K. Mahalinga Bhat

Association of Cigarette Smoking With Superoxide Dismutase Enzyme Levels in Subjects With Chronic Periodontitis

BACKGROUND Smoking, which is an important risk factor for periodontitis, induces oxidative stress in the body and causes an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD). In the present study, the influence of smoking on the periodontium was determined by estimating the levels of SOD in light and heavy smokers with periodontitis. METHODS Seventy subjects in the age range of 20 to 55 years, including 60 smokers and 10 non-smokers (controls), were selected. Clinical parameters recorded were plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), and attachment loss (AL). Smokers were divided into light smokers (<10 cigarettes/day) and heavy smokers (> or = 10 cigarettes/day) and into three subgroups: healthy, mild periodontitis, and moderate periodontitis. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva samples were collected. SOD levels were analyzed using spectrophotometric assay. RESULTS The mean levels of SOD in the GCF and saliva of smokers were decreased compared to controls. Intra- and intergroup analyses showed a significant reduction in the levels of SOD in the GCF and saliva of heavy smokers compared to light smokers and the control group. CONCLUSIONS There was a progressive reduction in SOD levels from healthy non-smokers to light smokers to heavy smokers. These findings highlight the need to augment the efforts of smoking-cessation programs. The benefits of reduced smoking and improved antioxidant levels may motivate smoking cessation.

Allele, genotype, and composite genotype effects of IL-1A +4845 and IL-1B +3954 polymorphisms for chronic periodontitis in an Indian population

INTRODUCTION The pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a key modulator of host responses to microbial infection and a major modulator of extracellular matrix catabolism and bone resorption, and polymorphisms in the IL-1 gene cluster have been associated with an increased risk of developing severe adult periodontitis. A case control study was performed to determine the role of IL-1A+4845 and IL-1B+3954 polymorphisms in the predisposition to chronic periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study was conducted with 103 unrelated participants recruited from Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, which included 51 chronic periodontitis patients and 52 normal periodontally healthy individuals. Extensive clinical data were collected, bone loss was the major outcome variable and smokers and diabetics were excluded from the study to eliminate the influence of these risk factors. Genomic DNA was isolated from the blood samples of participants for genotyping IL-1A+4845 and IL-1B+3954 polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism and the data statistically analyzed. RESULTS Allele 2 of the IL-1A+4845 polymorphism was carried by 38% of all participants; of these only 6 were homozygous for the allele. Allele 2 of the IL-1B+3954 was carried by 21% of the subjects; only 1 was homozygous for allele 2. The composite genotype was carried by 31% of the cases and by 38% of the controls. Overall, 35% participants carried the composite IL-1 genotype. No statistically significant association was found for the distributions. CONCLUSIONS The distribution of the IL-1 positive composite genotype is in concordance with the frequencies reported in the Caucasians. Association was not found for the effect of allele, genotype, composite genotype, and haplotypes of IL-1A+4845 and IL-1B+3954 polymorphisms with periodontitis. Its utility as a risk marker in this population was not borne out by the study.

Comparative Evaluation of Gingival Depigmentation using Tetrafluoroethane Cryosurgery and Gingival Abrasion Technique: Two Years Follow Up

OBJECTIVE A comparative evaluation of the gingival depigmentation by using Tetrafluoroethane cryosurgery and the gingival abrasion technique - 2 years of follow up. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ten systemically healthy patients who were aged 18 to 36 years were selected for the study. Tetrafluoroethane was used for the cryosurgical depigmentation and the gingival abrasion technique used a coarse flame shaped bur. The presence or absence of pigmentation was tabulated, based on the GPI (Gingival Pigmentation Index). For the statistical analysis, Freidmans test was used. RESULTS The keratinization was completed within a week after the application of the cryogen and about 10 days after the gingival abrasion technique was done. The statistical analysis which was done after 90th, 180th days and 2 years. The p-value which was obtained (p<.001) showed the superiority of cryosurgery over the gingival abrasion. During the follow up period, no side effects were seen for both the techniques and the improved aesthetics was maintained upto 2 years. CONCLUSION The use of cryogen Tetrafluoroethane is easy, practical and inexpensive as compared to gingival abrasion, due to its high rate of recurrence. Hence, it is more acceptable to the patients and the operator. Further studies are needed to assess the long term effectiveness of the cryosurgical method of depigmentation.

Preparation and characterization of biodegradable scaffolds of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) 50:50 and hydroxyapatite for dental applications

In the present study, biodegradable scaffolds of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) PLGA 50:50 with acidic microclimate controlling additives were prepared and characterized for their degradation behavior, physical, and mechanical properties. Results indicate that scaffolds with acidic microclimate controlling additives undergo degradation without large variation in pH of the surrounding medium. Results also indicated that microclimate controlling additives did not significantly alter the physical and mechanical properties of the scaffolds. From the results, it can be concluded that PLGA 50:50 scaffolds with acidic microclimate controlling additives can be used as root replicas after the tooth extraction.

