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Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the reliability and applicability of novel methods for determining gingival phenotypes and compare them with currently recommended methods., Methods: Six maxillary anterior teeth from 50 systemically and periodontally healthy patients were evaluated using two conventional methods (periodontal probe translucency method [PP] and transgingival measurement with an endodontic file [EF]), and two novel methods (colored biotype probe translucency method [CBP] and transgingival measurement with a Florida probe [FP]). All data were statistically analyzed. Intra-examiner reproducibility and inter-examiner reproducibility for all methods were analyzed using 10 randomly selected patients who were re-evaluated for each analysis., Results: Moderate agreement was found between EF and PP, with statistically significant differences between median gingival thickness (GT) values for thick 0.8 mm (0.5-1.1 mm) and thin 1 mm (0.6-1.7 mm) phenotypes, and a threshold GT value of ≤0.92 mm (p < .001). FP and PP also showed moderate agreement, with statistically significant differences between median GT values for thick and thin phenotypes (0.80 mm [0.40-1.60 mm] and 0.89 mm [0.40-1.60 mm], respectively), and a threshold GT value of ≤0.8 mm (p < .001). PP and CBP values showed a substantial agreement (p < .001). A statistically significant difference was found between median EF values and CBP categories (p < .001); however, paired comparisons showed that the distinction was applicable only between thin and other phenotypes., Conclusion: Although CBP was found to be successful in detecting the thin phenotype, it was not successful in distinguishing between medium, thick, and very thick phenotypes; moreover, it did not appear to offer any advantages over PP. Although FP may be preferable to EF in measuring gingival thickness, the cost of FP is a disadvantage., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: There is an increased risk of long-term dental and periodontal disease in autoimmune bullous diseases (AIBD)., Aims: In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to determine whether the oral health-related quality of life status (OHRQoL) was associated with disease severity and activity in patients with AIBD., Subjects and Methods: 67 patients with AIBD were enrolled in this study. Autoimmune Bullous Skin Disorder Intensity Score (ABSIS) was used to evaluate the disease severity. The score was categorized as a significant course (≥17) and moderate course (<17). Oral health impact profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire was filled to assess the OHRQoL. Self-reported oral health status and oral lesion related pain score were also evaluated in the study group., Results: OHIP-14 score was significantly higher in active patients (42.28 ± 13.66) than inactive patients (29.08 ± 12.25) (P = 0.004) and it was correlated with the pain score (6.33 ± 2.78; r = 0.409, P = 0.013). Furthermore, OHIP-14 score was higher in patients with a significant disease course (45.18 ± 15.08) (P = 0.010) than in patients with a moderate course (36.09 ± 9.73)., Conclusions: OHRQoL may be useful in the disease management and treatment. Since it can be affected by both presence of oral erosions and disease severity, a collaboration between dermatologists and dentists could be crucial to the disease management in AIBD., Competing Interests: None

Background: The concentration and persisting time of antimicrobial agents in the periodontal pockets are important factors for their antimicrobial efficacy. Increased clearance time in the periodontal pocket is a significant criterion for the selection of intrapocket irrigants. The aim of this study was to estimate the clearance time of a cationic agent from the periodontal pocket., Methods: Thallium-201(Tl-201) was chosen as a tracer to simulate the clearance of cationic substance because of its electrical activity. Twenty patients with periodontitis and probing depths 6 to 9 mm were included in this study. In each patient, 3 Mega Becquerel (MBq) of Tl-201 were inserted into the periodontal pocket. Dynamic imaging was performed and clearance of radioactivity was measured., Results: Clearance of radioactivity was 67.1 ± 16.9, 83.1 ± 13.9, 90.4 ± 10.4, 93.39 ± 8.0% at 30, 60, 90 and 120 min, respectively. Half-life of wash-out was determined as 20.3 ± 10.2 min., Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that the half-life of the cationic solution applied subgingivally was approximately 20 min and labelling of oral irrigants with radiotracers may be used to determine their clearance in further research.

