.31. Predictions were more accurate in F and KI than in HD and GW, while the center on which the model was trained had a less consistent impact. No model showed useful predictive values.

CONCLUSION

While covariates were significantly associated with tooth loss in linear regression models, a clinically useful prediction was not possible with any of the models and generalizability was not given. Predictions were more accurate for certain centers.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Association should not be confused with predictive value: Despite significant associations of covariates with tooth loss, none of our models was useful for prediction. Usually, model accuracy was even lower when tested across centers, indicating low generalizability.

Resective surgery for the treatment of furcation involvement: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the benefit of resective surgical periodontal therapy (root amputation or resection, root separation, tunnelling) in periodontitis patients exhibiting class II and III furcation involvement (FI) compared with non-surgical treatment (SRP) or open flap debridement (OFD).

MATERIAL

Outcomes were tooth survival (primary), vertical probing attachment gain, and reduction in probing pocket depth (secondary) evidenced by randomized clinical trials, prospective and retrospective cohort studies and case series with ≥ 12 months of follow-up. Search was performed on 3 electronic databases from January 1998 to December 2018.

RESULTS

From a total of 683 articles, 66 studies were identified for full-text analysis and 7 studies finally included. Six hundred sixty-seven patients contributed 2,021 teeth with class II or III FI. Data were very heterogeneous regarding follow-up and distribution of FI. A total of 1,515 teeth survived 4 to 30.8 years after therapy. Survival ranged from 38%-94.4% (root amputation or resection, root separation), 62%-67% (tunnelling), 63%-85% (OFD) and 68%-80% (SRP). Overall, treatment provided better results for class II FI than class III.

CONCLUSION

Within their limits, the data indicate that in class II and III FI, SRP and OFD may result in similar survival rates as root amputation/resection, root separation or tunnelling.

Prospective Longitudinal Changes in the Periodontal Inflamed Surface Area Following Active Periodontal Treatment for Chronic Periodontitis

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease of the periodontal tissue. The periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) is a proposed index for quantifying the inflammatory burden resulting from periodontitis lesions. This study aimed to investigate longitudinal changes in the periodontal status as evaluated by the PISA following the active periodontal treatment. To elucidate the prognostic factors of PISA, mixed-effect modeling was performed for clinical parameters, tooth-type, and levels of periodontal pathogens as independent variables. One-hundred-twenty-five patients with chronic periodontitis who completed the active periodontal treatment were followed-up for 24 months, with evaluations conducted at 6-month intervals. Five-times repeated measures of mean PISA values were 130+/−173, 161+/−276, 184+/−320, 175+/−417, and 209+/−469 mm². Changes in clinical parameters and salivary and subgingival periodontal pathogens were analyzed by mixed-effect modeling. Plaque index, clinical attachment level, and salivary levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis were associated with changes in PISA at the patient- and tooth-level. Subgingival levels of P. gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia were associated with changes in PISA at the sample site. For most patients, changes in PISA were within 10% of baseline during the 24-month follow-up. However, an increase in the number of bleeding sites in a tooth with a deep periodontal pocket increased the PISA value exponentially.

Retrospective analysis of the long-term effect of subgingival air polishing in supportive periodontal therapy

AIM

Glycine powder air polishing (GPAP) procedure has become popular. Aim of the analysis was to compare the clinical outcomes during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) of subgingival application of GPAP with those using sole conventional mechanical debridement (SC).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Over a median SPT period of 5.3 years (re-evaluation through last observation), the GPAP cohort (n = 263) received supra- and subgingival biofilm removal with GPAP. Supragingival calculus was removed using curets and sonic scalers here. Patients in the SC cohort (n = 264) were treated with sonic scalers, curets and rubber cup polishing only. Changes in, that is pocket probing depth (PPD) and furcation involvement were assessed retrospectively. A bootstrapping equivalence testing method in line with the principle of the two one-sided tests (TOST) procedure was used to compare clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

The GPAP procedure was statistically equivalent to SC regarding the number of sites with stable PPDs (83.3%; IQR 68.8%, 91.0% vs. 84.0%; IQR 77.8%, 90.0%). However, in the GPAP cohort, a trend towards deterioration in furcation status (no equivalence) was noted.

