Control of periodontal infections: a randomized controlled trial I. The primary outcome attachment gain and pocket depth reduction at treated sites

Influence of gender on periodontal outcomes: A retrospective analysis of eight randomized clinical trials

AIMS

To explore the influence of gender on periodontal treatment outcomes in a dataset of eight RCTs conducted in Brazil, United States, and Germany.

METHODS

Clinical parameters were compared between men and women with stages III/IV grades B/C generalized periodontitis at baseline and 1-year post-therapy, including scaling and root planing with or without antibiotics.

RESULTS

Data from 1042 patients were analyzed. Men presented a tendency towards higher probing depth (p = .07, effect size = 0.11) and clinical attachment level (CAL) than women at baseline (p = .01, effect size = 0.16). Males also presented statistically significantly lower CAL gain at sites with CAL of 4-6 mm at 1-year post-therapy (p = .001, effect size = 0.20). Among patients with Grade B periodontitis who took antibiotics, a higher frequency of women achieved the endpoint for treatment (i.e., ≤4 sites PD ≥5 mm) at 1 year than men (p < .05, effect size = 0.12).

CONCLUSION

Men enrolled in RCTs showed a slightly inferior clinical response to periodontal therapy in a limited number of sub-analyses when compared to women. These small differences did not appear to be clinically relevant. Although gender did not dictate the clinical response to periodontal treatment in this population, our findings suggest that future research should continue to explore this topic.

MRI-detected intraosseous bone marrow edema recedes after effective therapy of periodontitis

OBJECTIVES

T2 STIR MRI sequences can detect preclinical changes associated with periodontal inflammation, i.e. intraosseous edema in the tooth-supporting bone. In this study, we assessed whether MRI can be used for monitoring periodontal disease.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In a prospective cohort study, we examined 35 patients with periodontitis between 10/2018 and 04/2019 by using 3D isotropic T2-weighted short tau inversion recovery (STIR) and Fast Field Echo T1-weighted Black bone sequences. All patients received standardized clinical exams before and three months after non-surgical periodontal therapy. Bone marrow edema extent was quantified in the STIR sequence at 922 sites before and after treatment. Results were compared with standard clinical findings. Non-parametric statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Non-surgical periodontal treatment caused significant improvement in mean probing depth (p < 0.001) and frequency of bleeding on probing (p < 0.001). The mean depth of osseous edema per site was reduced from a median [IQR] of 2 [1, 3] mm at baseline to 1 [0, 3] mm, (p < 0.001). Periodontal treatment reduced the frequency of sites with edema from 35 to 24% (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The decrease of periodontal bone marrow edema, as observed with T2 STIR MR imaging, is indicative of successful periodontal healing.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

T2 STIR hyperintense bone marrow edema in the periodontal bone decreases after treatment and can therefore be used to evaluate treatment success. Furthermore, MRI reveals new options to depict hidden aspects of periodontitis.

KEY POINTS

• T2 STIR hyperintense periodontal intraosseous edema was prospectively investigated in 35 patients with periodontitis before and after treatment and compared to clinical outcomes. • The frequency of affected sites was reduced from 35 to 24% (p < 0.001), and mean edema depth was reduced from a median [IQR] of 2 [1, 3] mm at baseline to 1 [0, 3] mm 3 months after treatment. (p < 0.001). • T2 STIR sequences can be used to monitor the posttreatment course of periodontitis.

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.

Motivational Interviewing on Periodontal Treatment Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

This systematic review investigated the clinical efficacy of motivational interviewing (MI) in improving oral hygiene and periodontal health in patients with periodontal diseases.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across various databases up to May 2023. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of MI on periodontal conditions in patients with gingivitis, periodontitis, and peri‑implantitis were included. After data screening, a risk-of-bias assessment was performed using the Cochrane risk of bias (RoB) tool. The meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models.

RESULTS

Out of 2108 records screened, 7 RCTs involving 474 patients were included in the qualitative synthesis, with 6 of these studies included in the meta-analysis. Amongst these, 5 studies had a high RoB and 2 had some concerns about bias. Although individual studies reported varied results regarding the effects of MI on different periodontal indices and parameters at different time points, the pooled results revealed no significant difference in the overall effect on plaque level, bleeding on probing, and gingival inflammation between the MI and control groups. In addition, there is insufficient evidence to suggest any significant effect on attachment loss or probing depth.

CONCLUSIONS

The current evidence is insufficient to support the effectiveness of MI as an adjunctive intervention for improving oral hygiene and periodontal outcomes. However, these results should be interpreted with caution. Additional high-quality studies with standardised MI interventions are required to derive definite conclusions.

Supra and subgingival application of antiseptics or antibiotics during periodontal therapy

Periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis) are characterized by inflammatory processes which arise as a result of disruption of the balance in the oral ecosystem. According to the current S3 level clinical practice guidelines, therapy of patients with periodontitis involves a stepwise approach that includes the control of the patient's risk factors and the debridement of supra and subgingival biofilm. This debridement can be performed with or without the use of some adjuvant therapies, including physical or chemical agents, host modulating agents, subgingivally locally delivered antimicrobials, or systemic antimicrobials. Therefore, the main aim of this article is to review in a narrative manner the existing literature regarding the adjuvant application of local agents, either subgingivally delivered antibiotics and antiseptics or supragingivally applied rinses and dentifrices, during the different steps in periodontal therapy performed in Europe.

Gels as adjuvant to non-surgical periodontal therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effect of the use of available drugs loaded gels used as adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Methods

Systematic research on PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central register of Controlled Trials, and Embase databases up to December 2021 was performed. Randomized clinical trials (RCT) which compared the outcomes of scaling and root planing (SRP) + local adjuvant administration (gel) versus SRP + placebo or SRP alone in Humans were included. The primary outcome measures were PPD and CAL changes at 3 months.

Results

After articles screening, 77 articles were included and assessed for quality. Then, a meta-analysis was conducted in studies with at least 3 months of follow-up. Clinical improvements were found to be significant for tetracyclines (-0.51 [-0.71;-0.31] p < 0.001), macrolides (-0.71 [-1.04;-0.38] p < 0.001), statins (-0.84 [-0.98;-0.70] p < 0.001), metformin (-1.47 [-1.66;-1.29] p < 0.001) and hyaluronan (-1.61 [-2.28;-0.94] p < 0.001) loaded gels, but non-significant for chlorhexidine (-0.48 [-1.10; 0.14] p = 0.13), metronidazole (-0.50 [-1.20; 0.20] p = 0.16) and bisphosphonates (-0.42 [-1.39; 0.54] p = 0.539) gels.

Conclusion

Adjunctive use of drugs loaded gels to non-surgical periodondal treatment could improve PPD reduction at 3 months. However, huge disparities remain when comparing the outcomes of the differents drugs used. Future comparative studies should be considered to determine precisely short and long term benefits of such treatments.

Newly identified pathogens in periodontitis: evidence from an association and an elimination study

We assessed the level of evidence for the presence of new periodontal pathogens by (i) comparing the occurrence of non-classical periodontal taxa between healthy vs. periodontitis patients (Association study); (ii) assessing the modifications in the prevalence and levels of these species after treatments (Elimination study). In the Association study, we compared the prevalence and levels of 39 novel bacterial species between periodontally healthy and periodontitis patients. In the Elimination study, we analyzed samples from periodontitis patients assigned to receive scaling and root planing alone or with metronidazole+ amoxicillin TID/ 14 days. Levels of 79 bacterial species (39 novel and 40 classic) were assessed at baseline, 3 and 12 months post-therapy. All samples were analyzed using Checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. Out of the 39 novel species evaluated, eight were categorized as having strong and four as having moderate association with periodontitis. Our findings suggest strong evidence supporting Lancefieldella rimae, Cronobacter sakazakii, Pluralibacter gergoviae, Enterococcus faecalis, Eubacterium limosum, Filifactor alocis, Haemophilus influenzae, and Staphylococcus warneri, and moderate evidence supporting Escherichia coli, Fusobacterium necrophorum, Spiroplasma ixodetis, and Staphylococcus aureus as periodontal pathogens. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the etiology of periodontitis and may guide future diagnostic and interventional studies.

