Administração de Lactobacillus para casei 28.4 como terapia adjuvante no tratamento da periodontite: desenvolvimento in vitro de formulação probiótica usando gellan gum e ensaio clínico randomizado placebo controlado / Administration of Lactobacillus paracasei 28.4 as adjuvant therapy in the treatment of periodontitis: in vitro development of the probiotic formulation using gellan gum and placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial

A periodontite é uma doença inflamatória do periodonto associada ao acúmulo de biofilme dental, com consequente disbiose da microbiota oral e alteração da resposta imuno-inflamatória. O controle da periodontite realizado por meio do tratamento periodontal não-cirúrgico altera o ambiente subgengival e pode ser associado a terapias adjuntas. O uso de probióticos como terapia adjuvante a esse tratamento parece favorecer a modificação do biofilme bacteriano e resposta imuno-inflamatória. Entretanto, os probióticos empregados até o momento não são próprios da cavidade oral e, por isso, a busca por cepas originadas da microbiota oral tem ganhado espaço na tentativa de favorecer a aderência e colonização permanente dessas bactérias. Recentemente, a cepa de Lactobacillus paracasei 28.4 foi isolada da cavidade oral, exibindo atividades antimicrobianas promissoras sobre o controle de patógenos orais. O presente estudo teve como objetivos o desenvolvimento de uma formulação probiótica de L. paracasei 28.4 incorporado em gellan gum para uso humano, bem como a avaliação dos efeitos clínicos da administração desta formulação como adjuvante no tratamento periodontal. Para tal, o trabalho foi dividido em 2 etapas, contemplando uma etapa laboratorial (parte A), para desenvolvimento da formulação probiótica; e um ensaio clínico randomizado (parte B, n=40), envolvendo um protocolo de tratamento periodontal não cirúrgico associado à terapia adjunta probiótica ou placebo. Os resultados da parte A permitiram encontrar a melhor forma de apresentação e armazenamento da formulação de gellan gum. Na parte B, aos 3 e 6 meses de acompanhamento, os dois grupos apresentaram melhoras significativas dos parâmetros periodontais (índice de sangramento, índice gengival, profundidade de sondagem e ganho de nível de inserção) em relação ao baseline, sem diferença estatística na comparação intergrupo. Como conclusão, uma formulação probiótica segura e possível de ser aplicada na prática clínica foi obtida; no entanto, sua administração não promoveu efeitos clínicos adicionais ao tratamento de pacientes com periodontite generalizada estágios III/IV e graus B/C (AU)

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the periodontium associated with the accumulation of dental biofilm, with consequent dysbiosis of the oral microbiota and alteration of the immune-inflammatory responseThe control of periodontitis carried out through non-surgical periodontal treatment alters the subgingival environment and can be associated with adjunctive therapies.The use of probiotics as an adjuvant therapy in the periodontal treatment seems to favor the modification of the bacterial biofilm and modulation of the immuneinflammatory response. However, the probiotics used so far are not specific to the oral cavity and, therefore, the search for strains originating from the oral microbiota has gained space to favor the adherence and permanent colonization of these bacteria. Recently, strain of Lactobacillus paracasei 28.4 was isolated from the oral cavity itself, showing promising antimicrobial activities in the control of oral pathogens. The present study aimed to develop and characterize a probiotic formulation of L. paracasei 28.4 incorporated into gellan gum for human use, as well as to evaluate the clinical effects of administering this formulation as an adjuvant in the treatment of periodontitis. To this end, the study was divided into 2 stages, comprising a laboratory stage (part A), for the development of the probiotic, and a randomized clinical trial (part B, n=40) contemplating a non-surgical periodontal treatment protocol associated with adjunctive probiotic therapy or placebo. The results from part A made it possible to find the best way to present and store the gellan gum formulation. In part B, at 3 and 6 months of follow-up, both groups showed significant improvements in periodontal parameters (bleeding index, gingival index, probing depth and attachment level gain) in relation to baseline, with no statistical difference in the intergroup comparison. In conclusion, a safe probiotic formulation that can be applied in clinical practice was obtained; however, its administration did not promote additional clinical effects in the treatment of patients with stage III/IV and grades B/C generalized periodontitis (AU)

Effect of periodontal debridement plus systemic azithromycin in subjects with stage III periodontitis: a randomized controlled clinical trial / Efecto del desbridamiento periodontal más azitromicina sistémica en sujetos con periodontitis estadio III: un ensayo clínico controlado aleatorio

Aim: To evaluate the effect of the systemic administration of azi-thromycin (AZM) as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on the clinical and microbiological variables of patients with periodontitis. Material and Methods: Eighteen volunteers received NSPT combined with placebo or AZM (500 mg/day) for 3 days (n=9/group). They were monitored clinically for probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), O'Leary index (OI), bleeding on probing (BoP) at baseline and during the first, third and sixth month and microbiologically, at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after therapy, by conventional polymerase chain reaction tests. Results: Fourteen patients completed the study (n=7/group). Differences statistically significant were observed among both groups. The experimental group presented: A PPD mean (p=0.04) significantly lower and PPD reduction (p=0.02), at 6-months post NSPT. Regarding changes (∆), at the third month post NSPT, there was a significant increase in the number of shallow sites (p<0.001) and a decrease in the intermediate sites (p<0.001). In addition, a significant decrease in the mean number of deep sites (p=0.04) was detected at 6 months post treatment. There was also a significant decrease in periodontal index BoP at 1 (p=0.01), 3 (p<0.001) and 6 (p=0.01) months and OI at 3- and 6-months (p<0.001), post treatment. Regarding the presence of periodontal pathogens, no significant differences were observed, intra and inter groups. Conclusion: AZM as an adjuvant to NSPT provides additional beneficial effects for PPD and BoP compared to NSPT alone.

Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la administración sistémica de azitromicina (AZM) como coadyuvante de la terapia periodontal no quirúrgica (TPNQ) en las variables clínicas y microbiológicas de pacientes con periodontitis. Material y Métodos: Dieciocho voluntarios recibieron TPNQ combinado con placebo o AZM (500 mg/día) durante 3 días (n=9/grupo). Fueron monitoreados clínicamente para determinar Profundidad de Sondaje del Saco (PSS), Nivel de Inserción Clínica (NIC), Índice de O'Leary (IO), Sangrado al sondaje (SS) al inicio y durante el primer, tercer y sexto mes y microbiológicamente, al inicio y a los 3 y 6 meses después de la terapia, mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa convencional. Resultados: Catorce pacientes completaron el estudio (n=7/grupo). Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ambos grupos. El grupo experimental presentó una media de PSS significativamente menor (p=0,04) y una reducción de PSS (p=0,02), a los 6 meses post TPNQ. En cuanto al delta (∆) pre y post tratamiento, al tercer mes post TPNQ, hubo un aumento significativo en el número de sitios poco profundos (p<0.001) y una disminución en los sitios intermedios (p<0.001). Además, se detectó una disminución significativa en la media de los sitios profundos (p=0.04) a los 6 meses post tratamiento. También hubo una disminución significativa en el índice SS al primer (p=0.01), tercer (p<0. 0 01) y sexto mes (p=0.01) post TPNQ y del IO al tercer y sexto mes (p<0.001), post tratamiento. En cuanto a la presencia de patógenos periodontales, no se observaron diferencias significativas tanto intra como ínter grupos. Conclusión: AZM como adyuvante a TPNQ proporciona efectos benéficos adicionales en la PSS y SS en comparación a TPNQ solo.

Comparação entre as técnicas de raspagem e alisamento radicular e desbridamento ultrassônico no protocolo de desinfecção de boca toda: relato de caso / Comparison between scaling and root planing and ultrasonic debridement techniques in the full mouth disinfection protocol: case report

O tratamento periodontal consiste na remoção do biofilme patogênico, através da raspagem e alisamento radicular. O desbridamento ultrassônico de boca toda promove uma instrumentação mais conservadora, porém eficiente da superfície radicular, em sessão única. Evitando a translocação bacteriana de uma região tratada para outra que já foi. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi realizar uma comparação entre a eficácia da raspagem manual e a ultrassônica dentro do protocolo da FMD, através de um relato de caso clínico. Houve uma melhora nos parâmetros clínicos periodontais em todos os quadrantes, porém resultados superiores foram observados com o desbridamento com ultrassom e irrigação com clorexidina. A instrumentação com ultrassom associada a clorexidina no tratamento da periodontite estágio III grau C generalizada, reduz com eficácia o tempo de tratamento, otimizando o tempo do paciente e profissional(AU)

Periodontal treatment consists of removing the pathogenic biofilm, by scaling and root planing. Ultrasonic debridement of the entire mouth promotes more conservative, yet efficient instrumentation of the root surface, in a single session. Avoiding bacterial translocation from one treated region to another that has already been. The objective of the present study was to make a comparison between the effectiveness of manual and ultrasonic scraping within the FMD protocol, through a clinical case report. There was an improvement in periodontal clinical parameters in all quadrants, but superior results were observed with debridement with ultrasound and irrigation with chlorhexidine. Instrumentation with ultrasound associated with chlorhexidine in the treatment of generalized stage III grade C periodontitis, effectively reduces treatment time, optimizing patient and professional time(AU)

Efeito da terapia fotodinâmica antimicrobiana como adjuvante no tratamento não cirúrgico da periodontite estádio III ou IV grau C / Effect of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy as an adjuvant in the non-surgical treatment of stage III or IV grade C periodontitis

A Periodontite estádio III e IV grau C em pacientes jovens tem um caráter mais destrutivo dos tecidos periodontais de suporte e tem impacto em perdas dentárias, função mastigatória e pior resposta ao tratamento. E a Terapia Fotodinâmica Antimicrobiana (TFD) tem surgido como uma alternativa promissora adjuvante à Terapia Periodontal não Cirúrgica (TPNC) desta doença. OBJETIVO: avaliar os efeitos da TFD como adjuvante no TPNC da Periodontite estádio III ou IV grau C, através dos parâmetros clínicos periodontais (Índice de Placa Visível (IPV), Índice de Sangramento Gengival (ISG), Sangramento à Sondagem (SS), Profundidade de Sondagem (PS), Recessão Gengival (RG), Nível de Inserção Clínica (NIC) e Mobilidade Dentária (MOB)) bem como avaliar seu impacto na qualidade de vida dos pacientes por meio do Oral healthrelated quality of life (OHRQoL). METODOLOGIA: Vinte e um indivíduos participaram desse ensaio clínico controlado randomizado, duplo cego, em um desenho de boca dividida por quadrantes. Todos os pacientes foram tratados com orientação de higiene bucal, raspagem e alisamento radicular por meio do Full Mouth Disinfection (FMD) e antibioticoterapia sistêmica. Os quatro quadrantes foram randomizados de acordo com os seguintes grupos: grupo 1 (FMD + AB), grupo 2 (FMD + AB + TFD em sessão única), grupo 3 (FMD + AB + TFD em quatro sessões) e grupo 4 (FMD + AB + laserterapia com luz infravermelha em quatro sessões). As avaliações foram feitas no baseline e com média de 6 meses após o tratamento. RESULTADOS: Obteve-se uma melhora dos parâmetros clínicos com redução significativa da PS, NIC e SS para todos grupos e da MOB para os grupos FMD + AB, FMD + AB + TFD sessão única e FMD + AB + TFD em 4 sessões após o tratamento, apresentou redução expressivamente maior do NIC no grupo FMD + AB + TFD 4 sessões (ΔMédia = 3,04 mm) em relação ao grupo FMD + AB (Δmédia =2,18 mm), ou seja, com diferença de 0,86 mm. A estratificação das PS no baseline em PS = 5mm e PS ≥ 6mm mostrou que para PS ≥ 6mm, o grupo FMD + AB + TFD em 4 sessões apresentou maior redução da PS (p = 0,005) e NIC (p = 0,001) em relação ao grupo FMD + AB. Em relação à QV, houve aumento significativo dos valores OHRQoL (p = 0,001) e dos domínios físico (p < 0,001), social (p = 0,027) e psicológico (p = 0,005) após o tratamento. CONCLUSÃO: A terapia periodontal do FMD associada a antibioticoterapia, com acréscimo ou não da TFD apresenta resultados significativos na melhora dos parâmetros clínicos periodontais e, em bolsas mais profundas, a TFD em 4 sessões apresentou resultados superiores. Ademais, a Periodontite estádio III ou IV grau C reflete negativamente na percepção da QV, porém, a TPNC apresentou impacto positivo sobre a mesma (AU).

