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Clinical and radiographical split-mouth-study on resorbable versus non-resorbable GTR-membranes.

The aim of this prospective split-mouth-study was to compare the 5-months-healing results after implantation of resorbable (Polyglactin-910) and non-resorbable (e-PTFE) GTR-membranes. 12 healthy patients with 41 periodontal defects were treated. Radiographical and clinical examinations (papillary bleeding index, gingival recession, probing pocket depth, probing attachment level, and furcation depth) were carried out under standardized conditions immediately before and 5 months after surgery. The vertical relative attachment gain (V-rAG) was calculated as a % of the bony defect depth (intra-operatively measured) at baseline, and the horizontal relative attachment gain (H-rAG) as a % of the furcation depth at baseline. The standardized radiographs were evaluated blind by 4 experienced examiners for changes of the alveolar bone. Furthermore, digital subtraction radiography was carried out using the standard deviation of the grey level histograms in the experimental region and in a control region as a test parameter for bone changes. Both types of membranes achieved an attachment gain. Using the split-mouth-design, no statistically significant (< or = 0.05) difference between the two membranes could be detected (number of defects/median) with regard to V-rAG (Polyglactin: 12/77.5%, e-PTFE: 12/73.2%) or to H-rAG of class-II-furcations (Polyglactin: 5/66.7%, e-PTFE: 5/66.7%), or to bone changes using conventional and subtraction radiographic evaluation. In conclusion based on this 5-months-study, the resorbable membranes provided attachment gain comparable to the e-PTFE-membranes.

Adult↗

[A 3-year experience with guided tissue regeneration procedures].

The Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR) procedures are promoting a clinically and radiologically as well as histologically verifiably periodontal attachment gain. The objective of the study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of these GTR techniques. In the past four years different barrier membranes (Gore-tex, Resolut and Guidor) were used around 318 teeth of 196 patients. 169 periodontal defects of 140 patients were followed up at least for two years. 54 patient had chronic adult type periodontitis, 67 suffered with rapidly progressing periodontitis and 15 had different severe mucogingival lesions. 111 vertical bony defects, 43 Class II-III furcation lesions and 15 mucogingival lesions were surgically corrected. The average preoperative probing depth (PD) and the clinical attachment loss (CAL) of the vertical bony defects were 5.3 +/- 1.7 mm and 6.2 +/- 1.9 mm respectively. The PD of the deepest Class III furcation lesion was 11 mm. The average gingival recession of the mucogingival lesions was 4.5 +/- 1.1 mm. The GTR technique provided the best results in the Class II-III furcation lesions, where an average 2.4 +/- 0.9 clinical attachment gain was observed one year postoperatively. The GTR techniques provided an average 1.8 +/- 1.2 mm attachment gain in the vertical bony crater cases. In both groups of cases a marked gingival recession followed the healing and the periodontal regeneration. In this way the average reduction in the probing depth exceeded the average attachment gain by more that 1.5 mm. 1 year after the operation the average radiologic bone fill was about 0.9-1.2 mm. The resorbable barrier membranes resulted in clinically significant root coverage and an average 3.5 +/- 1.7 mm gain in the width of keratinized gingiva. The success or failure of our cases were mainly determined by the patient's compliance, the level of the postoperative professional and individual oral hygiene and the number of periodontal recalls. These findings are also underlining the importance of the high standard of oral hygiene in the postoperative periodontal regeneration.

Adult↗

Alveolar bone loss in adults as assessed on panoramic radiographs. (II) Multilevel models.

