Adel S. Alagl

Does grafting of third molar extraction sockets enhance periodontal measures in 30- to 35-year-old patients?

PURPOSE This study was designed to evaluate the use of xenograft plus a membrane as grafting material for periodontal osseous defects distal to the mandibular second molar compared with nongrafted extraction sites after removal of impacted mandibular third molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed a single-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial, and the sample comprised of subjects at high risk for the development of periodontal osseous defects distal to the second molar after third molar extraction (aged 30-35 years), pre-existing osseous defects distal to the second molar, and horizontal third molar impaction. The predictor variable was the treatment status of the second molar osseous defects. The third molar extraction sites were grafted with an anorganic xenograft plus a membrane. The other sites received a full-thickness flap and extraction of the third molar without placement of the grafting materials. The outcome variables were the change in gingival index, pocket probing depth, and clinical attachment level on the distobuccal aspect of the second molar preoperatively and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery. Data were statistically analyzed by multivariate analysis of variance, and the statistical significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS The study was composed of 28 sites that were selected by use of a split-mouth design for each patient, and this was randomly determined through a biased coin randomization. Twelve months after third molar removal, there was a statistically significant gain in the clinical attachment level and a reduction in the probing pocket depth in the grafted sites compared with the nongrafted sites (P < .001). Moreover, there was a significant difference in the alveolar bone height during the monitoring periods for the grafted sites compared with the nongrafted sites (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Grafting of osseous defects distal to mandibular second molars with an anorganic xenograft plus a membrane predictably resulted in a significant reduction in the probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level gain, and bone fill, which suggests that grafting the extraction sites with an anorganic xenograft plus a membrane could prevent periodontal disease in the future.

Ascorbic acid: New role of an age-old micronutrient in the management of periodontal disease in older adults

To review the new role of an age‐old micronutrient – ascorbic acid – in the management of periodontal disease. Articles pertaining to the topic were searched in PubMed and other search engines from year 1974 to April 2014 with the following key words: “ascorbic acid,” “ascorbate,” “vitamin C,” “periodontal disease,” “gingivitis,” “periodontitis,” “anti‐oxidants” and “elderly.” Balanced nutrition is an essential factor in the elderly. Modification of nutritional requirement is important to overcome the effect of an unbalanced diet in older individuals as a result of several external and internal host‐associated factors. Micronutrient requirements as aging advances could change, and require due attention. Ascorbic acid and its relationship with periodontal disease are very well known. However, recent changes in the concept of understanding the pathogenicity has led to a new path of therapeutic intervention with ascorbic acid in many chronic diseases. Oxidative stress with its associated burden might alter the disease process. In the era of “periodontal medicine,” the impact of remote tissue changes on systemic disease has to be taken into serious consideration. Deficiency of nutritional impact on the host, with micronutrient vitamin C detailed in this review with sources, absorption, interaction and its relationship with systemic disease, and thereby the impact on periodontal disease. Ascorbic acid plays an important role in the aging process, and in the maintenance of periodontal health in the elderly. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 241–254.

Composite bone graft for treatment of osseous defects after surgical removal of impacted third and second molars: case report and review of the literature

The aim of this case report was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic measurements of mandibular first molar bone support after mandibular third and second molar extraction and immediate augmentation of the extraction site with a combined autogenous bone graft with Bio-Oss materials. A pyramidal full-thickness mucoperiosteal flap with 1 distal releasing incision was used for removal of impacted third and second molars. During the procedure, autogenous bone graft was collected with a bone trap and then combined with Bio-Oss materials. The osseous defects distal to first molar and extraction site was filled with the composite bone graft and covered with Bio-Gide membrane. After 1 year, there was a successful defect regression and gain of bone and clinical attachment level. Moreover, there was a reduction of probing pocket depth and gingival inflammation. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that grafting of osseous defects and extraction site with autogenous bone graft combined with Bio-Oss materials will predictably result in a decreased risk of developing a periodontal defect on the distal aspect of mandibular first molar.

