Resin-ionomer and hybrid-ionomer cements: part II, human clinical and histologic wound healing responses in specific periodontal lesions.

Twenty-five subjects with a total of 50 subgingival restorations participated in this study. At the beginning of the investigation, nine teeth that were considered hopeless because of the extent of their pathology were selected for extraction to evaluate histologically the restorations and their effect on the adjacent tissues. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the responses to the clinical applications as well as to the placement of resin-ionomers in subgingival lesions. Clinical and histologic evidence of epithelial and connective tissue adherence to resin-ionomer restorative materials was observed during the healing process.

Resin-ionomer and hybrid-ionomer cements: Part I. Comparison of three materials for the treatment of subgingival root lesions.

The purpose of this study was to compare the characteristics of three different restorative materials for the treatment of subgingival root lesions. Eighteen recently extracted teeth were used to test the depth of cure and the surface characteristics of these products. Although none of the materials tested exhibited all of the author's ideal characteristics for a subgingival restoration, one restorative material displayed the most favorable result.

Clinical evaluation of subgingival debridement with ultrasonic instruments used by trained and untrained operators.

Previous studies have proven the efficacy of modified ultrasonic (EWP-12 R & L) inserts in scaling and root planing (root debridement) procedures performed by skilled periodontists and dental hygienists. This study was undertaken to compare and skilled operators in these tasks. Using a slightly altered testing protocol, untrained operators demonstrated equal ability. A reevaluation of current thinking in the training of professionals in scaling and root planning (root debridement) procedures is suggested. Future studies are needed to determine if a training protocol is possible to prepare inexperienced operators to use ultrasonic instruments for subgingival scaling and root planing.

New subgingival restorative procedures with Geristore resin ionomer.

In an ongoing search for new and improved dental materials, researchers have developed restorative products which are improved versions of traditional formulations. This has been especially true in the area of glass ionomers. One such modification has been the development of a material, termed resin ionomer. This material is less technique sensitive and exhibits low oral solubility; it may be light activated and finished at the time of placement. This article presents the clinical application of such a material with emphasis on its use in subgingival and periodontal applications.

A clinical evaluation of hand and ultrasonic instruments on subgingival debridement. 1. With unmodified and modified ultrasonic inserts.

This clinical investigation evaluated the effect on subgingival surfaces of three instruments: hand instruments and ultrasonic instruments with modified and unmodified inserts. Ten operators (five dentists and five dental hygienists) performed randomly assigned operative procedures. Pocket depth, instrument limit, and instrument efficiency were evaluated for each type of instrument. The results indicated that there are advantages to using modified ultrasonic inserts for scaling and root planing.

Regenerative techniques in periodontal therapy.

The remarkable ability of the periodontium to repair once the long-term etiologic factors have been eliminated is now belatedly being recognized as a key consideration in periodontal therapy. This will force many practitioners interested in comprehensive periodontal treatment to reconsider the classic resective approach to pocket elimination. Resective techniques have been and will probably remain the foundation of periodontal therapy for some time to come. However, the knowledge that is now available concerning the reparative potential of the periodontium opens new treatment avenues for selected patients. In addition, as more research and clinical information becomes available, we can anticipate that the philosophy of repair will play an ever-increasing role in the therapeutic approach to periodontal treatment. This fact should not make the practitioner who is secure with his present treatment philosophy uncomfortable, since the required therapeutic modifications can easily be incorporated into the office routine without confusion. If the clinician then completes each step of the treatment plan with close attention to detail, regeneration will occur in many cases. It should be reiterated that many of the concepts introduced in this paper are based on the authors' clinical observations and are applicable only to select patients. Admittedly, basic research on this subject is sparse, however, the efficacy of this treatment modality has been well substantiated clinically by many therapists. The authors estimate that regenerative therapy is utilized in 10 to 20 per cent of their patients. They believe it is the therapeutic program of choice in many cases showing extensive periodontal destruction, since an innovative and skilled therapist treating a well motivated patient can utilize regenerative periodontal therapy in conjunction with sophisticated restorative dentistry in order to avoid complete dentures.