Mean Probing Depth Research Articles

Retrospective study on the clinical and radiographic outcomes of 2.8 mm diameter implants supporting fixed prostheses up to 11 years.

This study aimed to report the clinical and radiographic results of 2.8 mm two-piece narrow diameter implant (NDI) supporting fixed restorations. Clinical and radiographic data of 54 NDIs in 32 patients were retrospectively assessed after 2 to 11 (mean 8.17) years of follow-up. Clinical and radiographic measurements were taken. Survival rate, implant and prosthesis failure, pink aesthetic scores (PES), white aesthetic scores (WES), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), marginal bone loss (MBL), and mechanical and biological complications were evaluated. An implant failed during the follow-up period, resulting in a cumulative survival rate of 98.15% at the implant level and 96.88% in the patient. The total mean values of PES and WES for 2.8 mm NDIs were 7.09 ± 1.15 (range: 3.33-9.00) and 7.42 ± 1.03 (range: 3.67-9.33). The prevalence of sites with positive BOP was 38.14 ± 29.77%. The mean PD value was 2.46 ± 0.62 mm. The average MBL was 1.15 ± 0.74 mm (range: 0.25-4.03 mm). No implant or abutment fracture was detected. A veneer chipping was present in one patient, and a loose crown appeared in another patient. Two implants (3.7%) and two patients (6.3%) were diagnosed with peri-implantitis. Within the limitation of the study, the results indicate that the use of two-piece 2.8 mm NDI for the fixed prosthetic rehabilitation of edentulous regions with reduced interdental and/or buccal-lingual width is viable.

The association between periodontal microbial biomarkers and primary therapy outcome

ObjectiveThis study aims to analyse the association between the baseline microbial load of selected periodontopathogenic bacteria collected from gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and the primary outcome of steps I and II therapy.Materials and methods222 patients with stage III periodontitis were included into this retrospective analysis that received steps 1 and 2 periodontal therapy without adjunctive systemic antibiotics. Baseline GCF samples were quantitatively analysed using ELISA-based kits for levels of periodontopathogens (Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Prevotella intermedia (Pi), Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), Treponema denticola (Td), and Tannerella forsythia (Tf)) and associated with the primary therapy outcome using a “treat-to-target” therapy endpoint (TE) defined as ≤ 4 sites with PD ≥ 5 mm six months after therapy.Results38.2% of the patients achieved TE. Patients failing to achieve TE revealed significantly increased levels of Pg, Fn, and Tf at baseline (Pg: p = 0.010, Fn: p = 0.008 Tf: p = 0.004). Multivariate binary logistic regression adjusted for sex, mean probing depth, diabetes, and current smoking status showed an independent relationship between Tf and the TE (aOR 2.570, p = 0.023).ConclusionIncreased microbial load is associated with decreased responsiveness to therapy. The findings suggest that specifically baseline Tf levels are associated with poorer treatment outcomes and might improve the accuracy of periodontal diagnosis.Clinical relevanceThe findings of this study support the concept of a critical biomass that is sufficient to induce and maintain an immune response within the periodontal pocket, which ultimately leads to irreversible tissue destruction. However, calculating this level in advance may serve as an early indicator for intervention.Key findingBaseline Tannerella forsythia levels are associated with poorer treatment outcome.

Impaired Periodontitis-Induced Cytokine Production by Peripheral Blood Monocytes and Myeloid Dendritic Cells in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Case-Control Study.

