Root surface biomodification in periodontal therapy: Biological rationale and clinical applications.

Regenerative periodontal therapy aims to form new cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone, all sealed by gingival tissue. The root surface acts as the wound margin during this regeneration process. Root surface biomodification (root conditioning/root decontamination), therefore, seems instrumental in promoting surface decontamination and enhancing tissue attachment by removing the smear layer, exposing collagen fibrils, and facilitating blood clot formation and stabilization. This review attempted to provide an all-encompassing, evidence-based assessment of the role of root surface biomodification in regenerative periodontal therapy, particularly in intrabony defects, furcation defects, and root coverage procedures. The reviewed evidence suggested that root conditioning agents, whether used independently or in conjunction with bone graft materials, biological agents, membranes, or connective tissue grafts, do not offer any clinical advantage regarding clinical attachment gain. Thus, integrating chemical methods with the mechanical root instrumentation process does not necessarily contribute to superior clinical outcomes.

The economic and societal impact of periodontal and peri-implant diseases.

Periodontal and peri-implant diseases result from a chronic inflammatory response to dysbiotic microbial communities and are characterized by inflammation in the soft tissue and the ensuing progressive destruction of supporting bone, resulting in tooth or implant loss. These diseases' high prevalence, multifactorial etiology, extensive treatment costs, and significant detriment to patients' quality-of-life underscore their status as a critical public health burden. This review delineates the economic and sociocultural ramifications of periodontal and peri-implant diseases on patient welfare and healthcare economics. We delve into the implications of diagnosis, treatment, supportive care, and managing destructive tissue consequences, contrasting these aspects with healthy patients.

Influence of residual pockets on periodontal tooth loss: A retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Individuals enrolled in supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) can still present with tooth loss due to periodontitis (TLP). There is limited evidence on the influence of residual pockets (RPc) and a defined "threshold" at which a patient's profile is set to be at high risk for TLP in the literature. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the influence of RPc on TLP and determine the prognostic performance of RPc compared to the staging and grading of periodontitis on TLP risk. METHODS: Clinical data from 168 patients (3869 teeth) treated for periodontitis and receiving SPT for at least 10 years were evaluated in this retrospective study. TLP and the percentage of sites with RPc ≥ 5 mm or ≥6 mm per patient were collected. The prognostic performance of RPc was compared to the staging and grading of the disease on TLP using a multilevel Cox proportional hazard regression model. RESULTS: Over a median follow-up of 25 years, 13.7% of teeth were lost, 4.6% of which were due to periodontitis. Most patients with TLP had ≥1 site with RPc ≥5 mm (90.8%) or ≥6 mm (77.6%). Multivariate multilevel Cox regression revealed that patients with >15% of sites with RPc ≥5 mm had a hazard ratio of 2.34, and grade C had a hazard ratio of 4.6 for TLP compared to RPc ≤4 mm/grade A. Grading exhibited the best discrimination and model fit. CONCLUSION: Patients with RPc ≥5 mm at >15% of the sites are at risk for tooth loss. Grading and RPc ≥5 mm displayed very good predictive capability of TLP.

Four single implant-supported crowns replacing the maxillary incisors: A retrospective report of 10 cases with 2-9 years of follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective case series aimed to assess the stability of the papilla around four single crowns supported by narrow-diameter implants replacing all maxillary incisors. Secondary objectives included assessment of marginal bone level stability, incidence of technical and biological complications, and patient satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Individuals with four adjacent implants in maxillary incisor sites, placed with a 3 mm inter-implant distance and rehabilitated with single crowns were included. Retrospective data were obtained from photographs and radiographs taken at the delivery of the prosthesis (baseline-T0). Patients were then recalled (≥2 years after T0) for clinical and radiographic examination (follow-up-T1). Photographs were obtained and patient satisfaction was assessed using a visual analogue scale. Papilla height and marginal bone level were compared over time. RESULTS: Data from 10 patients with medium-low smile lines and rehabilitated with 40 implants, in function for 5.4 ± 1.9 years, were analyzed. The papilla height between implants (T0: 2.3 ± 0.9 mm; T1: 2.6 ± 0.7 mm; p = .011) and between tooth and implant (T0: 3.4 ± 0.9 mm; T1: 3.8 ± 0.8 mm; p = .025) increased significantly over the years. The marginal bone level remained stable over time (T0: 0.88 ± 0.57 mm; T1: 0.71 ± 0.67 mm; p = .007). Patients were highly satisfied (97.7 ± 0.3%) with the treatment outcome. CONCLUSION: Within its limitations, this study demonstrated that four single implant-supported crowns placed at maxillary incisor sites may exhibit soft tissue and marginal bone stability over a long period of time. This treatment approach, however, should be restricted to few patients as it requires a proper case selection and skillful execution of all surgical and prosthetic steps.

