Use of platelet concentrates in oral surgery of patients with osteonecrosis: a scoping review

Abstract The objective of this study was to map, through a scoping review, the evidence available in the literature on the use of platelet concentrates in compromised patients undergoing oral surgeries. Searches were performed in electronic databases for clinical studies with compromised patients undergoing oral surgery who used platelet concentrates. Only studies published in English were included. Two independent researchers carried out the selection of studies. The study design and objective, surgical procedure and platelet concentrate used, systemic involvement, analyzed outcome, and main results were extracted. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed. Twenty-two studies met the eligibility criteria and were included. Case series was the most frequent study design among the included studies (41.0%). In terms of systemic disability, 19 studies reported patients with cancer and related to surgical treatment 16 studies reported patients underwent treatment for osteonecrosis related to the use of the drug. The most used platelet concentrate was pure platelet-rich fibrin (P-PRF). In general, most studies recommend the use of platelet concentrates. Thus, the results of this study suggest that the evidence related to the use of platelet concentrates in compromised patients when undergoing oral surgeries is still initial. Also, most studies assessed the use of platelet concentrates in patients with osteonecrosis.

Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi mapear, através de uma revisão de escopo, as evidências disponíveis na literatura sobre o uso de agregrantes plaquetários em pacientes comprometidos e que realizaram cirurgias odontológicas. Pesquisas foram realizadas em bases de dados por estudos clínicos com pacientes comprometidos que realizaram cirurgia odontológica e usaram agragantes plaquetários. Apenas estudos em inglês foram incluídos. Dois pesquisadores independentes realizaram a seleção dos estudos. Os seguintes dados foram extraídos: desenho do estudo, objetivo, procedimento cirúrgico, agregante plaquetário usado, envolvimento sistêmico, desfecho analisado e principais resultados. Uma análise descritiva dos dados foi realizada. Vinte e dois estudos preencheram os critérios de elegibilidade e foram incluídos. Série de casos foi o desenho de estudo mais frequente entre os estudos incluídos (41,0%). Em relação ao comprometimento sistêmico, 19 estudos reportaram pacientes com câncer e em relação ao tratamento cirúrgico, 16 estudos reportaram pacientes que realizavam tratamento para osteonecrose relacionada ao uso de medicamentos. O agregante mais utilizado foi o plasma rico em fribina (P-PRF). Em geral, maioria dos estudos recomendou o uso dos agregantes plaquetários. Assim, os resultados desse estudo sugerem que a evidência relacionada ao uso de agregantes plaquetários em pacientes comprometidos que realizam cirurgia odontológica é ainda inicial. Ainda, a maioria dos estudos avaliaram o uso de agregantes plaquetários em pacientes com osteonecrose.

Reporting characteristics of systematic review abstracts published in the proceedings of the SBPqO meeting

Aim: This study aimed to assess the reporting characteristics of systematic review abstracts published in the proceedings of the Sociedade Brasileira de Pesquisa Odontológica (SBPqO) meeting. Methods: We selected abstracts published in the SBPqO meeting proceedings of 2019 and 2020, mentioning that a systematic review was conducted in the title, objective or methods sections. One researcher performed the screening and the data extraction after a pilot test training. The following data were extracted: affiliation of the primary author, dental specialization, the term "systematic review" mentioned in the title, reporting of the objective, reporting of eligibility criteria, reporting of information sources, reporting of the number of included studies and if a meta-analysis was performed. A descriptive analysis of the data was performed with data summarized as frequencies. Results: We included 235 abstracts. A total of 20 studies were from the Universidade de Uberlândia (8.5%), and the main specialization was Restorative and Esthetic Dentistry, with 47 studies (20%). Most of the studies mentioned the term "systematic review" in the title (n=219; 93.2%) and reported the objective (n=231; 98.3%). A great majority of studies did not report the eligibility criteria (n=97; 41.3%) or it was classified as unclear (n=96; 40.8%). The great majority of studies only reported the databases searched (n=103; 43.8%) or databases and date of search (n=74; 31.5%). Most of the studies reported the number of included studies (n=204; 86.8%). Conclusion: Based on this study, the reporting characteristics of systematic review abstracts published in the proceedings of the SBPqO meeting are satisfactory. However, there is room for improvement

How are meta-analyses being conducted and reported in dentistry? A meta-research study