Background: Immune cells from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients display a reduced in vitro response to Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), which may have functional immune consequences. The aim of this study was to characterize, by flow cytometry, the frequency/activity of monocytes and naturally occurring myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) in peripheral blood samples from patients with periodontitis and patients with periodontitis and RA. Methods: The relative frequency of monocytes and mDCs in the whole blood, the frequency of these cells producing TNFα or IL-6 and the protein expression levels for each cytokine, before and after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli plus interferon-γ (IFN-γ), were assessed by flow cytometry, in peripheral blood samples from 10 healthy individuals (HEALTHY), 10 patients with periodontitis (PERIO) and 17 patients with periodontitis and RA (PERIO+RA). Results: The frequency of monocytes and mDCs producing IL-6 or TNF-α and the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α in the PERIO group were generally higher. Within the PERIO+RA group, P. gingivalis and related antibodies were negatively correlated with the monocyte and mDC expression of IL-6. A subgroup of the PERIO+RA patients that displayed statistically significantly lower frequencies of monocytes producing IL-6 after activation presented statistically significantly higher peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD)2/4 activity, anti-arg-gingipain (RgpB) IgG levels, mean probing depth (PD), periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) and bleeding on probing (BoP). Conclusions: In the patients with PERIO+RA, innate immune cells seemed to produce lower amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are correlated with worse periodontitis-related clinical and microbiological parameters.

Assessment of Periodontal Health Status and Treatment Needs Among Pregnant Women.

Background Pregnancy-related periodontal health is vital for maternal and fetal well-being, with implications on birth outcomes. However, comprehensive data on periodontal health among pregnant women in Pakistan are lacking. This research aimed to assess the periodontal health status and treatment needs among pregnant women in Pakistan. Methodology This study conducted at Multan Medical and Dental College in Multan, Pakistan, utilized a cross-sectional design over one year from January 2023 to December 2023. It enrolled 230 pregnant women from the prenatal care clinic, employing strict inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure data integrity. Data collection involved a systematic questionnaire and clinical examination by qualified dental practitioners, covering demographic details, obstetric history, dental hygiene habits, and periodontal health parameters. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression to evaluate periodontal health status determinants. Results This study, comprising 230 participants, delineates key demographic and periodontal health indicators. Notably, the age group between 26 and 30 years made up the greatest percentage (n = 87, 37.83%), followed by the age group between 18 and 25 years (n = 58, 25.22%). The chi-square test showed a significant association betweenage and periodontal health (χ² = 8.23, df = 3, p = 0.041). University-educated participants showed decreased periodontal risks (odds ratio = 0.51, p = 0.037), with education level also emerging as a significant factor (χ² = 12.76, df = 2, p = 0.002). Regarding dental hygiene, 44.35% of people brushed twice a day, and 27.83% flossed every day. Periodontal data revealed that 53.04% of individuals had gingivitis and that the mean probing depth was 3.22 mm. Scaling and root planing were the most requested therapy (50.00%). Conclusions This study provides valuable insights into the periodontal health status and treatment needs of pregnant women in Pakistan. Investigative analyses including chi-square tests and logistic regression identified significant associations between demographic factors, oral hygiene practices, and periodontal health outcomes among pregnant women in Pakistan, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions to enhance maternal and child health.

Supportive periodontal care with or without subgingival instrumentation: Microbiological results of a 2-year randomized clinical trial.

To compare the subgingival microbiota of patients receiving supportive periodontal care (SPC) with and without subgingival instrumentation, over 2 years. This study was a randomized clinical trial that included 62 participants (50.97 ± 9.26 years old; 40 females) who completed non-surgical periodontal therapy. Participants were randomly assigned to receive oral prophylaxis with oral hygiene instructions alone (test) or in combination with subgingival instrumentation (control) during SPC. Pooled subgingival biofilm samples were obtained from four sites per patient at SPC baseline and at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used for absolute quantification of Eubacteria and the target bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola. Data were analysed using generalized estimating equations, taking into consideration the clustering of observations within individuals. No significant differences were found between the experimental groups regarding the mean counts of Eubacteria and target bacteria, as well as the periodontal parameters at the sampled sites. Although significant variability in bacterial counts was present during SPC, all counts after 2 years were not statistically different from those at baseline. Bacterial counts were associated with the presence of plaque, bleeding on probing, mean probing depth ≥3 mm, and follow-up period. SPC with or without subgingival instrumentation can result in comparable subgingival microbiological outcomes. clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01598155 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT01598155?intr=supragingival%20control&rank=4#study-record-dates).

Metabolic profiling of peri-implant crevicular fluid in peri-implantitis.