Objective: Irrigation with saline is one of the essential methods for reducing the heat generated during dental implant osteotomy. High irrigation volume impairs visibility of the surgical field, thus complicates the surgery. In this study, we aimed to determine the optimal irrigation volume for heat reduction during dental implant drilling., Materials and Methods: Thirty-two implant osteotomies were prepared on four fresh cow ribs. Heat generated during the final implant drilling was measured both with infrared thermography and thermocouple method. Initial and maximum temperatures were measured at four different irrigation volumes; 32, 44, 56, and 68 ml/min., Results: Both measurement methods showed that the amount of temperature rise is associated with the irrigation volume during implant drilling. There is no further decrease in temperature rise above irrigation volume of 56 ml/min., Conclusion: Saline irrigation with 56 ml/min provides sufficient heat reduction during dental implant drilling and higher irrigation volumes are not necessary., Competing Interests: None

Background and Objective: Recent studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on physiological processes and on a variety of chronic inflammatory diseases, including periodontal diseases. In this study, we evaluated the impact of omega-3 PUFAs in conjunction with scaling and root planing (SRP) on salivary markers in patients with chronic periodontitis., Material and Methods: Thirty systemically healthy subjects with chronic periodontitis were enrolled and randomly allocated into two groups. The control group (n = 15) was treated with SRP + placebo whereas the test group was treated with SRP and dietary supplementation of low-dose omega-3 PUFAs (6.25 mg eicosapentaenoic acid and 19.19 mg docosahexaenoic acid). Clinical parameters were taken at baseline, 1, 3 and 6 mo following therapy. Saliva samples were obtained at the same time intervals and analyzed for tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)., Results: Both groups showed significant changes in clinical parameters in response to treatment compared to baseline with no significant difference between groups. Salivary TNF-α levels showed a statistically significant decrease in the test group at 6 mo compared to the control group. Salivary SOD levels increased significantly at 3 and 6 mo in the test group and at 6 mo in placebo groups compared to baseline with no statistically significant differences between the groups., Conclusion: The results demonstrated that dietary supplementation with low-dose omega-3 PUFAs improves salivary TNF-α without any significant impact on clinical parameters in patients with chronic periodontitis, suggesting that the systemic benefits of dietary omega-3 PUFAs may not be translated to periodontal health. (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT02719587)., (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate how donor sites thickness quantitatively change over time and at different points of donor site in spontaneous palatal wound healing after free gingival graft (FGG) harvesting., Materials and Methods: Forty individuals were enrolled and divided into the following two groups based on the residual tissue thickness (RTT) after harvesting: Group 1, <2 mm; and Group 2, ≥2 mm. FGGs were standardized according to their dimensions and thickness and then harvested. Tissue filling was measured at three points of the defect area (mesial, central and distal) at various time points (baseline, after harvesting, and at 1, 3 and 6 months)., Results: The thickness of newly formed tissue from the baseline to 1 month after harvesting was greater in Group 2 than in Group 1, whereas the thickness from 1 to 3 months and from 3 to 6 months after harvesting was greater in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p < 0.005). RTT was positively correlated with tissue filling in all the groups at all time points (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: The palatal mucosal thickness after FGG harvesting might affect the filling of the defect. Within the study period, the periphery of the palatal wounds filled earlier and to a greater extent compared with the centre of the wounds., (© 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

The total removal of a lesion via excisional biopsy causes gingival recession, resulting in dentin hypersensitivity and esthetical problems. In this case report, a gingival recession defect resulting from an excisional biopsy was treated with a free gingival grafting procedure performed during the same appointment, and its 12-year follow-up was presented. A 44-year-old female patient was presented to our clinic with a firm, pedunculated, red gingival enlargement located on the labial surface of lower incisors. The exposed root surface, after the excisional biopsy, was covered with a free gingival graft. The lesion was pathologically diagnosed as pyogenic granuloma, and in the early postoperative phase, no recurrence was observed, but partial root coverage was determined. At 6-month follow-up, root coverage resulting from "creeping attachment" was observed, and this situation was maintained throughout the 12-year follow-up period. Repetitious postoperative discomfort and emotional stress for the patient may be avoided with a timesaving single appointment performing excisional biopsy and free gingival graft. Free gingival grafting procedure was used for this purpose not only to cover exposed root surfaces but also to eliminate dentin hypersensitivity and make oral hygiene procedures more effective.