CONCLUSIONS

In periodontal maintenance, the use of GPAP instead of mechanical plaque removal does not improve the clinical outcome. It seems to be contraindicated to treat furcation defects with GPAP only.

Use of digital periodontal data to compare periodontal treatment outcomes in a practice-based research network (PBRN): a proof of concept

Background

Scientific studies in dentistry are mainly conducted at universities. However, most patients are treated in dental practices, which differ in many ways from treatment at the university. Through the establishment of practice-based research networks, however, it is also possible to examine studies in a real-world setting in dental practices. For this reason the aim of this non-interventional, observational study was to develop and evaluate a digital procedure to access, extract and analyse recorded clinical data in practices to assess periodontal treatment outcomes.

Methods

Participating periodontists were former or active postgraduate students of a master’s course in periodontics in Freiburg who routinely used a digital periodontal diagnostic program. All available stored periodontal patient charts were extracted, anonymized and digitally sent to the study centre.

Results

In this study, data were collected from 6301 patients from 9 different practices. Information such as probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), mobility, furcation and gingival attachment for 153,163 teeth at first visit were successfully transferred to the study centre. During the average observational period of 9.77 years, only 2.8% of all teeth were lost. The number of visits was significantly negatively correlated with BOP (p < 0.0001), and the number of BOP-positive sites was significantly correlated with deeper PDs (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The presented procedure was able to gather a large amount of practice-based periodontal data, and thus this study may support practice-based research networks. The data indicate that systematic and supportive periodontal therapy is successful on a practice-based level.

Trial registration The study was internationally registered on 4 January 2017 in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS 00011448). https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId=trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00011448

Clinical outcomes following periodontal surgery and root surface decontamination by erythritol-based air polishing. A randomized, controlled, clinical pilot study

Aim

To evaluate the outcomes following surgical periodontal treatment and root surface decontamination by means of air polishing using an erythritol powder or conventional mechanical root debridement.

Material and methods

Thirty systemically healthy patients (44.38 ± 8.2 years old, 11 smokers, 19 women) diagnosed with periodontitis stages III–IV were included. Each patient, with one single-rooted tooth, with one probing pocket depth (PD) ≥ 6 mm associated with horizontal bone loss, was treated by means of simplified papilla preservation flap (SPPF) and randomized to either test treatment (careful removal of the calculus with the tip of a blade, air polishing of the root surfaces with erythritol) or to the control group (scaling and root planing with hand curettes, ultrasonic instruments). PD, clinical attachment (CAL), bone sounding (BS), and radiographic bone level (BL) were evaluated at baseline and 12 months postsurgically.

Results

Twenty-seven patients completed the 12-month follow-up (test: n = 14, control: n = 13). In both groups, statistically significant improvements were obtained (p < 0.05, mean CAL gain/PD reduction: test, 2.50 ± 1.60 mm/3.00 ± 0.96 mm; control, 2.85 ± 1.21 mm/3.38 ± 1.12 mm). No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups for any of the investigated parameters (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Within their limits, the present results indicate that the use of air polishing with an erythritol powder during periodontal surgery may represent a valuable minimally invasive adjunct following calculus removal by means of hand and ultrasonic instruments or a valuable alternative to these, for root surfaces without calculus.

Clinical relevance

The use of air polishing with an erythritol powder during periodontal surgery appears to represent a valuable minimally invasive adjunct following calculus removal by means of hand and ultrasonic instruments or a valuable alternative to these, for root surfaces without calculus.