This study aims to explore the etiology of peri-implantitis by comparing the metabolic profiles in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) from patients with healthy implants (PH) and those with peri-implantitis (PI). Fifty-six patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. PICF samples were collected and analyzed using both non-targeted and targeted metabolomics approaches. The relationship between metabolites and clinical indices including probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and marginal bone loss (MBL) was examined. Additionally, submucosal microbiota was collected and analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing to elucidate the association between the metabolites and microbial communities. Significant differences in metabolic profiles were observed between the PH and PI groups, with 179 distinct metabolites identified. In the PI group, specific amino acids and fatty acids were significantly elevated compared to the PH group. Organic acids including succinic acid, fructose-6-phosphate, and glucose-6-phosphate were markedly higher in the PI group, showing positive correlations with mean PD, BOP, and MBL. Metabolites that increased in the PI group positively correlated with the presence of Porphyromonas and Treponema and negatively with Streptococcus and Haemophilus. This study establishes a clear association between metabolic compositions and peri-implant condition, highlighting enhanced metabolite activity in peri-implantitis. These findings open avenues for further research into metabolic mechanisms of peri-implantitis and their potential therapeutic implications.

Clinical and radiographic outcomes around 4 mandibular implant-retained overdentures in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A long-term retrospective study

ObjectivesTo report the implant survival rates, clinical, and radiographic status after a period of more than 5 years in the function of 4 inter-foraminal implants retaining mandibular overdentures (OVDs) in individuals with T2DM. Methods78 completely edentulous participants with type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) who had worn mandibular OVDs retained by 4 inter-foraminal implants for long-term functional life were selected for this study. The participants were divided into 2 groups according to glycosylated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels before implant placement: group I with an HbA1c value > 6.5 % (inadequately controlled T2DM), and group II with an HbA1c value ≤6.5 % (well-controlled T2DM). The inadequately controlled T2DM was further subdivided into 2 groups: Group IA with an HbA1c value > 6.5 % and ≤8 % (moderately controlled), and Group IB has an HbA1c value > 8 % (poorly controlled). Implant survival rate, plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and radiographic crestal bone level (CBL) around implants were measured. ResultsAmong 312 implants, 6 failed, 4 in well-controlled diabetics, and 2 in inadequately controlled diabetics. The overall survival rate was 98.07 %. The mean PI in group Ι was 36.4 (group IA =37.76, group IB = 34.27), and in group ΙΙ it was 19. The mean BOP in group Ι was 45.5 (group IA =47.84, group IB = 41.76), and in group ΙΙ it was 22. The mean PD in group Ι was 4.1 (group IA =4.3, group IB = 3.85) and in group ΙΙ was 2.2. The mean radiographic CBL in group Ι was 3.4 (group IA =3.7, group IB = 2.9), and in group ΙΙ was 1.5. Group IA exhibited a significantly greater level of PI, BOP, PD, and CBL compared to group IB and group IΙ (P1=0.017, P2=0.001). ConclusionsIndividuals with T2DM can benefit from 4 inter-foraminal implants retained mandibular OVDs, and their inability to maintain proper glucose control may not exclude implant success. Clinical significanceThis study is a significant step toward improving knowledge of options available for treatment and anticipated outcomes for T2DM completely edentulous populations undergoing implant therapy.

Periodontal outcomes of surgically exposed and orthodontically aligned buccally impacted maxillary canines: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To compare the periodontal outcomes of surgically exposed and orthodontically aligned buccally impacted maxillary canines to spontaneously erupted maxillary canines. An unrestricted search was carried out of indexed databases (Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science and Scopus), reference lists of included studies, and grey literature published until December 2023. Observational and experimental studies that addressed the focused question 'Do periodontal outcomes of buccally impacted maxillary canines that were surgically exposed and subsequently extruded and aligned using orthodontic alignment, differ from those of spontaneously erupted maxillary canines?' were included. Study screening, selection and data extraction were performed independently by two authors, with disagreement resolved by a third reviewer. The risk of bias was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist and GRADE approach. A total of 857 citations were found and five studies were eligible for inclusion. Supragingival plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation were similar between impacted canines and their contralaterals in most studies. Meta-analyses revealed no significant differences in keratinised tissue width (prospective studies: MD = -0.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -1.13-0.56, I² = 78%; retrospective studies: MD = 0.61, 95% CI = -1.51-2.72, I² = 94%). However, a meta-analysis of prospective studies showed slightly greater mean probing depth for impacted canines compared to their contralateral canines (prospective studies: MD = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.04-0.28, I² = 0%). The evidence certainty for keratinised tissue width and probing depth outcomes was low. Surgically exposed and orthodontically aligned buccally impacted canines have slightly greater probing depths, potential bone loss and increased clinical crown length, compared to their counterparts. However, these small differences (<1 mm) are unlikely to be clinically significant.

