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Purpose: The aims of this study were to reexamine patients who had received fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) more than 10 years prior, list the frequencies of observed technical and biologic failures and complications, and calculate the estimated failure and complication rates at 10 and 15 years. Materials and Methods: Fifty-six of 195 patients who were treated by undergraduate students during their state board examinations in fixed prosthodontics between 1990 and 1999 at the School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland, were recalled successfully. Results: At reexamination, it was determined that 56 patients with a mean age of 62 years (range: 41 to 85 years) had received 95 metal-ceramic FDPs supported by 202 abutment teeth. Prostheses had been in function for 7 to 19 years (mean: 14 years). The FDPs demonstrated a high estimated survival rate of 90.4% after 10 years and 80.5% after 15 years, although 17 of the 202 abutment teeth had been lost. The probability to remain free from any complication/failure was 79.7% at 10 years and 34.6% at 15 years. The risk of FDPs being affected by a biologic complication or failure after 10 years was 14.9%; the risk was 5.34% for a technical complication or failure. After 15 years, the risks of a biologic or technical complication or failure were 45.7% and 19.7%, respectively. Conclusions: The survival rates of FDPs decreased gradually with time. Freedom from complications and failures was drastically decreased for FDPs that had been in function for longer than 10 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: As more women are entering health professions, the health care system is becoming more feminized. This investigation evaluated gender differences in clinicians' treatment preferences and decision making in a complex treatment situation. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was developed containing clinical cases and statements to assess practitioners' opinions on treatment of periodontally involved maxillary molars and implant therapy with sinus grafting. Data were analyzed with respect to the clinicians' sex, and an overall logistic regression was performed to further investigate possible influences of age, office location, and specialty. Results: Three hundred forty questionnaires were evaluated (response rate: 35.1%). The mean age of female respondents (37%) was 42 years, and the mean age of male respondents was 46 years. Significantly fewer women reported performing implant placement (35% vs 63%), sinus grafting (16% vs 43%), and periodontal surgery (57% vs 68%). Female practitioners tended to refer more patients to specialists. Participants favored sinus grafting more often for their spouses than for themselves. Apart from a preference for regenerative periodontal surgery among women, no gender differences were observed for treatment decisions or views on general statements related to implant preference, tooth maintenance, or conventional reconstructive therapies. Conclusions: With similar expert knowledge, treatment decisions were made irrespective of sex. While the majority of male care providers performed complex therapies themselves, female clinicians referred more patients to specialists. Int J Prosthodont 2011;24:507-514. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to report the radiographical prevalence of overhanging fillings in a group of Swiss Army recruits in 2006 and to relate the dimensions of the overhangs to clinical parameters.Materials and Methods: A total of 626 Swiss Army recruits were examined for their periodontal conditions, prevalence of caries, and stomatological and functional aspects of the masticatory system and halitosis. In particular, the present report deals with the presence or the absence of fillings, the presence or the absence of overhangs and their relation to clinical and radiographic parameters.Results: A total of 16,198 interdental sites were evaluated on bitewing radiographs. Of these sites, 15,516 (95.8%) were sound and 682 (4.2%) were filled. Amalgam restorations were found in 94.1% and resin composite fillings in 5.9% of the sites. Of these 682 sites, 96 (14.1%) yielded overhanging margins of various sizes. This low prevalence of fillings represents not only a substantial reduction when compared with a similar Swiss Army study (Lang et al, 1988), but also an improvement in the quality of dental care delivery to young Swiss males. Plaque Index and Gingival Index increased statistically significantly with the presence of fillings, when compared with healthy non-filled sites. Clinical parameters that were significantly associated with the presence of overhangs included clinical attachment loss. Moreover, between 1985 and 2006 the prevalence of fillings was significantly reduced from 20.0% to 4.2% of all surfaces. Furthermore, the marginal fit of the fillings improved from 33.0% with overhangs to 14.1%.Conclusions: A significant improvement was observed in the periodontal and dental conditions of young Swiss males that was shown to have taken place within the previous two decades. From 1985 to 2006, the prevalence of fillings was reduced fourfold and that of overhanging margins twofold, documenting an improvement in the quality of restorative dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to test the effects of interdental cleansing with dental floss on supragingival biofilm removal in natural dentition during a 3-week period of experimental biofilm accumulation.Materials and Methods: The present study was performed as a single-blind, parallel, randomised, controlled clinical trial using the experimental gingivitis model (Löe et al, 1965). Thirty-two students were recruited and assigned to one of the following experimental or control groups: Group A used