Anatomical characteristics of the alveolar process and basal bone that have an effect on socket healing.

Following tooth extraction, a sequence of events takes place in order to close the wound and restore tissue homeostasis, a process called socket healing. The outcome of socket healing includes a marked reduction of the ridge dimensions. The amount of tissue loss that occurs during healing is influenced by several local and systemic factors. Thus, the aim of the present review was to describe the effect of anatomical characteristics of the alveolar process and basal bone on the socket healing outcome. The studies included showed that the quantity (number) and quality (composition) of socket walls exhibited a significant influence on the ridge diminution. A damaged socket (3 walls or less), as well as a thin buccal bone wall, which quickly resorbs negatively affected the healing outcome. Periodontally compromised sockets appeared to promote more extensive dimensional changes. Angulation between tooth and basal bone in addition to basal bone dimensions may also have altered the wound environment and influenced socket healing. The findings from the present review suggest that some anatomical characteristics of the alveolar process and basal bone have an effect on socket healing.

Periodontal regeneration risk assessment in the treatment of intrabony defects.

BACKGROUND: Regenerative approaches performed in periodontics seems to be efficient in treating intrabony defects. There are, however, many factors that may affect the predictability of the regenerative procedures. The present article aimed to propose a new risk assessment tool for treating periodontal intrabony defects by regenerative therapy. METHODS: Different variables that could affect the success of a regenerative procedure were considered based on their impact on (i) the wound healing potential, promoting wound stability, cells, and angiogenesis, or (ii) the ability to clean the root surface and maintain an optimal plaque control or (iii) aesthetics (risk for gingival recession). RESULTS: The risk assessment variables were divided into a patient, tooth, defect, and operator level. Patient-related factors included medical conditions such as diabetes, smoking habit, plaque control, compliance with supportive care, and expectations. Tooth-related factors included prognosis, traumatic occlusal forces or mobility, endodontic status, root surface topography, soft tissue anatomy, and gingival phenotype. Defect-associated factors included local anatomy (number of residual bone walls, width, and depth), furcation involvement, cleansability, and number of sides of the root involved. Operator-related factors should not be neglected and included the clinician's level of experience, the presence of environmental stress factors, and the use of checklists in the daily routine. CONCLUSIONS: Using a risk assessment comprised of patient-, tooth-, defect- and operator-level factors can aid the clinician in identifying challenging characteristics and in the treatment decision process.

Translating Clinical Outcomes to Patient Value Through Use of the Periodontal Risk Score: An Evidence-Based Treatment Approach.

Periodontitis is a chronic, multifactorial inflammatory disease characterized by progressive destruction of the tooth-supporting apparatus. Determining tooth prognosis is of central importance in clinical practice to help both the clinician and patient understand the risks and benefits of treatment while shedding light on the patient's long-term periodontal prognosis and aiding in the development of an individualized treatment plan. Several indexing-type systems have been proposed for determining the prognosis of periodontally involved teeth. The periodontal risk score (PRS) is a simple, evidence-based, motivational tool that can be used in daily clinical practice in both healthy and periodontally involved patients. The PRS incorporates systemic and lifestyle prognostic factors to achieve superior predictive accuracy. With the PRS, patients are encouraged to achieve a target score (representing an "excellent" prognosis) that can be realistically attained through compliance with a periodontal maintenance plan. The purpose of this article is to present to clinicians how to implement this evidence-based tool into their daily practices and thus help patients improve their long-term periodontal prognosis.

Identification of thin and thick gingival phenotypes by two transparency methods: A diagnostic accuracy study.

