Minkle Gulati

Host modulation therapy: An indispensable part of perioceutics.

Traditionally, only antimicrobials have been used as the chemotherapeutic modality for the treatment of periodontitis. Though bacteria are the primary etiologic factors of periodontal diseases, yet the extent and severity of tissue destruction seen in periodontitis is determined by the host immuno-inflammatory response to these bacteria. This increasing awareness and knowledge of the host-microbial interaction in periodontal pathogenesis has presented the opportunity for exploring new therapeutic strategies for periodontitis by means of targeting host response via host-modulating agents. This has lead to the emergence of the field of “Perioceutics” i.e. the use of parmacotherapeutic agents including antimicrobial therapy as well as host modulatory therapy for the management of periodontitis. These host-modulating agents used as an adjunct tip the balance between periodontal health and disease progression in the direction of a healing response. In this article the host-modulating role of various systemically and locally delivered perioceutic agents will be reviewed.

Low level laser therapy in the treatment of aphthous ulcer

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is one of the most common and painful ulcerative lesions of the oral cavity, but until now no cure has been recognized for it. Two patients diagnosed with minor RAS were treated in a single sitting with low level laser therapy using 940-nm diode laser. The lesions healed completely within 3-4 days and a follow-up for 1 showed no recurrence in these patients. According to the results of this study, low level laser therapy can decrease the healing time, pain intensity, size, and recurrence of the lesion in patients with minor RAS, and hence can be considered the most appropriate treatment modality for minor RAS, with greatest clinical effectiveness.

Computerized implant-dentistry: Advances toward automation

Advancements in the field of implantology such as three-dimensional imaging, implant-planning software, computer-aided-design/computer-aided-manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology, computer-guided, and navigated implant surgery have led to the computerization of implant-dentistry. This three-dimensional computer-generated implant-planning and surgery has not only enabled accurate preoperative evaluation of the anatomic limitations but has also facilitated preoperative planning of implant positions along with virtual implant placement and subsequently transferring the virtual treatment plans onto the surgical phase via static (guided) or dynamic (navigated) systems aided by CAD/CAM technology. Computerized-implant-dentistry being highly predictable and minimally invasive in nature has also allowed implant placement in patients with medical comorbidities (e.g. radiation therapy, blood dyscrasias), in patients with complex problems following a significant alteration of the bony anatomy as a result of benign or malignant pathology of the jaws or trauma and in patients with other physical and emotional problems. With significant achievements accomplished in the field of computerized implant-dentistry, attempts are now been made toward complete automation of implant-dentistry.

Evaluation of stress patterns in bone around dental implant for different abutment angulations under axial and oblique loading: A finite element analysis.

Introduction: The replacement of missing anterior teeth presents peculiar challenges to the Prosthodontist. Implants are increasingly gaining favour for the same. The morphology of existing bone in the premaxilla often dictates that implants are placed at angles that are difficult to restore with conventional abutments. However, the angulated abutments might transfer unfavourable forces to the implant or bone, thereby compromising the prognosis of the treatment. Because, it is difficult to assess the generated forces clinically, a finite element analysis was chosen for the present study as it is useful tool in estimating stress distribution in the contact area of the implant with the bone. Materials and Methods: In this study, the frontal region of the maxilla was modelled with a cortical layer 1.5 mm thick containing an inner cancellous core. The implant was cylindrical, round ended, with length 13 mm and diameter 4.1 mm. The abutment was modelled as 7 mm in height with a 5 degree occlusal taper. The different abutment angulations used were 0°, 10°, 15° and 20°. The amount of loads used were 100, 125, 150, 175 and 200 N axially, and 50 N in oblique direction, to approximate the kind of loads seen in clinical situations. Result: It was seen that, as the abutment angulation changes from 0° to 20° both the compressive as well as tensile stresses increased; but, it is within the tolerance limit of the bone. Conclusion: It seems reasonably safe to use angled abutments in anterior implant supported prostheses, in the maxillary arch.

Platelet-rich plasma: a healing virtuoso

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous product that concentrates a large number of platelets in a small volume of plasma [1,2]. PRP has long been used in hospitals to accelerate the bodys own healing process, but it is only fairly recently that advances in technology have allowed this same technique to be used in the clinics as well. The blood platelets perform several essential functions in the body, including blood clot formation and the release of growth factors that help to heal wounds. These growth factors stimulate the stem cells to produce new host tissue as quickly as possible, which explains PRP is so effective in the post-treatment healing process. This unique property of PRP speeds up the healing process at the cellular level and there is virtually no risk for allergic reaction or rejection because patients own blood is used.