Objective: This study evaluated the impact of photobiomodulation (PBM) on the healing of the donor palatal area following free gingival graft (FGG) harvesting by examining changes in transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB, and interleukin (IL)-8 levels in palatal wound fluid (PWF)., Material and Methods: Thirty patients were selected and randomly assigned to receive PBM (laser group) or PBM sham (sham group) in the palatine area after FGG harvesting. A neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser (1064 nm) was applied to the test sites immediately after surgery and every 24 h thereafter for 4 days. PWF was collected on Days 7 and 12, and PWF TGF-β1, PDGF-BB, and IL-8 levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA)., Results: PWF TGF-β1, PDGF-BB, and IL-8 levels were significantly lower on Day 12 than on Day 7 for both groups. PWF TGF-β1, PDGF-BB, and IL-8 levels of the laser group were significantly higher than those of sham group on Day 7 (p < 0.05). PWF TGF-β1 levels were also significantly higher in laser group than in the sham group on Day 12; however, differences in PDGF-BB and IL-8 levels between groups on Day 12 were statistically nonsignificant., Conclusions: Observed increases in PWF TGF-β1, PDGF-BB, and IL-8 levels suggest that PBM may accelerate wound healing by stimulating production of selected mediators.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of low-level laser (LLL) and desensitizing paste (DP) containing 8% arginine-calcium carbonate, in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity (DH) and also to determine whether their combined application would improve the efficacy of the treatment., Background Data: There are various options for the treatment of DH; however, superiority of one method over others alone has not been currently demonstrated., Materials and Methods: Twenty-one patients with 156 teeth affected by DH were included in the study. Selected teeth were randomly divided into five groups: LLL, DP, laser followed by DP (LLL+DP), DP followed by laser (DP+LLL) applied to one of the quadrants, and a control group, consisting of a randomly selected additional tooth in one of the quadrants. Teeth were irradiated by the 685 nm diode laser treatment with 25 mW at 9 Hz for 100sec at 1 cm(2) area (2J/cm(2)) in interrupted mode. Pain response to evaporative stimulus was quantified on a visual analogue scale (VAS) over a 90-day period., Results: All four treatment groups experienced significant and persistent decrease in the mean VAS score immediately post-treatment until the end of the study, whereas the placebo group had high VAS scores throughout the study. On day 90, percent reduction in VAS scores was 72% for LLL, 65.4% for DP, 54.6% for LLL+DP, and 69.6% for DP+LLL, whereas the placebo group showed an increase of 7.8%., Conclusions: The application of either LLL or DP containing 8% arginine-calcium carbonate appears to be effective in decreasing DH. However, their combined use does not improve the efficacy beyond what is attainable with either treatment alone.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), autogenous bone (AB), and guided tissue regeneration (GTR) combination therapy compared to GTR therapy alone on healing of bone and cementum in fenestration-type periodontal defects in dogs. Six dogs were included in this study. Fenestration-type defects were created, and the following treatment groups were established: a control group treated with GTR alone and experimental groups treated with a combination of GTR + PRP, GTR + AB, and GTR + AB + PRP. The defects were evaluated by stereologic method and histomorphometric analysis, which were performed 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively. The results showed a significant increase in trabecular bone area in the GTR + PRP group as compared with the control at 4 and 8 weeks (P < .05). The GTR + AB + PRP group showed significantly more trabecular bone area than both GTR and GTR + PRP groups at all time intervals (P < .05). The 8- and 12-week results in terms of cementum area revealed a significant difference between the GTR + AB + PRP group and the control in favor of the former (P < .05). Cementum area in the GTR + AB group was significantly greater than that in the GTR group at all time intervals (P < .05). Within the limitations of this study, PRP and AB, when used under barrier membrane, resulted in significant improvement in bone and cementum formation compared to GTR alone in periodontal fenestration defects; AB, rather than PRP, was responsible for this outcome.