BACKGROUND: There is limited information on the diagnostic accuracy of the transparency method to diagnose gingival phenotypes taking into consideration not only the gingival thickness (GT) but also the keratinized tissue width (KTW). Thus, the aim of the present study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of two transparency methods using a conventional steel probe (SP) and a plastic color-coded probe (CCP) to identify thin and thick gingival phenotypes. METHODS: Maxillary anterior teeth (n = 300) of 50 individuals were included in this study. The GT was measured via transgingival assessment at 2 mm apical to the gingival margin. Tooth sites were subdivided into thin or thick phenotypes according to the corresponding GT, respectively, ≤1 mm and >1 mm. SP and CCP were used to determine the gingival phenotype by the transparency method. The KTW was also evaluated. The diagnostic accuracy of the experimental periodontal probes to identify the thin and thick gingival phenotypes were compared. RESULTS: Of 300 gingival sites evaluated, 57% (n = 172) were identified as thin (GT: 0.82 ± 0.12 mm, KTW: 4 ± 1.2 mm) and 43% (n = 128) as thick phenotypes (GT: 1.16 ± 0.12 mm, KTW: 4.3 ± 1.3 mm) by the transgingival method. The SP and CCP were very sensitive (>0.94) to identify the thin phenotype, however, less specific (0.35-0.39) to diagnose thick phenotype. The diagnostic accuracy for the SP and CCP was similar, 0.69 and 0.70, respectively. CONCLUSION: The steel and color-coded plastic probe were equally effective in identifying thin gingival phenotype at maxillary anterior tooth sites.

Minimal invasiveness in the alveolar ridge preservation, with or without concomitant implant placement.

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the benefit of ridge preservation (RP) with minimally invasive (MI) approaches with or without concomitant implant placement on morbidity, esthetics, and patient-related outcomes. Three Internet sources were used to search for appropriate papers. The search strategy was designed to include any clinical study published on RP with MI approaches such as flapless surgery, socket shield and socket sealing techniques and, use of biological agents. Characteristics of the individual studies, regarding methodological aspects, quantitative and qualitative data were extracted. The potential risk of bias was estimated, and the acquired evidence was graded. Independent screening of 860 reports resulted in 26 included original articles. Nine publications evaluated MI approaches for RP without concomitant implant placement. Eleven studies evaluated interventions for RP with immediate implant placement (IIP). Six studies compared RP with IIP vs RP without IIP. This systematic review found that MI approaches in most of the studies failed to improve clinical variables regarding morbidity, esthetics, and patient-related outcomes. Based on the limited number of studies analyzed and the methodological discrepancies observed, it is not possible to confirm that MI approaches promote a significant benefit when applied to RP procedures.

The effect of brushing discomfort on peri-implant health in sites exhibiting inadequate keratinized mucosa width: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate the effect of brushing discomfort (BD) on peri-implant health in sites exhibiting inadequate keratinized mucosa (KM) width. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients presenting with at least one implant exhibiting KM <2 mm and in function for ≥1 year were eligible for inclusion. BD was assessed with the visual analogue scale (VAS), and implants were classified into two groups: Absence (aBD; VAS = 0) or Presence (pBD; VAS > 0) of BD. Bleeding on probing (BoP), modified plaque index (mPI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), suppuration (Sup), and marginal bone level (MBL) were recorded. Mann-Whitney, chi-square test, and a multilevel model were used for analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-nine patients with 155 dental implants were analyzed, of which 60 presented no BD, and 95 presented some level of BD. BoP, PD, CAL, and MBL were significantly higher in the pBD than in the aBD group (p < .05). The prevalence of peri-implant diseases at implant level was also higher in the pBD group than in the aBD group. However, after controlling for confounding factors, only mPI showed an effect on BoP. In addition, difficulty to perform oral hygiene was statistically higher in the pBD group. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study suggest that although BD around implants exhibiting KM <2 mm did not influence tissue inflammation, it could represent a symptom of peri-implant diseases. Further clinical trials assessing the long-term effect of BD must be considered to better ascertain its effects on peri-implant health.

Effect of Connective Tissue Graft Following Immediate Implant Placement on Esthetic Outcomes at Maxillary Central Incisor Sites: A Long-Term Cohort Study.

