Effects of Conventional Synthetic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs on Response to Periodontal Treatment in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and periodontitis are common chronic inflammatory diseases and periodontitis is known to be more common and more severe in patients with RA. Based on a paucity of studies about the relationship between common conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) and periodontitis, this prospective study aimed to evaluate the adjunctive effect of csDMARDs on response to nonsurgical periodontal treatment in patients with RA. Thirty-two patients with RA (RA group) and 32 systemically healthy patients (control group) with periodontitis were included in this study. The RA group patients were treated with csDMARDs, such as methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, and sulfasalazine. Conventional nonsurgical periodontal treatment with scaling and root planing was performed in both groups. The extent and severity of periodontitis were evaluated by plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) at baseline and 4 weeks after periodontal treatment. There was no statistically significant difference of periodontal parameters between the RA and control groups at baseline. Four weeks after scaling and root planing, PD reduction, and CAL gain were higher in the RA group treated with csDMARDs compared to the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P = 0.006 and 0.003, respectively). A post hoc analysis of the RA group showed no statistically significant difference on the response to nonsurgical periodontal treatment in multiple csDMARDs therapy and addition of NSAIDs and/or steroids to csDMARDs. In patients with RA, csDMARDs showed beneficial effect on periodontal clinical parameters following the nonsurgical periodontal treatment.

Biomechanical comparison of a novel engine-driven ridge spreader and conventional ridge splitting techniques.

OBJECTIVES: Ridge splitting techniques are used for horizontal ridge augmentation in implant dentistry. Recently, a novel engine-driven ridge splitting technique was introduced. This study compared the mechanical forces produced by conventional and engine-driven ridge splitting techniques in porcine mandibles. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 33 pigs, mandibular premolar areas were selected for the ridge splitting procedures, designed as a randomized split-mouth study. The conventional group underwent a chisel-and-mallet procedure (control group, n = 20), and percussive impulse (Newton second, Ns) was measured using a sensor attached to the mallet. In the engine-driven ridge spreader group (test group, n = 23), a load cell was used to measure torque values (Newton centimeter, Ncm). Horizontal acceleration generated during procedures (control group, n = 10 and test group, n = 10) was compared between the groups. RESULTS: After ridge splitting, the alveolar crest width was significantly increased both in the control (1.23 ± 0.45 mm) and test (0.98 ± 0.41 mm) groups with no significant differences between the groups. The average impulse of the control group was 4.74 ± 1.05 Ns. Torque generated by rotation in the test group was 9.07 ± 2.15 Ncm. Horizontal acceleration was significantly less in the test group (0.82 ± 1.05 g) than the control group (64.07 ± 42.62 g) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Narrow edentulous ridges can be expanded by novel engine-driven ridge spreaders. Within the limits of this study, the results suggested that an engine-driven ridge splitting technique may be less traumatic and less invasive than a conventional ridge splitting technique.

Histomorphometric evaluation of onlay freeze-dried block bone and deproteinized bovine bone with collagen in rat.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of human freeze-dried bone block (FDBB) and deproteinized bovine bone with collagen (DBBC) on bone formation when applied as an onlay graft in rat calvariums. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats received collagen sponge (control), FDBB, or DBBC onlay grafts trimmed into 8-mm disks measuring 4-mm height. Each graft was secured onto the calvarium surface using horizontal mattress sutures. Rats in each group were killed at 2 (n=5) or 8 (n=5) weeks postoperatively for histologic and histomorphometric analysis. The total augmented area (mm2), new bone area (mm2), and bone density (%) were measured. The FDBB and DBBC groups showed significantly more new bone formation and bone density than the control group at 2 and 8 weeks. The increased new bone area was significantly greater in the FDBB group than in the DBBC group (p<0.05). The total augmented area was significantly higher in the FDBB and DBBC groups at 2 and 8 weeks than in the control group (p<0.05), and at 8 weeks, the area was significantly decreased in the DBBC group compared to that in the FDBB group and the area at 2 weeks (p<0.05). Within the limitations of the present study, we concluded that onlay FDBB and DBBC grafts caused new bone formation through an osteoconductive mechanism. In addition, compared to FDBB, DBBC had less capacity to form new bone and maintain the space.