Stage III ­ IV grade C periodontitis in young patients has a more destructive character of periodontal support tissues and has impact on loss of teeth, masticatory function and worse response to treatment. The Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) has become as a promising alternative, adjuvant to Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy (NSPT) of this disease. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of adjunctive PDT on the non-surgical treatment of stage III ­ IV, grade C Periodontitis, through the analysis of periodontal clinical parameters (Visible Plaque Index (VPI), Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI), Bleeding on Probing (BP), Pocket Probing Depth (PPD), Gingival Recession (GR), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) and Tooth Mobility (Mob)) as well as to assess their impact on quality of life (QoL) of the patients through Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) questionnaire. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-one subjects particpated in this controlled randomized, double-blind trial, in a split-mouth design divided into quadrants. All the patients were treated with oral hygiene guidance, scaling and root planing through Full Mouth Disinfection (FMD) and systemic anbiotics. The four quadrants were randomly assigned to the following treatment groups: group (FMD + AB), group 2 (FMD + AB + PDT in a single session), group 3 (FMD + AB + PDT in four sessions), and group 4 (FMD + AB + laser therapy with infrared light in four sessions). Assessments were made at baseline and an average of 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: There was an improvement in clinical parameters with significant reduction of PPD, CAL and BoP for all therapies as well as Mob for FMD + AB, FMD + AB + PDT in a sihgle session and FMD + AB + PDT in 4 sessions groups, however there was a significantly greater reduction in CIN in the FMD + AB + PDT group 4 sessions (ΔAverage = 3.04 mm) in relation to the FMD + AB group (ΔAverage = 2.18 mm), that is, with a difference of 0.86 mm. Stratification of the baseline pockets in PPD = 5mm and PPD ≥ 6mm showed that, for PPD ≥ 6mm, FMD + PDT in 4 sessions had a greater reduction of PPD (p = 0.005) and CAL (p = 0.001) in relation to FMD group). Regarding QoL analysis, there was a significant increase in the OHRQoL (p = 0.001) and in the physical (p < 0,001), social (p = 0.027) and psychological (p = 0.005) domains after treatment. CONCLUSION: FMD therapy associated with systemic antibiotic therapy, with or without addition of PDT, showed significant improvement of the clinical periodontal parameters and, in deeper pockets, PDT in 4 sessions showed better results. Furthermore, stage III - IV grade C Periodontitis reflected negatively on the QoL perception, however, NSPT had a positive impact on it (AU).

Efeito da terapia probiótica (Lactobacillus reuteri) coadjuvante no tratamento da periodontite associada ao Diabetes Mellitus: estudo clínico, controlado e randomizado / Effect of adjuvant probiotic therapy (Lactobacillus reuteri) in the treatment of periodontitis associated with Diabetes Mellitus: clinical, controlled and randomized study

A associação de probióticos ao debridamento mecânico pode ser uma proposta de tratamento das doenças periodontais, em especial para pacientes portadores de Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 (DM2). Avaliou-se os efeitos da administração do probiótico Lactobacillus reuteri como terapia coadjuvante no tratamento da Periodontite (P) associada ao DM2. Um total de 40 participantes diabéticos e diagnosticados com P foram randomizados em Grupo RAR+Placebo (n=20): receberam debridamento mecânico associado ao probiótico e Grupo RAR+Probi (n=20): tratados com debridamento mecânico associado a um placebo. Foram realizadas avaliações de profundidade de sondagem (P.S.), recessão gengival (RG), nível de inserção clínica (NIC), índice de placa (IP), índice de sangramento gengival (IG) e índice PISA no baseline, 30, 90 e 180 dias. Foi realizada dosagem da concentração de citocinas (INF-γ, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL1ß, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α) do fluido crevicular gengival (FCG), no baseline e 180 dias após o tratamento. Informações sobre efeitos adversos do uso de medicamentos e sobre qualidade de vida foram coletadas. Os dados foram obtidos em média e desvio padrão, e analisados pelos testes Fridman/Tukey e MannWhiteny. Considerado a metodologia do presente estudo, os resultados obtidos apontam que o debridamento periodontal promoveu melhora significativa (p<0.05) nos parâmetros clínicos periodontais em ambos os grupos, mas o uso do probiótico não foi eficiente para resultados adicionais quando comparado com o placebo. A terapia periodontal interferiu nos níveis de citocinas do FCG, porém não se pode afirmar que o uso de probiótico apresenta o mesmo efeito(AU)

The association of probiotics with mechanical debridement may be a proposal for the treatment of periodontal diseases, especially for patients with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (DM2). The effects of the administration of the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of Periodontitis (P) associated with DM2 were evaluated. A total of 40 diabetic participants and diagnosed with P were randomized into Group RAR + Placebo (n = 20): received mechanical debridement associated with the probiotic and Group RAR + Probi (n = 20): treated with mechanical debridement associated with a placebo. Probing depth (P.S.), gingival recession (RG), clinical insertion level (NIC), plaque index (IP), gingival bleeding index (IG) and PISA index were performed at baseline, 30, 90 and 180 days. Measurement of the concentration of cytokines (INF-γ, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α) of the gingival crevicular fluid (FCG), at baseline and 180 days after treatment. Information on adverse effects of medication use and on quality of life was collected. The data were obtained in mean and standard deviation, and analyzed by the Fridman / Tukey and MannWhiteny tests. Considering the methodology of the present study, the results obtained point out that periodontal debridement promoted a significant improvement (p <0.05) in periodontal clinical parameters in both groups, but the use of probiotic was not efficient for additional results when compared with placebo. Periodontal therapy interfered with FCG cytokine levels, but it cannot be said that the use of probiotics has the same effect. Cytokines(AU)

Tratamiento no quirúrgico del agrandamiento gingival asociado a la pubertad: reporte de caso clínico / Non-surgical treatment of gingival enlargement associated with puberty: a clinical case report