Supportive Implant Therapy (SIT): A Prospective 10-Year Study of Patient Compliance Rates and Impacting Factors

The main objective of this study is to present patient compliance rates and influential factors for regular attendance in a systematic implant aftercare program (Supportive Implant Therapy; SIT) within a 10-year observation period. From 2005 to 2008, we identified 233 patients with 524 implants and implant-supported restorations at the study center. They had been instructed to attend an SIT program with 3-month recall intervals. A 2019 clinical prospective cohort study on 10-year compliance rates was performed. Data were assessed yearly in regression analyses to identify influential factors. Noncompliance rates increased during the period (4.8%, year 1; 39.7%, year 10). Total noncompliance was observed in four patients (1.7%) with 10 implants. “Age,” “Gender,” “Diabetes”, and “Surgical case complexity” showed no correlation with patient compliance. “Smoking” and “Cardiovascular diseases” significantly influenced patients in one of ten years, while “Number of implants per patient”, “Type of implant-supported prostheses”, and “Pre-existing experience in a prophylaxis program” reached significance after several years. When patients with implant-supported restorations are strongly recommended and frequently remotivated to comply with an SIT program with 3-month recall, an approximately 60% compliance rate after 10 years is achievable. Previous prophylaxis program experience, increased number of implants per patient, and removable implant-supported prostheses may be strong influential factors for increased patient compliance.

Long-term periodontitis treatment costs according to the 2018 classification of periodontal diseases

OBJECTIVES

To assess if long-term treatment costs in periodontitis patients differ between stage III vs. IV and grade B vs. C according to the 2018 classification of periodontal diseases.

METHODS

A cohort of 231 periodontitis patients (followed over a mean of 18.4 years) was evaluated. Costs for active periodontal therapy (APT, including scaling and root planning, open flap debridement, root resections) and supportive periodontal therapy (SPT, including also restorative, endodontic, prosthetic and surgical treatment) were estimated from a mixed payer-perspective in Germany (in Euro 2020). Multi-dimensional staging and grading was applied. The impact of stage, grade, sex and age on total and annual costs was assessed.

RESULTS

Mean (SD) total and annual treatment costs were 7154 (2554) Euro and 437 (222) Euro. Costs were generated during SPT (92 %) and by periodontal treatment (88 %) and decreased significantly with longer follow-up (p < 0.001). Total costs were 7120 (2692) Euro in stage III (n = 154) vs. 7221 (2271) Euro in stage IV (n = 77; p > 0.05), and 6256 (1605) Euro in grade B (n = 35) vs. 7314 (2660) Euro in grade C (n = 196; p < 0.001). Annual costs were 426 (219) Euro vs. 459 (228) Euro for stage III vs. stage IV (p > 0.05) and 308 (163) Euro vs. 460 (224) Euro for grade B vs. grade C (p < 0.001). Multivariable modelling found grade, but not stage, sex and age significantly associated with costs.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of this study, and in patients with severe periodontitis who were systematically treated long-term, grading, but not staging was associated with costs.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Treatment costs were higher in patients with more progressive periodontitis and were found to decrease during follow-up. Dentists need to consider costs during treatment planning and communication with patients.

Adjunct use of mouth rinses with a sonic toothbrush accelerates the detachment of a Streptococcus mutans biofilm: an in vitro study

BACKGROUND

The aim of this in vitro study was to examine the possible enhancement of the biofilm peeling effect of a sonic toothbrush following the use of an antimicrobial mouth rinse.

METHODS

The biofilm at a noncontact site in the interdental area was treated by sound wave convection with the test solution or by immersion in the solution. The biofilm peeling effect was evaluated by determining the bacterial counts and performing morphological observations. A Streptococcus mutans biofilm was allowed to develop on composite resin discs by cultivation with stirring at 50 rpm for 72 h. The specimens were then placed in recesses located between plastic teeth and divided into an immersion group and a combination group. The immersion group was treated with phosphate buffer, chlorhexidine digluconate Peridex™ (CHX) mouth rinse or Listerine® Fresh Mint (EO) mouth rinse. The combination group was treated with CHX or EO and a sonic toothbrush.