Subgingival host-microbiome metatranscriptomic changes following scaling and root planing in grade II/III periodontitis

AIM

To assess the effects of scaling and root planing (SRP) on the dynamics of gene expression by the host and the microbiome in subgingival plaque samples.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fourteen periodontitis patients were closely monitored in the absence of periodontal treatment for 12 months. During this period, comprehensive periodontal examination and subgingival biofilm sample collection were performed bi-monthly. After 12 months, clinical attachment level (CAL) data were compiled and analysed using linear mixed models (LMM) fitted to longitudinal CAL measurements for each tooth site. LMM classified the sites as stable (S), progressing (P), or fluctuating (F). After the 12-month visit, subjects received SRP, and at 15 months they received comprehensive examination and supportive periodontal therapy. Those procedures were repeated at the 18-month visit, when patients were also sampled. Each patient contributed with one S, one P, and one F site collected at the 12- and 18-month visits. Samples were analysed using Dual RNA-Sequencing to capture host and bacterial transcriptomes simultaneously.

RESULTS

Microbiome and host response behaviour were specific to the site's progression classification (i.e., S, P, or F). Microbial profiles of pre- and post-treatment samples exhibited specific microbiome changes, with progressing sites showing the most significant changes. Among them, Porphyromonas gingivalis was reduced after treatment, while Fusobacterium nucleatum showed an increase in proportion. Transcriptome analysis of the host response showed that interleukin (IL)-17, TNF signalling pathways, and neutrophil extracellular trap formation were the primary immune response activities impacted by periodontal treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

SRP resulted in a significant "rewiring" of host and microbial activities in the progressing sites, while restructuring of the microbiome was minor in stable and fluctuating sites.

The effects of adjunctive use of a desiccant agent in the treatment of stage III periodontitis (Randomized controlled clinical trial)

Introduction

Several bacterial species inhabiting the dental plaque biofilms are associated with periodontitis.

Objective

The main objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of the desiccant agent HYBENX (HBX) as an adjunct to scaling and root planning (SRPX) versus scaling and root planning (SRP) alone in the treatment of periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

The study sample comprised 25 patients with periodontitis stage Ш (grades A and B). Each maxillary quadrant was randomly allocated to two groups: SRPX group, including 25 quadrants treated with SRP plus HYBENX, and SRP group, including 25 quadrants treated with SRP alone. The following clinical periodontal parameters were recorded at baseline (immediately after treatment, T0), and 1 month (T1), 3 months (T3), and 6 months (T6) after treatment: probing pocket depth (PPD), relative attachment level (RAL), plaque index (PLI), gingival index (GI), gingival height (GH), and bleeding on probing index (BOP).

Results

Comparisons within each study group showed that all clinical parameters significantly improved (P < 0.001) at all follow-up intervals. In contrast, a statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) was observed in RAL, PPD, BOP, and GI indices at all follow-up intervals between the SRPX and SRP groups. In contrast, no significant differences (P > 0.05) were found in GH and PLI between the study groups.

Conclusion

Both treatment groups showed improved periodontal parameters. However, applying desiccant gel as an adjunct to SRP was significantly effective in the treatment of stage III periodontitis.

Analysis of Salivary Levels of IL-1β, IL17A, OPG and RANK-L in Periodontitis Using the 2017 Classification of Periodontal Diseases-An Exploratory Observational Study

Periodontitis is a chronic disease with a high overall prevalence. It involves a complex interplay between the immune-inflammatory pathways and biofilm changes, leading to periodontal attachment loss. The aims of this study were (i) to assess whether the salivary IL-1β, IL-17A, RANK-L and OPG levels have the potential to discriminate between the mild and severe periodontitis conditions; and (ii) to enable diagnostic/prognostic actions to differentiate between distinct levels of the disease. The analysis of the clinical parameters and the evaluation of the salivary immunomediators levels by means of a multiplex flow assay revealed a statistically significantly higher level of IL-1β in the periodontitis III/IV patients, as well as a higher level of RANK-L in the periodontitis III/IV and I/II patients, when compared to the healthy controls. Furthermore, the grade C periodontitis patients presented a significantly higher level of RANK-L compared to the grade B and grade A patients. In the grade C patients, IL-1β had a positive correlation with the PPD and CAL indices and RANK_L had a positive correlation with CAL. The evidence emerging from this study associates the salivary IL-1β and RANK-L levels with an advanced stage of periodontitis, stage III/IV, and with grade C, suggesting the possible cooperative action of both in the inflammatory and bone loss events. In addition to IL-1β, RANK-L could be considered a combined diagnostic biomarker for periodontitis.

Advances in novel therapeutic approaches for periodontal diseases

Periodontal diseases are pathological processes resulting from infections and inflammation affecting the periodontium or the tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth. Pathogenic bacteria living in complex biofilms initiate and perpetuate this disease in susceptible hosts. In some cases, broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy has been a treatment of choice to control bacterial infection. However, increasing antibiotic resistance among periodontal pathogens has become a significant challenge when treating periodontal diseases. Thanks to the improved understanding of the pathogenesis of periodontal disease, which involves the host immune response, and the importance of the human microbiome, the primary goal of periodontal therapy has shifted, in recent years, to the restoration of homeostasis in oral microbiota and its harmonious balance with the host periodontal tissues. This shift in therapeutic goals and the drug resistance challenge call for alternative approaches to antibiotic therapy that indiscriminately eliminate harmful or beneficial bacteria. In this review, we summarize the recent advancement of alternative methods and new compounds that offer promising potential for the treatment and prevention of periodontal disease. Agents that target biofilm formation, bacterial quorum-sensing systems and other virulence factors have been reviewed. New and exciting microbiome approaches, such as oral microbiota replacement therapy and probiotic therapy for periodontal disease, are also discussed.

Periodontal Treatment and Usual Care for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION

Periodontal disease is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We evaluated periodontal treatment efficacy in patients with NAFLD and periodontal disease.

METHODS

This multicenter, 2-arm, randomized study recruited adult patients with NAFLD and periodontitis, alanine aminotransferase levels ≥40 U/L, and equivalent steatosis grade ≥1. Forty eligible patients (18 men and 22 women) were randomly assigned to 2 groups (scaling and root planning [SRP; n = 20] and tooth brushing [n = 20] groups) stratified by age and sex. The primary and secondary endpoints were changes in alanine aminotransferase levels and serum Porphyromonas gingivalis IgG antibody titers from baseline to 12 weeks, respectively. Efficacy analysis was performed using an intention-to-treat approach ( t test). This trial was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000022079).

RESULTS

We observed a significantly higher decrease in absolute alanine aminotransferase levels and P. gingivalis IgG antibody titers in the SRP group than in the tooth brushing group (-12 vs 1 U/L; mean difference [δ], -12; 95% confidence interval [CI], -20 to -5; P = 0.002). The decrease in P. gingivalis IgG antibody titer was significantly higher in the SRP group than in the tooth brushing group (FDC381, -1.6 [2.5]; δ, -1.6; 95% CI, -2.7 to -0.4; P = 0.0092; SU63, -1.7 [2.0]; δ, -1.7; 95% CI, -2.7 to -0.7). No life-threatening events or treatment-related deaths occurred.

DISCUSSION

Periodontal treatment induced significant short-term and mid-term reductions in liver enzyme levels and antibody titers. Further research is warranted to clearly define SRP efficacy and tolerability in patients with NAFLD and periodontitis.