Association of periodontitis with cerebral small vessel disease in hypertensive patients – A pilot study

Objectives: Cerebral small vessel disease is a chronic, progressive disorder of arterioles, capillaries, and small veins supplying the brain’s white matter and deep structures of gray matter. The latest evidence seems to suggest that chronic oral infections such as periodontitis contribute to cerebral small vessel disease progression. This study evaluated the relationship between periodontal disease and brain white matter hyperintensities. Methods: Forty-three hypertensive patients, aged between 38-82, without previous cardiovascular events, of which 42% were female and 50% diabetic, were evaluated. An association between mean probing depth, mean attachment level, bleeding on probing, total periodontal inflamed surface area, and white matter hyperintensities diagnosed by magnetic resonance was studied. A significance level (α) of 0.05 was considered, and Pearson’s chi-square and Mann–Whitney tests were applied. Results: Data analysis revealed an inverse correlation between mean probing depth, bleeding on probing, total periodontal inflamed surface area, and white matter hyperintensities. A positive correlation was found between mean attachment level and white matter hyperintensities. Conclusions: In our study and within our sample, lower values of mean probing depth, bleeding on probing, and total periodontal inflamed surface area were associated with more white matter hyperintensities. Contrarily, mean attachment level was positively associated with white matter hyperintensities.

Evaluation of periodontal parameters on abutment teeth rehabilitated with single-unit crowns: A 12-month follow-up

PurposeThis prospective study evaluated the effects of the metal-free crowns on the periodontal tissues of abutment teeth during a 12-month follow-up. Materials and Methods:A sample of 24 patients (N = 32 abutment teeth) who needed a single-tooth restoration were enrolled to receive either a metal-ceramic (n = 21) or lithium disilicate (n = 11). The single-unit crowns were evaluated at baseline, 3-and 12-month follow-up. The periodontal parameters were evaluated: plaque index (PI), gingival bleeding index (GBI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), radiographically and clinical crown fitting, bone resorption, and marginal finish lines. Statistical analyses were performed using the Exact Fisher and Mann-Whitney tests, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test as a post hoc test for Friedman (95 % confidence interval). Results:The marginal finish line showed a statistical difference with a biomaterial type (p =.004). After a 12-months, a significant increase was observed in PI and mean PD for abutment teeth of metal-ceramic crowns. The metal-free crowns presented higher values for GBI and CAL (p2 < 0.05). Only distal cervical evaluation and dental biofilm formation in the abutment teeth showed a statistical difference between the groups at the 12-month follow-up. The supragingival margin metal-ceramic group revealed higher PI values (p2 = 0.005) between the period and the subgingival margin of both biomaterials showed greater GBI scores (p2 < 0.05). Conclusions:Metal-free crowns showed better periodontal outcomes compared to metal-ceramic crowns. Single-unit crown marginal location affects the periodontal tissue condition of the abutment teeth. The marginal fit was not changed regarding the biomaterial type.