The aim of this study was to delineate factors influencing the severity of bone loss in randomly selected orthopantomograms of adult patients seeking treatment by the dental service of the German Armed Forces. A total of 240 panoramic exposures was available for analysis, 60 in each of the age groups <30, 30-39, 40-49, and >or=50. For each tooth, distances between the coronal landmark (CL) cemento-enamel junction or margin of restoration, and alveolar crest (AC), and bone level (BL) were measured with a calliper to the nearest 0.1 mm. Multilevel models revealed that bone levels decreased by 0.05 mm each year of life, on average. Bone loss was more pronounced in the maxilla, especially at molars. Infrabony lesions were strongly associated with deficient restorations and periapical lesions. Periapical pathology was also associated with radiographic evidence for furcation involvement. In this predominantly male population, periodontal bone loss gradually increased with age, but prevalence of infrabony defects was very low. Multilevel modelling indicated strong associations between infrabony defects and insufficient restorations and periapical pathology.

Adult↗

A controlled multicenter study of adjunctive use of tetracycline periodontal fibers in mandibular class II furcations with persistent bleeding.

The aim of this randomized single-blind multicenter controlled clinical trial was to clinically evaluate the effectiveness of adjunctive local controlled drug delivery in the control of bleeding on probing in mandibular class II furcations during maintenance care. 127 patients presenting with a class II mandibular furcation with bleeding on probing were included in the study. They had been previously treated for periodontitis and were participating in supportive care programs in periodontal specialty practices. Treatments consisted of scaling and root planing with oral hygiene instructions (control) and scaling and root planing and oral hygiene combined with local controlled drug delivery with tetracycline fibers (test). The following outcomes were evaluated at baseline and 3 and 6 months after therapy at the furcation site: bleeding on controlled force probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment levels (CAL). Levels of oral hygiene and smoking status were also assessed. Both test and controls resulted in significant improvements of BOP and PD at 3 and 6 months. The test treatment, however, resulted in significantly better improvements: BOP decreased by 52% in the control group and by 70% in the test group at 3 months; at 6 months, however, the difference was no longer significant. The test treatment resulted in a 0.5 mm greater reduction of PD than the control at 3 months, the improvement was highly significant but its duration did not extend until the 6 months evaluation. No differences were observed in terms of changes in CAL. These data indicate that addition of tetracycline fibers to mechanical therapy alone resulted in improved control of periodontal parameters during periodontal maintenance of class II mandibular furcations. Short duration of the effect, however, requires further investigations to optimize conservative treatment of these challenging defects.

Adult↗

Clinical comparison of resorbable and non-resorbable barriers for guided periodontal tissue regeneration.

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical results of guided periodontal tissue regeneration (GPTR) using a resorbable barrier manufactured from a copolymer of polylactic and polyglycolic acids (Resolut Regenerative Material) with those of non-resorbable e-PTFE barrier (Gore-Tex Periodontal Material). 12 subjects participated, 6 with similarly paired class II furcations and 6 with 2 similar 2, 3-wall periodontal lesions. The resorbable and non-resorbable barriers were randomly assigned to 1 defect in each subject. Non-resorbable barriers were removed in six weeks. Plaque index (PlI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and gingival recession (R) were recorded at baseline, (i.e., immediately prior to surgery) and at 12 months postsurgically. The clinical healing was similar and uneventful in both groups. Intrabony pockets depicted significant changes from baseline (p < 0.05) for probing depth reduction and gain in clinical attachment levels. No differences were found between treatments. Class II furcations showed significant improvements from baseline (p < or = 0.05) for probing depth reduction and clinical attachment gain. No differences were detected between treatments. It is concluded that the resorbable barrier tested is as effective as the nonresorbable e-PTFE barrier for the treatment of class II furcations and intrabony defects.

Adult↗

Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes and connective tissue grafts support bone regeneration for closing mandibular Class II furcations.