RESUMEN Introducción: los agrandamientos gingivales suelen tratarse a través de terapias quirúrgicas de gingivectomías; su tratamiento no quirúrgico mecánico también es una opción sobre todo en los casos de gingivitis asociada a la pubertad como consecuencia de los cambios hormonales. Objetivo: describir el tratamiento no quirúrgico de una paciente de 12 años con agrandamiento gingival asociado a la pubertad y lesiones gingivales inducidas por biofilm dental. Presentación del caso: el caso presentó un agrandamiento gingival leve localizado que remitió al cabo de un mes a la primera fase de tratamiento, después de tres sesiones de fisioterapias con la remoción de biofilm calcificado se obtuvo una reducción del porcentaje del índice de higiene oral sin requerir intervención quirúrgica. A los cuatro años de seguimiento se observó reducción completa del agrandamiento gingival y bolsas periodontales. Conclusiones: la terapia periodontal mecánica es una alternativa eficaz en la reducción de la inflamación gingival inducida por hormonas durante la pubertad sin la necesidad de requerir intervenciones quirúrgicas para el tratamiento del agrandamiento gingival. Otras alternativas como las gingivectomías son aplicables; sin embargo requieren procedimientos más complejos, costosos y aumento de la morbilidad del paciente; en ese sentido el tratamiento mecánico no quirúrgico se muestra como una opción viable(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: Gingival enlargement is usually treated with gingivectomy as an alternative to surgery; however, non-surgical mechanical treatment is another option especially in cases of gingivitis associated with puberty as a result of hormonal changes. Objective: To describe the non-surgical treatment of a 12-year-old patient with gingival enlargement associated with puberty and gingival lesions induced by dental biofilm. Case presentation: The patient presented a localized mild gingival enlargement that relapsed to the first phase of treatment after one month. Three months after physiotherapy sessions with removal of calcified biofilm, a reduction in the percentage of oral hygiene index to "good" was obtained; therefore, surgical treatment was not required. Four years later, there was a complete reduction in gingival enlargement and periodontal pockets. Conclusions: Mechanical periodontal therapy is an effective alternative to reduce gingival inflammation induced by hormones during puberty not requiring surgical intervention to treat gingival enlargement. Other alternatives such as gingivectomies are performed; however, they require more complex, expensive procedures and they can also increase patient morbidity. In that sense, the uniqueness of the non-surgical mechanical treatment is chosen as a feasible option(AU)

Ozonoterapia como adyuvante en el tratamiento periodontal no quirúrgico y quirúrgico / Ozonoterapia as adjuvant in the non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatment

Introducción: El ozono (O3) presenta múltiples acciones biológicas, entre ellas su efecto antimicrobiano, lo que ha sido beneficioso en odontología, siendo la presentación acuosa la más utilizada (20 µg/ mL), la cual presenta efectos similares a la clorhexidina. Reporte de caso: Paciente masculino de 76 años de edad, diagnosticado con periodontitis crónica moderada localizada, el cual fue tratado mediante ozonoterapia acuosa durante la fase inicial periodontal y la fase quirúrgica en colgajo por debridación. 12 semanas posteriores al acto quirúrgico se obtuvo la eliminación de las bolsas periodontales, encontrándose un surco de 3 y 2 mm y un buen control de placa dentobacteriana. Conclusión: No existen reportes acerca del uso de ozonoterapia acuosa durante un colgajo por debridación. El éxito del tratamiento periodontal consiste en la eliminación del factor causal así como en establecer y mantener un control de placa dentobacteriana adecuado (AU)

Introduction: Ozone (O3) has multiple biological actions, including its antimicrobial effect, which has been beneficial in dentistry, the aqueous presentation being the most used (20 µg/mL), which has similar effects to chlorhexidine. Case report: Male patient of 76 years of age, diagnosed with localized moderate chronic periodontitis, which was treated by aqueous ozone therapy during the initial periodontal phase and surgical phase in debridement flap. Twelve weeks after surgery, the periodontal pockets were eliminated, finding a 3 and 2 mm groove and good control of dentobacterial plaque. Conclusion: There are no reports about the use of aqueous ozone therapy during a debridement flap. The success of the periodontal treatment consists in the elimination of the causal factor, as well as establishing and maintaining an adequate control of plaque (AU)

Current status of the anterior middle superior alveolar anesthetic injection for periodontal procedures in the maxilla

Periodontal procedures require adequate anesthesia not only to ensure the patient's comfort but also to enhance the operator's performance and minimize chair time. In the maxilla, anesthesia is often achieved using highly traumatic nerve blocks, apart from multiple local infiltrations through the buccal vestibule. In recent years, anterior middle superior alveolar (AMSA) field block has been claimed to be a less traumatic alternative to several of these conventional injections, and it has many other advantages. This critical review of the existing literature aimed to discuss the rationale, mechanism, effectiveness, extent, and duration of AMSA injections for periodontal surgical and non-surgical procedures in the maxilla. It also focused on future prospects, particularly in relation to computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery systems, which aim to achieve the goal of pain-free anesthesia. A literature search of different databases was performed to retrieve relevant articles related to AMSA injections. After analyzing the existing data, it can be concluded that this anesthetic technique may be used as a predictable method of effective palatal anesthesia with adequate duration for different periodontal procedures. It has additional advantages of being less traumatic, requiring lesser amounts of local anesthetics and vasoconstrictors, as well as achieving good hemostasis. However, its effect on the buccal periodontium appears highly unpredictable.

Effectiveness of anterior middle superior alveolar injection using a computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery system for maxillary periodontal flap surgery

BACKGROUND: Profound anesthesia with adequate duration is required in periodontal flap surgery, which involves the manipulation of both hard and soft tissues. The anterior middle superior alveolar (AMSA) injection may be an alternative to multiple injections required for this purpose in the maxilla. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of AMSA injection using computer-controlled local anesthetic delivery (CCLAD) system to anesthetize buccal hard tissue (BHT), buccal soft tissue (BST), palatal hard tissue (PHT), and palatal soft tissue (PST) around the maxillary teeth. METHODS: Thirty-five patients who were indicated for open flap debridement in a whole maxillary quadrant were given AMSA injection using the CCLAD. The effectiveness of anesthesia was evaluated using subjective and objective parameters around each tooth. Supraperiosteal infiltrations were administered to complete the surgery wherever the AMSA injection was ineffective. RESULTS: The AMSA injection was more effective on the palatal tissues than on the buccal tissues, as 94.14% of PST and 87.89% of PHT sites were anesthetized compared to 49.22% and 43.75% of BHT and BST sites, respectively. There was no significant difference in the frequency of anesthesia around the anterior and posterior teeth. The PHT was significantly more anesthetized (P = 0.003) in males than in females. CONCLUSIONS: The AMSA injection using CCLAD is highly effective on palatal tissues and could be used as a first-line anesthesia for periodontal flap surgery. However, its effect on buccal tissues is less predictable, with supraperiosteal infiltration often required to supplement the AMSA injection.