Flapless application of enamel matrix derivative in non-surgical periodontal treatment: A systematic review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of the flapless application of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in combination with non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) when compared to non-surgical periodontal treatment alone in adult patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An electronic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, Scopus and Cochrane Library up to March 2021 complemented by a manual search. Human longitudinal studies of >5 participants and at least 3 months follow-up were eligible for inclusion in the review. Clinical outcomes were extracted and pooled. Meta-analysis of the included studies was not possible due to methodological differences.

RESULTS

A total of 1199 publications were identified and reviewed for eligibility. Nine of them fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Eight studies were randomized clinical trials. The clinical findings of the majority of the included studies demonstrated that the adjunctive use of EMD with NSPT could lead to significantly improved treatment outcomes including higher PPD reduction, more CAL gain, more robust BOP reduction, higher number of sites with PPD < 5 mm and more frequent pocket closure which reduces the need for further periodontal surgical treatment. Limited biological, microbiological and histological findings were reported. Minimal adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSION

The flapless application of EMD during NSPT leads to an improved clinical outcome in regards to CAL gain and PPD reduction when compared to conventional treatment alone. The potential effect on the biological and microbiological outcome is unclear.

Periodontal Disease: The Good, The Bad, and The Unknown

Periodontal disease is classically characterized by progressive destruction of the soft and hard tissues of the periodontal complex, mediated by an interplay between dysbiotic microbial communities and aberrant immune responses within gingival and periodontal tissues. Putative periodontal pathogens are enriched as the resident oral microbiota becomes dysbiotic and inflammatory responses evoke tissue destruction, thus inducing an unremitting positive feedback loop of proteolysis, inflammation, and enrichment for periodontal pathogens. Keystone microbial pathogens and sustained gingival inflammation are critical to periodontal disease progression. However, recent studies have revealed the importance of previously unidentified microbes involved in disease progression, including various viruses, phages and bacterial species. Moreover, newly identified immunological and genetic mechanisms, as well as environmental host factors, including diet and lifestyle, have been discerned in recent years as further contributory factors in periodontitis. These factors have collectively expanded the established narrative of periodontal disease progression. In line with this, new ideologies related to maintaining periodontal health and treating existing disease have been explored, such as the application of oral probiotics, to limit and attenuate disease progression. The role of systemic host pathologies, such as autoimmune disorders and diabetes, in periodontal disease pathogenesis has been well noted. Recent studies have additionally identified the reciprocated importance of periodontal disease in potentiating systemic disease states at distal sites, such as in Alzheimer's disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, and oral cancer, further highlighting the importance of the oral cavity in systemic health. Here we review long-standing knowledge of periodontal disease progression while integrating novel research concepts that have broadened our understanding of periodontal health and disease. Further, we delve into innovative hypotheses that may evolve to address significant gaps in the foundational knowledge of periodontal disease.

Association between obstructive sleep apnea and periodontitis in Chinese male adults: A cross-sectional study

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

An association between obstructive sleep apnea and periodontitis has been suggested, but supporting data are lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to investigate any association between obstructive sleep apnea and periodontitis in Chinese male adults.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ninety-three male adults (aged between 24 and 35 years) were recruited and examined between June and September 2019. Obstructive sleep apnea was diagnosed by using portable, overnight polysomnography, and all participants were classified into study and control groups based on the apnea-hypopnea index. Periodontal examinations were conducted before polysomnography measuring probing depth, clinical attachment level, and bleeding on probing. An objective nasal airway resistance assessment was also performed before polysomnography to quantify mouth breathing during sleep.

RESULTS

Overall, 40 (43.0%) participants had periodontitis, and 19 (20.4%) had obstructive sleep apnea; in those diagnosed with periodontitis, 13 of 40 (32.5%) also had obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea was positively associated with periodontitis (odds ratio =3.719, 95% CI=1.234 to 11.209, P=.020). The obstructive sleep apnea group showed significantly higher bleeding on probing (P=.034) and clinical attachment level (P=.046). Correlation analysis showed a weak but positive correlation between the severity of obstructive sleep apnea and that of periodontitis. The regression analysis identified the lowest oxygen saturation (odds ratio=0.894, 95% CI=0.842 to 0.949, P=.002) to be significantly associated with the prevalence of periodontitis.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant association was observed between obstructive sleep apnea and periodontitis. Low oxygen saturation might be a predictive index for periodontitis, suggesting that hypoxia caused by obstructive sleep apnea might be related to the symptoms of periodontitis.

Inflammation and Periodontal Regeneration

Technological innovations in cellular and molecular aspects of tissue engineering --scaffolds, stem cells and 3D printed tissues --have been dramatically increased in the last decade. However, regenerative treatment still has challenges in translation to clinic. This is partly due to failure of addressing an essential element of wound healing, inflammation. It is now well-recognized that inflammation is an active process. This paradigm shift opened up a new avenue of therapeutic approaches called "host-modulation." Host-modulation therapies capable of modulating inflammatory response at multiple levels and mimicking the natural sequence of wound healing offer a new direction and promising clinical translation.

Probiotics-Mediated Bioconversion and Periodontitis

Novel bioactive metabolites have been developed through a bioconversion of dairy products or other foods using probiotics isolated from dairy products or other fermented foods. These probiotics-mediated bioconversion (PMB) metabolites show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, epithelial barrier, and anticancer activities. In addition, the effect of PMB metabolites in periodontitis is recently reported in several studies. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by infections, and the tooth support tissue is destroyed. Common treatments for periodontitis include scaling and root planning with systemic antibiotics. However, the overuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of drug-resistant microorganisms and disturbs the beneficial bacteria, including lactobacilli in the oral cavity. For this reason, PMB metabolites, such as fermented milk, have been suggested as substitutes for antibiotics to reduce periodontitis. This paper reviews the recent studies on the correlation between periodontitis and PMB metabolites and classifies the efficacy of major PMB metabolites for periodontitis. The review suggests that PMB is effective for periodontitis, and further studies are needed to confirm the therapeutic effect of PMB metabolites on periodontitis.

Papilla preservation periodontal surgery in periodontal reconstruction for deep combined intra-suprabony defects. Retrospective analysis of a registry-based cohort

Background

Suprabony defects are the most prevalent defects and there is very little evidence on their treatment. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of papilla preservation periodontal surgery in the periodontal reconstruction of combined deep intra-suprabony defects.

Material and Methods

20 patients with combined intrabony and supra-alveolar deep periodontal defects treated by papilla preservation periodontal surgery were analyzed. Defects were treated with enamel matrix derivate plus xenograft. Clinical recordings made before surgery and at 12 months.

Results

Papilla preservation periodontal surgery showed significant PPD reduction (4.4 ± 1.46 mm; p<0.001), clinical attachment gain (3.35 ± 1.6 mm; p<0.001), increased REC (1.05 ± 0.94; p<0.001), papilla apical displacement (0.85 ± 1.31 mm; p<0.005) and KT reduction (0.5 ± 0.76 mm; p<0.05). At one week, there was incomplete wound closure and necrosis in 40% and 30% of the treated sites, respectively. At one year, the intrabony component filling was 73.65 ± 27.6 % and the supra-alveolar attachment gain indicated an incomplete intrabony defect resolution (-0.15 ± 1.56 mm).

Conclusions

Periodontal pocket was significantly reduced and the level of clinical attachment increased. However, there was significant recession of the gingival margin and the papilla and a trend to incomplete resolution of the intrabony component.

Key words:Periodontitis, surgical flaps, reconstructive surgery, regeneration.