Statement of Problem: Many studies have investigated the heat generated during implant preparation, but data are needed to better predict heat generation during implant insertion., Purpose: The purpose of this study was to measure the heat generated during insertion of an implant at speeds of 30, 50, and 100 rpm, and with manual insertion., Material and Methods: Sixty-four uniform fresh bovine femoral cortical bone specimens were used. After the cortical bone was drilled, 3 different implant insertion speeds and the manual insertion of the implant were evaluated for 2 different implant diameters. The temperature was measured with 2 Teflon-insulated, type K thermocouples. Data were analyzed by 2-way ANOVA, and the Tukey honestly significant difference test (α=.05)., Results: The highest thermal change for 4.1-mm-diameter implants was found at a speed of 100 rpm (9.81°C ±2.29°C), and the lowest thermal change was 3.69°C ±0.85°C at a speed of 30 rpm. A statistically significant difference was found between 100 rpm and the other 3 insertion procedures. The highest thermal change for a 4.8-mm-diameter implant was found at a speed of 100 rpm (8.79°C ±1.53°C), and the lowest thermal change was 4.48°C ±0.85°C at a speed of 30 rpm. No statistical difference was observed with manual, 30 rpm, and 50 rpm; however, a statistically significant difference was found between 100 rpm and the other 3 insertion procedures., Conclusions: Manual implant insertion and at speeds of 30 rpm and 50 rpm generated lower heat compared with insertion at 100 rpm., (Copyright © 2014 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Thermal changes can occur on the external root surface when root-end cavity preparation is performed, which may damage periodontal ligament cells and alveolar bone., Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the temperature changes during preparation of the root-end cavities at 1 and 3 mm to the sectioned apical root surfaces when either tungsten carbide round bur, diamond round bur or ultrasonic diamond tip was used., Methods: Root-end resection was performed at 90 degrees to the long axis of the root, 3 mm from the apex. Specimens were randomly divided into three groups of 12 teeth each for three different root-end cavity preparation techniques to be used, i.e. tungsten carbide bur, diamond bur and ultrasonic diamond retro tip.Thermocouples were used to measure temperature changes at 1 mm (T1) and 3 mm (T2) to the cutting plane during the preparations., Results: For T1, the lowest and the highest mean temperature increases of 3.53 degrees C and 4.34 degrees C were recorded for the carbide and diamond burs, respectively. For T2, the lowest and the highest mean temperature increases of 2.62 degrees C and 4.39 degrees C where recorded for the carbide and diamond burs, respectively. The mean temperatures with the ultrasonic tip were 3.68 and 3.04 degrees C at T1 and T2 region, respectively. For root-end preparation, the ultrasonic preparation technique took the shortest preparation time (10.25 sec) and the diamond bur took the longest time (28.17 sec)., Conclusion: Ultrasonic retro tips and burs caused temperature to rise from 2.62 degrees to 4.39 degrees C, and these rises were within safety levels.