Association of Periodontitis with Ambulatory Blood Pressure, Salt Intake, and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio in High-Risk Hypertensive Patients

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Objective&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: Periodontitis and cardiovascular disease are prevalent entities that often coexist, with a common pro-inflammatory pathway. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between periodontitis and cardiovascular pro-inflammatory parameters rarely considered within risk factors. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Methods&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: Forty-three participants aged between 38-82 years were examined. An association between mean probing depth (MPD), mean attachment loss (MAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) was correlated with the following cardiovascular disease factors and inflammatory promoters: neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), 24h ambulatory blood pressure, global cardiovascular risk, daily salt intake, night-time systolic blood pressure (nSBP), and pulse wave velocity (PWV). A two-way ANOVA and multiple comparison tests were performed using SPSS statistics software. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Results&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: A highly significant correlation (p&amp;lt;0.05) was found between BOP, MPD, and MAL with high salt intake, global cardiovascular risk estimation, nSBP, and PISA. Also, significantly statistical correlation (p&amp;lt;0.05) was found between BOP, NLR, and PWV while PISA was only associated with NLR. Logistic regression analysis identified absolute values of nSBP, salt intake and NLR as possible independent contributors to the increase in the &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;log&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; odds of developing BOP. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusions&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: Several periodontal disease parameters are linked to cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, daily salt intake and night-time systolic blood pressure.

Clinical and radiographic outcomes of lateral sinus floor elevation with simultaneous hydrophilic implants placement: A retrospective study of 2-5 years.

To investigate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of a chemically modified sandblasted large-grit acid-etched implant (hydrophilic) in lateral sinus floor elevation (LSFE), compared with a conventional one (hydrophobic). A retrospective study design was adopted. Patients who received LSFE with simultaneous implant placement were recruited. According to different types of implant surfaces, patients were divided into two groups (the hydrophilic group and the hydrophobic group). Implant survival rate (SR), endo-sinus bone stability on the radiographs, mean probing depths, percentage of bleeding on probing, marginal bone loss, and patient satisfaction were evaluated. A total of 106 patients with 180 implants (hydrophilic:101, hydrophobic:79) in 119 maxillary sinuses were included. The follow-up period ranged from 2 to 5 years. Three hydrophobic implants and one hydrophilic implant in four different patients failed. The SR of the hydrophilic group was higher than that of the hydrophobic group but without a significant difference (p > .05). The change and change rate of endo-sinus bone height (ΔESBH and RΔESBH) and bone volume (ΔESBV and RΔESBV) in the hydrophilic group were less than those in the hydrophobic group, with a significant difference at 6 months after implantation. No other significant difference was found between the two groups. Within the limitations of this study, both hydrophilic and hydrophobic implants were suitable for LSFE with predictable clinical outcomes. Meanwhile, hydrophilic implants could contribute to the grafted endo-sinus bone stability during healing time.

Assessing the Impact of Smoking Cessation Interventions on Periodontal Health and Gingival Inflammation in Smokers with Periodontitis

ABSTRACT Background: Smoking is a well-established risk factor for periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the oral cavity. While smoking cessation has been linked to improved overall health, its specific impact on periodontal health and gingival inflammation in individuals with periodontitis remains less explored Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study involving 200 smokers diagnosed with periodontitis. Participants were divided into two groups: Group A received comprehensive smoking cessation interventions, including counseling and pharmacotherapy, while group B continued smoking without intervention. Periodontal health was assessed through clinical parameters, including probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), at baseline and 6 months post intervention. Gingival inflammation was evaluated using the Gingival Index (GI). Results: After 6 months, group A exhibited a significant reduction in mean PD (from 4.5 mm to 3.2 mm) and CAL (from 5.0 mm to 3.5 mm) compared to group B. Conversely, group B showed no significant change in these parameters. The GI score significantly decreased in group A (from 2.8 to 1.2) but remained unchanged in group B. Furthermore, group A demonstrated a higher rate of smoking cessation (72%) compared to group B (14%) Conclusion: Smoking cessation interventions play a crucial role in improving periodontal health and reducing gingival inflammation in smokers with periodontitis. The observed reductions in PD, CAL, and gingival inflammation highlight the potential benefits of smoking cessation on oral health outcomes in this high-risk population.