Consensus of Chinese experts on surgical treatment of severe periodontitis / 中华口腔医学杂志

According to needs of clinical diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease in China, the Chinese Stomatological Association initiated the workshop of consensus of Chinese experts on treatment of severe periodontitis by the specialized committee expert group. In February 2017, the first part of the consensus was released [Chin J Stomatol, 2017, 52(2): 67-71]. The present report is the second part of the consensus, regarding the surgical treatment of severe periodontitis. The group believes that after initial treatment and reevaluation, some patients with severe periodontitis, can be considered to be performed with surgical treatment. When clinicians choose surgical treatment, the design of surgical methods should be guided by the objective of the operation. Therefore, in this consensus, Chinese experts put forward the objectives of surigical treatment into two kinds of objective, periodontal debridement and augmentation of periodontal tissue.

Microbiological outcomes from different periodontal maintenance interventions: a systematic review

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the differences in the subgingival microbiological outcomes between periodontal patients submitted to a supragingival control (SPG) regimen as compared to subgingival scaling and root planing performed combined with supragingival debridement (SPG + SBG) intervention during the periodontal maintenance period (PMP). A systematic literature search using electronic databases (MEDLINE and EMBASE) was conducted looking for articles published up to August 2016 and independent of language. Two independent reviewers performed the study selection, quality assessment and data collection. Only human randomized or non-randomized clinical trials with at least 6-months-follow-up after periodontal treatment and presenting subgingival microbiological outcomes related to SPG and/or SPG+SBG therapies were included. Search strategy found 2,250 titles. Among these, 148 (after title analysis) and 39 (after abstract analysis) papers were considered to be relevant. Finally, 19 studies were selected after full-text analysis. No article had a direct comparison between the therapies. Five SPG and 14 SPG+SBG studies presented experimental groups with these respective regimens and were descriptively analyzed while most of the results were only presented graphically. The results showed that both SPG and SPG+SBG protocols of PMP determined stability in the microbiological results along time. Nevertheless, new studies comparing these interventions in PMP are needed, especially if the limitations herein discussed could be better controlled.

Uso de antibióticos sistêmicos adjuntos à raspagem e alisamento radicular no tratamento da periodontite crônica e periodontite agressiva: uma revisão integrativa da literatura / Use of systemic antibiotics as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of chronic periodontitis and agressive periodontitis: an integrative review

A periodontite é uma doença inflamatória crônica que atinge os tecidos de suporte dos dentes. O tratamento padrão consiste na redução do biofilme subgengival através da raspagem e alisamento corono-radicular associada às medidas de higiene oral. Entretanto, em indivíduos com periodontite agressiva ou periodontite crônica severa, pode ser necessário associar antibióticos ao tratamento periodontal não-cirúrgico para que ocorra uma melhora significativa dos parâmetros clínicos periodontais, tais como profundidade de sondagem e nível de inserção clínica. O objetivo desta revisão integrativa da literatura foi avaliar as estratégias terapêuticas antimicrobianas indicadas no tratamento das periodontites crônica severa e agressiva. A busca bibliográfica foi realizada nas bases de dados Pubmed e Scopus. Os descritores utilizados foram: “Chronic Periodontitis” AND “Agressive periodontitis” AND “periodontal debridement” OR “Dental Scaling” AND “Root Planing” AND “Anti-bacterial Agents” OR “Anti-infective Agents”.Foram incluídos ensaios clínicos em humanos, randomizados, controlados, duplo ou triplo cegos, em inglês, publicados entre janeiro de 2010 e março de 2015. Os resultados demonstraram que apesar do uso adjunto de antimicrobianos à raspagem e alisamento radicular, principalmente a associação de Amoxicilina com Metronidazol, ser eficiente na melhora das condições periodontais, há uma grande heterogeneidade em relação às doses e o tempo de seguimento dos antibióticos indicados em Periodontia. Também há dúvidas sobre o momento certo de iniciar a terapia medicamentosa. Dessa forma, há a necessidade de elaboração de protocolo (s) clínico (s) para o uso de antibióticos sistêmicos adjuntos ao tratamento periodontal

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the supporting tissues of the teeth. The periodontal treatment consists of modifying the subgingival biofilm by scaling and root planing associated with changes in oral habits. These procedures are sufficient in order to reach an adequate control of the disease in most patients. However, in patients with advanced periodontitis or chronic periodontitis, it is necessary to combine antibiotics to non-surgical periodontal treatment to improve clinical periodontal parameters such as probing depth and clinical attachment level. Thus, the objective of the research was to evaluate the anti-infective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of advanced chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis. It is an integrative literature review. The articles were obtained from PubMed and Scopus databases. The keywords used in the search were “Chronic Periodontitis “AND” Aggressive periodontitis “AND” periodontal debridement “OR” Dental Scaling” AND “Root planing” AND” Anti -bacterial Agents” OR” Anti-infective Agents”. Controlled, randomized, double or triple blind clinical trials in humans, published between January 2010 and March 2015, were included. The results show that the adjunctive use of antibiotics to scaling and root planning, mostly the combination of amoxicillin plus metronidazole, was very effective in improving periodontal conditions, however it lacks optimum dose definition, duration of therapy and the best moment of antibiotic administration.In conclusion, a clinical protocol for the use of systemic antibiotics as an adjunct to periodontal treatment should be developed.

