Esra Ercan

Evaluation of periodontal pathogens in amniotic fluid and the role of periodontal disease in pre-term birth and low birth weight

Abstract Background. Pre-term birth and/or low birth weight (PTLBW) is a serious problem in developing countries. The absence of known risk factors in ∼ 50% of PTLBW cases has resulted in a continued search for other causes. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of periodontitis on pregnancy outcomes. Methods. Samples were taken from 50 pregnant women who underwent amniocentesis. Polymerase chain reaction was performed on amniotic fluid samples obtained during amniocentesis and on subgingival plaque samples to determine the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Treponema denticola, Tannerella forsythia, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, Campylobacter rectus and Eikenella corrodens. Plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth and clinical attachment level were evaluated. Medical records were obtained after birth. Results. Social and demographic variables were similar among the Gingivitis (G), Localized Periodontitis (LP) and Generalized Periodontitis (GP) groups. Four subjects gave birth to PTLBW neonates. Campylobacter rectus, T. forsythia, P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum were detected in the amniotic fluid and subgingival plaque samples of three patients who gave birth to PTLBW neonates. The amniotic fluid sample from the fourth patient was not positive for any of the tested pathogens. Conclusion. These findings suggest that the transmission of some periodontal pathogens from the oral cavity of the mother may cause adverse pregnancy outcomes. The results contribute to an understanding of the association between periodontal disease and PTLBW, but further studies are required to better clarify the possible relationship.

The role of titanium-prepared platelet-rich fibrin in palatal mucosal wound healing and histoconduction

Abstract Objective: We aimed to determine the clinical effects of titanium-prepared, platelet-rich fibrin (T-PRF) on human palatal mucosal wound healing (PMWH) and to identify its effect on time-dependent changes in palatal soft-tissue thickness (PSTT) in terms of histoconduction, which is a new concept. Materials and methods: Free gingival graft (FGG) donor sites were treated with T-PRF and compared with an untreated control group. The results of colour match and H2O2-bubbling tests for complete wound epithelization (CWE) were recorded on days 3, 7, 14 and 21. Pain level, number of analgesics used and bleeding status were recorded for the first 7 days. PSTT was measured at baseline and after 1 and 6 months. Results: Colour match scores of the test group were significantly higher than those of the control group at 7 and 14 days. CWE was observed at a higher frequency in the test group than in the control group on day 14. Post-operative bleeding prevalence was lower in the test group than in the control group for the first 2 days. A time-dependent decrease in PSTT was observed at 1 and 6 months in the control group compared with baseline (baseline, 4.23 ± 0.62 mm; 1 month, 4.01 ± 0.68 mm; and 6 months, 3.93 ± 0.69 mm). However, no significant difference was found in the test group (baseline, 4.29 ± 0.64 mm; 1 month, 4.61 ± 0.51 mm; and 6 months, 4.51 ± 0.58 mm). Conclusion: The T-PRF membrane exhibited positive effects on PMWH. T-PRF, which is a promising autogenous matrix for histoconduction, may also be preferred as an autogenous alternative to connective tissue grafts in the treatment of gingival recessions and peri-implant mucosal recessions.

Effects of azithromycin versus metronidazole- amoxicillin combination as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal therapy of generalized aggressive periodontitis

OBJECTIVE This study evaluated the short-term clinical benefits of two systemic antibiotic regimes added to the nonsurgical periodontal treatment of generalized aggressive periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The patient records were reviewed and 45 patients were selected and divided into the following three groups: Scaling and root planning (SRP) only; SRP plus azithromycin (AZT group); and SRP plus metronidazole and amoxicillin (M+A group). The periodontal indexes were recorded at baseline and 3-month posttherapy. RESULTS The periodontal parameters were improved in all groups 3-month posttherapy. The scores were decreased more in the AZT and M+A groups than the controls, but this difference did not reach significance. In addition, the decrease in the plaque index from baseline to 3-month in the AZT group was not significant. CONCLUSION Nonsurgical therapy reduces the probing depth, clinical attachment level, and clinical inflammation findings. This healing tendency was observed in the AZT group despite the baseline plaque scores. Therefore, AZT might be active against the bacteria in dental biofilms.

Management of a perio-endo lesion associated with palatogingival groove

Palatogingival grooves are reported to be seen in the maxillary incisors, predominantly in the lateral incisors.[1] The prevalence is reported to be 2.8–8.5% of all humans.[2] This anomaly results from infolding of the enamel organ and the Hertwig epithelial sheath in the course of odontogenesis.[3] The groove lies along the palatal surface; thus, it is also known as a distolingual groove or radicular lingual groove.[1] It can occur on the mesial, distal, or facial surface of the tooth and can be unilateral or bilateral.[2] Bacterial invasion from the palatogingival groove, along with a breach of epithelial attachment, can lead to a self-sustaining periodontal defect. Gingival inflammation, plaque accumulation, and deeper probing depth are clear symptoms in these cases.[4] The groove can extend to the various depths and may even communicate with the pulp cavity.[5] Patients cannot completely clean the groove, so periodontal breakdown is near-inevitable. These defects may not be detected until the tooth shows an advanced periodontal defect with pulpal involvement. In this case report, treatment of a left lateral incisor tooth with a deep palatogingival groove on the palatal surface, using combined endodontic and periodontal management was described.