Twenty-four mandibular buccal Class II furcation lesions in 12 subjects were treated with reconstructive periodontal therapy including citric acid root treatment and replaced flap surgery. Twelve (12) of the lesions received expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membranes to cover the furcation entrance (ePTFE group) whereas the remaining 12 lesions received a connective tissue graft over the furcation (CTG group). Clinical assessments, including probing depth, probing attachment level, location of gingival margin, direct bone probing, and defect volume, were taken at baseline and at 12 months reentry. In the ePTFE group 30% of the defect volume filled with bone; 36% of the defects exhibited complete bone closure. In the CTG group 19% of the defect volume filled with bone and 18% of these defects exhibited complete bone closure. There were no meaningful clinical differences between treatment groups except in horizontal probing depth change (P < or = 0.05). This study suggests that connective tissue grafts and ePTFE membranes have comparable potential in supporting bone regeneration in mandibular Class II furcation lesions. Further clinical trials with larger numbers of patients and a longer evaluation period are needed to fully compare these procedures.

Adult↗

Oxidized cellulose mesh used as a biodegradable barrier membrane in the technique of guided tissue regeneration. A case report.

In this case study oxidized cellulose mesh was shown to have potential for use as a biodegradable barrier membrane for regenerative procedures in furcation areas and interdental infrabony defects. The material was customized so as to protrude coronally to the soft tissue flaps and interdentally after surgery. The material resorbed and normal healing took place with crevicular depths less than 2 mm by 1 month postoperatively. By 6 months postoperatively, 2 of the sites showed crevice depths of 3 mm. Initially there was negligible recession, except in one site, but by 6 months after surgery some resistant to probing. It is, therefore, concluded that this material may have the potential for use as a biodegradable membrane in the technique of guided tissue regeneration.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Diagnosing molar furcation invasions.

Molar teeth with deep, horizontal furcation invasions (FI) are among the most difficult to treat periodontally. Therefore, it is important that these defects be detected early when the chances for successful, long-term treatment results are good. Even advanced FI are often treatable if their extent is properly diagnosed. The role of radiographs in the diagnosis of FI is discussed with emphasis on their limitations. The importance of accurate horizontal and vertical probing of FI is stressed. Proper probing techniques are presented along with anatomical factors which may adversely affect accuracy.

Dental Instruments↗

A phase I/II clinical trial to evaluate a combination of recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB and recombinant human insulin-like growth factor-I in patients with periodontal disease.

The primary objective of this study was to assess the safety of recombinant human (rh) platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) and (rh) insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) when applied to periodontal osseous defects in humans; a secondary objective was to begin to accrue data on the therapeutic dose of these growth factors (GFs) required to stimulate periodontal regeneration. Thirty-eight human subjects possessing bilateral osseous periodontal lesions were assigned to one of two treatment groups in a split-mouth design. Following full-thickness flap reflection, test sites received local application of the therapeutic drug delivered in coded syringes by a "masked" investigator. Two dose levels were tested, 50 micrograms/ml each of rhPDGF-BB and rhIGF-I in a gel vehicle (LD-PDGF/IGF-I) and 150 micrograms/ml each of rhPDGF-BB and rhIGF-I plus vehicle (HD-PDGF/IGF-I). Control treatment consisted of either conventional periodontal flap surgery or surgery plus vehicle. Safety analyses included physical examination, hematology, serum chemistry, urinalysis, antibody titers, and radiographic evaluation of bony changes. The primary therapeutic assessment was bone fill measured at re-entry 6 to 9 months after treatment. No local or systemic safety issues were found as a result of GF administration. No patients developed antibodies to the rhGF proteins. In subjects treated with LD-PDGF/IGF-I, there were no enhancements in periodontal regeneration compared to controls. However, in patients treated with HD-PDGF/IGF-I, statistically significant increases in alveolar bone formation were noted as measured by surgical re-entry 9 months following drug delivery (P < 0.05). This corresponded to an increase of 2.08 mm of new vertical bone height and 42.3% osseous defect fill in the HD-PDGF/IGF-I subjects versus only 0.75 mm and 18.5% gains in new bone height and osseous fill, respectively, in the controls. Furcation lesions, although limited in number, responded most favorably to treatment, with 2.8 mm horizontal osseous fill. The results from this study suggest that the local application of rhPDGF-BB and rhIGF-I to periodontal lesions is safe at the dose levels studied. LD-PDGF/IGF-I did not elicit increased defect fill compared to the control; however, HD-PDGF/IGF-I resulted in a significant promotion in bone regeneration. Additional studies are warranted to more fully characterize the effects of PDGF/IGF-I on periodontal regeneration in humans.

