牙周牙髓联合病变激光与药物辅助治疗观察及菌群分析

目的:探讨双波长激光对比盐酸米诺环素治疗牙周牙髓联合病变的差别及牙周袋菌群分析。方法:收集牙周牙髓联合病变患者60颗患牙,随机分为2组:实验组Nd:YAG消毒根管一次性充填根管+Er: YAG处理牙周袋;对照组碘伏消毒根管一次性根管充填+盐酸米诺环素牙周袋上药。按视觉模拟评分法(visual analogue scale,VAS)观察两组治疗后1 d疼痛差异,对比两组治疗1周、2周、3周、3月、6月、1年的牙周袋深度(the depth of periodontal pocket,PD)、牙周附着水平(clinical periodontal attachment level,CAL),探诊出血指数(bleeding on probing,BOP),评价疗效。抽取两组病例各4例,并定期采集患牙牙周袋菌斑行高通量测序。结果:实验组与对照组治疗1 d疼痛有差异;不同时间点间PD、CAL静息状态下VAS评分有差别;BOP阳性位点发生率有差别。2组牙周袋菌斑多样性差异不大,以韦荣氏菌、变性链球菌、卟啉单胞菌、消化链球菌为主。结论:双波长激光联合辅助治疗牙周牙髓联合病变的效果优于盐酸米诺环素,具有较好的临床应用前景。     

Effects of Nd:YAG and CO2 laser treatment and ultrasonic scaling on periodontal pockets of chronic periodontitis patients

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of Nd:YAG and CO2 laser treatment to that of ultrasonic scaling used as monotherapies by examining clinical parameters, subgingival microflora, and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). METHODS: Eighteen patients, each of whom had 2 or more sites with probing depth measuring > 5 mm, were included this clinical trial. The 41 sites were randomly assigned treatment with either Nd:YAG laser alone (n = 14, 100 mj, 20 pps, 2.0 W, 120 seconds), CO2 laser alone (n = 13, 2.0 W, 120 seconds), or ultrasonic scaling alone (n = 14, maximum power, 120 seconds). At baseline and at 1, 4, and 12 weeks, clinical measurements (plaque index, PI; gingival index, GI; probing depth, PD; clinical attachment level, CAL; and bleeding on probing, BOP) were performed and subgingival plaque and GCF sampled. A quantitative analysis of Porphyromonas gingivalis was carried out using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedures. The amounts of IL-1beta were estimated by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Decreased inflammation and PD were observed in all 3 groups after treatment. A microbiological analysis indicated significant decreases in P. gingivalis in the Nd:YAG and scaling groups at 1, 4, and 12 weeks compared to baseline (P < 0.05). The amount of GCF significantly decreased in the Nd:YAG and scaling groups at 12 weeks. The amount of IL-1beta increased in the CO2 group from baseline to 1 week (P < 0.05). The Nd:YAG group tended to show a decrease in IL-1beta from 1 to 12 weeks, although these data were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that Nd:YAG laser and ultrasonic scaling treatments showed significant improvements regarding the clinical parameters and subgingival microflora compared to the baseline, but no significant difference was observed between the 3 groups.     

Adjunctive local antibiotic therapy in the treatment of peri-implantitis II: clinical and radiographic outcomes

AIM: To monitor over 12 months clinical and radiographic changes occurring after adjunctive local delivery of minocycline microspheres for the treatment of peri-implantitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In 25 partially edentulous subjects, 31 implants diagnosed with peri-implantitis were treated. Three weeks after oral hygiene instruction, mechanical debridement and local antiseptic cleansing using 0.2% chlorhexidine gel, baseline (Day 0) parameters were recorded. Minocycline microspheres (Arestin) were locally delivered to each implant site with bone loss and a probing pocket depth (PPD) >or=5 mm. Rescue therapy with Arestin was allowed at Days 180 and 270 at any site exhibiting an increase in PPD>or=2 mm from the previous visit. The following clinical parameters were recorded at four sites/implant at Day 0, 10, 30, 60, 90, 180, 270 and 360: PPD, clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP) and plaque index (PlI). RESULTS: Six implants in six subjects were either rescued or exited because of persisting active peri-implantitis. Successful implants showed a statistically significant reduction in both PPD and percentage of sites with BOP between baseline and Day 360 (P<0.05). At mesial implant sites, the mean PPD reduction amounted to 1.6 mm (95% CI: 0.9-2.2 mm, P<0.001) and was accompanied by a statistically significant reduction of the BOP value (P<0.001). Binary regression analysis showed that the clinical parameters and smoking history could not discriminate between successfully treated and rescued or exited implants at any observation time point. CONCLUSION: Non-surgical mechanical treatment of peri-implantitis lesions with adjunctive local delivery of microencapsulated minocycline led to positive effects on clinical parameters up to 12 months.     