Comparative Study of Azithromycin Versus Doxycycline Effect on the Resistin Level in Periodontitis Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

The present study aimed to determine if azithromycin (AZM) and doxycycline therapy, as an adjunct to scaling and root planning (SRP), modulate host response and improve clinical outcomes in periodontitis patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Forty-five periodontal sites in 15 periodontitis patients with T2DM received nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). In Group I, patients were placebo (not receiving any medication), Group II patients received systemic AZM therapy (AZM 250 mg/day for five days), and Group III patients received doxycycline (20 mg twice per day for three months. The resistin level was collected and measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline, one-month, and three-month intervals. All groups showed improvement in clinicalparameters and resistin levels throughout the study. The mean resistin level at three months was the highest in Group I and the lowest in Group III. Patients in Group II showed a larger decrease in mean PD than those in Group I and III. Group III had the highest gain in mean CAL, with an increase of 1.78 mm in attachment. Resistinmight be a useful indicator of current disease status. In addition, benefits from adjunctive systemic use of AZM and doxycycline have been administered with non-surgical periodontal therapy.

The Effect of a Low-Carbohydrate Diet on Periodontal Health and Inflammation in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

ABSTRACT Background: The interaction between type 2 diabetes and periodontal disease underscores the importance of exploring dietary interventions that could mitigate inflammation and improve periodontal health in diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial included 100 patients with type 2 diabetes who were equally divided into two groups: Group A (low-carbohydrate diet) and Group B (control group). Patients in Group A followed a low-carbohydrate diet for 12 weeks, while Group B maintained their regular dietary habits. Periodontal health was assessed using clinical parameters such as probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), and inflammation was measured by analyzing levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Statistical analyses were performed using appropriate tests. Results: After 12 weeks, Group A exhibited significant improvements in periodontal health compared to Group B. The mean PD reduction was 0.5 mm in Group A and 0.1 mm in Group B, with a corresponding mean CAL gain of 0.3 mm in Group A and no significant change in Group B. Inflammatory markers also showed favorable outcomes in Group A, with a decrease of 1.2 mg/L in CRP levels and 20% reduction in IL-6 levels. In contrast, Group B demonstrated minimal changes in inflammatory markers. The differences in PD, CAL, CRP, and IL-6 levels between the two groups were statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: The adoption of a low-carbohydrate diet for 12 weeks demonstrated significant improvements in periodontal health and reduction of inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Community Water Fluoridation and its Influence on Periodontal Health in Different Age Groups.

Community water fluoridation is a well-recognized public health initiative known for its efficacy in preventing dental cavities. The positive effects of fluoride on tooth enamel have led to widespread implementation of water fluoridation programs. This cross-sectional study involved 1,000 participants from diverse age groups, spanning children, adolescents, adults, and older adults, residing in both fluoridated and non-fluoridated communities. Comprehensive periodontal assessments included measurements of probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and the presence of gingival inflammation. Participants were categorized into "fluoridated" or "non-fluoridated" groups based on their residential history. Fluoridated communities consistently displayed lower mean PDs, CALs, and rates of gingival inflammation across all age groups. Notably, the reduction in PD and CAL reached approximately 0.5 millimeters and 0.3 millimeters, respectively, while the decrease in gingival inflammation ranged from 3% to 5. This study suggests a potential link between community water fluoridation and enhanced periodontal health, as evidenced by improved PDs, CALs, and reduced gingival inflammation.

Periodontitis and hypertension are linked through systemic inflammation: A 5-year longitudinal study.

To investigate the associations between periodontitis and hypertension and potential mediation via systemic inflammation through a 5-year longitudinal study. The severity and extent of periodontitis were determined using probing depth (PD). Oral hygiene was assessed using plaque scores. The associations between periodontal variables and 5-year blood pressure changes or incident hypertension were analysed using linear or Poisson regression, adjusting for potential confounders. Mediation analysis of two systemic inflammatory biomarkers, namely white blood cell count (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, was performed. The study population included 901 hypertension-free participants, aged 50-73 years. Greater mean PD, higher percentage of sites with PD ≥ 6 mm and poor oral hygiene were associated with elevated systolic blood pressure and increased hypertension risk (relative risks = 1.17 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.34], 1.13 [95% CI: 1.02-1.26] and 1.08 [95% CI: 1.03-1.13], respectively). Periodontitis and poor oral hygiene were associated with higher WBC and CRP levels (p < .05), which, in turn, were associated with increased hypertension risk (p < .05). WBC and CRP jointly mediated 14.1%-26.9% of the associations between periodontal variables and incident hypertension. Periodontitis and poor oral hygiene were associated with increased hypertension risk, and systemic inflammation was, in part, a mediator of these associations.