RESULTS

The biofilm thickness was reduced by approximately one-half compared with the control group. The combination treatment produced a 1 log reduction in the number of bacteria compared to the EO immersion treatment. No significant difference was observed in the biofilm peeling effect of the immersion group compared to the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined use of a sonic toothbrush and a mouth rinse enhanced the peeling of the biofilm that proliferates in places that are difficult to reach using mechanical stress.

Self-Perception of Periodontal Health and Associated Factors: A Cross-Sectional Population-Based Study

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical factors associated with self-awareness of periodontal health. Data were collected from a representative sample of 736 adults (25–75 years old) in a city of Northern Italy who self-assessed gingival bleeding, oral malodor, and tooth mobility in a questionnaire and who underwent clinical periodontal examination and organoleptic evaluation. Approximately 50% of the subjects were aware of their actual gingival health status and oral odor. The logistic regression analysis revealed that females presented higher odds of correctly perceiving their gingival conditions and mouth odor, while those who were older and smokers had a greater probability of being less objective in reporting them. Tooth type and position in the dental arches were positively associated with self-perception of tooth mobility. These findings reflected a low level of self-awareness that may influence oral care-seeking behavior. Subjects may be unconcerned about their periodontal health condition or lack enough knowledge to be aware of it. This points to the need for planning strategies to improve education and knowledge about periodontal health, which, by enhancing self-perception of periodontal symptoms, could help everyone to seek treatment in the initial stage of the disease.

Comparison of periodontitis patients' classification in the 2018 versus 1999 classification

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess how the 2018 and 1999 classifications of periodontal diseases reflect (a) patients' characteristics, (b) disease severity/extent/progression and (c) tooth loss (TL) during observation period.

METHODS

A total of 251 patients were followed over 21.8 ± 6.2 years. For the 1999 classification, using clinical attachment level (CAL), patients were classified as localized/generalized, mild/moderate/severe and aggressive/chronic periodontitis. For the 2018 classification, patients were staged according to their CAL or bone loss (BL) and the number of lost teeth (stages I-IV). Further factors like probing pocket depths (PPD) or furcation involvement modified the stage. The extent was sub-classified as generalized/localized. Patients were graded according to the BL/age index, smoking and/or diabetes.

RESULTS

According to the 1999 classification, most patients suffered from generalized severe chronic periodontitis (203/251) or generalized aggressive periodontitis (45/251). Patients with aggressive periodontitis were younger and less often female or smokers. They showed similar TL (0.25 ± 0.22 teeth/patient*year) as generalized severe chronic periodontitis patients (0.23 ± 0.25 teeth/patient*year). According to the 2018 classification, most patients were classified as generalized III-C (140/251), III-B (31/251) or IV-C (64/251). Patients' age, smoking status, CAL, PPD and BL were well reflected. TL differed between IV-C (0.36 ± 0.47), generalized III-C (0.21 ± 0.24) and localized forms (0.10-0.15).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients' characteristics, disease severity/extent/progression and TL were well reflected by the 2018 classification.

Effects of smoking on tooth loss among individuals under periodontal maintenance therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Dental mortality has been reported by longitudinal studies on periodontal maintenance therapy (PMT), but the independent effect of smoking on tooth loss (TL), adjusted for important confounding variables, has been poorly evaluated. This systematic review aimed to assess and analyze the isolated effect of smoking TL among individuals undergoing PMT. Electronic, manual, grey literature, and recent articles (from April 2018) were searched, with no restriction regarding language; respective dates of publication were included. Epidemiological clinical studies reporting TL data among smokers undergoing PMT in comparison to nonsmoker control groups were selected. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis was performed, as well as I2 heterogeneity and sensitivity tests. Evidence quality was assessed using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Eleven papers were included in the systematic review: four case-control and seven cohort studies. Ten out of the 11 studies concluded that smoking was an important risk factor for the occurrence of TL. Meta-analysis of four of the cohort studies found that smokers had 3.24 times the chance of occurrence of TL than nonsmokers undergoing PMT (95%CI: 1.33-7.90). Overall, studies' risk of bias was low. The quality of the scientific evidence moderately supports that smokers undergoing PMT have a greater chance of TL than nonsmokers.