The aim of this cohort study was to assess the effect of connective tissue graft (CTG) following immediate implant placement (IIP) at maxillary central incisors on esthetic outcomes, buccal bone thickness, soft tissue dimensional alterations, and patient-centered outcomes. Twenty-eight patients treated with IIP at maxillary central incisor sites with approximately 6 ± 4 years in function were divided according to the use of CTG (n = 17) or no CTG (n = 11). The primary variable of the study was the Pink and White Esthetic Score (PES/WES), evaluated in photographs taken before and after implant placement. The thickness of the buccal bone, midbuccal mucosal level (MBML) changes, and patient satisfaction were assessed and compared between the two groups. The results showed similar PES/WES before IIP between the CTG and no-CTG groups (13.5 ± 3.7 and 12.6 ± 3.2, respectively). After IIP, the PES/WES value in the CTG group was significantly higher (15 ± 2.5) than in the no-CTG group (12.1 ± 3.1) (P = .012). No significant differences in the buccal bone thickness, MBML, or patient satisfaction were observed in CTG and no-CTG groups. This study found that CTG following IIP and socket grafting promoted better esthetic outcomes.

Effect of the buccal gap width following immediate implant placement on the buccal bone wall: A retrospective cone-beam computed tomography analysis.

BACKGROUND: The effect of the buccal gap width on the clinical outcome of socket graft and immediate implant placement (IIP) at maxillary central incisor sites has not been investigated. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the width of the buccal gap on the thickness of the newly formed buccal wall. METHODS: Forty-two patients and 51 maxillary central incisor sites treated with IIP and ridge preservation by means of graft of the buccal gap at the maxillary central incisor region were included in the study. The width of the buccal gap was measured and filled with deproteinized bovine bone mineral. Implant sites were divided into two groups: wide gap (WG, >2 mm; n = 34) and narrow gap (NG, ≤2 mm; n = 17). After at least 1 year in function (5 ± 4), CBCT scans were obtained and assessed by a calibrated examiner. The thickness of the buccal and palatal bone walls, the percentage of the implant height covered by bone in the buccal and palatal aspects and the position of the buccal and palatal crests were compared between the two groups. A linear regression model was performed to assess predictors of the thickness of the buccal bone. RESULTS: The buccal bone was significantly thicker in the WG group than the NG group at all levels observed (overall 1.9 ± 0.9 mm and 0.5 ± 0.6 mm, respectively). The thickness of the palatal bone was similar between both groups (>2 mm). The percentage of the implant height covered by bone at the buccal aspect was significantly higher in the WG group (95 ± 16.6%) than in the NG group (59.4 ± 42.3%). The position of the buccal crest in relation to the implant shoulder was significantly more coronal (0.3 ± 2.2 mm) in the WG group than in the NG group (-4.7 ± 5.6 mm). The regression analysis model indicated that the width of the buccal gap was the only predictor of the thickness of the newly formed buccal bone wall (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Grafting of >2 mm-wide buccal gaps following IIP promoted a thicker buccal bone wall.

Application of the 10 Keys for Replacement of Multiple Teeth in the Esthetic Zone.

Ten keys for successful esthetic-zone single immediate implants encapsulate in an evidence-based manner the treatment planning and replacement of single hopeless teeth in the maxillary anterior sextant. These include two treatment-planning, five surgical, and three prosthetic keys, which, collectively, aim to minimize soft- and hard-tissue complications for an optimal esthetic implant restoration. The Straightforward, Advanced, and Complex (SAC) classification is designed to aid clinicians in the treatment planning of dental implant cases. As per this classification, cases are stratified by the degree of surgical and restorative risk and complexity for both the surgical and prosthetic phases of treatment. A technique-sensitive and skill-demanding task, the replacement of multiple adjacent teeth in the esthetic zone poses significant challenges for clinicians and is considered a complex SAC procedure surgically and restoratively. This article presents a case report on the replacement of multiple adjacent teeth in the esthetic zone, demonstrating the use of 10 key principles to achieve an optimal esthetic outcome.