Clinical and Microbiological Study about Efficacy of Air-polishing and Scaling and Root-planing

The efficacy of air-polishing on subgingival debridement, as compared to scaling and root planning (SRP), was evaluated clinically and microbiologically. Fifteen patients diagnosed as chronic periodontitis, and having single-root tooth over 5 mm of pocket depth symmetrically in the left and right quadrant, were investigated. Subgingival debridement was performed by SRP and air-polishing. The results were evaluated and compared clinically and microbiologically. Probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP), relative attachment level (RAL) and change of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were assessed before treatment, and at 14 and 60 days after treatment. Microbial analysis was done pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at 14 and 60 days after treatment. Results of air polishing showed that post treatment, the PPD and BOP decreased, and attachment gain was observed. There was no clinical difference when compared to SRP. The volume of GCF decreased at 14 days, and increased again at 60 days. Compared to SRP, there was a statistical significance of the volume of GCF at 60 days in air-polishing. In the microbial analysis, high-risk bacteria that cause periodontal disease were remarkably reduced. They decreased immediately after treatment, but increased again with the passage of time. Thus, our results show that subgingival debridement by air-polishing was effective for decrease of pocket depth, attachment gain, decrease of GCF and inhibition of pathogens. Further studies are required to compare air-polishing and SRP, considering factors such as degree of pocket depth and calculus existence.

Avaliação dos parâmetros clínicos periodontais, da qualidade de vida e da experiência de dor, medo e ansiedade em indivíduos submetidos às técnicas de raspagem e alisamento radicular por quadrante e ao protocolo de one-stage full-mouth disinfection no tratamento da periodontite crônica: um ensaio clínico randomizado controlado / Evaluation of periodontal clinical parameters, quality of life and pain experience, fear and anxiety in individuals treated by scaling and root planing per quadrant and the protocol of one- stage full-mouth disinfection in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: a randomized controlled clinical trial

O objetivo do presente ensaio clínico controlado randomizado cego foi avaliar e comparar o efeito de duas modalidades de terapia periodontal inicial, raspagem e alisamento radicular por quadrante (RAR-Q) e one-stage full-mouth disinfection (FMD), nos parâmetros clínicos periodontais, qualidade de vida, medo, ansiedade e experiência de dor, em indivíduos com periodontite crônica. Foram aplicados os instrumentos Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (OIDP), Oral Health and Quality of Life (OHQoL) Dental Fear Survey (DFS), Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) e Escala Visual Analógica (EVA), em 78 indivíduos divididos em 2 grupos de tratamento: RAR-Q (n=37) e FMD (n=41). Os parâmetros clínicos periodontais: profundidade de sondagem (PS), nível de inserção clínica (NIC), índice de placa (IPL), índice gengival (IG) e % sítios doentes (PS¿4mm e NIC¿3mm), foram coletados. As avaliações foram realizadas no exame inicial ou T0 (parâmetros clínicos periodontais, DAS e DFS), 30 dias após término do tratamento ou T1 (OIDP e OHQoL) e 180 dias após o tratamento ou T2 (parâmetros clínicos periodontais, OHQoL, OIDP, DAS e DFS). A aplicação da EVA foi realizada imediatamente após a finalização da terapia. Para a análise estatística foram utilizados o teste de Kruskal-Wallis, correlação de Pearson, teste de Wilcoxon e Análise de Conglomerados, com o objetivo de determinar perfis diferenciados dos indivíduos, baseado nos questionários OHQoL, OIDP, DAS e DFS. As análises foram realizadas através do software SPSS 17.0 e os resultados foram considerados significativos para p¿0,005. Observou uma correlação negativa significativa dos resultados do OHQOL com os parâmetros NIC (-0,35), IPL (-0,23) e IG (-0,27) e uma correlação positiva significativa do OIDP com os parâmetros NIC (0,41) e % de sítios doentes (0,23), no T0/T1. A mesma correlação significativa se manteve em T2, com exceção do parâmentro IPL. A análise de conglomerados identificou dois clusters: A (n=33) maior impacto/pior qualidade de vida, maior medo e ansiedade e, B (n=42) menor impacto/melhor qualidade de vida, com menor medo e ansiedade. Houve uma redução significativa em todos os parâmetros clínicos periodontais quando comparadas as avaliações antes e após o tratamento e uma associação negativa entre medo e ansiedade com os parâmetros NIC, IPL e IG. Ambos os grupos apresentaram queda no medo e ansiedade após o tratamento: FMD (p=0,019) e RAR-Q (p=0,043). Os grupos apresentaram média semelhante para a escala de dor: FMD (2,6 ±1,9) e RAR-Q (2,7 ±2,0) (p=0,930). Concluímos que os indivíduos tratados pela RAR-Q e pelo FMD apresentaram melhora nos parâmetros clínicos periodontais e qualidade de vida, sem diferenças significativas entre os grupos. Não houve diferenças significativas entre o tratamento pela RAR-Q e FMD nos níveis de dor, o mesmo ocorreu para ansiedade e medo, em T0/T1 e T2

The aim of this blinded randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate and compare the effect of two types of non-surgical periodontal therapy, scaling and root planing per quadrant (SRP) and one-stage full-mouth disinfection (FMD) in periodontal clinical parameters, quality of life, fear, anxiety and pain experience in patients with chronic periodontitis. The instruments Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (OIDP), Oral Health and Quality of Life (OHQoL) Dental Fear Survey (DFS), Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were applied in 78 subjects divided into 2 treatment groups: SRP (n=37) and FDM (n=41). The periodontal clinical parameters: probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and % of diseased sites (PD4mm and CAL3mm), were collected. Assessments were performed at baseline or T0 (periodontal clinical parameters, DAS and DFS), 30 days after periodontal therapy or T1 (OIDP and OHQoL) and 180 days after periodontal therapy or T2 (periodontal clinical parameters, OHQoL, OIDP, DAS and DFS). The application of VAS was performed immediately after completion of therapy. For statistical analysis, the Kruskal-Wallis test, Pearson correlation, Wilcoxon test were performed. Besides a Cluster Analysis were perormed in order to determine distinct profiles of individuals, based on questionnaires OHQoL, OIDP, DAS and DFS. Analyses were performed using SPSS 17.0 software and the results were considered significant for p0,005. It was observed a significant negative correlation between OHQOL scores and CAL (-0.35), PI (-0.23) and GI (-0.27) and a significant positive correlation between OIDP and CAL (0.41) and % of diseased sites (0.23), in T0/T1. The same significant correlation was maintained in T2, except for the periodontal clinical parameter PI. Cluster analysis identified two clusters: A (n = 33) greater impact/worse quality of life, greater fear and anxiety, and B (n = 42) lower impact/better quality of life, less fear and anxiety. There was a significant reduction in all periodontal clinical parameters comparing the results before and after treatment and a negative association between fear and anxiety, and CAL, PI and GI. Both groups showed a decline in fear and anxiety after treatment: FMD (p=0.019) and SRP (p=0.043). Both groups showed similar mean for pain scale: FMD (2.6 ± 1.9) and RAR-Q (2.7 ± 2.0) (p = 0.930). We conclude that individuals treated by SRP and the FMD showed an improvement in all periodontal clinical parameters and quality of life, with no significant differences between them. There were no significant differences between treatment by SRP and FMD in the scores of pain, the same occurred for anxiety and fear in T0/T1 and T2. Key words: periodontal debridment, quality of life, fear, anxiety, pain