Recurrent periodontal abscess associated with "teeth as a tool"

We report an unusual case of recurrent periodontal abscess in a 31-year-old male electrician due to his habit of using his teeth as a tool for stripping electrical wires. The patient was not aware of the consequences of this habit. Clinically, there was presence of moderate depth of periodontal pocket around the tooth and, radiographically, there was a vertical defect mesial to the involved teeth. The patient was educated about the consequences of his habit and surgical treatment was undertaken. A papilla preservation flap with regenerative periodontal surgical procedure was done, orthodontic and restorative treatment was planned at the follow-up. This case highlights the importance of eliciting a proper and complete personal history, including occupational details. In our patient these details helped us correlate the destruction of the periodontium to the unusual etiology.

Effectiveness of cryogen tetrfluoroethane on elimination of gingival epithelium and its clinical application in gingival depigmentation-histological findings and case series.

OBJECTIVE To histologically assess and clinically co-relate the effectiveness of cryogen Tetrafluoroethane (TFE) for gingival depigmentation procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twelve patients having unaesthetic gingival melanin pigmentation were included in the study. Gingival tissues of eight patients having gingival melanin pigmentation undergoing gingivoplasty or gingivectomy for crownlengthening were exposed to the cryogen and this was used for the histological examination. Gingivectomies were done after 8, 24, 96 hours and after a week of application of tetrafluoroethane. Four fair skinned patients complaining of unaesthetic gingival hyperpigmentation underwent gingival depigmentation using Tetrafluoroethane cryogen. RESULTS Histologically after 96 hours of application of cryogen there was complete loss of retepegs and epithelial detachment from the corium was evident. Complete re - epithelialisation was noted after a week and was clinically correlated. CONCLUSION We therefore, concluded that histologically tetrafluoroethane can effectively destroy gingival epithelium without causing damage to the connective tissue and clinically the color of the gingiva had more pleasing appearance 6 months postoperatively. Hence the cryogen can be used safely for depigmentation procedure.

Full mouth re-restoration of partially edentulous dentition: A periodontic, endodontic, orthodontic and prosthodontic interrelationship-2 year follow-up

An interdisciplinary approach towards full mouth re-restoration of severely compromised dentition requires; complete understanding of the patients problem through history and examination of the dentition. The treatment approach should begin with an appropriate diagnosis and predictable prognosis sequencing it with specialty treatment to obtain a successful result. This clinical case report describes the implementation of a diagnostically based treatment plan for treating the maxillary arch with flap surgery and intrusion, partially edentulous mandibular arch treated by extracting the hopeless teeth and replacing the missing with an over-denture. During follow-up esthetic management of the gingival recession with respect to upper right central incisor was done using a sub-epithelial connective tissue graft procedure and paramount importance was placed on supportive periodontal therapy during the follow-up period of 2 years. Clinical Relevance to Interdisciplinary Dentistry The article describes an interdisciplinary approach for a successful implementation of interdisciplinary treatment to resolve dental problems for an individual requiring full-mouth re-restoration. Describes an unique way of restoring lost aesthetics and function.

A rare case of unusual gingival enlargement post radiotherapy.

Oral changes following radiotherapy are not uncommon. Oral mucositis, alteration in salivary gland function, radiation caries, and gingival changes have all been reported following radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The gingival changes seen after radiotherapy may be unusual and often cause diagnostic dilemma. Metastasis to the gingiva has also to be ruled out in these cases. A 30-year-old female patient presented with enlargement of the gingiva of 6 months’ duration and lower lip swelling of 7 months’ duration. She was a known case of carcinoma of nasopharynx and had received radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Based on the history, the clinical appearance of the gingiva, and the other oral changes we considered both post-radiotherapy gingival enlargement and secondary metastasis to gingiva as possibilities. An incisional biopsy was performed (internal bevel gingivectomy). The histopathological report did not reveal any metastatic changes. Thus, we diagnosed post-radiotherapy gingival enlargement. For the multiple carious teeth, extraction and root canal treatment was carried out as necessary. The patient was referred to the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery for management of swelling of the lips, which was diagnosed as lymphedema of the lip. Gingival enlargement is rare post radiotherapy. Such nonplaque-associated gingival enlargement in a patient who has undergone radiotherapy should be subjected to biopsy and histopathological examination to distinguish between secondary metastasis and post-radiation changes.