Accuracy of High-resolution Small-volume Cone-Beam Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Vertical Root Fracture: An In Vivo Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this in vivo study was to evaluate the accuracy of small-volume cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) imaging compared with conventional periapical radiography (CPR) in the diagnosis of vertical root fractures (VRFs) using exploratory surgery as the reference standard. METHODS: Eighty-two dental records of 85 teeth with suspected VRFs that underwent CPR, CBCT imaging, and exploratory surgery were included. Two observers assessed CPR and CBCT images independently for the presence or absence of root fractures, and findings from the exploratory surgery were considered the reference standard. Diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and the receiver operating characteristic curve values were obtained. The effect of single- and multirooted teeth on diagnostic accuracy as well as the association between clinical symptoms and the presence of VRFs were also assessed. RESULTS: VRFs were surgically detected in 64 of the 85 teeth (75.3%), of which 62.5% were multirooted and 76.6% had intracanal posts. CBCT imaging was more sensitive and accurate (65.6% and 64%) than CPR (27.3% and 40.5%). Both CPR and CBCT diagnostic accuracies were higher in single- than multirooted teeth. Pain on percussion, a localized periodontal pocket, and tooth mobility were associated with the presence of VRFs (P < .05; odds ratio = 4.15, 13.5 and 4.1, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of CBCT imaging for the diagnosis of VRFs was poor, although it was higher than with CPR. Multirooted teeth in the presence of intracanal posts may limit its diagnostic value.

Evaluation of three soft manual toothbrushes in relation to gingival abrasion: a crossover randomized clinical trial / Avaliação de três escovas de dentes manuais macias em relação à abrasão gengival: um ensaio clínico randomizado cruzado

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate gingival abrasion of soft toothbrushes. Material and Methods: This randomized, crossover, blind study tested three commercially available manual soft toothbrushes: CURAPROX® 5460 (CPX), Colgate Slim Soft (COG) and ORAL-B® Indicator 30 Plus (ORB). Fifteen men and 15 women were randomly divided into 3 groups (N=10), who used all the brushes in three consecutive stages of 14 days each. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and gingival abrasion (GA) were assessed at the end of each experimental stage. Participants were also scored their perception of brush comfort, trauma, and cleanliness with visual analog scales (VAS). Friedman nonparametric test was used to analyze the data (p≤0.05). Results: No statistically significant differences were found among the tested brushes for any of the studied variables. When present, gingival abrasion lesions were mostly small (<2 mm). There was no difference between PI and GI between the 3 brushes. However, in patients' perception, CPX had significantly higher scores for comfort, while COG presented higher scores for trauma and ORB for cleanliness. Conclusion: The results indicate that all the tested brushes were similar concerning gingival abrasion and plaque control. However, patients reported different levels of satisfaction concerning their use. When recommending a soft toothbrush, clinicians should take into consideration individual patient requirements, and provide instructions of use based on the specific characteristics of each brush. (AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a abrasão gengival de escovas dentais macias. Material e Métodos: Este estudo randomizado, cruzado e cego testou três escovas manuais macias comercialmente disponíveis: CURAPROX® 5460 (CPX), Colgate® Slim Soft (COG) e ORAL-B® Indicator 30 Plus (ORB). Quinze homens e 15 mulheres foram aleatoriamente divididos em 3 grupos (N = 10), que utilizaram todas as escovas em três estágios consecutivos de 14 dias cada. Índice de placa (IP), índice gengival (IG) e abrasão gengival foram avaliados no final de cada estágio experimental. Os participantes também pontuaram quanto à sua percepção de conforto, trauma e limpeza das escovas com escalas analógicas visuais (EVA). Os dados foram analisados com o teste não paramétrico de Friedman (p≤0,05). Resultados: Não foram encontradas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre as escovas testadas em relação à abrasão gengival. Quando presentes, as lesões de abrasão gengivais eram em sua maioria pequenas (<2 mm). Não houve diferença entre o IP e IG apresentados pelas 3 escovas. Porém, na percepção dos pacientes, a CPX apresentou escores significativamente maiores para conforto, enquanto a COG apresentou maior trauma e a ORB maior sensação de limpeza. Conclusão: Os resultados indicam que as escovas testadas foram semelhantes quanto à abrasão gengival e controle de placa. No entanto, os pacientes relataram diferentes níveis de satisfação em relação ao seu uso. Ao recomendar uma escova de dentes macia, os dentistas devem levar em consideração os requisitos individuais do paciente e fornecer instruções de uso com base nas características específicas de cada escova. (AU)