Prospective evaluation of periodontally diseased molars in smokers using the Miller-McEntire Periodontal Prognostic Index

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this 2-year prospective survival analysis study is to determine a statistically validated periodontal prognostic score for diseased molars in smokers using the Miller-McEntire Periodontal Prognostic Index (MMPPI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two hundred molars were evaluated from 25 patients who were smokers with moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis. The factors evaluated included age, probing depth, mobility, furcation involvement, smoking, and molar type. A modified, 5 level, scoring criterion for smoking based on smoking-dose was adopted. MMPPI was computed as the sum of scores for all six prognostic factors. Appropriate periodontal treatment and supportive periodontal therapy were provided. All patients were evaluated at baseline and 2 years posttreatment. Hazard risk ratio (HR) was computed for each prognostic factor.

RESULTS

A total of 3 (1.5%) teeth of the 200 molars were extracted over the 2-year follow-up duration, with a mean of 0.015 teeth lost. The HR was found as significantly higher for three individual prognostic factors: mobility (HR = 5.57, P = 0.02), smoking (HR = 3.35, P = 0.04), and furcation involvement (HR = 7.30, P = 0.01). Significant and positive HR (HR = 1.70, P = 0.01) was noted for the total MMPPI score, validating its prognostic value for molar survival at 2 years prospectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of the current study demonstrate the prognostic validity of MMPPI incorporating a more detailed smoking score criterion. The factors smoking, furcation involvement, and mobility significantly impacted the likelihood of survival of periodontally diseased molars. Further studies with a larger sample size and longer follow-up are required to confirm these findings.

Site-level progression of periodontal disease during a follow-up period

Periodontal disease is assessed and its progression is determined via observations on a site-by-site basis. Periodontal data are complex and structured in multiple levels; thus, applying a summary statistical approach (i.e., the mean) for site-level evaluations results in loss of information. Previous studies have shown the availability of mixed effects modeling. However, clinically beneficial information on the progression of periodontal disease during the follow-up period is not available.

We conducted a multicenter prospective cohort study. Using mixed effects modeling, we analyzed 18,834 sites distributed on 3,139 teeth in 124 patients, and data were collected 5 times over a 24-month follow-up period. The change in the clinical attachment level (CAL) was used as the outcome variable. The CAL at baseline was an important determinant of the CAL changes, which varied widely according to the tooth surface. The salivary levels of periodontal pathogens, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, were affected by CAL progression. “Linear”- and “burst”-type patterns of CAL progression occurred simultaneously within the same patient. More than half of the teeth that presented burst-type progression sites also presented linear-type progression sites, and most of the progressions were of the linear type. Maxillary premolars and anterior teeth tended to show burst-type progression. The parameters identified in this study may guide practitioners in determining the type and extent of treatment needed at the site and patient levels. In addition, these results show that prior hypotheses concerning "burst" and "linear" theories are not valid.

Long-term stability of splinted anterior mandibular teeth during supportive periodontal therapy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to retrospectively assess the survival rate and stability of periodontally compromised and mobile anterior mandibular teeth after splinting in patients under supportive periodontal therapy (SPT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-nine patients with splinted anterior mandibular teeth and SPT (≥1 visit/year) for 3-15 years were re-examined. Periodontal status, patient and tooth-related factors were assessed retrospectively before (baseline) and 3 years after splinting (n = 39 patients, 162 splinted teeth). For patients with splints inserted for more than 3 years, retrospective data after 5 (n = 30), 7 (n = 24), 10 (n = 16), 12 (n = 8) and 15 years (n = 4) was included, if available. At baseline, splinted teeth included at least one tooth with increased mobility combined with clinical attachment loss (CAL) ≥ 5 mm and ≥50% relative bone loss (RBL). Baseline RBL of splinted teeth was assessed for all patients. Change in RBL was assessed after 10 years, if available.