Objective: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the generated temperature of the Er:YAG laser, with three different pulse durations for apicectomy, compared with tungsten bur and surgical saw., Background Data: Apicectomy is an endodontic surgery performed to remove the root apex and curette adjacent periapical tissue because of lesions of the apical area that are not healing properly., Methods: Sixty single-rooted extracted human teeth were resected by three cutting methods: tungsten bur, surgical saw, and Er:YAG laser irradiation with three different pulse durations; pulse duration 50 μs, pulse duration 100 μs, and pulse duration 300 μs. Teflon-insulated, type K thermocouples were used to measure temperature changes during the apicectomy process. Data were analyzed using the general linear models procedure of the SPSS statistical software program., Results: Although there was no statistically significant difference for the mean values of temperature changes at 1 mm away to the cutting site of teeth, there was statistically significant difference among groups for the mean values of temperature changes at 3 mm away to the cutting site of teeth. Additionally, there was statistically significant difference among groups for the total time required for apicectomy., Conclusions: The laser irradiation with pulse duration 50 μs appears to have the lowest temperature rise and the shortest time required for apicectomy of the three pulse durations. However, Er:YAG laser for apicectomy in all pulse durations could be used safely for resection in endodontics in the presence of sufficient water.

Background and Objectives: The potential of salivary microorganisms to diagnose periodontal disease and to guide periodontal treatment is a research topic of current interest. This study aimed to determine whether the salivary counts of periodontopathic microbes correlated with the periodontal pocket counts of the same infectious agents, and whether the salivary counts of the test infectious agents could distinguish among individuals with periodontal health and various types of periodontal disease., Material and Methods: The study included 150 systemically healthy adults, of whom 37 were periodontally healthy, 31 had gingivitis, 46 had chronic periodontitis and 36 had aggressive periodontitis. Each study subject contributed microbial samples from the two deepest periodontal pockets of the dentition and from whole saliva. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Campylobacter rectus, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythia and Epstein-Barr virus were identified using the TaqMan real-time PCR methodology. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test and the receiver operating characteristic statistics., Results: C. rectus, F. nucleatum, P. gingivalis, P. intermedia and T. forsythia occurred with significantly higher copy-counts in salivary samples from patients with gingivitis, chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis than from periodontally healthy individuals. A. actinomycetemcomitans only showed higher salivary copy-counts in subjects with aggressive periodontitis compared with subjects with healthy periodontium, and the salivary copy-counts of Epstein-Barr virus did not reveal any significant difference among the four subject groups studied. The diagnostic sensitivity for periodontitis was 89.19 for P. gingivalis and for T. forsythia and 86.49 for P. intermedia, with specificities ranging from 83.78 to 94.59. The optimal copy-counts per mL saliva for identifying periodontitis were 40,000 for P. gingivalis, 700,000 for T. forsythia and 910,000 for P. intermedia., Conclusion: Salivary copy-counts of P. gingivalis, T. forsythia and P. intermedia appear to have the potential to identify the presence of periodontitis, whereas the salivary level of the other test infectious agents may possess little or no diagnostic utility. Longitudinal studies are warranted to determine the ability of salivary copy-counts of major periodontopathic bacteria to predict future periodontal breakdown., (© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

Search for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in body fluids other than blood is important when assessing possible nonparenteral routes of viral transmission. However, the role of oral fluids in HCV transmission remains controversial. Our aim was to compare the prevalence of HCV antibody (HCV Ab) levels in saliva, and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of HCV seropositive hemodialysis patients. Serum, saliva and GCF samples were collected from thirty-nine patients. Samples were analyzed for HCV Ab using the Ortho HCV 3.0 SAVe enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HCH Ab levels in saliva and GCF of all HCV-seropositive patients were statistically compared. Reported here are the results of the study designed to determine the correlation between HCV-RNA positivity in serum and the detection of antibodies in GCF and saliva. One hundred percent (100%) of the 39 patients have antibodies to HCV in their serum, 15.4% have antibodies to HCV in GCF, and saliva found out. HCV Ab seropositivity in GCF and saliva was significantly correlated (kappa = 0.462; P < .001). This study supports the concept that GCF may be a significant source of HCV in saliva.