a fluoride-containing dentifrice (NaF dentifrice) on a toothbrush for 60 s twice a day, Group B used an unwaxed dental floss twice a day, Group C used a waxed dental floss twice a day in every interproximal space and Group D rinsed twice a day for 60 s with drinking water (control).Results: During 21 days of abolished oral hygiene, the groups developed various amounts of plaque and gingivitis. Neither of the cleansing protocols alone allowed the prevention of gingivitis development. Toothbrushing alone yielded better outcomes than did any of the flossing protocols. Interdental cleansing with a waxed floss had better biofilm removal effects than with unwaxed floss.Conclusions: Toothbrushing without interdental cleansing using dental floss and interdental cleansing alone cannot prevent the development of gingivitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared the dimensions of the peri-implant soft tissues around immediately and early loaded one-piece implants as well as conventionally loaded one-piece implants. Comparisons of the peri-implant soft tissue dimensions were made among four different loading periods. Forty-eight titanium sandblasted/acid-etched implants were placed in four foxhounds. The implants were placed at four time periods in groups of three. The first group (A) had implants placed 3 months before the placement of restorations. Further groups of three implants each were placed at 21 days (group B), 10 days (group C), and 2 days (group D) before restoration. Three months after abutment connection, all dogs were sacrificed. Histometric analysis of the undecalcified histologic sections included dimensional measurements of the sulcus depth plus junctional epithelium, the connective tissue contact area, and recession measured from the interface to the gingival margin. No statistically significant differences were observed among the four groups. The data suggest that the dimensions of the peri-implant soft tissues around immediately and early loaded one-piece implants are similar to those around conventionally loaded one-piece implants and comparable to the dimensions of the biologic width around natural teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case report describes the comprehensive treatment of generalized, advanced periodontal disease in a young patient. In view of the necessary reconstruction, the extensive destruction of the periodontal tissues required a systematic approach to determine the possibilities and the expectations of the patient. The subsequent oral rehabilitation was accomplished with fixed prosthodontics. In the mandible, strategically important anchor teeth were replaced with implants, allowing smaller units to be inserted. The long-term treatment result, however, can only be ensured with the full cooperation of the patient and consistent periodontal maintenance care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Despite promising results of Er: YAG laser in periodontal debridement, to date there is no consensus about the ideal settings for clinical use. This experimental clinical trial aimed to determine the effects of debridement using Er: YAG laser and to compare with ultrasonic treatment. Materials and methods Sixty-four teeth were divided into two in vivo and in vitro subgroups. Each tooth received ultrasonic treatment on one side and Er: YAG laser debridement at either 60, 100, 160 or 250 mJ pulse−1 and at 10 Hz on the other side on a random basis. All samples were morphologically analyzed afterwards under scanning electron microscope for surface changes and dentinal tubules exposure. Treatment duration (d) was also recorded. Results Laser debridement produced an irregular, rough and flaky surface free of carbonization or meltdown while ultrasound produced a relatively smoother surface. The number of exposed dentinal tubules ( n) followed an energy-dependent trend. The number of exposed tubules among the in vivo laser groups was n 60 mJ = n 100 mJ < n 160 mJ < n 250 mJ ( P < 0.001). Also 160 and 250 mJ lasers led to significantly more dentinal exposure than ultrasound under in vivo condition. Within the in vitro laser groups, dentinal tubules exposure was n 60 mJ < n 100 mJ < n 160 mJ < n 250 mJ ( P ≤ 0.0015). Furthermore, in vitro laser treatments at 100, 160 and 250 mJ led to significantly more dentinal denudation than ultrasound. Treatment duration (d) for the in vivo groups was d 60 mJ > d 100 mJ > d Ultrasound = d 160 mJ > d 250 mJ ( P ≤ 0.046), while for the in vitro groups it was d 60 mJ > d 100 mJ = d Ultrasound = d 160 mJ > d 250 mJ ( P ≤ 0.046). Conclusions Due to excessive treatment duration and surface damage, Er:YAG laser debridement at 60 and 250 mJ pulse−1, respectively, is not appropriate for clinical use. Although laser debridement at 100 and 160 mJ pulse−1 seems more suitable for clinical application, compared to ultrasound the former is more time-consuming and the latter is more aggressive. Using a feedback device or lower pulse energies are recommended when using laser in closed field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chlorhexidine (CHX) rinsing after periodontal surgery is common. We assessed the clinical and microbiological effects of two CHX concentrations following periodontal surgery. Materials and methods: In a randomized, controlled clinical trial, 45 subjects were assigned to 4 weeks rinsing with a 0.05 CHX/herbal extract combination (test) or a 0.1% CHX solution. Clinical and staining effects were studied. Subgingival bacteria were assessed using the DNA-DNA checkerboard. Statistics included parametric and non-parametric tests (p<0001 to declare significance at 80% power). Results: At weeks 4 and 12, more staining was found in the control group (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively). A higher risk for staining was found in the control