Effects of block bone substitutes loaded with Escherichia Coli-produced recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 on space maintenance and bone formation in rat calvarial onlay model.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of onlay-type grafted human freeze-dried corticocancellous bone block (FDBB) and deproteinized bovine bone with collagen (DBBC) loaded with Escherichia coli-produced recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (ErhBMP-2) on space maintenance and new bone formation in rat calvaria. Collagen sponge (CS), FDBB, or DBBC disks (8×4 mm) with ErhBMP-2 (2.5 µg) were implanted onto the calvaria of male Sprague-Dawley rats, whereas CS with buffer was implanted onto the calvaria as controls (n=20/carrier). Rats were killed at 2 or 8 weeks post-surgery for histologic and histomorphometric analyses; total augmented area, new bone area, and bone density were evaluated. At both time-points, all ErhBMP-2 groups showed significantly higher new bone area and bone density than the control group (p<0.05). ErhBMP-2/FDBB and ErhBMP-2/DBBC groups showed significantly higher total augmented area than ErhBMP-2/CS group (8 weeks), and ErhBMP-2/FDBB group showed significantly higher new bone area and bone density than ErhBMP-2/DBBC group (p<0.05). ErhBMP-2/CS group showed the highest bone density (p<0.05). Combining ErhBMP-2 with FDBB or DBBC could significantly improve onlay graft outcomes, by new bone formation and bone density increase. Moreover, onlay-grafted FDBB and DBBC with ErhBMP-2 could be an alternative to autogenous block onlay bone graft.

Preliminary evaluation of a three-dimensional, customized, and preformed titanium mesh in peri-implant alveolar bone regeneration.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this preliminary study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a customized, three-dimensional, preformed titanium mesh as a barrier membrane for peri-implant alveolar bone regeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients were recruited for this study. At the time of implant placement, all patients had fenestration or a dehiscence defect around the implant fixture. A mixture of particulate intraoral autologous bone and freeze-dried bone allograft was applied to the defect in a 1 : 1 volume ratio and covered by the preformed titanium mesh. A core biopsy specimen was taken from the regenerated bone four months postoperatively. Patients were followed for 12 months after the definitive prosthesis was placed. RESULTS: Satisfactory bone regeneration with limited fibrous tissue was detected beneath the preformed titanium mesh. Histologic findings revealed that newly formed bones were well-incorporated into the allografts and connective tissue. New growth was composed of approximately 80% vital bone, 5% fibrous marrow tissue, and 15% remaining allograft. All implants were functional without any significant complications. CONCLUSION: The use of preformed titanium mesh may support bone regeneration by maintaining space for new bone growth through its macro-pores. This preliminary study presents the efficacy of a preformed titanium mesh as a ready-to-use barrier membrane around peri-implant alveolar bone defect. This preformed mesh is also convenient to apply and to remove.

Anterior maxillary defect reconstruction with a staged bilateral rotated palatal graft.