Probiotics for periodontal health-Current molecular findings

Dysbiosis of the oral microbiome is associated with a variety of oral and systemic diseases, including periodontal disease. Oral dysbiosis in periodontal disease leads to an exacerbated host immune response that induces progressive periodontal tissue destruction and ultimately tooth loss. To counter the disease‐associated dysbiosis of the oral cavity, strategies have been proposed to reestablish a “healthy” microbiome via the use of probiotics. This study reviews the literature on the use of probiotics for modifying the oral microbial composition toward a beneficial state that might alleviate disease progression. Four in vitro and 10 preclinical studies were included in the analysis, and these studies explored the effects of probiotics on cultured biofilm growth and bacterial gene expressions, as well as modulation of the host response to inflammation. The current molecular findings on probiotics provide fundamental evidence for further clinical research for the use of probiotics in periodontal therapy. They also point out an important caveat: Changing the biofilm composition might alter the normal oral flora that is beneficial and/or critical for oral health.

TMT-labelled quantitative proteomic analysis to predict the target promoting human odontogenic inflammatory granulation tissue transform into reparative granulation tissue

OBJECTIVES

Odontogenic inflammatory diseases are main causes for alveolar bone breakdown and teeth loss, leaving great difficulties in denture restoration. Local inflammatory granulation tissue (IGT) is considered as pathological tissue and required to be removed. However, there are many evidences supporting that under appropriate intervention, IGT in alveolar bone maybe transformed into reparative granulation tissue (RGT), followed by ossification. Therefore, this study aimed to discover a specific target to promote this transformation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After drawing out histological differences between IGT and RGT with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemical (IHC) assay staining, TMT-labelled quantitative proteomic analysis was applied to identify potential targets.

RESULTS

The most striking histological property of RGT was found to be ECM deposition, which significantly decreased inflammatory cells, prominently increased fibroblasts as well as triggered changes of vascular types. Combined with histological findings and proteomic analysis, five KEGG pathways were associated with ECM, inflammation and angiogenesis and 49 pathways involved in differentially expressed proteins. COL1A1 was not only the most up-regulated protein, but also one of main hubs in protein-protein interaction regulatory network. Specific protease cathepsin K (CTSK) was identified. Level of CTSK in RGT was down-regulated to 69.10-76.97% (p < .05), with significantly up-regulated COL1A1, COL1A2, FN1 and TGFB1 included in focal adhesion, PI3K-Akt signalling pathways and angiogenesis. CTSK involved in transformation from IGT to RGT.

CONCLUSIONS

CTSK might be a target to regulate transformation from IGT to RGT in alveolar bone through ECM, stem cells and angiogenesis mechanisms. However, further research is also clearly required.

Clinical, microbiological, and immunological effects of systemic probiotics in periodontal treatment: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The association of scaling and root planing (SRP) with systemic metronidazole (MTZ) plus amoxicillin (AMX) has shown to be an effective treatment protocol, particularly for periodontitis stages III and IV, generalized. More recently, probiotics have also been suggested as a promising adjunctive treatment for periodontal diseases due to their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, the aim of this randomized clinical trial (RCT) is to evaluate the clinical, microbiological, and immunological effects of probiotics as adjuncts to SRP alone or with MTZ+AMX in the treatment of periodontitis.

METHODS

Subjects with periodontitis are being randomly assigned to receive (i) SRP alone, or with (ii) two probiotic lozenges/day for 90 days (Prob), (iii) MTZ (400 mg) and AMX (500 mg) thrice a day (TID) for 14 days (MTZ+AMX), or (iv) Prob and MTZ+AMX. Subjects are being monitored for up to 12 months post-treatment. Nine subgingival plaque samples per patient are being collected at baseline and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-therapy and analyzed by checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization for 40 bacterial species. Peripheral blood and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of four randomly selected periodontal sites will be analyzed by means of a multiplex fluorescent bead-based immunoassay for 17 cyto/chemokines.

STATISTICAL ANALYSES

The significance of differences in each group (over the course of the study) will be sought using repeated measures ANOVA or Friedman tests and among groups (at each time point) using either ANOVA/ANCOVA or Kruskal-Wallis tests, depending on normality of the data. The chi-square test will be used to compare differences in the frequency of subjects achieving the clinical endpoint for treatment (≤ 4 sites with PD ≥ 5 mm) at 1 year and of self-perceived adverse effects. A stepwise forward logistic regression analysis will be performed in order to investigate the impact of different predictor variables on the percentage of patients achieving the clinical endpoint for treatment. The Number Needed to Treat (NNT) with different treatment protocols will be also calculated. Statistical significance will be set at 5%.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03733379. Registered on November 7, 2018.

Adjunctive effect of locally delivered antimicrobials in periodontitis therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To answer the following PICOS question: in adult patients with periodontitis, which is the efficacy of adjunctive locally delivered antimicrobials, in comparison with subgingival debridement alone or plus a placebo, in terms of probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction, in randomized clinical trials with at least 6 months of follow-up.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic search was conducted: 59 papers, reporting 50 different studies, were included. Data on clinical outcome variables changes were pooled and analysed using weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), and prediction intervals (PI), in case of significant heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were observed, in 6- to 9-month studies, for PPD (WMD = 0.365, 95% CI [0.262; 0.468], PI [-0.29; 1.01]) and clinical attachment level (CAL) (WMD = 0.263, 95% CI [0.123; 0.403], PI [-0.43; 0.96]). For long-term studies, significant differences were observed for PPD (WMD = 0.190, 95% CI [0.059; 0.321]), but not for CAL. For adverse events, no differences were observed. Results were affected by study design (split-mouth versus parallel studies) and assessment (full- or partial-mouth), as well as by the formulation tested.

CONCLUSIONS

The use adjunctive locally delivered antimicrobials in periodontitis therapy results in statistically significant benefits in clinical outcomes, without relevant side effects.

Adjunctive systemic antimicrobials in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

The aim of this systematic review and network meta-analysis was to assess the efficacy of antimicrobials adjunctive to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. The study was conducted according to the PRISMA statement. The protocol (CRD42020178621) was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO). The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases were searched up to March 2020; furthermore, a manual search of relevant periodontal journals was conducted. Mean differences (MD) and standard deviations were calculated for clinical attachment level (CAL) gain and probing depth (PD) reduction at 6 and 12 months. A network meta-analysis was performed to assess direct and indirect comparisons and to establish a ranking of treatments. A total of 21 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included in the systematic review. Network meta-analysis showed that SRP + amoxicillin (AMX) + metronidazole (MTZ), as compared to SRP, reached the highest PD reduction at 6 [MD = 0.47; 95% CI (0.3; 0.64)] and 12 months [MD = 0.51; 95% CI (0.25; 0.78)], and CAL gain at 6 [MD = 0.54; 95% CI (0.27; 0.8)] and 12 months [MD = 0.37; 95% CI (0.05; 0.69)]. Network meta-analysis indicated that AMX + MTZ adjunctive to SRP provided the best improvement in clinical parameters, followed by SRP + MTZ.

Tetracycline and multidrug resistance in the oral microbiota: differences between healthy subjects and patients with periodontitis in Spain

Introduction: Antibiotic resistance is widely found even among bacterial populations not having been exposed to selective pressure by antibiotics, such as tetracycline. In this study we analyzed the tetracycline-resistant subgingival microbiota of healthy subjects and of patients with periodontitis, comparing the prevalence of tet genes and their multidrug resistance profiles.

Methods: Samples from 259 volunteers were analyzed, obtaining 813 tetracycline-resistant isolates. The prevalence of 12 antibiotic resistance genes was assessed, and multidrug profiles were built. Each isolate was identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. Differences in qualitative data and quantitative data were evaluated using the chi-square test and the Mann-Whitney-U test, respectively.