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate how meta-analyses are conducted and reported in dentistry. Methods: We conducted a search to identify dentistry-related Systematic Reviews (SRs) indexed in PubMed in 2017 (from January 01 until December 31) and published in the English language. We included only SRs reporting at least one meta-analysis. The study selection followed the 4-phase flow set forth in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement (PRISMA), and it was independently conducted by two researchers. Data extraction was performed by one of three reviewers, and data related to conducting and reporting of the meta-analysis were collected. Descriptive data analysis was performed summarizing frequencies for categorical items or median and interquartile range for continuous data. Results: We included 214 SRs with meta-analyses. Most of the studies reported in the title that a meta-analysis was conducted. We identified three critical flaws in the included studies: Ninety (90) meta-analyses (43.1%) did not specify the primary outcome; most of the meta-analyses reported that a measure of statistical heterogeneity was used to justify the use of a fixed-effect or random-effects meta-analysis model (n=114, 58.5%); and a great part did not assess publication bias (n=106, 49.5%). Conclusion: We identified deficiencies in the reporting and conduct of meta-analysis in dentistry, suggesting that there is room for improvement. Educational approaches are necessary to improve the quality of such analyses and to avoid biased and imprecise results

Influence of root canal preparation on formation of dentinal microcracks: a systematic review

Abstract The effect of root canal preparation technique on microcrack initiation is a controversial issue. This systematic review aimed to assess the role of root canal preparation techniques with different kinematics (manual, rotary, reciprocating, adaptive, self-adjusting file) on microcrack initiation. In vitro and in situ studies comparing the influence of at least two different root canal preparation techniques on the initiation of dentin microcracks were searched in PubMed/MEDLINE and SCOPUS up to June 5, 2018 without language and period restriction. Two authors independently reviewed all identified titles and abstracts for eligibility. Tables were generated to summarize the included studies, and the included studies were assessed for bias. Fifty-four (n=54) articles met the eligibility criteria. The results were classified according to the method used for microcrack evaluation, and most studies that used micro-computed tomography showed no formation of new cracks after root canal preparation. In general, the instrumentation techniques induced microcrack formation when the methods were destructive, irrespective of kinematics. In relation to the apex region, when the preparation working length was set as the root canal length subtracted of 1 mm, the risk of microcrack initiation reduces. The majority of the included studies had low risk of bias for all assessed domains. Our results seem to indicate that the various root canal preparation techniques considered in this study will not cause damage to the dental structure when adequately employed and the proper methodology is applied.

Resumo O efeito da técnica de preparo do canal radicular na iniciação e/ou propagação de microfissuras dentinárias é um tema controverso. Essa revisão sistemática teve como objetivo avaliar o papel das técnicas de preparo do canal radicular com diferentes cinemáticas (manual, rotatória, reciprocante, adaptativa e self-adjusting file) na iniciação e/ou propagação de microfissuras dentinárias. Estudos in vitro e in situ comparando a influência de pelo menos duas técnicas diferentes de preparo do canal radicular foram identificados no PubMed/MEDLINE e SCOPUS até 05 de junho de 2018 sem restrição de idioma e tempo. Dois autores revisaram de maneira independente todos títulos e resumos para elegibilidade dos estudos. Tabelas foram criadas para sumarizar os estudos incluídos e os estudos foram avaliados quanto ao risco de viés. Cinquenta e quatro (54) estudos enquadraram-se nos critérios de elegibilidade. Os resultados foram classificados de acordo com o método utilizado para avaliação das microfissuras. A maioria dos estudos que utilizaram micro-tomografia não demonstraram formação de novas microfissuras após preparo do canal radicular. Em geral, técnicas de instrumentação induziram formação de microfissuras quando os métodos de avaliação foram destrutivos, independente da cinemática. Em relação a região do ápice, quando comprimento de trabalho foi definido como o comprimento do canal menos 1 mm, o risco de indução de microfissuras é reduzido. A maioria dos estudos incluídos apresentaram baixo risco de viés para todos os domínios apresentados. Nossos resultados parecem indicar que as diferentes técnicas de preparo do canal radicular não causam danos a estrutura dental quando adequadamente utilizadas e a metodologia adequada é utilizada.