Outcomes of nonsurgical periodontal therapy in severe generalized aggressive periodontitis

PURPOSE: Aggressive periodontitis, especially in its severe form, was traditionally considered to have an unfavourable prognosis. It required a complex treatment and its stabilization was often achieved by surgical therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the results of nonsurgical periodontal treatment in severe generalized forms of aggressive periodontitis. METHODS: Patients with advanced generalized aggressive periodontitis were included in the study. Probing depth (PD) of pockets > or =7 mm and clinical attachment level (CAL) of sites with attachment loss > or =5 mm were measured at baseline before nonsurgical periodontal treatment, at re-evaluation, and after treatment. The following other parameters were recorded: resolution of inflammation and bone fill. We compared the baseline values with re-evaluation and posttreatment values using the Friedman test. The Wilcoxon test with the Bonferroni correction was used for both re-evaluation and posttreatment values. RESULTS: Seven patients with 266 periodontal sites were examined. A significant difference was found between values, reported as medians with interquartile ranges, for PD at baseline (7.94 [7.33-8.19] mm) and both re-evaluation (4.33 [3.63-5.08] mm) and posttreatment (3.54 [3.33-4.11] mm) values (P=0.002). A significant difference was also found between values for CAL at baseline (9.02 [7.5-9.2] mm) and both re-evaluation (6.55 [6.30-6.87] mm) and posttreatment (6.45 [5.70-6.61] mm) (P=0.002). Inflammation was resolved and angular bone defects were repaired in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: These therapeutic results suggest that this form of periodontitis could have positive outcomes after nonsurgical periodontal treatment. The reparative potential of tissue affected by severe aggressive periodontitis should encourage clinicians to save apparently hopeless teeth in cases of this form of periodontitis.

Debridamento ultrassônico de boca toda no tratamento da periodontite crônica: uma revisão sistematizada / Full mouth ultrasonic debridement in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: a systematic review

Introdução: O debridamento ultrassônico de boca toda visa a uma instrumentação mais leve e conservadora da superfície radicular, evitando a recolonização da bolsa periodontal. Objetivo: Este trabalho verificou os efeitos do debridamento subgengival com o uso de ultrassom sobre os parâmetros clínicos periodontais no tratamento da periodontite crônica por meio de uma revisão na literatura. Material e Método: A revisão foi realizada nas bases de busca bibliográfica PubMed, Lilacs, Scielo, Medline e Centro de Registro de Ensaios Clínicos Controlados (Biblioteca Cochrane). Foram incluídas publicações na língua inglesa que abordaram estudos clínicos de intervenção em humanos, randomizados e controlados, e que utilizaram o debridamento ultrassônico para o tratamento não cirúrgico da periodontite crônica. Resultado: Inicialmente, foram encontradas 167 referências e, a partir da análise dos títulos e resumos, dez estudos perfizeram as características exigidas e foram considerados válidos para a realização desta revisão. Os estudos mostraram que a abordagem pelo debridamento ultrassônico pode ser terapia favorável ao tratamento da periodontite crônica. Conclusão: O tratamento da periodontite crônica por meio do debridamento ultrassônico periodontal de boca toda produz resultados clínicos semelhantes aos conseguidos na raspagem e no alisamento radicular convencionais.

Introduction: The full-mouth ultrasonic debridement seeks a more conservative instrumentation with light pressure of the root surface, preventing recolonization of periodontal pockets. Objective: This study examined the effects of subgingival debridement through the use of ultrasonic devices on clinical periodontal parameters in the treatment of chronic periodontitis by a review of the literature. Material and Method: Studies were selected on the bibliographic databases PubMed, Lilacs, Scielo, Medline and the Central Registry of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library). It was included English language publications with clinical studies of human intervention, randomized controlled trials that used ultrasonic debridement for the nonsurgical treatment of chronic periodontitis. Result: Initially, we found 167 references and analyzing the titles and abstracts totaled ten studies the characteristics required and were considered valid for the completion of this review. Studies have shown that the approach by ultrasonic debridement therapy may be favorable to the treatment of chronic periodontal disease. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the treatment of chronic periodontitis by full mouth periodontal ultrasonic debridement produces similar outcomes to those achieved in conventional scaling and root planing.

Effect of scaling and root planing combined with systemic doxycycline therapy on glycemic control in diabetes mellitus subjects with chronic generalized periodontitis: a clinical study

PURPOSE: The purpose of study was to compare glycemic control using glycated hemoglobin levels (HbA1c) in diabetic patients with chronic generalized periodontitis (CGP) undergoing scaling and root planing (SRP) with and without systemic doxycycline. METHODS: Fifty subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and CGP receiving antidiabetic therapy were selected for study. The selected subjects were randomly assigned to two groups (test group [TG] and control group [CG]) comprising 25 patients each. The TG received SRP followed by systemic doxycycline. The CG received treatment with SRP only. The periodontal parameters were recorded at baseline (day zero), and every 1 month for 4 months and included probing depth, clinical attachment level, plaque index, gingival index, and HbA1c level were recorded at baseline (day zero) and at the end of 4 months. RESULTS: A statistically significant effect was demonstrated for the periodontal parameters for both the TG and CG. HbA1c values did not show a statistically significant difference in the treatment group as compared to the CG. CONCLUSIONS: The authors concluded that nonsurgical periodontal therapy improved glycemic control in patients with T2DM in both groups, but no statistical difference was observed with adjunctive systemic doxycycline therapy. A further study with a larger sample size is required.