Administration, Topical↗

Clinical evaluation of an enamel matrix derivative in the treatment of mandibular degree II furcation involvement: a 36-month case series.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical outcome following application of an enamel matrix derivative in degree II mandibular furcation involvements. Ten patients with chronic periodontitis, presenting a total of eight buccal and eight lingual degree II furcation involvements, were included in the study. The following clinical parameters were evaluated prior to treatment and after 6, 12, and 36 months: probing attachment level in horizontal direction in the buccal and/or lingual furcation area (PAL-H) and probing attachment level in vertical direction (PAL-V) at the center of the buccal/lingual furcation area. The postoperative healing phase was uneventful in all cases, and no complications were observed throughout the entire study period. At 6 months, the mean PAL-H of the buccal defects was reduced from 4.0 +/- 1.3 mm to 2.6 +/- 1.4 mm, and the mean PAL-V was reduced from 5.2 +/- 2.0 mm to 4.0 +/- 1.6 mm. At the lingual defects, the mean PAL-H was reduced from 3.6 +/- 1.3 mm to 3.1 +/- 1.1 mm, and the mean PAL-V was reduced from 5.6 +/- 2.0 mm to 4.3 +/- 1.8 mm. At 12 and 36 months, clinical parameters remained similar, without any further clinical improvement. These results suggest that the treatment of degree II mandibular furcation involvements with enamel matrix derivative might lead to clinical improvement. However, controlled clinical trials and histologic studies are needed to examine the clinical significance of these results and the characteristics of healing following application of enamel matrix derivative.

Adult↗

Bioabsorbable membrane and bioactive glass in the treatment of intrabony defects in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis: results of a 5-year clinical and radiological study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this clinical and radiological prospective 5-year study was to compare the long-term effectiveness of a bioabsorbable membrane and a bioactive glass in the treatment of intrabony defects in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis. METHODS: Sixteen patients (11 women and five men) with generalized aggressive periodontitis were enrolled in the study. The investigations were confined to 1- to 3-walled intrabony defects with a depth >/=4 mm and with preoperative probing depths (PDs) >/=7 mm. Teeth with furcation involvement were excluded. Twenty-two of the defects were treated with the membrane (RXT group) and 20 with the bioactive glass (PG group). Allocation to the two groups was randomized. The clinical parameters plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), PD, bleeding on probing (BOP), gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment level (CAL), and tooth mobility were recorded before surgery and at 6 months and every year for 5 years after surgery. Intraoral radiographs were taken using a standardized paralleling technique at baseline and every year for 5 years. Statistical analysis was based on Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, analysis of covariance, and Spearman's bivariate correlation analysis. RESULTS: After 5 years, a reduction in PD of 3.6 +/- 0.8 mm (P = 0.016) and a gain in CAL of 3.0 +/- 2.0 mm (P = 0.01) were registered in the RXT group. There was a slight increase in GR by 0.6 +/- 1.4 mm (P = 0.334). In the PG group, a reduction in PD of 3.5 +/- 1.4 mm (P = 0.01) and a gain in CAL of 3.3 +/- 2.1 mm (P = 0.01) were recorded, whereas GR increased by 0.2 +/- 1.7 mm (P = 0.525). The 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-year results did not differ significantly from the 5-year results. Radiographically, the defects (the point on the proximal surface of the defective tooth at which the projected alveolar crest intersected the root surface [xCA] to the most coronally located point at the proximal surface of the tooth on the defect side up to which the periodontal ligament space still displayed a uniform width [xBD]) were found to be filled by 47.5% +/- 38.3% (P = 0.001) in the RXT group and by 65.0% +/- 50.5% (P = 0.001) in the PG group. Crestal resorption (the most apical point of the enamel at the proximal surface of the tooth on the defect side [xCEJ] to the xCA) was 19.0% +/- 30.2% (P = 0.374) in the RXT group and 12.3% +/- 38.6% (P = 0.647) in the PG group. The xCEJ to the xBD was significantly more in the PG group (28.4 +/- 24.6 versus 7.3 +/- 21.8, P = 0.048). A good standard of oral hygiene and inflammation-free periodontal tissue in the postoperative phase improved the treatment outcome. No dependence of attachment gain was found on the tooth type, number of walls involved in the defects (r = 0.075; P = 0.319), or intraoperative depth (r = 0.114; P = 0.307). CONCLUSIONS: Highly significant improvements in the parameters PD and CAL were recorded after 5 years with both regenerative materials. Radiographically, the defects (the xCED to the xBD) were found to be filled significantly more in the bioactive glass group. A good standard of oral hygiene and inflammation-free periodontal tissue in the postoperative phase improved the treatment outcome.