group (crude OR: 2.3:1, 95% CI: 1.3 to 4.4, p<0.01). The absolute staining reduction in the test group was 21.1% (9 5% CI: 9.4-32.8%). Probing pocket depth (PPD) decreases were significant (p<0.001) in both groups and similar (p=0.92). No rinse group differences in changes of bacterial counts for any species were found between baseline and week 12. Conclusions: The test CHX rinse resulted in less tooth staining. At the study endpoint, similar and high counts of periodontal pathogens were found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this systematic review were to assess the survival rate of implants placed in sites with transalveolar sinus floor elevation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic search was conducted to identify prospective and retrospective cohort studies on transalveolar sinus floor elevation, with a mean follow-up time of at least 1 year after functional loading. Failure and complication rates were analyzed using random-effects Poisson regression models to obtain summary estimates/ year proportions. RESULTS: The search provided 849 titles. Full-text analysis was performed for 176 articles, resulting in 19 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis of these studies indicated an estimated annual failure rate of 2.48% (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.37-4.49%) translating to an estimated survival rate of 92.8% (95% CI): 87.4-96.0%) for implants placed in transalveolarly augmented sinuses, after 3 years in function. Furthermore, subject-based analysis revealed an estimated annual failure of 3.71% (95% CI: 1.21-11.38%), translating to 10.5% (95% CI: 3.6-28.9%) of the subjects experiencing implant loss over 3 years. CONCLUSION: Survival rates of implants placed in transalveolar sinus floor augmentation sites are comparable to those in non-augmented sites. This technique is predictable with a low incidence of complications during and post-operatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To assess the clinical and microbiological effects of full-mouth debridement with (FMD) and without the use of antiseptics [full-mouth scaling and root planing (FMSRP)] in comparison with conventional staged debridement (CSD) in patients with chronic periodontitis after at least 6 months. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The search in MEDLINE (PubMed), covering a period of 1975 to October 2007, and hand searching yielded 207 titles. Forty-two abstracts and 17 full-text articles were screened for inclusion. RESULTS: Twelve articles allowed a direct comparison of FMD with CSD, FMSRP with CSD and FMD with FMSRP. Probing pocket depth reductions were significantly greater (0.2 mm) with FMD and FMSRP compared with CSD. Moreover, a modest reduction in BOP (9%) favoured FMD. Likewise, clinical attachment levels were improved by 0.2-0.4 mm in favour of FMD and FMSRP, respectively. In all comparisons, single-rooted teeth and deep pockets benefitted slightly from FMD and FMSRP. Limited differences in the changes of the subgingival microbiota were noted between the treatment modalities. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the significant differences of modest magnitude, FMD or FMSRP do not provide clinically relevant advantages over CSD. Hence, all three treatment modalities may be recommended for debridement in the initial treatment of patients with chronic periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: To review the evidence for the association between diabetes and periodontal and peri-implant conditions and the impact of periodontal therapy in subjects with diabetes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A search of MEDLINE-PubMed was performed up to and including December 2007. The search was limited to clinical studies published in English. Publications on animal studies were excluded. The selection criteria included all levels of available evidence. RESULTS: Evidence on the association between diabetes and periodontitis supports the concept of increased severity but not extent of periodontitis in subjects with poorly controlled diabetes. Subjects with controlled diabetes do not show an increase in extent and severity of periodontitis. Periodontitis is associated with poor glycaemic control and diabetes-related complications. It is inconclusive that periodontal therapy with or without the use of antibiotics results in improvements of glycaemic control and of markers of systemic inflammation. Evidence is lacking to indicate that implant therapy in subjects with diabetes yields long-term outcomes comparable with those of non-diabetic subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Poorly controlled diabetes may be considered a risk factor for increased severity of periodontitis. The effects of periodontal therapy on glycaemic control and systemic inflammation is not proven beyond doubt and need to be confirmed in large-scale randomized-controlled clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this systematic review were to assess the survival rate of grafts and implants placed with sinus floor elevation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An electronic search was conducted to identify studies on sinus floor elevation, with a mean follow-up time of at least 1 year after functional loading. RESULTS: The search provided 839 titles. Full-text analysis was performed for 175 articles resulting in 48 studies that met the inclusion criteria, reporting on 12,020 implants. Meta-analysis indicated an estimated annual failure rate of 3.48% [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.48%-4.88%] translating into a 3-year implant survival of 90.1% (95% CI: 86.4%-92.8%). However, when failure rates was analyzed on the subject level, the estimated annual failure was 6.04% (95% CI: 3.87%-9.43%) translating into 16.6% (95% CI: 10.9%-24.6%) of the subjects experiencing implant loss over 3 years. CONCLUSION: The insertion of dental implants in combination with maxillary sinus floor elevation is a predictable treatment method showing high implant survival rates and low incidences of surgical complications. The best results (98.3% implant survival after 3 years) were obtained using rough surface implants with membrane coverage of the lateral window. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To compare the periodontal conditions of Swiss Army recruits in 2006 with those of previous surveys in 1996 and 1985. Material and Methods: A total of six hundred and twenty-six Swiss Army recruits were examined for their periodontal conditions, caries prevalence, stomatological and functional aspects of the masticatory system and halitosis. In particular, this report deals with demographic data, the assessment of plaque index (PlI), gingival index (GI) and pocket probing depth (PPD). Results: Two per cent of all teeth were missing, resulting in a mean of 27.44 teeth per subject, and 77% of the missing teeth were the result of pre-molar extractions due to orthodontic indications. The mean PlI and GI were 1.33 and 1.23, respectively. On average, 27% of the gingival units bled on probing. The mean PPD was 2.16 mm (SD 0.64). Only 3.8% of the recruits showed at least one site of PPD>/=5 mm, and 1.4% yielded more than one site with PPD>/=5 mm. In comparison with previous, this survey yielded lower bleeding on probing (BOP) percentages than in 1985, but slightly higher scores than in 1996. This may be attributed to increased PlI scores in 2006. However, PPD remained essentially unaltered from 1996 to 2006 after having improved significantly from 1985. Conclusion: A significant improvement of the periodontal conditions of young Swiss males was demonstrated to have taken place between 1985 and 1996, but no further changes during the last decade were noticed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymorphisms of N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) acetylation may influence drug toxicities and efficacy and are associated with a differential susceptibility to select cancers. Acetylation phenotype may have clinical implications. The purposes of this study were to determine the genetic basis of an apparent predominance of slow acetylation phenotype and to assess concordance with genotype in a population of Hmong residing in Minnesota. Urine and DNA obtained from unrelated Hmong 18 to 65 years of age were used to determine phenotype from caffeine metabolites, whereas direct nucleotide sequencing of the NAT2 coding region, followed by cloning, identified all known allelic variants. From 61 subjects (27 men, 30 +/- 11 years), analysis of 50 urine-DNA pairs identified 46 (92%) slow acetylators and 4 (8%) rapid acetylators by phenotype. Genotypic analysis inferred 5 (10%) slow acetylators and 45 (90%) rapid acetylators. There is 86% discordance between phenotype and genotype. A predominance of NAT2 slow acetylation phenotype in the Hmong is confirmed, and a significant discordance between NAT2 phenotype and genotype is identified. In this population, slow acetylation phenotype determined by a metabolic probe would not have been predicted by genotype alone. Environmental, genetic, or phenotypic anomalies that may contribute to this discordance should be considered and evaluated in future studies within this unique population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To explore the impact of bacterial load and microbial colonization patterns on the clinical outcomes of periodontal surgery at deep intrabony defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-two patients with advanced chronic periodontitis and at least one intrabony defect of >3 mm were recruited in 10 centres. Before recruitment, the infection control phase of periodontal therapy was completed. After surgical access and debridement, the regenerative material was applied in the test subjects, and omitted in the controls. At baseline and 1 year following the interventions, clinical attachment levels (CAL), pocket probing depths (PPD), recession (REC), full-mouth plaque scores and full-mouth bleeding scores were assessed. Microbial colonization of the defect-associated pocket was assessed using a DNA-DNA checkerboard analysis. RESULTS: Total bacterial load and counts of red complex bacteria were negatively associated with CAL gains 1 year following treatment. The probability of achieving above median CAL gains (>3 mm) was significantly decreased by higher total bacterial counts, higher red complex and T. forsythensis counts immediately before surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Presence of high bacterial load and specific periodontal pathogen complexes in deep periodontal pockets associated with intrabony defects had a significant negative impact on the 1 year outcome of surgical/regenerative treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical and microbiological changes during experimental gingivitis in cigarette smokers and non-smokers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eleven current smokers (>/=5 years) and 11 (never-) non-smokers periodontally healthy or with gingivitis (PPD