RESULTS

No splinted tooth was lost within the first 3 years after splinting. One splinted tooth was lost 7 years after baseline and one 12 years after baseline. After 3 years mean(SD) periodontal probing depth of splinted teeth decreased from 3.39(1.41) mm to 2.12(0.37) mm and mean(SD) CAL from 5.61(1.66) mm to 5.09(1.67) mm and remained stable over the observation period. No change in RBL was observed over a 10-year period (p = .213). The survival rate of the splints until fracture or debonding was 74.4% after 3 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Periodontally compromised splinted teeth show a high survival-rate and periodontal stability during SPT.

Long-term evaluations of teeth and dental implants during dental maintenance period

PURPOSE

This study was designed to evaluate the teeth and dental implants during dental maintenance therapy over 3 years in different conditions after periodontal and dental prosthetic treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

166 patients received maintenance therapy. 59 patients were treated with 2% minocycline-HCl ointment as local drug delivery (LDD) (L group) and 107 patients were treated without LDD (NL group). Clinical data was collected in maintenance period for evaluation. Patients were classified into groups depending on the application of LDD with maintenance therapy, the type of dental treatment before maintenance period (Pre-Tx), the frequency (F-MT), and regularity (R-MT) of maintenance therapy.

RESULTS

The numbers of lost teeth (N-teeth, P=.003) and newly placed dental implants (N-implants, P=.022) are significantly different according to Pre-Tx. F-MT among patients who received surgical dental treatment before maintenance period showed statistical differences in N-teeth (P=.041), but not in N-implants (P=.564). All of the patients in L group showed high F-MT (F-MT1). In NL group, there were no statistical differences in N-teeth or N-implants according to F-MT or R-MT. In F-MT1 group, application of LDD made N-teeth significantly different from both Pre-Tx groups while no significant difference could be found in N-implant. Independent t-test and one-way ANOVA were selected for statistical analysis.

CONCLUSION

The regular maintenance therapy and LDD can be effective for teeth during maintenance period. It is not only pharmacological efficacy in decreasing bacterial species that makes LDD a useful adjunct. Application of LDD also motivates patients to take adequate check-ups in the aspects of both frequency and regularity.

Furcation Therapy With Enamel Matrix Derivative: Effects on the Subgingival Microbiome

BACKGROUND

Although enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has been used to promote periodontal regeneration, little is known of its effect on the microbiome. Therefore, this investigation aims to identify changes in periodontal microbiome after treatment with EMD using a deep-sequencing approach.

METHODS

Thirty-nine patients with mandibular Class II buccal furcation defects were randomized to beta-tricalcium-phosphate/hydroxyapatite graft (BONE group), EMD+BONE, or EMD alone. Plaque was collected from furcation defects at baseline and 3 and 6 months post-treatment. Bacterial DNA was analyzed using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and 16S pyrotag sequencing, resulting in 169,000 classifiable sequences being compared with the Human Oral Microbiome Database. Statistical comparisons were made using parametric tests.

RESULTS

At baseline, a total of 422 species were identified from the 39 defects, belonging to Fusobacterium, Pseudomonas, Streptococcus, Filifactor, and Parvimonas. All three regenerative procedures predictably altered the disease-associated microbiome, with a restitution of health-compatible species. However, EMD and BONE+EMD groups demonstrated more long-term reductions in a higher number of species than the BONE group (P <0.05), especially disease-associated species, e.g., Selenomonas noxia, F. alocis, and Fusobacterium.