Absorbable Implants↗

[Experience of repairing alveolar bone defects by collagen membrane and hydroxyapatite and its long-term result].

PURPOSE: To observe the clinical effect of using the domestic BME-10X medical collagen membrane and hydroxyapatite (HA) in guide tissue regeneration of the bone defects caused by periodontitis and periapical cyst. METHODS: 18 cases with 9 points in 9 teeth with II degree furation involvement, 16 points in 11 teeth with 2 or 3 bone bottom pockets and 6 cases with periapical cyst were chosen in our study. The defect region of alveolar bone was stuffed with HA and covered with collagen membrane. The pathological changes after over one year were observed and recorded. RESULTS: The pathological changes of alveolar bone defects were significant in 7 cases with furcation involvements (77.8%),12 cases with bone bottom pockets (75%),and 6 cases of periapical cyst (100%). CONCLUSION: The combination of collagen membrane and HA can be applied in repairing the alveolar bone defects resulting form periodontitis and periapical cysts.

Adult↗

Clinical evaluation of the use of calcium sulfate in regenerative periodontal surgery for the treatment of Class III furcation involvement.

The purpose of this study was clinical evaluation of the effectiveness of a composite graft, consisting of demineralized freeze-dried bone and doxycycline hyclate (4:1 by vol.) in combination with a resorbable calcium sulfate barrier in the treatment of Class III furcation involvement. A total of 24 sites in seven patients having adult periodontitis with at least two mandibular molars with class III furcation involvement were randomly allocated into two equal groups. The experimental sites received the composite graft in the furcation area covered by the barrier buccally and lingually. The control sites were treated by surgical debridement only. Baseline preoperative data, including probing depth, clinical attachment level, gingival recession and radiographic bone level, were recorded. During surgery, direct linear and volumetric measurements of the defects were taken. At 12 months postoperatively, all sites were surgically re-entered and all measurements were again recorded. Student's t-test and analysis of variance of the data showed: (1) The experimental sites had a significant (P < .05) gain in clinical attachment while the control sites did not (1.44 + 0.33 mm vs. 0.11 + 0.35 mm); (2) the control sites showed greater (P < .05) gingival recession than the experimental sites (0.93 + 0.43 vs. 0.31 + 0.26); (3) when compared to control sites, the experimental group showed significantly (P < .05) greater vertical defect fill (2.24 + 0.79 mm vs. 0.45 + 0.82 mm) and volumetric fill (37.2% vs. 7.5%). In conclusion, the combined composite graft and resorbable barrier utilized in this study may have a favorable effect on the treatment outcome of mandibular class III furcations 12 months postoperatively when compared to surgical debridement only.

Absorbable Implants↗

Bioabsorbable membrane and bioactive glass in the treatment of intrabony defects in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis: results of a 12-month clinical and radiological study.