In Vivo Evaluation of Two‐Piece Implants Placed Following One‐Stage and Two‐Stage Surgical Protocol in Posterior Mandibular Region. Assessment of Alterations in Crestal Bone Level

BACKGROUND Endosseous implants can be placed following either two-stage technique requiring second-stage surgery or one-stage technique, which does not involve a second surgical intervention. PURPOSE The present study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the changes in crestal bone level when two-piece implants were placed in posterior mandibular region following one-stage and two-stage surgical protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS A parallel group randomized prospective study was designed in which 20 two-piece implants were placed in the posterior mandibular region of 16 partially edentulous healthy patients following either one-stage (Group I) or a two-stage surgical protocol (Group II). Alterations in crestal bone level were assessed with the help of DentaScan at baseline, that is, at the time of implant placement, third month and sixth month. RESULTS Nonsignificant differences were seen in both groups in terms of changes in crestal bone level at the final evaluation. CONCLUSIONS Hence, it could be concluded that two-piece implants can be placed following one-stage surgical protocol as predictably as when two-stage surgical technique is followed.Background Endosseous implants can be placed following either two-stage technique requiring second-stage surgery or one-stage technique, which does not involve a second surgical intervention. Purpose The present study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the changes in crestal bone level when two-piece implants were placed in posterior mandibular region following one-stage and two-stage surgical protocol. Materials and Methods A parallel group randomized prospective study was designed in which 20 two-piece implants were placed in the posterior mandibular region of 16 partially edentulous healthy patients following either one-stage (Group I) or a two-stage surgical protocol (Group II). Alterations in crestal bone level were assessed with the help of DentaScan at baseline, that is, at the time of implant placement, third month and sixth month. Results Nonsignificant differences were seen in both groups in terms of changes in crestal bone level at the final evaluation. Conclusions Hence, it could be concluded that two-piece implants can be placed following one-stage surgical protocol as predictably as when two-stage surgical technique is followed.

Periodontium bestows vision

The role of periodontium in supporting the tooth structures is well-known. However, less is known about its contribution to the field of ophthalmology. Corneal diseases are among major causes of blindness affecting millions of people worldwide, for which synthetic keratoprosthesis was considered the last resort to restore vision. Yet, these synthetic keratoprosthesis suffered from serious limitations, especially the foreign body reactions invoked by them resulting in extrusion of the whole prosthesis from the eye. To overcome these shortcomings, an autologous osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis utilizing intraoral entities was introduced that could positively restore vision even in cases of severely damaged eyes. The successful functioning of this prosthesis, however, predominantly depended on the presence of a healthy periodontium for grafting. Therefore, the following short communication aims to acknowledge this lesser-known role of the periodontium and other oral structures in bestowing vision to the blind patients.

Implant Maintenance: A Clinical Update

Introduction. The differences in the supporting structure of the implant make them more susceptible to inflammation and bone loss when plaque accumulates as compared to the teeth. Therefore, a comprehensive maintenance protocol should be followed to ensure the longevity of the implant. Material and Method. A research to provide scientific evidence supporting the feasibility of various implant care methods was carried out using various online resources to retrieve relevant studies published since 1985. Results. The electronic search yielded 708 titles, out of which a total of 42 articles were considered appropriate and finally included for the preparation of this review article. Discussion. A typical maintenance visit for patients with dental implants should last 1 hour and should be scheduled every 3 months to evaluate any changes in their oral and general history. It is essential to have a proper instrument selection to prevent damage to the implant surface and trauma to the peri-implant tissues. Conclusion. As the number of patients opting for dental implants is increasing, it becomes increasingly essential to know the differences between natural teeth and implant care and accept the challenges of maintaining these restorations.

Chlorhexidine–thymol varnish as an adjunct to scaling and root planing: A clinical observation

AIM To evaluate the efficacy of chlorhexidine-thymol varnish (Cervitec Plus(®)) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the improvement of periodontal parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS A split mouth randomized clinical trial was conducted in 25 subjects with chronic periodontitis receiving scaling and root planing alone and as an adjunct to chlorhexidine-thymol varnish (Cervitec Plus(®)) and chlorhexidine-thymol varnish (Cervitec Plus(®)) alone. Clinical examinations were performed at baseline, 1 month and 3 months. RESULTS Short term advantages were observed in the clinical parameters in subjects receiving scaling and root planing and an adjunct, chlorhexidine-thymol varnish (Cervitec Plus(®)) who showed the greatest improvement in the periodontal parameters at 3 months. CONCLUSION Subjects with chronic periodontitis significantly benefit from scaling and root planing when used with an adjunct, chlorhexidine-thymol varnish (Cervitec Plus(®)).

Esthetic dentistry for multiple gingival recession cases: Coronally advanced flap with bracket application

Treatment of gingival recession is essential to rectify the esthetic and functional deficiencies of the patient and to combat further periodontal destruction. However, treating multiple recession cases is quite challenging, and therefore requires constant modifications of the prevalent treatment strategies as per the severity of the condition. The objective of this case report was to evaluate the effectiveness of coronally advanced flap (CAF) technique without vertical incisions using CAF brackets (CAF+B) for treating a patient presenting with class II gingival recession defects in relation to maxillary anteriors. Complete root coverage was observed, and the results were consistent even after 6 months. The current case report demonstrates good outcomes of the CAF + B technique without the use of any additional soft tissue grafts or vertical incisions, therefore, endorsing the promising potential of the CAF + B technique in multiple gingival recession cases.