Results: tet(M) was the most frequently detected tet gene (52.03%). We observed significant differences between the prevalence of tet(M), tet(W), tet(O), tet(32) and tet(L) in both populations studied. Multidrug resistance was largely observed, with resistance to kanamycin being the most detected (83.64%). There were significant differences between the populations in the prevalence of kanamycin, chloramphenicol, and cefotaxime resistance. Resistant isolates showed significantly different prevalence between the two studied groups.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of multidrug resistance and tetracycline resistance genes found in the subgingival microbiota, highlights the importance of performing wider and more in-depth analysis of antibiotic resistance in the oral microbiota.

MMP-8, TRAP-5, and OPG Levels in GCF Diagnostic Potential to Discriminate between Healthy Patients', Mild and Severe Periodontitis Sites

Biomarkers represent promising aids in periodontitis, host-mediate diseases of the tooth-supporting tissues. We assessed the diagnostic potential of matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5 (TRAP-5), and osteoprotegerin (OPG) to discriminate between healthy patients’, mild and severe periodontitis sites. Thirty-one otherwise healthy volunteers with and without periodontal disease were enrolled at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Chile. Periodontal parameters were examined and gingival crevicular fluid was sampled from mild periodontitis sites (M; n = 42), severe periodontitis sites (S; n = 59), and healthy volunteer sites (H; n = 30). TRAP-5 and OPG were determined by commercial multiplex assay and MMP-8 by the immunofluorometric (IFMA) method. STATA software was used. All biomarkers showed a good discrimination performance. MMP-8 had the overall best performance in regression models and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves, with high discrimination of healthy from periodontitis sites (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.901). OPG showed a very high diagnostic precision (AUC ≥ 0.95) to identify severe periodontitis sites (S versus H + M), while TRAP-5 identified both healthy and severe sites. As conclusions, MMP-8, TRAP-5, and OPG present a high precision potential in the identification of periodontal disease destruction, with MMP-8 as the most accurate diagnostic biomarker.

Metronidazole and amoxicillin for patients with periodontitis and diabetes mellitus: 5-year secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to perform a 5-year follow-up analysis of a previously-published randomized trial (RCT) evaluating the 2-years effects of metronidazole (MTZ) plus amoxicillin (AMX) as adjuncts to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of periodontitis in type 2 diabetic patients.

METHODS

Volunteers who received periodontal treatment in the aforementioned RCT were selected for clinical and microbiological evaluation. Patients did not receive regular supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) from 2 to 5 years post-treatment.

RESULTS

Of the patients enrolled in the RCT, 43% entered this study (n = 10/control and 15/test group). Most of clinical parameter values, including the number of sites with probing depth ≥ 5 mm (primary outcome variable), were reduced at 5 years post-therapy when compared with baseline in the antibiotic-treated group (P < 0.05), but presented higher values than those at 2 years (P < 0.05). The mean proportions of microbial complexes did not differ between MTZ+AMX+SRP and SRP-only groups at 5 years post-treatment (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Diabetic patients treated with adjunctive MTZ+AMX were better maintained over a period of 5 years than those treated with SRP only. However, the clinical and microbiological benefits obtained up to 2 years post-treatment were not fully sustained in these patients who did not receive SPT between 2 and 5 years post-treatment.

Probiotic strains of Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus plantarum as adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy: 3-month results of a randomized controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

To determine if periodontitis patients benefit from treatment with Lactobacillus brevis and Lactobacillus plantarum strains, applied into periodontal pockets as gel and thereafter taken as lozenges, as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 40 patients received scaling and root planing (SRP) in two sessions within 7 days. Patients then received either probiotic gel and lozenges (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20). The primary outcome variable was the number of diseased sites (DS: PD > 4 mm + BOP) at the 3-month re-evaluation. The effects of gender, age, probiotic therapy, presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis or Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, smoking, tooth being a molar and interdental location were evaluated using a multivariate multilevel logistic regression model.

RESULTS

The number of DS after 3 months was similar in the test (Me = 8, IQR = 5-11) and control (Me = 5, IQR = 1-10) groups. Both groups showed substantial but equivalent improvements in periodontal parameters. The logistic regression showed higher odds for the healing of gingival bleeding (OR = 2.12, p = 0.048) and lower odds for the healing of DS (OR = 0.51; p < 0.001) in the probiotic group.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with periodontitis benefit from adjunctive use of probiotics containing L. brevis and L. plantarum in terms of reduction of gingival bleeding. However, adjunctive probiotics increase the number of persisting diseased sites with PD > 4 mm and BOP.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The adjunctive use of probiotics containing L. brevis and L. plantarum strains in treating chronic periodontitis results in a higher number of residual diseased sites when compared with SRP + placebo; its use is therefore unfounded.

Probiotics, including nisin-based probiotics, improve clinical and microbial outcomes relevant to oral and systemic diseases

The effects of probiotic supplementation on systemic health and gastrointestinal diseases have been investigated in numerous studies. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of probiotics and their effects on periodontal health. Probiotics show beneficial effects as adjunctive therapeutics and as stand-alone agents in the treatment and prevention of gingivitis as well as specific clinical parameters of periodontitis. This review focuses on the clinical and microbiological aspects of probiotics in the context of health, gingivitis, and periodontitis. In addition, a special focus on nisin-producing probiotics and nisin itself showcase their significant potential for oral and systemic use.

Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy efficacy against specific pathogenic periodontitis bacterial species

BACKGROUND

To determine the safety and efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) combination of 0.33 mM Toluidine Blue O (TBO) with 60 mW/cm² LED irradiation for 5 min that we had established, this study investigated the cytotoxic effect of aPDT combination on mammalian oral cells (gingival fibroblast and periodontal ligament cells) and compared the antimicrobial efficacy of antibiotics (the combination of amoxicillin (AMX) and metronidazole (MTZ)) against representative periodontitis pathogenic bacteria (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans) versus our aPDT combination.

RESULT

aPDT combination did not show any detectable effect on the viability of Streptococcus sanguinis or Streptococcus mitis, the most common resident species in the oral flora. However, it significantly reduced CFU values of P. gingivalis, F. nucleatum, and A. actinomycetemcomitans. The cytotoxicity of the present aPDT combination to mammalian oral cells was comparable to that of standard antiseptics used in oral cavity. In antimicrobial efficacy test, the present aPDT combination showed equivalent bactericidal rate compared to the combination of AMX + MTZ, the most widely used antibiotics in the periodontitis treatment. The bactericidal ability of the AMX + MTZ combination was effective against all five bacteria tested regardless of the bacterial species, whereas the bactericidal ability of the aPDT combination was effective only against P. gingivalis, F. nucleatum, and A. actinomycetemcomitans, the representative periodontitis pathogenic bacterial species.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated the safety and efficacy of the present aPDT combination in periodontitis treatment. TBO-mediated aPDT with LED irradiation has the potential to serve as a safe single or adjunctive antimicrobial procedure for nonsurgical periodontal treatment without damaging adjacent normal oral tissue or resident flora.

Commercial Local Pharmacotherapeutics and Adjunctive Agents for Nonsurgical Treatment of Periodontitis: A Contemporary Review of Clinical Efficacies and Challenges

Periodontal infections tend to be site-specific, mostly confined to the periodontal pocket. With the surge of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the trend is shifting towards other therapeutic modalities, especially locally delivered approaches that include other pharmacotherapeutic drugs and medical devices. This narrative review aimed to provide insights into the clinical efficacy of local drug delivery and adjunctive agents used in nonsurgical management of periodontitis. Electronic (PubMed/MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and EMBASE) and bibliographic searches of past systematic reviews were carried out to identify previous publications on the topic. Only relevant literature and randomized controlled trials published in English were selected. In addition, a literature review was developed based on the selected articles. Experimental drugs or agents were excluded. This review highlights the clinically proven and commercially available therapeutic agents related to the management of periodontal disease with comparisons of their clinical efficacies and challenges. A vast array of commercial local pharmacotherapeutic agents had been clinically tested, but the methodologies and clinical results varied within and between each agent used, causing difficulty in drawing conclusions and providing support to the superiority of one agent over another. Considering the benefit-cost ratio with the modest clinical results, the long-term usefulness of these agents remains debatable.