CONCLUSIONS

EMD treatment predictably alters a dysbiotic subgingival microbiome, decreasing pathogen richness and increasing commensal abundance. Further investigations are needed to investigate how this impacts regenerative outcomes.

Predictors of long-term outcomes in patients undergoing periodontal maintenance

AIM

This retrospective study aimed to characterize the baseline status of patients following periodontal maintenance, analysing the association between the long-term outcome of these patients, smoking, bruxism, and the main clinical and radiographic variables.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A sample of 174 patients with moderate to severe periodontitis was refined into homogeneous subsamples according to smoking and bruxism and the rate of tooth loss due to periodontal disease (TLPD): 0, 1-2, and >2 teeth. The association and the distribution (χ² test) of the variables within the subsamples were analysed.

RESULTS

Smoking and bruxism were significantly associated with higher TLPD rates. Vertical and circumferential bone defects (p < .0001), and abfractions (p < .0001) were associated with bruxism and particularly with bruxism and TLPD >2. Furcation defects (p = .0002), fewer radio-opaque subgingival calculus (χ² p < .0001), a lower mean Gingival index (χ² p = .027), and increased mean recessions >1.5 mm (χ² p = .0026) were associated with smoking and higher TLPD rates. The mean baseline mobility, abfractions, and recessions characterized two basic types of TLPD.

CONCLUSIONS

Smoking, bruxism, and routine clinical and radiological parameters can be used to characterize the baseline status of patients with worse outcomes.

Periodontal maintenance following active specialist treatment: Should patients stay put or return to primary dental care for continuing care? A comparison of outcomes based on the literature

OBJECTIVES

To review the evidence for the efficacy of periodontal maintenance (PM) carried out in primary dental care (PDC) compared to the specialist setting for patients previously treated in a specialist setting for chronic (ChP) or aggressive (AgP) periodontitis.

METHODS

A focused PICO question and search protocol were developed. Online databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, WEB OF SCIENCE™ and COCHRANE LIBRARY were searched along with specialist journals in the subject area of periodontal research. Selection criteria included studies that investigated delivery of PM in both specialist and PDC settings for patients with ChP or AgP over a minimum 12 months. We looked for studies that reported changes in clinical attachment levels (CAL), tooth loss, pocket probing depths (PPDs) and bleeding on probing (BoP) as outcome measures.

RESULTS

Eight cohort studies were chosen for inclusion. There was considerable heterogeneity found between the eight studies, which did not allow for quantitative (meta) analysis and statistical testing of differences between groups. Clinical attachment levels remained relatively stable in patients who received specialist PM with mean changes of -0.42 mm to +0.2 mm, while for those enrolled in PDC-based PM for periods >12 months, mean CAL losses were between -0.13 mm and -2.80 mm. PPD reduction for those subjects receiving specialist PM was between 0.05 and 1.8 mm for five studies but two cohorts experienced increases of 0.32 and 0.80 mm, respectively. Increases of up to 2.90 mm (range: -0.1 to +2.90) and a higher proportion of deeper pockets were noted among PDC PM cohorts. Higher rates of BoP among those in receipt of PDC PM were reported in half of all studies. There were insufficient long-term data to make any firm conclusions about the effect of the delivery of PM on tooth loss.

CONCLUSION

Within the limitations of the data available, it appears that specialist PM is effective in sustaining periodontal stability following active specialist intervention. There is limited evidence that PDC provides the same level of care; however, the limited comparative data available suggest that outcomes could be slightly worse in PDC.

A Randomized Double-Masked Clinical Trial Comparing Four Periodontitis Treatment Strategies: 5-Year Tooth Loss Results

BACKGROUND

Tooth loss is the ultimate negative consequence of periodontitis, and reports of the extent to which different treatment strategies may influence long-term tooth loss are hard to find. This study aims to test the hypothesis that there is no difference in 5-year clinical outcome of therapy in terms of tooth mortality between groups of patients treated with conventional scaling and root planing (SRP) over weeks or same-day full-mouth disinfection (FDIS), with or without adjunctive metronidazole (MET).

