Histomorphometric study of the periodontal vasculature during and after experimental tipping of the rat incisor.

The periodontal vasculature encircling the entire length of the rat lower incisor was studied at the time of tipping movement and 3 months later. In 12 rats (212+/-4 g b.w.), loads (0.19+/-0.016 N) were applied to the lower left incisor in a linguointrusive direction. After 2 weeks of loading, six experimental animals were killed with the loading springs in place. The springs were removed in the six remaining rats, which were killed 12 weeks later. Six additional rats with intact teeth served as control. All incisors were fixed, demineralized, embedded in glycol methacrylate and cross-sectioned perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth. The distance of each section (2 microm) from the apex was calculated. A computerized image-analysis program was used to measure the width and area of the labial and lingual periodontal ligament to establish whether the measured segments corresponded to the compressed or expanded zones. In each cross-section, the various types of blood vessels were counted and the cross-sectional area of all venous vessels was measured. The results showed that after 2 weeks of loading (1) the general trend of vascular changes was similar under pressure and tension; (2) the large-diameter vessels were unaffected by loading; (3) the mean number of terminal arterioles had decreased significantly, while the number of capillaries and postcapillary venules had increased significantly in the apical tooth part; (4) the venous blood vessel area had decreased significantly in the apical tooth part; (5) the intensity of the vascular reaction was dependent on the degree of tissue distortion; and (6) after 12 weeks' recovery the vascular changes were still present, demonstrating a rebound effect. The findings suggest that microvascular alterations following tooth loading are not directly related to the spatial effect of loading itself and are of a much longer duration than expected.

Root coverage and pocket reduction as combined surgical procedures.

BACKGROUND: One of the main objectives of periodontal reconstructive surgery is the coverage of exposed roots due to gingival recession. A large variety of mucogingival grafting procedures are available that give highly predictable and esthetically acceptable results when treating intact root surfaces. However, these procedures call for a second surgery site in the palate. The present study examines a series of cases in which connective tissue, obtained from the tuberosity during pocket reduction procedures in the posterior region of the maxilla, was used for root coverage. METHODS: Forty-four teeth from 25 patients with gingival recession of 3.30 +/- 0.14 mm (mean +/- SEM) were treated with subepithelial connective tissue grafts using connective tissue obtained from the tuberosity area during pocket reduction procedures in the posterior region of the maxilla. RESULTS: The mean root coverage recession after treatment was 0.16 +/- 0.06 mm, with effectiveness of coverage at 95.0% +/- 1.84 and a predictability of 84.1%. Periodontal probing depth reduction at the donor site was 4.08 +/- 0.24 mm. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the subepithelial connective tissue graft obtained from the tuberosity area during pocket reduction procedures in the posterior region of the maxilla provides a very predictable and esthetic root coverage without the need for a second surgical site.

The relationship between peripheral levels of leukocytes and neutrophils and periodontal disease status in a patient with congenital neutropenia.

BACKGROUND: Congenital neutropenia is characterized by an almost total absence of neutrophils and increased susceptibility to infection. Oral manifestations include ulcerations of mucous membranes, acute gingival inflammation with focal necrosis, and rapid loss of attachment. Treatment with recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) increases neutrophil numbers and ameliorates the periodontal status. METHODS: We report the treatment of a 22-year-old male with congenital neutropenia (Kostman syndrome), referred to us due to periodontal disease, and the effect of treatment on peripheral neutropenia. Diagnosis of neutropenia was made at year 1; at age 15, the patient started to receive injections of rhG-CSF, reducing the occurrence of infection and improving neutrophil count, although levels remained below normal. The patient underwent extraction of a molar at age 8; scaling, root planing, and modified Widman flaps at age 9; and oral hygiene maintenance every 2 to 3 months from age 18 to 21. At age 23, he initiated treatment at our periodontal clinic. The patient's gingiva was severely inflamed, and the dentition was covered with plaque and calculus. Attachment loss was advanced, all teeth were mobile, and bone loss was approximately 75% in most sites. Neutrophil counts were below normal, but other hematologic parameters were normal. Scaling and root planing were performed and the patient received antibiotics and chlorhexidine rinses twice each day for 2 weeks. Extracoronal splinting was performed, fluoride varnish was used to desensitize cervical areas, and tooth FDI #46 was restored. Root planing and deplaquing were repeated, and the patient received subgingival chlorhexidine irrigation 13 times over one year. Assessments were made on presentation, after the initial treatment, and at 1 and 2 years post-treatment. RESULTS: Mean probing depth was reduced posttreatment with a further reduction during the maintenance period. This was correlated with an increase in attachment levels. Total white blood cells increased, due in part to an increase in neutrophils, reaching normal levels. CONCLUSIONS: This report demonstrates for the first time that periodontal therapy, resulting in decreased bacterial load, may result in restoration of normal levels of circulating neutrophils in individuals with congenital neutropenia under treatment with rhG-CSF. The results also suggest that periodontal pathogens may be associated with depressed neutrophil levels, even when patients receive treatment for neutropenia.