Does periodontitis represent a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of dental supporting tissues (gingiva, periodontal ligament, and bone) and it has been suggested as a possible etiology for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this systematic review, we aim to verify if periodontitis represents a risk factor for RA. Electronic databases were consulted until March 2018 considering eligibility criteria focusing on: (P, participants) adults; (E, exposure) with periodontitis; (C, comparison) without periodontitis; and (O, outcome) development of RA. Quality assessment of studies and risk-of-bias evaluation were also performed. To undertake a quantitative analysis, the number of persons with RA and a total number of participants for the case group (with periodontitis) and control group (without periodontitis) were used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 3888 articles were identified, and nine studies were considered eligible. Seven of 9 articles suggested an association among diseases by the common pro-inflammatory profiles. The pooled analysis of 3 articles showed a higher RA prevalence for persons with periodontitis (n = 1177) than controls (n = 254) (OR 1.97; CI 1.68–2.31; p < 0.00001). However, considerable heterogeneity among studies was verified (I² = 96%, p < 0.00001). Periodontitis may represent a risk factor for RA by heredity, bacterial infection, and the pro-inflammatory profile shared between both diseases. Although most of the elective studies report an association between periodontitis and RA, the quantitative analysis showed a high heterogeneity, leading to the need for further studies.

Outcome of periodontal–orthodontic treatment in subjects with periodontal disease. Part II: a CBCT study of alveolar bone level changes

Aim

To examine alveolar bone level (ABL) changes before (T1) and after (T2) orthodontic treatment (OT) in subjects with periodontal disease.

Methods

The study included 50 subjects with periodontal disease. All patients received subgingival debridement following baseline examination. Control group patients received final periodontal treatment before the start of OT. For the test group patients final periodontal treatment was performed simultaneous to OT. OT was performed with a straight-wire appliance. Micro-implants or temporary crowns on implants were used for posterior anchorage when needed. ABL measurements of 3821 tooth surfaces were performed on cone beam computed tomography images.

Results

No difference was observed between mean ABL at T1 and T2. ABL remained unchanged on 69 per cent of surfaces. A mean of 15.6 (SD 7.4) per cent of surfaces experienced ABL gain, and a mean of 15.1 (SD 7.5) per cent was found with ABL loss. Small significant median ABL difference was observed on mesial and distal surfaces (P < 0.001). A significant difference was found between median ABL changes on mesial/distal in comparison to buccal/lingual surfaces (P < 0.01). Significantly more buccal (17.9 %) and lingual (18.5 %) surfaces experienced ABL loss when compared with mesial (11.3 %) and distal (12.0 %) surfaces (P < 0.001). Significant difference was found in the median ABL change of intruded (0.5 (IQR 0.94) mm) and non-intruded (−0.4 (IQR 1.07) mm) maxillary incisors (P = 0.04). Significant median ABL gain was found on the lingual surface of maxillary incisors, which were retroclined more than 8.6 degree and intruded more than 1.6 mm.

Conclusions

ABL changes after periodontal–orthodontic treatment in patients with periodontal disease were small. ABL gain was more observed on mesial and distal surfaces and ABL loss on buccal and lingual surfaces. Larger orthodontic movements of maxillary incisors influenced ABL gain.

No evidence to support benefit of 14-day courses of amoxicillin-plus-metronidazole as adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment at three months

Data sources Databases including Embase, MEDLINE, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and the WHO International Clinical Trial Register Platform were screened by two reviewers. A manual search has been performed in references from included articles and relevant reviews.Study selection Blinded, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trials (RCTs) with a minimum follow-up of three months were included. Primary outcomes were periodontal pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) changes after non-surgical periodontal treatment with adjunctive use of amoxicillin/metronidazole vs placebo in periodontitis patients. Secondary outcomes were adverse events and compliance.Data extraction and synthesis Data were extracted and compiled in a spreadsheet. Studies were grouped according to duration (seven days or fourteen days) and dose of amoxicillin/metronidazole regimen (lower dose (mg): 250/200, 375/250, 375/500, 500/250 and higher dose (mg): 500/400, 500/500). Meta-analyses were performed using inverse-variance method. Random-effect models were applied and weighted mean differences were estimated for PD reduction and CAL changes at three months. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool.Results Eighteen studies were identified and included in the systematic review. Among them, 15 were pooled for meta-analysis. The use of a wide range of antibiotics concentrations (amoxicillin (from 250 to 500 mg) and metronidazole (from 200 to 500 mg)) was reported and the duration of antibiotic administration ranged from three to 14 days. Eleven studies were performed in chronic periodontitis patients and six in aggressive periodontitis patients. No significant differences were found regarding mean PD and mean CAL changes according to the duration or dose of administered antibiotics (Table 1). Risk differences for adverse events in the higher dose and longer duration groups were minimally greater (0.04 and 0.05 respectively).Conclusions Longer courses (14 days) of antibiotics adjuvant to non-surgical therapy do not appear to provide better results in terms of PD reduction or CAL gain at three months. No differences were found between high and low dose groups. In this context, 400/500 mg or 500/500 mg of amoxicillin/metronidazole three times per day should be recommended for seven days.

Comparing the periodontal tissue response to non-surgical scaling and root planing alone, adjunctive azithromycin, or adjunctive amoxicillin plus metronidazole in generalized chronic moderate-to-severe periodontitis: a preliminary randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The usefulness of administrating adjunctive systemic antibiotics to expedite healing of periodontal tissues is a topic of interest given the lack of clear guidelines.

AIM

To compare clinical outcomes in patients given adjunctive azithromycin (AZ), adjunctive amoxicillin plus metronidazole (AMX + MTZ), or scaling and root planing (SRP) alone in the treatment of moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis.

METHODS

Thirty-eight patients were randomly assigned into: SRP alone; 500 mg AMX plus 400 mg MTZ three times per day for 7 days; or 500 mg AZ for 3 days. Antibiotics were administered after the first SRP session and clinical parameters for full-mouth and baseline probing pocket depth (PPD) categories were reviewed 2-months post-treatment.

RESULTS

Thirty-four of 38 patients completed the study. All groups experienced significant improvements in full-mouth clinical attachment level (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD) and bleeding on probing. AZ exhibited greater reductions in PPD than SRP alone for baseline severe sites, whilst AMX+MTZ showed significant improvements in PPD and CAL than SRP alone for baseline moderate and severe sites. Of the two antibiotic therapies, AMX+MTZ showed greater reductions in PPD compared with AZ in baseline moderate sites only.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with moderate-to-severe periodontitis, adjunctive systemic antibiotics might result in greater clinical benefits.

Assessing periapical dental radiographs as a screening parameter for early indications of osteoporosis in postmenopausal periodontal patients and root surface evaluation using spectrochemical analysis

Objectives:

To assess the usefulness of periapical dental radiograph as a screening tool aimed at early signs of osteoporosis in postmenopausal periodontal patients and root surface evaluation using spectrochemical analysis.

Methods:

This study was conducted at the Department of Periodontics, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for 12 months between December 2016 and November 2017. Two groups consisted healthy postmenopausal women having chronic periodontitis and postmenopausal women having chronic periodontitis with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis were evaluated for plaque index (PI); gingival index (GI); clinical attachment level (CAL); probing pocket depth (PPD), and bone mineral density (BMD). A standardized digital dental periapical radiographs were taken for every patient. The spectrochemical analysis was carried out using the self-assembled Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) system used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of Calcium (Ca), Potassium (K), Phosphorus (P), Fluoride (F), and Magnesium (Mg)

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference between both groups for GI and PI. Similarly PPD and CAL were showing the difference but statistically, significant difference was only for CAL. Value of distance starting from cement enamel junction to the alveolar crest (CEJ-AC) and BMD were having a statistically significant variance between both groups. The differences between osteoporotic and control group were statistically significant regarding Ca with the mean higher in the control group. Furthermore, the variances between the groups in both K and Mg were statistically significant with higher mean in the osteoporotic group (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

The clinical, radiographic, and experimental findings of this study indicated that osteoporosis has a direct effect on the progression rate of periodontal tissue destruction and dental radiographic can be suggested as a screening tool for an early sign of osteoporosis.