Use of platelet-rich plasma for regeneration in non-vital immature permanent teeth: Clinical and cone-beam computed tomography evaluation:

Objective This study was performed to assess the clinical and radiological outcomes of a revascularization procedure in immature teeth with apical periodontitis using platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The PRP protocol and conventional revascularization protocol, which used a blood clot as the scaffold, were compared. Methods Thirty non-vital immature permanent teeth were randomly categorized into two groups. After disinfecting the root canal space with triple antibiotic paste (1:1:1 ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and cefaclor), a tissue scaffold was created using either PRP or a blood clot (control) and covered with white mineral trioxide aggregate. All cases were followed up clinically and radiographically for 12 months. Differences in bone density, root length, and lesion size were calculated using preoperative and postoperative computed tomography images. The means of the differences in individual parameters in the blood clot and PRP groups were compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. Results After 5 months, sensitivity tests (cold and electric pulp tests) elicited a delayed positive response in 23 sites. At 12 months, cone-beam computed tomography revealed resolution or a decrease in lesion size and an increase in bone density in all 30 (100%) teeth. Additionally, continued root development was observed in 22 (73%) teeth and early root growth was observed in the test group (mineral trioxide aggregate with PRP). Conclusions The results of this study suggest that PRP can serve as a successful scaffold for regenerative endodontic treatment. With the exception of a significant increase in root length, the results of treatment with PRP were not significantly different from those of the conventional protocol using a blood clot as the scaffold.

Periodontal abscess as a possible oral clinical sign in the diagnosis of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus of elderly in a dental clinic set up – a 7-year cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the periodontal abscess as a possible oral clinical diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in the elderly. METHODS In this clinical outpatient department, cross-sectional study of 84 months, 143 212 subjects between the ages of 40 and 84 years were screened for the presence of periodontal abscess. Relevant medical and dental histories were recorded using a questionnaire. The subjects who fulfilled the inclusion criteria of undiagnosed diabetes mellitus, presence of periodontal abscess, and absence of other systemic disease were referred for laboratory diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (HbA1c). The subjects tested positive for the diabetes were noted, statistical evaluation was undertaken to correlate between undiagnosed diabetes mellitus and periodontal abscess. RESULTS It was found out that 0.05% undiagnosed diabetes was noted among the 143 212 patients. Among the 143 212 subjects, 1352 met the inclusion criteria having periodontal abscess. Mean age of the participants was 57 ± 14.2 years. Among the 1352 subjects with periodontal abscess: 793 (58.65%) subjects had increased HbA1c (≥6.5% or 47.5 mmol/mol or 7.8 mmol/L); 559 (41.35%) individuals reported to have normal HbA1c (≤6.5% or 47.5 mmol/mol or 7.8 mmol/L). The difference was found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSION Periodontal abscess can be considered as possible oral clinical diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Elderly individuals visiting dental clinics need to be given due attention to find out the possibility of having this systemic condition. Medical fraternities are advised to consider oral health parameters in the evaluation of the medical status of elderly individuals.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Gel Combined with Bovine-Derived Xenograft for the Treatment of Dehiscence Around Immediately Placed Conventionally Loaded Dental Implants in Humans: Cone Beam Computed Tomography and Three-Dimensional Image Evaluation.

PURPOSE This study clinically and radiographically investigated the potential of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel combined with bovine-derived xenograft to treat dehiscence defects around immediate dental implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study was performed on 32 sites from 16 patients who each received an immediate implant for a single tooth replacement at a maxillary anterior or premolar site. Patients were divided into two groups according to the augmented materials used. One group received an immediate implant and filling of defects using a PRP gel plus bovine-derived xenograft. The other group received an immediate implant and filling of defects with a bovine-derived xenograft without PRP gel. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was taken before placement, and at 6 and 12 months postsurgery. RESULTS Both treatment procedures resulted in significant improvements for the primary outcome regarding bone fill, as well as the marginal bone level. In addition, statistically significant differences were found in the bone density for the combined therapy compared with sites treated with bovine-derived xenografts alone (P ≤ .01). CONCLUSION Autogenous PRP gel combined with bovine-derived xenograft demonstrated superiority to the bovine-derived xenograft alone, which suggested that it could be successfully applicable for the treatment of dehiscence around an immediate dental implant. Moreover, CBCT can be used to measure dehiscence and to assess bone thickness along the implant.

Periodontal status following self-ligature versus archwire ligation techniques in orthodontically treated patients—Clinical, microbiological and biochemical evaluation

Abstract Objectives The present study was designed to evaluate the changes in microbial flora and periodontal status, with a concomitant evaluation of the changes in the aspartate aminotransferase activity obtained from the gingival crevicular fluid after the orthodontic treatment with self-ligature versus archwire ligation techniques. Methods Twenty-two orthodontic patients were included in this study. Using a split mouth design for each patient according to the ligation techniques, one site received a self-ligature technique while the other an archwire ligature. Results The results revealed that all microbial counts, after bonding the orthodontic appliances, in the archwire ligature sites were slightly higher than those in the self-ligature sites at different monitoring periods. Compared with those in the self-ligature group, the probing depth and the clinical attachment level showed significantly increased in the archwire ligature group (P ≤ 0.01). Moreover, the aspartate aminotransferase enzymatic activity was significantly greater at the archwire sites, compared to that at the self-ligature sites (P ≤ 0.01). Conclusion The archwire ligature technique caused microbial colonization and aspartate aminotranferase activity to be greater than the self-ligature technique. Therefore, the use of self-ligature is the recommended wire ligation technique in order to prevent periodontal tissue destruction.