A Minimally Invasive Osseous Resective Surgical Protocol for Pocket Elimination at Maxillary and Mandibular Posterior Sextants: MI-PES.

The purpose of the present study was to describe a novel protocol for a minimally invasive pocket elimination surgery (MI-PES) in the posterior maxilla and mandible, which consists of the combined use of (1) an access flap based on an internally beveled gingivectomy with minimal to no papilla mobilization at the buccal aspect, and (2) a resective procedure with an apically positioned flap on the lingual aspect. The interproximal bone defects were accessed with a single (lingual) flap, and the bone architecture was modified by the adoption of piezoelectric inserts for controlled bone recontouring associated with fiber retention. Mean probing depth (PD) was 5.5 ± 0.8 mm before surgery and 2.7 ± 0.6 mm at the 6-month reevaluation. All treated pockets showed a postsurgical PD < 4 mm. Gingival recession (REC) was 0.3 ± 0.5 mm at baseline and increased to 1.6 ± 0.8 mm at 6 months. When buccal and lingual pockets were analyzed separately, a trend toward a similar PD reduction, less REC increase, and greater clinical attachment level gain was recorded for buccal pockets. These preliminary observations seem to support the use of MI-PES as a valuable option for pocket elimination, at least when residual pockets are associated with a shallow interproximal osseous crater in the posterior maxilla or mandible.

The Use of Enamel Matrix Derivative during Surgical Therapy for Peri-Implantitis: A Case Series.

Peri-implantitis is a growing concern and currently, there is no agreement on the best method for treating this condition. This study looked at surgical intervention with the use of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) for treating this condition. A cohort of 25 (34 implants) consecutive patients treated with EMD for peri-implantitis was followed for up to 6.4 years. The survival of the implants as well as changes in clinical parameters are reported. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t tests and general estimating equations. The mean length of time implants were followed post-surgery was 3.05 ± 1.53 years. All but two of the treated implants survived in function (94%). Both failed implants were lost in the same patient, who was a heavy smoker. The changes in mean probing depth (1.94 ± 1.18 mm), change in deepest probing depth (3.12 ± 1.45 mm), and reduction in bleeding on probing (73.6 ± 43.9%) according to patient means were all highly significant (p < 0.001 for all changes). When EMD is used during surgical treatment of peri-implantitis, there is a high survival rate of implants and significant improvements in clinical parameters.

Serum lipoprotein subfractions are associated with the periodontal status: Results from the population-based cohort SHIP-TREND.

To investigate the medium-term associations of serum protein subfractions derived from proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1 H-NMR) spectroscopy with periodontitis and tooth loss. A total of 3031 participants of the cohort Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP-TREND) were included. In addition to conventional serum testing, serum lipoprotein contents and subfractions were analysed by 1 H-NMR spectroscopy. Confounder-adjusted associations of lipoprotein variables with periodontitis and the number of missing teeth variables were analysed using mixed-effects models with random intercepts for time across individuals, accounting for multiple testing. While only spurious associations between lipoprotein levels from conventional blood tests were found-that is, triglycerides were associated with mean clinical attachment level (CAL) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C/HDL-C) ratio with the number of missing teeth - several associations emerged from serum lipoprotein subfractions derived from 1 H-NMR analysis. Specifically, elevated LDL triglycerides were associated with higher levels of mean probing depth (PD), mean CALs, and increased odds of having <20 teeth. HDL-4 cholesterol levels were inversely associated with mean PD. Systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein) might mediate the effects of LDL and HDL triglyceride contents on periodontitis severity. Several associations between serum lipoprotein subfractions and periodontitis were observed. As the underlying biochemical mechanisms remain unclear, further research is needed.