Trehalose powder for subgingival air-polishing during periodontal maintenance therapy: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Air-polishing appears to be a promising procedure for subgingival biofilm removal in periodontal treatment. The aim of this study was to compare trehalose powder for subgingival air-polishing with sonic debridement in residual periodontal pockets during maintenance therapy.

METHODS

In this blinded, randomized, controlled clinical trial conducted over 6 months with a split-mouth design, single-rooted teeth in 44 participants with residual pocket depths of 5 mm and bleeding or >5 mm with and without bleeding were included in this study. Subgingival debridement was carried out using either trehalose powder with an air-polishing device (test) or a sonic device (control). The reduction in the probing depths after 3 and 6 months was defined as the primary endpoint. A visual analog scale was used to evaluate the discomfort of both procedures.

RESULTS

Both procedures showed statistically significant intragroup reductions in probing depths (test baseline [BL] 5.52 ± 0.93, 6 months 3.66 ± 0.81, control BL 5.55 ± 0.9, 6 months 3.68 ± 0.86, P < 0.001), clinical attachment level (test BL 6.93 ± 1.5, 6 months 5.3 ± 1.52, control BL 7.27 ± 1.8, 6 months 5.84 ± 1.71, P < 0.001), and bleeding on probing (test BL 86%, 6 months 41%, control BL 89%, 6 months 34%, P < 0.001) after 6 months with no significant intergroup differences (P > 0.05, respectively). The visual analog scale showed a significantly lower incidence of discomfort for air-polishing compared with sonic scaling (test 2.33 ± 2.14, control 4.91 ± 2.65, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Subgingival air-polishing with trehalose powder showed comparable clinical outcomes to sonic scaling. Sonic scaling evoked more discomfort compared with air-polishing.

The ideal time of systemic metronidazole and amoxicillin administration in the treatment of severe periodontitis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

The combination of systemic metronidazole (MTZ) and amoxicillin (AMX) with scaling and root planing (SRP) has shown to be an effective periodontal treatment. However, some essential issues associated with the use of these antibiotics remain unanswered, such as the ideal time of administration during the course of periodontal treatment. Although these agents are often prescribed after the healing phase of the SRP procedure, there is biological plausibility to support its use in conjunction with the mechanical treatment. However, to date, no placebo controlled randomized clinical trial (RCT) has directly compared these two protocols. Therefore, the aim of this RCT is to compare the clinical, microbiological and immunological effects of the adjunctive systemic MTZ + AMX administered in different phases of the treatment of severe periodontitis.

Methods

Subjects with severe periodontitis (n = 180) are being randomly assigned into three groups (n = 60/group): (i) SRP-only (control group), SRP in combination with 400 mg MTZ + 500 mg AMX, starting (ii) at the first SRP session (active phase group), or (iii) after 3 months of its completion (healing phase group). All volunteers are receiving clinical and microbiological evaluation at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months, and immunological assessment at baseline and 12 months post-therapy. Nine subgingival biofilm samples are being collected per subject and analyzed for counts and proportions of 40 bacterial species by checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization, and six gingival crevicular fluid samples are being collected and analyzed for the levels of 20 chemokines by multiplex immunoassay. The primary outcome variable is the number of volunteers reaching the clinical endpoint for treatment (≤ 4 sites with probing depth ≥5 mm) at 1 year post-therapy. Differences in clinical, microbiological and immunological parameters among groups and over time will be evaluated using analysis of variance, analysis of covariance and the Chi-square and Tukey tests. Microbiological and immunological analyses will be performed using adjustments for multiple comparisons. Statistical significance will be set at 5%.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02954393. Registered on 3 November 2016.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-018-2540-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) for maintaining the dentition in adults treated for periodontitis

BACKGROUND

Periodontitis is a bacterially-induced, chronic inflammatory disease that destroys the connective tissues and bone that support teeth. Active periodontal treatment aims to reduce the inflammatory response, primarily through eradication of bacterial deposits. Following completion of treatment and arrest of inflammation, supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) is employed to reduce the probability of re-infection and progression of the disease; to maintain teeth without pain, excessive mobility or persistent infection in the long term, and to prevent related oral diseases.According to the American Academy of Periodontology, SPT should include all components of a typical dental recall examination, and importantly should also include periodontal re-evaluation and risk assessment, supragingival and subgingival removal of bacterial plaque and calculus, and re-treatment of any sites showing recurrent or persistent disease. While the first four points might be expected to form part of the routine examination appointment for periodontally healthy patients, the inclusion of thorough periodontal evaluation, risk assessment and subsequent treatment - normally including mechanical debridement of any plaque or calculus deposits - differentiates SPT from routine care.Success of SPT has been reported in a number of long-term, retrospective studies. This review aimed to assess the evidence available from randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) in the maintenance of the dentition of adults treated for periodontitis.

SEARCH METHODS

Cochrane Oral Health's Information Specialist searched the following databases: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register (to 8 May 2017), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (the Cochrane Library, 2017, Issue 5), MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 8 May 2017), and Embase Ovid (1980 to 8 May 2017). The US National Institutes of Health Trials Registry (ClinicalTrials.gov) and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform were searched for ongoing trials. No restrictions were placed on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating SPT versus monitoring only or alternative approaches to mechanical debridement; SPT alone versus SPT with adjunctive interventions; different approaches to or providers of SPT; and different time intervals for SPT delivery.We excluded split-mouth studies where we considered there could be a risk of contamination.Participants must have completed active periodontal therapy at least six months prior to randomisation and be enrolled in an SPT programme. Trials must have had a minimum follow-up period of 12 months.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened search results to identify studies for inclusion, assessed the risk of bias in included studies and extracted study data. When possible, we calculated mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for continuous variables. Two review authors assessed the quality of evidence for each comparison and outcome using GRADE criteria.

MAIN RESULTS

We included four trials involving 307 participants aged 31 to 85 years, who had been previously treated for moderate to severe chronic periodontitis. Three studies compared adjuncts to mechanical debridement in SPT versus debridement only. The adjuncts were local antibiotics in two studies (one at high risk of bias and one at low risk) and photodynamic therapy in one study (at unclear risk of bias). One study at high risk of bias compared provision of SPT by a specialist versus general practitioner. We did not identify any RCTs evaluating the effects of SPT versus monitoring only, or of providing SPT at different time intervals, or that compared the effects of mechanical debridement using different approaches or technologies.No included trials measured our primary outcome 'tooth loss'; however, studies evaluated signs of inflammation and potential periodontal disease progression, including bleeding on probing (BoP), clinical attachment level (CAL) and probing pocket depth (PPD).There was no evidence of a difference between SPT delivered by a specialist versus a general practitioner for BoP or PPD at 12 months (very low-quality evidence). This study did not measure CAL or adverse events.Due to heterogeneous outcome reporting, it was not possible to combine data from the two studies comparing mechanical debridement with or without the use of adjunctive local antibiotics. Both studies found no evidence of a difference between groups at 12 months (low to very low-quality evidence). There were no adverse events in either study.The use of adjunctive photodynamic therapy did not demonstrate evidence of benefit compared to mechanical debridement only (very low-quality evidence). Adverse events were not measured.The quality of the evidence is low to very low for these comparisons. Future research is likely to change the findings, therefore the results should be interpreted with caution.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Overall, there is insufficient evidence to determine the superiority of different protocols or adjunctive strategies to improve tooth maintenance during SPT. No trials evaluated SPT versus monitoring only. The evidence available for the comparisons evaluated is of low to very low quality, and hampered by dissimilarities in outcome reporting. More trials using uniform definitions and outcomes are required to address the objectives of this review.