Efficacy of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on glycaemic control in type II diabetic patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial

PURPOSE: Diabetes and periodontal disease are two common diseases with high prevalence rates. Recent evidence has shown a bidirectional relationship between diabetes and periodontitis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. METHODS: Sixty subjects aged 35-45 years with blood sugar controlled by oral hypoglycaemic agents were randomly divided equally among 3 groups: group A (scaling, mouthwash, and brushing), group B (mouthwash and brushing), and group C (brushing only). Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood sugar (FBS), probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), and the relevant drug history were recorded at baseline and after 3 months of intervention. Comparison of the mean difference among the variables was performed by parametric and nonparametric tests, which were further evaluated using multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean differences between the PPD, FBS, HbA1c, GI, and PI in groups A and B were found to be statistically significant (P<0.001). Multiple regression analysis in group A showed that out of all the independent variables, GI and frequency of drug administration independently (b=0.3761 and b=0.598) showed a significantly greater impact on HbA1c (R2=0.832, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Nonsurgical periodontal therapy can effectively decrease HbA1c levels in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients on medication.

Avaliação-clínica e microbiana da técnica de desinfecção total de boca em indivíduos com periodontite crônica / Clinical and microbiological evaluations of the full-mouth disinfection protocol in chronic periodontitis subjects

A busca pela terapêutica periodontal ideal faz com que diferentes técnicas não cirúrgicas para o tratamento da doença periodontal sejam avaliadas. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a eficácia e validade da terapêutica periodontal denominada desinfecção total de boca (full mouth disinfection) por meio de parâmetros clínicos periodontais e microbianos. Foram avaliados 470 indivíduos e de acordo com os critérios a dotados 38 indivíduos foram incluídos no estudo, com media de idade de 35,86 anos, portadores de periodontite crônica leve e moderada, e que foram avaliados em dois tempos; no início (TI) e 60 dias após execução da terapêutica (T2), observando: profundidade de sondagem (PS), nível de inserção clinica (NIC), índice de placa (lP), índice gengival (IG) e parâmetros microbianos por meio da presença de Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg.) e Prevotella intermedia (Pi.), identificados pelo método de cultura e testes bioquímicos. Utilizou-se enxaguatório a base de clorexidina O, 12% por sete dias. Os resultados foram analisados por meio dos testes estatísticos t-student mann-whitneye qui-quadrado (p≤ 0,05). Com relação aos parâmetros clínicos foi observada redução sem diferença estatística para PS, NIC lP quando comparados TI e T2. Para IG foi observada diferença significativa. Para os parâmetros microbianos avaliados foi observada redução de Pg. e Pi., mas apenas para Pg. com redução significativa quando comprados TI e T2. A técnica de desinfecção total de boca com a metodologia aplicada neste estudo proporcionou melhora nas condições clínicas e na redução de P. gingivalis em indivíduos com periodontite leve/moderada

The search for the perfect periodontal therapy causes various non-surgical techniques for the treatment of periodontal disease are evaluated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and validity of periodontal therapy called full-mouth disinfection (full mouth disinfection) through microbial and periodontal clinical parameters. And 470 individuals were evaluated according to the exclusion criteria 38 subJects were enrolled, with a mean age of 35.86 years, patients with mild and moderate chronic periodontitis, which were evaluated in two stages: in the beginning (T1) and 60 days after implementation of therapy (T2), noting: probing depth (PO), clinical attachment level (NIC), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and microbiological parameters through the presence of Porphyromonas gingiva/is (Pg.) andPrevotel/a intermedia (Pi), identified by the culture method. We used the basis of chlorhexidine mouthwash 0. 12% for seven days. The results were analyzed using the statistical t -student mann-whitney and chi-square test (p ≤ 0.05). With respect to clinical parameters was not statistically significant reduction observed for PS, NIC IP compared T1 and T2. For IG significant difference was observed. For the parameters evaluated was observed microbial reduction of Pg. and Pi , but only for Pg. significant reduction when purchased with T1 and T2. The technique of full-mouth disinfection with the methodology applied in this study provided an improvement in clinical condition and reduction of P gingiva/is in periodontitis patients with mild I moderate.

Comparative evaluation of roughness of titanium surfaces treated by different hygiene instruments

PURPOSE: The use of appropriate instruments to clean surfaces with minimal change, is critical for the successful maintenance of a dental implant. However, there is no consensus about the type and methodology for such instruments. The aim of this study was to characterize changes in the roughness of titanium surfaces treated by various scaling instruments. METHODS: Thirty-seven identical disks (5 mm in diameter) were investigated in this study. The specimens were divided into eight groups according to the types of instrumentation and the angle of application. Ultrasonic scaling systems were applied on a titanium disk to simulate standard clinical conditions. The equipment included a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler with a newly developed metallic tip (NS group), a piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler with a conventional tip (CS group), a piezoelectric root planer ultrasonic scaler with a conventional tip (PR group), and a plastic hand curette (PH group). In addition, the sites treated using piezoelectric ultrasonic scaler systems were divided two sub-groups: 15 and 45 degrees. The treated titanium surfaces were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the average surface roughness (Ra) and mean roughness profile depth (Rz) were measured with a profilometer. RESULTS: SEM no significant changes in the titanium surfaces in the NS group, regardless of the angle of application. The PH group also showed no marked changes to the titanium surface, although some smoothening was observed. All CS and PR sites lost their original texture and showed irregular surfaces in SEM analysis. The profilometer analysis demonstrated that the roughness values (Ra and Rz) of the titanium surfaces increased in all, except the PH and NS groups, which showed roughness decreases relative to the untreated control group. The Ra value differed significantly between the NS and PR groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicated that changes in or damage to titanium surfaces might be more affected by the hardness of the scaler tip than by the application method. Within the limitations of this study, the newly developed metallic scaler tip might be especially suitable for peri-implant surface decontamination, due to its limited effects on the titanium surface.