Failure of miniscrews installed in maxilla and mandible: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Falha de mini-implantes instalados em maxila e mandíbula: uma revisão sistemática e meta-análise

Objective: The aim of this systematic review was to compare the clinical failure rate of orthodontic miniscrews in maxilla and mandible. Material and Methods: Randomized controlled trials of patients in orthodontic treatment, which required miniscrews for orthodontic intervention reporting the failure rate of miniscrews in the maxilla and mandible were searched in Pubmed database. Two authors independently reviewed all identified titles and abstracts for eligibility. Comparison between failures in maxilla and mandible were estimated using pairwise meta-analysis to calculate the relative risk (RR) of failure and the 95% confidence intervals using a random-effect model. The reports of randomized trials were assessed for bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results: Four studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. 299 patients with a total of 628 miniscrews installed were included in the analysis. The analysis showed a 0.55 RR (95% CI 0.23­1.29) and I2 = 85%. All studies had an unclear risk of bias regarding to the two following items: allocation concealment, blinding of participants and personnel. All studies had a low risk of bias with regard to incomplete outcome data and selective reporting. The results did not demonstrate statistical difference between risk of failure of miniscrew between maxilla and mandible. Conclusion: The results of the meta-analysis showed that miniscrews installed in maxilla presents reduced risk of failure. A tendency of higher number of failures in mandible was also demonstrated. However, results should be interpreted with caution because of the very low quality of included studies and the differences among methodologies. (AU)

Objetivo: A presente revisão sistemática objetivou comparar a taxa de falha clínica de mini-implantes ortodônticos instalados em maxila e mandíbula. Materiais e Métodos: Ensaios clínicos controlados e randomizados que reportaram a taxa de falha de mini-implantes instalados em maxila e mandíbula de pacientes necessitando tratamento ortodôntico foram pesquisados na base de dados do Pubmed. Dois autores revisaram independentemente os títulos e resumos identificados com base nos critérios de elegibilidade. Comparações entre as falhas na maxila e mandíbula foram estimadas utilizando meta-análise pareada para cálculo do risco relativo (RR) de falha e dos intervalos de confiança de 95%, usando um modelo de efeito aleatório. Os reportes dos estudos incluídos foram avaliados quanto ao risco de viés seguindo os critérios da Cochrane para ensaios clínicos randomizados. Resultados: Quatro estudos preencheram os critérios de elegibilidade. No total, 299 pacientes e 628 mini-implantes instalados foram incluídos na análise. A análise apresentou um RR 0,55 (IC 95% 0,23-1,29) e I2 = 85%. Todos os estudos apresentaram um risco claro de viés em relação aos dois itens seguintes: ocultação de alocação, cegamento dos participantes e profissionais. Todos os estudos apresentaram um baixo risco de viés no que diz respeito a dados de desfecho incompletos e reporte seletivo. Não foi demonstrada diferença estatisticamente significativa entre mini-implantes instalados em maxila e mandíbula. Conclusão: Os resultados da meta-análise demonstraram um menor risco de falhas em mini-implantes instalados na maxila e uma tendência para maior número de falhas na mandíbula. Contudo, os resultados devem ser interpretados com cautela, dadas a baixa qualidade dos estudos incluídos e as diferenças entre suas metodologias (AU)

Características de reporte e condução de revisões sistemáticas que avaliaram a longevidade de restaurações de resina composta em dentes posteriores

Muitas revisões avaliando a longevidade de restaura- ções de resina composta em dentes posteriores vem sendo publicadas e o melhor entendimento dessas revisões é importante. Objetivo: o objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar as características de condução e de reporte das revisões sistemáticas que avaliaram a longevidade de restaurações de resina composta em dentes posteriores. Materiais e método: foi realizada uma busca no MedLine (via Pubmed) com objetivo de identificar revisões que analisaram apenas a longevidade de restaurações de resina composta e revisões que compararam restaurações de resina composta com outros materiais em dentes posteriores. Os artigos foram selecionados de forma independente por dois revisores baseados inicialmente na leitura do título/resumo e depois na leitura do artigo completo. Características dos periódicos em que os artigos foram publicados, do reporte e da condução das revisões foram extraí- das. Tabelas foram criadas para sumarizar os dados. Resultados: no total, 11 artigos foram incluídos pela síntese qualitativa. A maioria das revisões utilizou meta-análise (63,6%) e a maior parte (90,9%) mencionou os termos revisão sistemática/meta-análise no título ou no resumo. Sete revisões (63,6%) não mencionaram a utilização de algum guia de reporte. Grande parte das revisões (54,5%) não incluiu apenas ensaios clínicos randomizados e oito estudos (72,2%) avaliaram o risco de viés e apresentaram o diagrama de fluxo da seleção dos estudos. Conclusão: pode-se concluir que muitas revisões sobre a longevidade de restaurações vêm sendo publicadas na literatura odontológica, sendo muitas delas conduzidas e reportadas de maneira diferente, o que pode impactar diretamente na qualidade do estudo e na aplicabilidade dos resultados.