Microbial colonization of the periodontal pocket and its significance for periodontal therapy

The aim of this paper was to evaluate strategies for periodontal therapy from the perspective of periodontal disease being a consequence of microbial colonization of the periodontal pocket environment. In classic bacterial infections the diversity of the microbiota decreases as the disease develops. In most cases of periodontitis, however, the diversity of the flora increases. Most incriminating bacteria are thought to harm tissues significantly only if present in high numbers over prolonged periods of time. Clinical trials have repeatedly demonstrated that scaling and root planing, a procedure that aims to remove subgingival bacterial deposits by scraping on the tooth surface within the periodontal pocket, is effective. At present, for the therapy of any form of periodontal disease, there exists no protocol with proven superiority, in terms of efficiency or effectiveness, over scaling and root planing plus systemic amoxicillin and metronidazole. Some exponents advocate rationing these drugs for patients with a specific microbial profile. However, the evidence for any benefit of bacteriology-assisted clinical protocols is unsatisfactory. Treated sites are subject to recolonization with a microbiota similar to that present before therapy. The degree and speed of recolonization depends on the treatment protocol, the distribution patterns of periodontal microorganisms elsewhere in the oral cavity and the quality of the patient's oral hygiene. To limit the use of antibiotics and to avoid accumulation of harmful effects by repeated therapy, further efforts must be made to optimize procedures addressing the microbial colonization and recolonization of the periodontal pocket.

Comparison of adjunctive azithromycin and amoxicillin/metronidazole for patients with chronic periodontitis: preliminary randomized control trial

BACKGROUND

There are insufficient guidelines for the use of adjunctive systemic antibiotics for patients with periodontal disease. The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes for patients with moderate-advanced chronic periodontitis treated with: scaling and root planing (SRP), SRP with amoxicillin and metronidazole (A+M), SRP with Azithromycin (Az).

METHODS

Thirty-seven non-smokers with generalized moderate to advanced chronic periodontitis were divided into three treatment groups: SRP, A+M and Az. Patients received the medications after the last SRP session and were reviewed three months later. Changes in clinical parameters were compared between the groups. Separate analyses were executed for: 'all sites', 'molar sites', 'sites with different PPD severities' and 'number of sites with shallow, moderate and deep PPD'.

RESULTS

The three groups exhibited improvements in most clinical parameters. At three months, A+M showed a higher reduction in PPD compared to Az in the 'all sites analysis'. Molars exhibited better reduction in BOP and PPD with A+M than SRP. Pocket depth of the 4-6 mm category reduced more in the A+M than SRP. A+M experienced a higher increase in the number of sites with PPD 1-3 mm than Az.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjunctive systemic antibiotics in the initial phase of treatment may result in improved clinical outcomes.

One year results of a randomized controlled clinical study evaluating the effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy of chronic periodontitis in conjunction with three or seven days systemic administration of amoxicillin/metronidazole

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the clinical outcomes 12 months after systemic administration of amoxicillin (AMX) and metronidazole (MET) adjunctive to subgingival debridement (SD) in patients with severe chronic periodontitis (sChP).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

102 patients with sChP were treated randomly as follows: SD within 2 consecutive days and placebo for 7 days (group A), SD+AMX+MET (both 500mg x3 times daily TID) for 3 days (group B), SD+AMX+MET (both 500mg x 3 TID) for 7 days (group C). At baseline, at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-treatment probing pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), furcation involvement, bleeding on probing (BOP), full-mouth plaque score (FMPS) were determined. The reduction in the number of sites with PD≥6mm was defined as main outcome variable.

RESULTS

75 patients completed the study. At 12 months, all three treatment groups showed statistically significant improvements (p<0.001) of mean PD, CAL, BOP and number of sites with PD≥6mm compared to baseline. Mean residual PD were statistically significantly lower and CAL gain statistically significantly greater in the two antibiotic groups as compared to placebo. While PD reductions (p = 0.012) and CAL gain (p = 0.017) were statistically significantly higher in group C compared to group A, only the 3-day AB group showed statistically significantly fewer sites with PD≥6mm at 12 m (p = 0.003). The reduction in the number of sites with PD≥6 mm (primary outcome) showed no statistical significant differences between the 3 treatment groups. However, in both antibiotic groups significantly more patients compared to the placebo group reached a low risk for disease progression at 12 months (≤4 sites with PD≥5mm).

CONCLUSION

At 12 months, both adjunctive antibiotic protocols resulted in statistically significantly greater clinical improvements compared to placebo.

Antibiotics/antimicrobials: systemic and local administration in the therapy of mild to moderately advanced periodontitis

This review gives an update of the current scientific evidence on the efficacy of the adjunctive use of systemic and local antibiotics/antimicrobials in the treatment of periodontitis. In particular, it addresses whether their use can improve the results of nonsurgical mechanical therapy in mild-to-moderate forms of the disease. Large numbers of randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews with meta-analyses have clearly established that adjunctive systemic antibiotics, combined with mechanical debridement, offer clinical improvements additional to those obtained with scaling and root planing alone. These effects are more pronounced in aggressive periodontitis and in initially deep pockets, whereas more limited additional improvements, of 0.3 mm for additional pocket reduction and 0.2 mm for additional clinical attachment gain, have been documented for moderately deep sites (4-6 mm) in patients with chronic periodontitis. The marginal clinical benefit in patients with moderate disease has to be balanced against possible side effects. Notably, it has to be realized that an increasing number of warnings have been articulated against the unrestricted use of antibiotics in treating periodontal diseases because of the emerging global public health issue of bacterial resistance. The effects of the adjunctive local administration of antimicrobials have also been very well documented in several systematic reviews. Overall, in persistent or recurrent localized deep sites, the application of antimicrobials by sustained-delivery devices may offer a benefit of an additional 0.4 mm in pocket depth reduction and 0.3 mm in clinical attachment level gain. In conclusion, the slight additional benefits of adjunctive antimicrobials, which were shown for moderate forms of periodontitis, have to be balanced against their side effects and therefore their prescription should be limited as much as possible.

Motivational Interviewing As an Adjunct to Periodontal Therapy-A Systematic Review

Aim: Periodontal therapy is highly dependent on a patient's long-term adherence with regard to oral hygiene, diet, and regular check-ups at the dentist. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centered, directive method for encouraging a patients' behavioral health change. The aim of this systematic review was to reveal the effects of MI as an adjunct to periodontal therapy.

Methods: Three databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science) were reviewed for randomized controlled clinical trials. Articles were included when using MI as an adjunct to periodontal therapy and presenting clinical periodontal and oral hygiene related parameters. Two authors independently coded the relevant articles.

Results: The search yielded 496 articles. After analysis and exclusion, a total of five papers could be included. The quality of the articles ranged between 72–88%. The two independent raters showed a high inter-rater reliability (Cohens-Kappa = 0.89). In two studies MI showed a significant positive effect on bleeding on probing and plaque values. One study showed improvement of self-efficacy in interdental cleaning. Two studies showed no influence of MI on periodontal parameters of the patients.

Conclusion: The use of MI as an adjunct to periodontal therapy might have a positive influence on clinical periodontal parameters (plaque values, gingival, and periodontal inflammation) and psychological factors related to oral hygiene (self-efficacy). Due to the low body of evidence further studies are needed. Future studies should include fidelity measures of the applied MI, a high number of counselors, several MI sessions, and long-term study follow-up to show potential effects.