METHODS

One hundred eighty-four patients with moderate-to-severe periodontitis were randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups: 1) FDIS+MET; 2) FDIS+placebo; 3) SRP+MET; and 4) SRP+placebo. Total 161 patients (88%) completed the 5-year follow-up examination, and data on number and timing of tooth extractions as well as pre-extraction diagnoses and reasons for extractions were analyzed.

RESULTS

No differences were observed between groups with regard to number of, reasons for, or time of extractions in the four groups at baseline and 1, 3, and 5 years after treatment.

CONCLUSION

If extraction or retention of teeth is regarded as a measure of failure or success 5 years after completion of periodontal therapy, none of the four strategies produced an end result better than the other.

Number of teeth predict depressive symptoms in a longitudinal study on patients with periodontal disease

OBJECTIVE

Periodontal disease is associated with a wide range of psychosocial risk-factors. Disease-related tooth-loss has been associated with an increase in depressive symptoms in cross-sectional studies. However, while depression is a known risk-factor for the outcome of chronic diseases, it remains unclear if tooth loss can also predict depressive symptoms over the course of treatment. Aim of the current pilot study was to test, to what extend the number of teeth predict depressive symptoms several years later.

METHODS

Tooth status of 310 patients with chronic and aggressive periodontitis was evaluated at the beginning of a specialized, university based outpatient treatment. We assessed depressive symptoms with the Patient Heath Questionnaire (PHQ) on average 13years later. Regression analyses were used to relate initial number of teeth to self-reported depression scores.

RESULTS

Fewer teeth at the beginning of the treatment were related to higher scores of depressive symptoms, even when controlling for several covariates.

CONCLUSIONS

Tooth loss is a potential risk-factor for the development of depression in periodontal disease. Further longitudinal studies that control for initial depressive symptoms are needed to identify disease mechanisms.

Long-term evaluation of teeth and implants during the periodic maintenance in patients with viral liver disease

PURPOSE

This study was designed to investigate the maintenance of teeth and implants in patients with viral liver disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

316 patients without any significant systemic disease were selected as a control group. Liver disease group was consisted of 230 patients. Necessary data were collected using clinical records and panoramic radiographs. Then, the patients were subdivided into 2 groups based on the type of active dental therapy received before maintenance period (Pre-Tx). Analysis for finding statistically significant difference was performed based on the need for re-treatment of active dental therapy (Re-Tx) and change in the number of teeth (N-teeth) and implants (N-implants).

RESULTS

Comparing to control group, the patients with liver disease showed higher value on N-teeth, N-implants, and Re-Tx. Statistically significant differences were found on N-teeth (P=.000) and Re-Tx (P=.000) in patients with non-surgical Pre-Tx. Analysis based on severity of liver disease showed that N-teeth and Re-Tx were directly related to severity of liver disease regardless of received type of Pre-Tx. Significant differences were found on N-teeth (P=.003) and Re-Tx (P=.044) in patients with non-surgical Pre-Tx.

CONCLUSION

In this study, it was concluded that liver disease might influence the loss of teeth and cause the relapse of dental disease during maintenance period in patients. A significant positive relationship between tooth and implant loss and severity of liver disease seems to exist.

Decision-Making for Residual Periodontal Pockets after Aetiological Treatment

The practitioner may have difficulties making decisions regarding the most appropriate therapeutic approach in the case of the persistence of periodontal pockets after initial periodontal treatment. Several options may be considered: aetiologic retreatment, maintenance, surgery of the pocket or extraction of the tooth for strategic reasons or when the conservation of the tooth is impossible. There are no clear guidelines for the treatment decision. The aim of this article is to present the main factors involved in making a treatment decision. An algorithm and its background rationale are presented to help the practitioner make a decision about residual periodontal pockets after aetiological treatment.