Research Reporting Guidelines in Dentistry: A Survey of Editors

Abstract The use of reporting guidelines has an important role in the development of health research, improving the quality and precision of the publications. This study evaluated how dental journals use reporting guidelines. All editors of dental journals registered on the 2013 Journal Citation Reports list (n=81) were invited to participate. The data were collected by a self-reported web-based questionnaire. Information about the profile of journal/editor and on the use of reporting guidelines by journals was gathered. Information/recommendations about the use of reporting guidelines were collected from the websites of all journals. Data were descriptively analyzed and frequencies were summarized. Thirty-four (42%) editors completed the questionnaire. Most journals are members of Committee on Publication Ethics (64.7%) and/or follow the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors recommendations (20.6%), while 26.5% are not members of any editorial group. Most editors are unfamiliar with the EQUATOR Network (55.9%), do not work full time (85.3%) and 88.2% have some income/payment. Most of them received educational training for this position (55.9%). The CONSORT Statement was endorsed by 61.8% of journals. Information from websites showed that 44.4% journals do not recommend any reporting guideline, 51.9% mention CONSORT Statement in the website and 28.4% only recommend the use of CONSORT Statement. There is clearly room for improving the use of reporting guidelines in dental journals. Broadening the understanding and the endorsement/adherence/implementation of reporting guidelines by journals may promote quality and transparence of published dental research.

Resumo O uso de guias de reporte tem um papel importante no desenvolvimento das pesquisas na saúde, melhorando a qualidade e a precisão das publicações. Esse estudo avaliou como periódicos de odontologia usam os guias de reporte. Todos editores de periódicos de odontologia registrados na lista do 2013 Journal of Citation Reports (n=81) foram convidados a participar. Dados foram coletados através de um questionário online autoaplicável. Informações sobre o perfil do periódico/editor e do uso de guias de reporte pelos periódicos foram coletados. Informações/recomendações sobre o uso de guias de reporte foram também coletados dos sites de todos os periódicos. Dados foram analisados descritivamente e frequências foram sumarizadas. Trinta e quatro (42%) editores completaram o questionário. Maioria dos periódicos é membro do Committee on Publication Ethics (64,7%) e/ou seguem as recomendações do International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (20,6%), enquanto 26,5% dos periódicos não são membros de nenhum grupo editorial. A maioria dos editores não é familiar com o EQUATOR Network (55,9%), não trabalha em tempo integral como editor (85,3%) e 88,2% recebem algum pagamento. A maioria deles recebeu treinamento para a posição de editor (55,9%). O CONSORT Statement foi endossado por 61,8% dos periódicos. Informações oriundas dos sites demonstraram que 44,4% dos periódicos não recomendam nenhum guia de reporte, 51,9% mencionam o CONSORT Statement no site e 28,4 apenas recomenda o CONSORT Statement. Existe um espaço claro para melhora no uso de guias de reporte em periódicos de odontologia. Um maior entendimento e endosso/aderência/implementação de guias de reporte por periódicos de odontologia pode promover a qualidade e transparência das pesquisas odontológicas publicadas.

How has dental pulp stem cells isolation been conducted? A scoping review

Abstract: The objective of this study was to realize a scoping review the literature in order to identify the profile of DPSCs isolation and analyze the possible risk factors that could change the native behavior of these cells. An initial search was conducted using the following MeSH terms: "(dental pulp stem cell [MeSH])"; "(dental pulp [MeSH])" AND "(stem cell [MeSH])"; "("dental pulp stem cell" [MeSH]")". The electronic search was done without date restriction up to and including April 2014, in PubMed, Scopus, Scielo and ISI Web of Knowledge databases. Studies were submitted to inclusion and exclusion criteria and 222 articles were included. Data showed that over the past 15 years many studies have been conducted using DPSCs. However this is the first systematic review regarding the isolation of stem cell, and more specifically of dental pulp stem cells. The isolation of dental pulp stem cells showed great variability, hampering the development of standard protocols to achieve in vitro dental pulp stem cells with similar characteristics. This scoping review combined, for the first time, the methodologies used for dental pulp stem isolation, highlighting the most frequently used.