OBJECTIVE: To monitor clinical and microbiological changes during experimental gingivitis in type 1 diabetics and non-diabetics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine type 1 diabetics with good/moderate metabolic control and nine age-gender matched non-diabetics were recruited. Probing pocket depths in all subjects did not exceed 4 mm and none were affected by attachment loss. According to the original model, an experimental 3-week plaque accumulation resulting in experimental gingivitis development and a subsequent 2-week period of optimal plaque control were staged. Subgingival plaque samples were collected at days 0, 21 and 35 from one site per quadrant, pooled and analysed using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. RESULTS: Diabetics (mean age 25.6+/-5.8 standard deviation (SD), range 16-35 years) had a mean HbA1c level of 8.1+/-0.7% (SD), while non-diabetics (mean age 24.8+/-5.7 (SD), range 15-36 years) were metabolically controlled (HbA1c< or =6.5%). Between Days 0, 21 and 35, no statistically significant differences in mean plaque and gingival index scores were observed between diabetics and non-diabetics. At days 7 and 21, however, diabetics showed statistically significantly higher percentages of sites with gingival index scores > or =2 compared with non-diabetics. Mean DNA probe counts of the red and orange complex species increased significantly (p<0.05) between days 0 and 21 and decreased significantly (p<0.05) between days 21 and 35 in both groups. CONCLUSION: Both diabetics and non-diabetics react to experimental plaque accumulation with gingival inflammation. Type 1 diabetics, however, develop an earlier and higher inflammatory response to a comparable bacterial challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess the long-term influence of gingival inflammation on tooth loss. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data originated from a 26-year longitudinal study of Norwegian males, who practiced adequate daily oral home care and received 'state-of-the-art' dental care. The initial examination in 1969 included 565 individuals aged between 16 and 34 years. Subsequent examinations took place in 1971, 1973, 1975, 1981, 1988 and 1995. Thus, the study covers the age range of 16-59 years. The teeth were divided into three tooth groups (I-III) reflecting the history of inflammation of the surrounding gingiva (gingival index (GI) scores) over 26 years: (I) teeth with surrounding gingival units scoring a minimum of one site with GI=0 and a maximum of three sites with GI=1, (II) teeth with surrounding gingival units scoring a minimum of one site with GI=1 and a maximum of three sites with GI=2 over the observation periods and (III) teeth with surrounding gingival units always scoring a minimum of GI=2 (bleeding on probing) at all sites over the observation period. RESULTS: At baseline (1969), out of possible 15,820 teeth (565 x 28), 15,383 teeth were present. Four hundred and thirty-seven teeth had already been missing for unknown reasons. By 1995, 13,159 teeth were reexamined, i.e. over the 26-year observation period only 126 (0.95%) teeth were lost. Only 16 (0.28%) of 5793 teeth belonging to GI-Severity Group I were lost. In the GI-Severity Group II, however, 78 (2.28%) out of 3348 teeth were lost, and 13 (11.21%) of 103 teeth with GI-Severity Group III were lost. Teeth with GI-Severity Group III yielded an odds ratio for tooth loss that was 46 times higher than that of teeth with GI-Severity Group I, and five times higher than that of teeth with GI-Severity Group II over 26 years. Furthermore, teeth with the GI-Severity Group II had a nine times higher risk for tooth loss than teeth with the GI-Severity Group I. The GI-Severity Group I retained 99.5% of the teeth after a tooth age of 51 years. The GI-Severity Group II retained 93.8% of the teeth after a tooth age of 50 years. However, in the GI-Severity Group III, 63.4% of the teeth were retained for a tooth age of 47 years. CONCLUSIONS: Teeth surrounded with inflammation-free gingival tissues were maintained for a tooth age of 51 years, while teeth consistently surrounded with inflamed gingivae yielded a 46-times higher risk to be lost. Only two-thirds of such teeth were maintained throughout the 26-year observation period. This documents the role of gingival inflammation as a risk factor for future tooth loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this RCT was to evaluate early wound healing following specific post-surgical care protocols. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Following periodontal flap surgery, 60 patients were randomly assigned to follow one of two post-surgical protocols. Subjects smoking >20 cigarettes per day were excluded. Patients following the control protocol rinsed twice daily for 1 min with 0.1% of chlorhexidine (CHX) for 4 weeks. In addition to CHX rinsing, patients assigned to the test protocol applied CHX locally using a special very soft surgical toothbrush (Chirugia) from days 3 to 14, and a soft toothbrush (Ultrasuave) from days 14 to 28, twice daily. Baseline measurements included gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) flow rate, probing depth, probing attachment level, presence of bleeding on probing and full-mouth plaque score. Measurements were repeated at 1, 2 and 4 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Both post-surgical protocols resulted in successful wound healing and optimal wound closure at 4 weeks. There were no statistical differences in the GCF flow rate between test and control protocols. There was a lower incidence of recession of > or =2 mm following the test protocol. CONCLUSION: The use of specific post-surgical cleansing protocols including the introduction of mechanical cleansing at day 3, using local application of CHX in addition to daily rinsing with CHX may be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Interpretation of risk for periodontitis is critical for treatment planning. How periodontists assess risk for periodontitis is unclear. PURPOSE: To study (1) what factors periodontists use when assessing the risks for worsening periodontal conditions anticipating that no treatment would be provided, and (2) if risk assessment is consistent and independent of specialty background training. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical history, clinical dental data, full-mouth intra-oral radiographs, and slide pictures were obtained from each of 51 subjects, and the information was provided to 23 examiners. RESULTS: The mean age of the study subjects was 51.5 years (SD +/- 17.7, range 23-81), with 28 women included. In 10 of the subjects, only gingivitis was identified, while 22 subjects had advanced chronic periodontitis. Risk scores assigned for 2 and 4 years differed significantly between European- and US-trained periodontists (p < 0.001) and between graduate students in training and periodontists from either the US or Europe (p < 0.01) (Wilcoxon n-pair test), with European periodontists scoring the lowest risks. Risk scores were correlated between groups (p < 0.01 with rho range 0.82-0.89) (Spearman's rank correlation). The best-fit model (r2 = 0.86) to assess perceived risk for worsening periodontal conditions based on data from all examiners combined included the following variables: (1) overall horizontal alveolar bone loss (p < 0.000), (2) age-adjusted proportional radiographic bone height score for the worst site (p < 0.000), and (3) proportion of pocket probing depths > or = 6.0 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Differences exist on the scale of risk values based on specialty training. Consistency in scoring patterns exists. The examiners based their assigned risk scores almost exclusively on measures of existing disease severity, including radiographic bone loss and numbers of periodontal pockets > or = 6.0 mm, and excluding most known risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, and poor oral hygiene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess the initiation and progression of periodontal disease during adult life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a 26-year longitudinal investigation of the initiation and progression of chronic periodontitis that started in 1969 and included 565 men of Norwegian middle class, 223 who had participated in some, but not all, intermediate examinations presented at the last survey in 1995. Fifty-four individuals were available for examination in all seven surveys. RESULTS: Covering the age range from 16 to 60 years, the study showed that at 16 years of age, 5% of the participants had initial loss of periodontal attachment (ILA > or = 2 mm) at one or more sites. Both the subject incidence and the site incidence increased with time, and by 32 years of age, all individuals had one or more sites with loss of attachment. As age progressed, new lesions affected sites, so that as these men approached 60 years of age approximately 50% of all available sites had ILA. An assessment of the intraoral distribution of the first periodontal lesion showed that, regardless of age, molars and bicuspids were most often affected. At and before the age of 40 years, the majority of ILA was found in buccal surfaces in the form of gingival recession. By 50 years, however, a greater proportion of sites presented with attachment loss attributed to pocket formation or a combination of pocket formation and gingival recession. As individuals neared 60 years of age, approximately half of the interproximal areas in posterior teeth had these lesions. CONCLUSION: This investigation has shown that, in a well-maintained population who practises oral home care and has regular check-ups, the incidence of incipient periodontal destruction increases with age, the highest rate occurs between 50 and 60 years, and gingival recession is the predominant lesion before 40 years, while periodontal pocketing is the principal mode of destruction between 50 and 60 years of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess the rate of attachment loss during various stages of adult life in a well-maintained middle-class population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data originated from a 26-year longitudinal study of Norwegian males who had received regular and adequate dental care and practised daily oral home care. The initial examination in 1969 included 565 individuals aged between 16 and 34 years. Subsequent examinations took place in 1971, 1973, 1975, 1981, 1988 and 1995. Thus, the study covers the age range of 16-59 years. The rate of the annual attachment loss was calculated as the difference between the individual mean attachment loss between two examinations divided by the years between examinations. The mean annualized relative risk of attachment loss was calculated as the frequency distribution of sites with initial periodontal attachment loss (loss of attachment at the first time of occurrence > or = 2 mm) and healthy sites (loss of attachment always < 2 mm). For comparison of significant changes in annual attachment loss rates between the age groups and mean annualized relative risks of attachment loss as they proceeded through adult life, the Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney U-test was used. RESULTS: The mean overall individual attachment loss during 44 years (between 16 and 59 years) totaled 2.44 mm (range 0.14-2.44 mm), averaging an annual mean rate of 0.05 mm/year. The highest annual rate of attachment loss occurred before 35 years of age (0.08-0.1 mm/year), after which the mean annual rate decreased to about 0.04-0.06 mm/year for the next three decades of life leading to 60 years. The mean annualized relative risk of initial attachment loss increased significantly from adolescence (1.2%) to the maximum at 30-34 years of age (6.9%). After the age of 34 years, the risk of initial attachment loss decreased again, but after the age of 40 years, another continuous increase was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Over a 26-year period, 25% of the subjects went through adult life with healthy and stable periodontal conditions. The remaining 75% developed slight to moderately progressing periodontal disease with progression rates varying between 0.02 and 0.1 mm/year with a cumulative mean of loss of attachment of 2.44 mm as they approached 60 years of age. The annual mean rate and the mean annualized risk of initial attachment loss were highest between 16 and 34 years of age. Only 20% of the sites continued to lose further attachment during the remainder of the observation period, and less than 1% of the sites showed substantial loss of attachment (> 4 mm). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of long-standing gingival inflammation on periodontal attachment loss. On the basis of repeated examinations, the present report describes the influence of gingival inflammation on the initiation of periodontitis from 16 to 59 years of age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data originated from a 26-year longitudinal study of Norwegian males, who practiced daily oral home care and received state-of-the-art dental care. The initial examination included 565 individuals. Subsequent examinations took place in 1971, 1973, 1975, 1981, 1988 and 1995. Thus, the study covers the age range of 16-59 years. All tooth sites were divided into four categories according to their history of gingival inflammation over the entire observation period: sites always scoring GI = 0, GI = 1 and GI = 2 sites (GI = gingival index). Sites disclosing various GI scores at different observation periods were not considered. RESULTS: The mean cumulative attachment loss for non-inflamed (GI = 0) sites in individuals approaching 60 years of age was 1.94 mm. Sites always scoring GI = 1 yielded 2.42 mm, and sites that always scored GI = 2 exhibited 3.31 mm of periodontal attachment loss. At interproximal sites of all three groups where gingival trauma was assumed to be minimal or non-existent, only very few sites expressed attachment loss due to gingival recession (2-4%). At interproximal sites always scoring GI = 0, 20% loss of attachment was in the form of pocket formation by 59 years of age. The GI = 1 and the GI = 2 cohorts exhibited attachment loss with pocket formation in 28% and 54%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that, as men approach 60 years of age, gingival sites that throughout the 26 years of observation bled on probing had approximately 70% more attachment loss than sites that were consistently non-inflamed (GI = 0). Before 40 years of age, there was a slight increase in periodontal attachment loss due to pocket formation, but after this, the frequency increased significantly. Loss of attachment due to gingival recession was very small in all three groups.The fact that sites with non-inflamed gingiva also exhibited some loss of attachment and pocket formation may be explained by fluctuation in the variations of tissue status during long observation intervals combined with the presence of subclinical inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Information about the agreement between intra-oral (I-O) and panoramic (OPG) radiographs is limited. AIMS: : (1) To assess the agreement between I-Os and OPGs for direct measurements of the distance between the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) and the alveolar bone level (BL) as well as the proportional values in relation to the root length (CEJ-BL/root length), and (2) to explore the symmetry between the left- and right-side measurements. MATERIAL AND METHODS: I-Os and OPGs were studied in 292 periodontal maintenance subjects (mean age 55.5 years, SD+/-12.6) with on average 22.4 teeth (SD+/-4.1 range: 6-28). The images were measured using a PC software program. Site-based I-O and OPG values for CEJ-BL as well as CEJ-BL/root length were compared. OPG values of CEJ-BL/root length values between the left and right sides were also studied. RESULTS: A total of 11,395 linear distances (CEJ-BL plus CEJ-apex) from the I-Os and 21,462 linear distances from the OPGs were measured. The intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) between sets of readings of CEJ-BL varied between 0.80 and 0.89 (p<0.001), with the best agreement for tooth 22 (ICC: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.83-0.92). The ICCs for CEJ-BL/root length varied between 0.54 and 0.92. Mean differences between I-O and OPG values were in the 0.00-0.04 mm range for the CEJ-BL/root length comparisons. The maxillary anterior sextant demonstrated a 1.4 x enlargement by OPG for the CEJ-BL/root length comparisons. No distortions were observed for mandibular sextants. Left- and right-side symmetry of periodontal bone loss was demonstrated. ICC varied between 0.79 (95.00% CI: 0.71-0.84, p<0.01) and 0.53 (95.00% CI: 0.36-0.65, p< 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: I-O and OPG radiograph readings are in great agreement. Alveolar bone loss appeared to have a symmetrical distribution pattern. Hence for periodontal assessments, OPG radiographic readings may, at least in part, substitute for full-mouth periapical radiographic evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: (i) To assess the overall and (ii) cleft-associated rate of periodontal disease (PD) progression in subjects with cleft lip, alveolus and palate (CLAP) and (iii) to compare these rates with those of subjects with cleft lip (CL) and cleft palate (CP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-six subjects not enrolled in a supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) program were examined in 1979, 1987 and 1993. PD progression was assessed as increase in pocket probing depth (PPD in mm) and probing attachment loss (PAL in mm). RESULTS: Extensive plaque accumulation and high frequencies of gingival units bleeding on probing were observed at all three examinations. A statistically significant increase in mean PPD of 0.57+/-0.21 mm (SD) in both groups as well as a statistically significant loss of PAL of 1.85+/-0.23 mm (SD) in the CLAP group and of 1.72+/-0.21 