Objectives: The influence of diabetes mellitus (DM) on the fluid dynamics of periodontium has not been reported in periodontal disease. The objectives of this study were (i) to investigate the alterations in the fluid dynamics of periodontium in diabetic periodontitis patients, and present the association of this phenomenon with the metabolic control of DM; (ii) to reveal any correlation between the fluid dynamics of periodontium and clinical signs of periodontal disease in DM and periodontitis., Design: Fifteen well-controlled diabetic chronic periodontitis patients (Group 1), 14 systemically healthy chronic periodontitis patients (Group 2), and 14 systemically and periodontally healthy individuals were included in the study. Gingival crevicular fluid volume (GCF-V) and gingival tissue osmotic pressure (GOP) were used as the parameters of periodontal fluid dynamics. GCF-V was measured by a Periotron device, while GOP was measured by a digital osmometer. Silness-Löe plaque index (PI), Löe-Silness gingival index (GI) and clinical attachment loss (AL) levels were recorded to determine the periodontal health status., Results: PI, GI and AL were higher in Groups 1 and 2 than in Group 3 (P<0.05), but similar between Groups 1 and 2 (P>0.05). Increased GCF-V and GOP were observed in Groups 1 and 2 compared with Group 3 (P<0.01), and the increase in Group 1 was greater than that in Group 2 (P<0.01). There were strong positive correlations between GCF-V and GOP in all three groups: between GI and GCF-V and GI and GOP in Groups 1 and 2; and between AL and GCF-V and AL and GOP in Groups 2 and 3., Conclusion: The results suggest that (i) DM may have an additive influence on the fluid dynamics of periodontium in the presence of periodontal disease; (ii) this phenomenon may not be prevented by the metabolic control of DM; (iii) the clinical signs of periodontal disease may be affected by the fluid dynamics of periodontium in both DM and periodontitis.

In this controlled clinical trial, initial and long-term treatment outcomes of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) were investigated for a synthetic absorbable membrane (Atrisorb) in intrabony defects. Eighteen defects in 16 patients received GTR with Atrisorb (test), with the membrane applied by an indirect method, and 15 defects in 15 patients were treated with open flap debridement (control). Probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival recession (GR), clinical attachment level (CAL), and linear alveolar bone level (ABL) were recorded at baseline and at 1 and 3 years following the treatment procedures and were assessed as the therapeutic outcome parameters. Both groups demonstrated significant PPD reduction and CAL and ABL gain after 1 year. Among these parameters, alterations in PPD and CAL were statistically significantly greater in the test group than the control group 1 year postsurgery. No significant changes were noted in the parameters of the first year between and within the study groups after 3 years. The results suggest that GTR performed with Atrisorb membrane via an indirect application method may provide favorable clinical outcomes for intrabony defects, and these outcomes may be maintained at least as well as open flap debridement over an extended period.

Background: One of the main objectives of periodontal reconstructive surgery is the coverage of exposed roots that occur due to gingival recession. On some occasions, where a caries, root resorption, or amalgam restoration exists on the exposed root surface, the treatment planning becomes more complex. This case report describes the use of a subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) on a resin ionomer-restored root surface to treat gingival recession that is complicated with the above-mentioned handicaps., Methods: An amalgam restoration and carious lesion were removed following full-thickness flap reflection, and the cavity was restored with glass ionomer cement. An SCTG was placed onto the restoration, and the flap was coronally positioned. A porcelain crown restoration was performed 9 months after surgery., Results: At 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-ups, probing depths were reduced and gain in attachment level was obtained with no clinical signs of inflammation in gingiva. Monthly periodontal controls revealed that creeping attachment had occurred on the restoration during the follow-up periods., Conclusion: This single case report serves as a good example to show that SCTG can be successfully performed to treat gingival recession associated with a glass ionomer-restored root surface.

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the biting abilities (bite force [BF] and occlusal contact area [OCA]) of chronic periodontitis patients with those of control patients with healthy periodontia by using pressure-sensitive sheets., Methods: The study population consisted of 20 patients with chronic periodontitis whose initial periodontal therapy was completed and 20 control subjects with healthy periodontia. Periodontitis was diagnosed by radiographs and measurements of probing depth and clinical attachment level. Pressure-sensitive sheets were used for the quantitative analysis of BF and OCA., Results: Both mean BF and OCA values were greater in the healthy control group compared to those of the study group. The differences between the groups were statistically significant at the 95% confidence level., Conclusion: Reduced periodontal support in the absence of inflammation negatively affected biting abilities.