Knowledge and attitudes of students and dentists about the use and cementation of intra-radicular posts / Conhecimentos e atitudes de estudantes e dentistas sobre o uso e cimentação de pinos intrarradiculares

Objectives: The aim of the study was assess the knowledge and attitudes of students and dentists about the use and cementation of intra-radicular posts. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study interviewed 150 students and 150 dentists in the city of Pelotas (Brazil). A questionnaire containing questions regarding restorative choice in teeth with large coronal destruction, level of confidence for the use of post and resin cement, function of intra-radicular posts and social-demographic characteristics was applied. Data were analysed using descriptive analysis and associations were tested through logistic regression using 95% confidence intervals. Results: The analysis showed that students presented an odd to choose prefabricated posts 127% greater than the dentists for anterior teeth, 105% greater to choose self-adhesive resin cement and 46% greater to choose conventional resin cement. Considering posterior teeth, students presented an odd to choose prefabricated posts 40% smaller than the dentists and an odd 51% greater to choose conventional resin cement. Conclusion: The formation level (students or dentists) was directly related to clinical choices of the interviewed. The use of prefabricated posts seems to be related to the location of the tooth in the arch, with pre-fabricated posts being more indicated for anterior teeth. Use of pre-fabricated posts in teeth with large coronal destruction is accepted in the literature. However, dentists are still not confident to use of pre-fabricated fiber posts especially in posterior teeth with large coronal destruction. (AU)

Objetivo: o objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o conhecimento e as atitudes dos alunos e dentistas sobre o uso e cimentação de pinos intra-radiculares. Material e Métodos: este estudo transversal entrevistou 150 estudantes e 150 dentistas na cidade de Pelotas (Brasil). Foi aplicado um questionário contendo perguntas sobre a escolha restauração em dentes com grande destruição coronária, nível de confiança para o uso de pinos e cimento resinoso, função dos pinos intra-radiculares e características sociodemográficas. Os dados foram analisados utilizando análise descritiva e as associações foram testadas através de regressão logística usando intervalos de confiança de 95%. Resultados: A análise mostrou que os alunos apresentaram uma chance para escolher pinos pré-fabricados 127% maior que os dentistas para dentes anteriores, 105% maior para escolher cimento resinoso autoadesivo e 46% maior para escolher o cimento resinoso convencional. Considerando os dentes posteriores, os estudantes apresentaram uma chance para escolher os pinos pré-fabricados 40% menor do que os dentistas e uma chance 51% maior para escolher o cimento resinoso convencional. Conclusão: O nível de formação (estudantes ou dentistas) está diretamente relacionado às escolhas clínicas dos entrevistados. O uso de pinos pré- fabricados parece estar relacionado à localização do dente no arco, com pinos pré-fabricados sendo mais indicados para os dentes anteriores. O uso de pinos pré-fabricados em dentes com grande destruição coronária é aceito na literatura. No entanto, os dentistas ainda não estão confiantes para o uso de pinos pré-fabricados de fibra, especialmente em dentes posteriores com grande destruição coronária. (AU)

A systematic review of factors associated with the retention of glass fiber posts

This study aimed to identify factors that can affect the retention of glass fiber posts to intra-radicular dentin based on in vitro studies that compared the bond strength (BS) of GFPs cemented with resin cements. Searches were carried out in PubMed and Scopus until December 2013. Bond strength values and variables as type of tooth, presence of endodontic treatment, pretreatment of the post, type of bonding agent (if present), type of cement and mode of cement application were extracted from the 34 included studies. A linear regression model was used to evaluate the influence of these parameters on BS. The presence of endodontic treatment decreased the BS values in 22.7% considering the pooled data (p = 0.013). For regular cement, cleaning the post increased BS when compared to silane application without cleaning (p = 0.032), considering cleaning as ethanol, air abrasion, or phosphoric acid application. Applying the cement around the post and into root canal decreased the resistance compared to only around the post (p = 0.02) or only into root canal (p = 0.041), on the other hand, no difference was found for self-adhesive resin cement for the same comparisons (p = 0.858 and p = 0.067). Endodontic treatment, method of cement application, and post pretreatment are factors that might significantly affect the retention of glass-fiber posts into root canals mainly when cemented with regular resin cement. Self-adhesive resin cements were found to be less technique-sensitive to luting procedures as compared with regular resin cements.