mm (SD) in the CL/CP group occurred over the observation period (p<0.05). In subjects with CLAP, statistically significant increases in PPD and loss of PAL were recorded over time at sites adjacent to the cleft as well as at control sites (p<0.05). Over 14 years, however, PPD increased 1.72+/-1.08 mm (SD) at cleft sites versus 0.72+/-1.14 mm (SD) at control sites (p<0.05), and PAL amounted to 3.19+/-1.35 mm (SD) at cleft sites versus 2.41+/-1.52 mm (SD) at control sites (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Both the CLAP and the CL/CP subjects are at high risk for PD progression if no SPT program is provided. This also suggests that alveolar cleft sites in subjects with high plaque and gingival inflammation scores underwent more periodontal tissue destruction than control sites over a 14-year period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[2-14C]2-amino-1-methyl-phenlimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine ([14C]PhIP), a putative human carcinogenic heterocyclic amine found in well-done cooked meat, was administered orally to three colon cancer patients undergoing a partial colonectomy. Forty-eight to seventy-two hours prior to surgery, subjects received a 70-84 μg dose of 14C. Urine and blood were analyzed by HPLC for PhIP and PhIP metabolites. Metabolites were identified based on HPLC co-elution with authentic PhIP metabolite standards, mass spectral analysis and susceptibility to enzymatic cleavage. In two subjects, 90% of the administered [14CPhIP dose was eliminated in the urine, whereas in the other, only 50% of the dose was found in the urine. One subject excreted three times more radioactivity in the first 4 h than did the others. Twelve radioactive peaks associated with PhIP were detected in the urine samples. The relative amount of each metabolite varied by subject, and the amounts of each metabolite within subjects changed over time. In all three subjects the most abundant urinary metabolite was identified as 2-hydroxyamino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine- N2-glucuronide (N-hydroxy-PhIP-N2-glucuronide, accounting for 47-60% of the recovered counts in 24 h. PhIP accounted for <1% of the excreted radiolabel in all three patients. Other metabolites detected in the urine at significant amounts were 4-(2-amino-1-methylimidazo[4,5-b]pyrid-6-yl)phenyl sulfate, N-hydroxy-PhIP-N3-glucuronide and PhIP-N2-glucuronide. In the plasma, N-hydroxy-PhIP-N2-glucuronide accounted for 60, 18 and 20% of the recovered plasma radioactivity at 1 h post PhIP dose in subjects 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Plasma PhIP was 56-17% of the recovered dose at 1 h post exposure. The relatively high concentration of N-hydroxy-PhIP-N2-glucuronide and the fact that it is an indicator of bioactivation make this metabolite a potential biomarker for PhIP exposure and activation. Determining the relative differences in PhIP metabolites among individuals will indicate metabolic differences that may predict individual susceptibility to carcinogenic risk from this suspected dietary carcinogen. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Methyl-hdyroxylated metabolites of the potent carcinogen, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), namely, 7-hydroxymethyl-12-methylbenz[a]anthracene (7-OH-DMBA), 7-methyl-12-hydroxymethylbenz[a]anthracene (12-OH-DMBA) and 7.12-dihydroxymethylbenz[a]anthracene (7,12-diOH-DMBA), were examined as substrates for sulfotransferase bioactivation in different human tissue cytosols. Hepatic cytosols, which were able to catalyze the 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS)-dependent DNA binding of 7-OH-DMBA, 12-OH-DMBA and 7,12-diOH-DMBA, were highly sensitive to inhibition by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a specific substrate for human DHEA-steroid sulfotransferase (IC50 = 5 μM). By comparison, 2,6-dichloro-4-nitrophenol, a potent inhibitor of the thermostable (TS)-phenol and estrogen sulfotransferases, did not have an appreciable inhibitory effect. Neither p-nitrophenol, a high affinity substrate for human TS-phenol and estrogen sulfotransferases, nor dopamine, a specific substrate for the thermolabile (TL)-phenol sulfotransferase, significantly inhibited the DNA binding of 12-OH-DMBA catalyzed by hepatic cytosols. Inter-subject variation (n = 12) of the PAPS-dependent DNA binding of 12-OH- and 7,12-diOH-DMBAs also correlated well with DHEA-sulfotransferase activity (r = 0.90; P < 0.00001 and r = 0.92; P < 0.00001, respectively). This sulfation-dependent metabolic activation was not detected in cytosols from human colon, pancreas, larynx or mammary gland. Both TS- and TL-phenol sulfotransferases were active in human liver and colon but only liver contained DHEA-sulfotransferase activity. These results indicate that the sulfotransferase-mediated activation of the methyl-hydroxylated DMBAs is predominantly catalyzed by DHEA-steroid sulfotransferase in human liver and that TS- and TL-phenol sulfotransferases and estrogen sulfotransferases are not involved in the catalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Irinotecan is the only accepted second-line treatment for colorectal cancer in the USA. Doses are, however, frequently limited by associated late-onset diarrhoea. Thalidomide has antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory properties and is being investigated as an antineoplastic. We did a pilot study of combination therapy with thalidomide and irinotecan for metastatic colorectal cancer. In an interim analysis of nine patients, thalidomide had almost eliminated the dose-limiting gastrointestinal toxic effects of irinotecan, especially diarrhoea and nausea (each p<0.0001), and eight of nine patients were able to complete the chemotherapy course. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]