PURPOSE: In the anterior maxilla, hard and soft tissue augmentations are sometimes required to meet esthetic and functional demands. In such cases, primary soft tissue closure after bone grafting procedures is indispensable for a successful outcome. This report describes a simple method for soft tissue coverage of a guided bone regeneration (GBR) site using the double-rotated palatal subepithelial connective tissue graft (RPSCTG) technique for a maxillary anterior defect. METHODS: We present a 60-year-old man with a defect in the anterior maxilla requiring hard and soft tissue augmentations. The bone graft materials were filled above the alveolar defect and a titanium-reinforced nonresorbable membrane was placed to cover the graft materials. We used the RPSCTG technique to achieve primary soft tissue closure over the graft materials and the barrier membrane. Additional soft tissue augmentation using a contralateral RPSCTG and membrane removal were simultaneously performed 7 weeks after the stage 1 surgery to establish more abundant soft tissue architecture. RESULTS: Flap necrosis occurred after the stage 1 surgery. Signs of infection or suppuration were not observed in the donor or recipient sites after the stage 2 surgery. These procedures enhanced the alveolar ridge volume, increased the amount of keratinized tissue, and improved the esthetic profile for restorative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The use of RPSCTG could assist the soft tissue closure of the GBR sites because it provides sufficient soft tissue thickness, an ample vascular supply, protection of anatomical structures, and patient comfort. The treatment outcome was acceptable, despite membrane exposure, and the RPSCTG allowed for vitalization and harmonization with the recipient tissue.

Effects of adjunctive daily phototherapy on chronic periodontitis: a randomized single-blind controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this randomized single-blind controlled trial was to elucidate the clinical and antimicrobial effects of daily phototherapy (PT) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in patients with chronic periodontitis. METHODS: The study was conducted from December 2013 to May 2014 at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Seoul, Korea. Forty-one patients with mild to moderate chronic periodontitis were randomly divided into two therapeutic groups in a 1:1 ratio: SRP+PT and SRP (control) groups. All participants underwent full-mouth SRP. PT was performed thrice a day for a month by using electric toothbrushes with embedded light-emitting diodes. Plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing were assessed before (baseline) and four weeks after (follow-up) the treatment. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Prevotella intermedia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Parvimonas micra, Campylobacter rectus, Eikenella corrodens, Streptococcus mutans, and Streptococcus sobrinus levels were detected by a real-time polymerase chain reaction at the same points in time. RESULTS: The clinical parameters improved in both the groups. At the follow-up assessment, PPD was significantly decreased in the SRP+PT group (P=0.00). Further, PPD and CAL showed significantly greater changes in the SRP+PT group than in the SRP group (PPD, P=0.03; CAL, P=0.04). P. gingivalis and T. forsythia levels decreased in this group, but no significant intergroup differences were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Adjunctive PT seems to have clinical benefits, but evidence of its antimicrobial effects is not sufficient. Long-term studies are necessary to develop the most effective PT protocol and compare the effectiveness of PT with and without exogenous photosensitizers.

Labial and lingual/palatal bone thickness of maxillary and mandibular anteriors in human cadavers in Koreans.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the buccal and lingual bone thickness in the anterior teeth and the relationship between bone thickness and the tissue biotype. METHODS: Three male and two female human cadaver heads (mean age, 55.4 years) were used in this study. First, the biotype of periodontium was evaluated and categorized into a thick or a thin group. Next, full thickness reflections of the mandible and the maxilla to expose the underlying bone for accurate measurements in the anterior regions were performed. After the removal of the half of the alveolar bone, the probe with a stopper was used to measure the thickness of bone plate at the alveolar crest (AC), 3 mm apical to the alveolar crest (AC-3), 6 mm apical to the alveolar crest (AC-6), and 9 mm apical to the alveolar crest (AC-9). RESULTS: Four of them had a thick biotype. There was no penetration or dehiscence. The thickness of the buccal plates at the alveolar crest were 0.97±0.18 mm, 0.78±0.21 mm, and 0.95±0.35 mm in the maxillary central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines, respectively. The thickness of the labial plates at the alveolar crest were 0.86±0.59 mm, 0.88±0.70 mm, and 1.17±0.70 mm in the mandibular central incisors, lateral incisors and canines, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The thickness of the labial plate in the maxillary anteriors is very thin that great caution is needed for placing an implant. The present study showed the bone thickness of maxillary and mandibular anteriors at different positions. Therefore, these data can be useful for the understanding of the bone thickness of the anteriors and a successful implant placement.