A comparative study of bovine bone used alone and in combination with transforming growth factor-beta for the treatment of periodontal osseous defects in humans

Objectives: Transforming growth factor-betas (TGFβs) are multifunctional growth factors with a broad range of biological activities in various cell types in many different tissues. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment of intrabony defects with anorganic bovine bone mineral matrix combined with TGFβ-1 with the use of anorganic bovine bone alone. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two sites from sixteen patients were selected using a split-mouth study design for each patient, determined randomly through a biased coin randomization. One site received a mucoperiosteal flap, and the osseous defect was filled with the combined therapy (Group 1). The other site treated was with anorganic bovine bone alone and served as a control (Group 2). All the treated sites were covered with a bioabsorbable collagen membrane. The clinical parameters and radiographic follow-up examinations were recorded after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Results: Clinically, there was a statistically significant gain in the clinical attachment level (+5.03 ΁ 0.14 mm) and a statistically significant reduction of pocket probing depth (−5.16 mm ΁ 0.13) for Group 1 sites compared to sites in Group 2 (P ≤ 0.01). In addition, there were significant differences in bone density and a significant decrease of marginal bone loss after the combined therapy compared with the use of anorganic bovine bone alone (P ≤ 0.01). Conclusion: The use of anorganic bovine bone mineral matrix combined with TGFβ-1 seemed to be effective in the treatment of intrabony defects. This showed an improvement in the clinical outcome of periodontal therapy superior to the use of anorganic bovine bone on its own.

Effect of erbium laser on microtensile bond strength of fissure sealant in primary teeth: An in vitro study

Background: Laser etching has several advantages as compared with conventional acid etching. However, results of earlier studies on conditioning surfaces with erbium, chromium:yttrium–scandium–gallium–garnet (Er, Cr:YSGG) before application of the fissure sealant have been inconclusive. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the microtensile strength of resin-based fissure sealant bonded to primary enamel conditioned by Er, Cr:YSGG laser with varying power outputs. Materials and Methods: Fifty sound primary first molars were randomized into the following five groups based on pretreatment choice: Group 1: 3.5 W laser etching + acid etching; Group 2: 2.5 W laser etching + acid etching; Group 3: 3.5 W laser etching with no acid; Group 4: 2.5 W laser etching with no acid and Group 5: acid etching with no laser. Acid etch was performed with 35% orthophosphoric acid for 30 s. Laser etching was performed with Er, Cr:YSGG (2780 nm) laser using G6 tips and 600 μm diameter, 2.5 W or 3.5 W power outputs, pulse duration of 140 μs and a repetition rate of 20 Hz. Sealant was applied on the buccal surface followed by an incremental buildup with composite resin. Microtensile bond strength was assessed and compared among the five groups using one- and two-way ANOVA. Results: There was no statistical difference in the mean bond strength between groups except in Group 4 (9.66 MPa) (Group 1: 15.57 MPa; Group 2: 14.18 MPa; Group 3: 14.78 MPa; Group 5: 14.63 MPa). Conclusion: Pretreatment with 3.5 W Er, Cr:YSGG laser alone results in microtensile bond strengths similar to that produced by acid etching, indicating that enamel etching using 3.5 W Er, Cr:YSGG laser would result in the long-term success of pit and fissure sealants in primary teeth.

Localized ridge augmentation in the anterior maxilla using titanium mesh, an alloplast, and a nano-bone graft: a case report

Alveolar ridge deficiency is considered a major limitation for successful implant placement, as well as for the long-term success rate, especially in the anterior maxillary region. Various approaches have been developed to increase bone volume. Among those approaches, inlay and onlay grafts, alveolar ridge distraction, and guided bone regeneration have been suggested. The use of titanium mesh is a reliable method for ridge augmentation. We describe a patient who presented with a localized, combined, horizontal and vertical ridge defect in the anterior maxilla. The patient was treated using titanium mesh and alloplast material mixed with a nano-bone graft to treat the localized ridge deformity for future implant installation. The clinical and radiographic presentation, as well as relevant literature, are presented.