Hamit Bostanci

Morphological Changes in Diseased Cementum Layers: A Scanning Electron Microscopy Study

The aim of this study was to compare the morphological changes that occurred in root cementum layers due to periodontal disease by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Ninety-two periodontally hopeless teeth extracted from 29 patients were studied. Measurements of probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were taken prior to extractions. After the longitudinal fracturing process of root specimens, healthy and diseased cementum layers of roots were evaluated by SEM for the thickness of the cementum and the morphological changes in collagen fibers. The result of SEM evaluation revealed a significant (P < 0.001) decrease in the thickness of cementum layer on the diseased root surfaces compared to the healthy surfaces. There were denser and conspicuous collagen fibers with their interfibrillar matrix in cementum layers on the healthy root surfaces compared to the diseased surfaces. Within the limits of this study, the thickness of cementum layers in diseased areas was found to be significantly less than that in the healthy areas of root surfaces. However, there exist variations in the density and visibility of cemental fibers between individuals and within the individual.

Effect of Antibiotic Prophylaxis on Serum C-reactive Protein Level Immediately following Periodontal Treatment: An Experimental Clinical Study

Introduction: The immediate rise in serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels associated with the delivery of the subgingival instrumentation and the associated bacteremia and tissue damage was shown shortly after periodontal treatment was delivered. However, the additive effect of the protection against bacteremia on immediate alterations in CRP levels has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine the immediate effect of single session of nonsurgical periodontal treatment with or without antibiotic prophylaxis on serum levels of CRP. Materials and methods: Forty systemically healthy subjects with chronic periodontitis were randomly assigned to two groups. Clinical periodontal parameters and smoking status were recorded. Serum CRP levels were determined using nephelometric method at baseline and 1, 3, and 7 days after treatment. Results: Except for the difference between baseline and day 7, there were significant differences (p < 0.001) in CRP levels between the evaluation days in both groups. However, the differences between the groups for the alterations were not significant. Conclusion: In agreement with previous observations, periodontitis and traumatic effect of periodontal treatment seem to contribute to systemic inflammation detected by the presence of immediate rise in the CRP level. Additional administration of prophylactic antibiotic did not alter this immediate systemic response.