Background: Tooth mobility resulting from the loss of periodontal support or trauma induced by periodontal surgery may change the amount of bite force (BF) and bite pressure (BP) and number of occlusal contact areas (OCAs). The aim of the authors' study was to compare BF, BP and OCA of teeth with periodontal disease before and after periodontal surgery with similar values of healthy teeth., Methods: The authors performed quantitative analysis of BF, BP and OCA using a pressure measurement film. Ten patients with periodontitis who needed periodontal surgery served as the test group. The authors took measurements of BF, BP, OCA and mobility (using Miller's Mobility Index) just before surgery and at one, four and 12 weeks after surgery. They also measured clinical attachment levels (CAL) before surgery and 12 weeks after surgery. Ten subjects without periodontitis served as the control group., Results: Although BF and OCA increased the first week after periodontal surgery, analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no statistically significant differences at a 95 percent confidence interval. There were statistically significant differences between first-week mobility and that at four and 12 weeks (P = .001). A factorial ANOVA showed significant interaction between BF and mobility (P < .05)., Conclusions: The authors' findings suggest that changes in BF, BP and OCA were not affected by periodontal surgery. However, mean mobility values and BF are correlated. Further investigations of this measurement method involving larger study populations and a longer follow-up period are needed., Clinical Implications: It seems to be helpful to follow occlusal changes after periodontal surgery using a pressure measurement film. It also may be suggested that this measurement method could be used to evaluate the treatment prognosis.

Excessive release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in wounded tissue due to inflammation and ischaemia is a deleterious and destructive phenomenon for the healing process. Hence, scavenging of ROS is one of the essential steps in normal wound repair. In this study, we presented a profile of free radical scavenging enzyme (FRSE) activity of periodontal mucoperiosteal wounds in order to investigate ROS activity during periodontal wound healing. Mucoperiosteal periodontal flaps were elevated in the mandibular buccal region of seven dogs between the first premolar and first molar teeth, creating acute incisional wounds in the inner side of the flaps and they were replaced 30 min after elevation. Gingival samples taken from certain biopsy regions at baseline (before flap elevation), day 3, 12, 21 and 30 were processed for detection of active amounts of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). All enzyme activities had increased by more than 100% of their baseline levels by day 3. SOD activity decreased gradually from days 3 to 30 and reached a level lower than the baseline value. The increase in CAT activity continued until day 21, and decreased to a level higher than the baseline value by day 30. GPX also decreased from day 3, and reached a level less than its baseline value by day 30. Our results suggest that FRSEs may contribute to the detoxification of ROS during periodontal mucoperiosteal healing. This relationship may be utilized to facilitate soft tissue and/or flap management in periodontal or intra-oral treatments.

Background: There are four key studies in the periodontology literature reporting the correlation between supernumerary teeth and aggressive periodontitis. The aim of this study is to detect such a relationship., Methods: Patients with supernumerary teeth were identified retrospectively from their orthopantomographs and were invited to the periodontology department for intraoral examination. They were then evaluated for aggressive periodontitis. The number of existing teeth, age, family histories, attachment loss, probing depths, and bleeding on probing scores were recorded., Results: Of the 5,850 subjects randomly observed among 48,000 patients, only 174 exhibited supernumerary teeth. Of these 174 subjects, only three patients were diagnosed with aggressive periodontitis. One of the patients was also suffering from Fanconi's anemia., Conclusions: Despite the similarities (aggressive periodontitis accompanied by supernumerary teeth) in the previous reports, we do not agree with the earlier results. We rather suggest that this association might be a random occurrence, rather than a biological one, although this observation should be further investigated using genetic testing.