BACKGROUND: Guided tissue regeneration can be achieved using membranes. In recent years, some evidence has been provided that bioactive glass is also capable of supporting the regenerative healing of periodontal lesions. The aim of this clinical and radiological prospective study was to compare the effectiveness of a bioabsorbable membrane and a bioactive glass in the treatment of intrabony defects in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis. METHODS: Twelve patients (9 females, 3 males) with generalized aggressive periodontitis were enrolled in the study. The investigations were confined to 1- to 3-walled intrabony defects with a depth > or = 4 mm and with preoperative probing depths > or = 7 mm. Teeth with furcation involvement were excluded. Fifteen of the total 30 defects were treated with the membrane (RXT group) and 15 with the bioactive glass (PG group). Allocation to the groups was randomized. The clinical parameters plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment level (CAL), and mobility were recorded prior to surgery as well as 6 and 12 months after surgery. Intraoral radiographs were taken in standardized paralleling technique at baseline and 12 months after the surgery. Following digitization, changes in the distances from the alveolar crest (xCA) to the defect base (xBD) and from the CEJ (xCEJ) to the xCA were determined. Statistical analysis was based on Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Wilcoxon signed-ranks test, analysis of covariance, and Spearman's bivariate correlation analysis. RESULTS: After 12 months, a reduction in PD of 4.0 +/- 2.1 mm (P < 0.001) and a gain in CAL of 3.4 +/- 2.3 mm (P < 0.001) was registered in the RXT group. There was a slight increase in GR by 0.6 +/- 1.5 mm (P = 0.074). In the PG group, a reduction in PD of 3.8 +/- 1.9 mm (P < 0.001) and a gain in CAL of 2.8 +/- 1.9 mm (P < 0.001) was recorded, whereas GR increased by 1.0 +/- 1.4 mm (P = 0.007). The 6-month results did not differ significantly from the stated values. Radiographically, the defects (xCA to xBD) were found to be filled by 57.2 +/- 33.5% (P = 0.001) in the RXT group and by 50.5 +/- 22.8% (P = 0.001) in the PG group. Crestal resorption (xCEJ to xCA) was 6.1 +/- 34.5% (P = 0.910) in the RXT group and 15.1 +/- 39.7% (P = 0.433) in the PG group. Only the change in gingival recession after 12 months was significantly greater (P = 0.031) in the PG group, with -1.0 +/- 1.4 mm, compared to the RXT group, with -0.6 +/- 1.5 mm. Changes in the other clinical and radiological parameters showed no significant differences. The attachment gain correlated negatively with the preoperative PI (r = -0.574; P = 0.004) and with BOP after 6 months (r = -0.315; P = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Highly significant improvements in the parameters PD, CAL, and xCA-xBD were recorded after 6 and 12 months, respectively, with both regenerative materials. A good standard of oral hygiene and inflammation-free periodontal tissue in the postoperative phase improved the treatment outcome.

Absorbable Implants↗

Periodontal probing in comparison to diagnosis by CT-scan.

AIM: To compare clinical periodontal probing and the corresponding CT-evaluation of the loss of bone. METHOD: 639 measurement sites were studied on 95 periodontal sites. The measured length was the distance between the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) and the pocket base on probing and the bone base of the pocket on the CT-analysis. Additionally, a comparison of the diagnostic potential of both methods regarding the furcation involvement was made. RESULTS: Clinical probing depths showed a mean value of 2.6+/-2.0 mm, while the CT-measurements exhibited a figure of 4.2+/-2.3 mm. In 49.5% of the measured sites, the difference between clinical and CT-measurement was 2mm or higher. The greatest differences between the measured values were found on the buccal and lingual sites (P=0.0004). The narrower the vertical bone defects in the CT (angle in coronal direction), the greater were the differences between the clinical probing depths and the measurements carried out on the CT (P=0.02). Clinically, in 31% of the cases the furcation involvement was underestimated or not identified at all. CONCLUSION: Computed tomography imaging techniques could be beneficial in the field of periodontal diagnosis. The results underscore the higher accuracy of the CT-technique, compared with clinical probing, while assessing periodontal breakdown and its marked superiority in the diagnosis of furcation areas, compared to the clinical examinations performed.