Influence of cleansers and a phytotherapic against Candida albicans on the properties of denture liners / Influência de limpadores e de um fitoterápico anti-Candida albicans nas propriedades de reembasadores de prótese

Objectives: the aims of this study were to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and effect of denture cleansers and the phytotherapic Plantago australis Lam. on me-chanical properties of two resilient denture liners. Mate-rials and method: samples of acrylic and silicone based materials were submitted to biofilm formation using 24-well polystyrene cell tissue culture plates to form C. al-bicans biofilm for 1, 7 and 14 days. The specimens were subjected to the following treatments: distilled water, 0.5% sodium hypochlorite, sodium perborate and Plan-tago australis Lam. Counts of Candida were calculated and the results expressed in colony forming units (CFU)/mm2. The following analyses were performed: sorption and solubility, surface roughness and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: three-way ANOVA showed a statistically significant difference between materials (p<0.001) with the resin-based liner presenting higher surface roughness without difference between measu-rements before and after treatment (paired t-test). T-test showed no statistically significant difference for sorption (p=0.364) and solubility (p=0.278) for both liners. SEM analysis revealed a more irregular surface topography in the resin based denture liner after the treatment with sodium hypochlorite. Candida albicans counts were equal for sodium perborate, Plantago australis Lam. and distilled water, while sodium hypochlorite showed the lowest counts (p<0.05). Conclusions: 0.5% sodium hy-pochlorite was the most effective cleanser.

Preference for using posts to restore endodontically treated teeth: findings from a survey with dentists

The aim of this study was to evaluate if clinical experience, whether in relation to length of practice time and/or level of specialization influences the dentist’s preference for using posts to restore endodontically treated teeth. A cross sectional study was carried out using a questionnaire with dentists (n = 276) in Pelotas, southern Brazil. Data were collected regarding clinical experience, post-graduate training, and variables related to restorations (posts/cements and use of rubber dam) for endodontically treated teeth. The data were submitted to a descriptive analysis and associations were tested. The response rate was 68%. Cast metal posts (24.53%), glass fiber posts (20.75%) and resin cement (66.67%) were the most commonly selected materials. In relation to rubber dams, 93.05% of the dentists were found not use them to lute posts. There was a significant association between the level of training of post-graduate dentists and the type of post used (p = 0.027), in that dentists without post-graduate training used cast metal posts more frequently, whereas dentists with post-graduate training reported glass fiber posts as their first choice. The results of the study showed that dentists preferred cast metal posts, glass fiber posts and resin cement. Continuing education influenced the decision of the dentists on their choice of dental posts.

An investigation of the presence of specific anaerobic species in necrotic primary teeth

Different microbial identification methods have shown that the microbial community profiles in endodontic infections are diverse and assorted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of selected endodontic pathogens in the pulp chambers (PCs) and root canals (RCs) of infected primary teeth using PCR methods. Paired PC and RC samples were collected from 15 subjects and analyzed by PCR for the presence of Filifactor alocis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Parvimonas micra, Porphyromonas endodontalis, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Prevotella nigrescens, Prevotella tannerae, Tanerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, and Treponema socranskii. The frequency of each species was determined in the PC and RC of each case. The species most frequently detected in PCs were P. nigrescens (86.7%), P. gingivalis (73.3%), and F. alocis (73.3%). Of the PC samples, 13.3% contained P. micra and T. denticola, and 6.7% contained T. forsythia. The species most frequently detected in RCs were P. gingivalis (100%) and P. nigrescens (93.3%). P. tannerae, P. micra, and T. denticola were found in 40% of the RC samples; T. forsythia was found in 26.7% of the RC samples. The “red complex”, which comprises P. gingivalis, T. denticola, and T. forsythia, was not found in the PC of any tooth but was found in 30% of the RC samples. The detection of P. nigrescens in the PC was statistically associated with the presence of P. nigrescens in the RC (p = 0.04). The results suggest high heterogeneity among the samples, even among those from the same subject.