Alveolar Bone Loss↗

Bone regeneration in advanced periodontitis lesions after a single episode of root planing--case report with ten-years of follow-up.

This report describes a significant bone regeneration in a mandibular molar with advancing long-standing periodontal disease (defect extending to apex and into furcation) following a single episode of scaling and root planing. A 52-year-old female suffered from generalized moderate periodontitis for two years. An acute periodontal abscess with a 12 mm probing depth around the right mandibular first molar was noted. After incision and drainage, thorough scaling and root planing was performed under local anaesthesia. Three months later, radiographic examination showed complete bone regeneration with formation of a distinct lamina dura. It was concluded that favorable clinical and radiographic results could be obtained after a single episode of thorough subgingival root planing combined with excellent oral hygiene maintenance.

Bone Regeneration↗

Cervical enamel projection and intermediate bifurcational ridge correlated with molar furcation involvements.

In this study, we investigated the cervical enamel projection (CEP) and intermediate bifurcational ridge (IBR) correlated with localized molar furcation involvement (FI). Study samples consisting of 87 hopeless permanent mandibulars (56 first and 31 second molars), which required extraction for periodontal therapy, were randomly collected from the School's Dental Clinic. The furcal defects, CEPs, and IBRs of molars were diagnosed via clinical probing, periapical radiographs, and inspection of ground tooth sections of extracted teeth with a stereomicroscope. Prevalence and distribution of molars with CEPs and/or IBRs were also analyzed. Probing depths (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), gingival index (GI), and plaque index (PLI) were measured for the buccal and lingual surfaces of molar furcal areas. Moreover, the relationships between the molar FI with and without CEPs and IBRs and periodontal status were analyzed using Student's paired t-test. Based on those results, we can conclude the following: 1) among 87 molars with FIs examined, 63.2% (55/87) had cervical enamel projections and bifurcational ridges, and the prevalence was greatest in mandibular first (67.9%, 38/56) and second (54.8%, 17/31) molars; and 2) the differences in mean PD, CAL, PLI, and GI between the molars with and without CEPs and IBRs were highly significant (P < 0.001) in the mandibular first and second molars.

Coloring Agents↗

Glycosaminoglycans in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with periodontal class II furcation involvement before and after guided tissue regeneration. A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The levels of glycosaminoglycans in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) are good indicators of underlying tissue turnover. We hypothesize that connective tissue elements in GCF may be used as indicators of tissue maturation underneath barrier membranes. Therefore, we investigated the levels of sulfated glycosaminoglycans in GCF at sites before and after guided tissue regeneration (GTR). METHODS: Six patients were selected on the basis of having at least one Class II buccal furcation involvement on a molar tooth. Each molar furcation was treated with the standard GTR surgical protocol using a non-resorbable expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane. Gingival crevicular fluid samples were taken at baseline (immediately prior to insertion of the membrane) and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 weeks (immediately prior to removal of the membrane). Glycosaminoglycan levels were determined using an Alcian blue dye detection system. RESULTS: The mean levels of chondroitin sulfate and total sulfated glycosaminoglycans in GCF significantly decreased during the first 4 weeks after GTR surgery. By week 5, the levels began to rise, and by week 6 the levels had returned to baseline levels. CONCLUSIONS: Sulfated glycosaminoglycans can be monitored in GCF at healing GTR sites. It is proposed that this is a useful means of monitoring the status of the regenerating tissues. However, further longitudinal studies are required to assess if the sulfated glycosaminoglycans can be used as indicators of tissue maturation under guided tissue membranes used to treat periodontal defects.

Adult↗