半导体激光辅助治疗牙周牙髓联合病变的临床研究

目的评价应用半导体激光辅助治疗牙周牙髓联合病变的临床效果。方法选择牙周牙髓联合病变患者30例为研究对象,随机分为试验组和对照组,每组15例。对照组患牙进行根管治疗和牙周系统治疗,试验组患牙在进行根管治疗和牙周系统治疗基础上辅助半导体激光治疗。观测治疗前、治疗3个月后和治疗6个月后牙周探诊深度（PPD）、临床附着水平（CAL）、改良出血指数（mBI）、根尖周指数（PAI）等牙周牙髓临床指标的变化,评价半导体激光在辅助治疗牙周牙髓联合病变中的作用。结果治疗3个月后,试验组和对照组的PPD、CAL和mBI较治疗前均显著下降;试验组PPD下降值与对照组比较差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,试验组CAL和mBI的下降值与对照组比较差异无统计学意义。治疗6个月后,试验组PPD、CAL和mBI持续下降,对照组PPD、CAL和mBI与治疗3个月后无显著变化,试验组与对照组相比差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;2组PAI较治疗前均下降,但是与对照组相比差异无统计学意义。结论半导体激光辅助治疗牙周牙髓联合病变对于取得长期和稳定的疗效有一定作用,对病变中牙周组织损害的辅助治疗效果更为显著。     

Nd�� YAG �������ƶ����������׻������ܴ���Ⱥ͸���ɥʧ�ĸ���Ч���о�

目的    评价脉冲Nd：YAG激光治疗慢性牙周炎患者牙周袋深度（PD）和附着丧失（AL）的效果。方法    选择2008年1—6月在福建医科大学附属协和医院就诊的45例慢性牙周炎患者,每例患者至少有4个以上≥6 mm的牙周袋并且分布在2个以上口腔区域内,在接受基础检查和龈上洁治术后,随机分成3组。A组（15例）：单纯接受龈下刮治和根面平整（SRP）治疗;B组（15例）：SRP+1次激光照射治疗（Nd： YAG激光,输出功率2 W,照射时间40 s）;C组（15例）：SRP+2次激光照射治疗（Nd： YAG激光,第1次照射输出功率2 W,照射时间40 s;第2次照射输出功率1 W,照射时间20s）。每组各选择40个位点。统计在基础检查,治疗2、4和12周时各组的PD和AL。结果    从第2周时,3组的PD均明显减小。而AL的改善在第4周时可以明显观察到,且C组的效果最为明显,并一直延续到12周。结论    SRP基础上辅助2次不同能量的激光治疗对慢性牙周炎PD和AL的改善效果均明显优于单独SRP使用。     

The influence of stress and anxiety on the response of non-surgical periodontal treatment

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of stress and anxiety on the response to non-surgical periodontal treatment (NPT) in patients with chronic periodontitis. METHOD: Sixty-six patients (mean age 46.1 +/- 8 years) were assigned to three groups: control group, probing pocket depth (PPD) or=4 and 6 mm, n=20. Stress, state anxiety (SA) and trait anxiety (TA) and plaque index (PI), gingival index, PPD and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline and 3 months after NPT. RESULTS: TA scores were different among groups at baseline and after NPT. TA was related to periodontitis at baseline and after NPT. PI was associated with the SA at baseline. The reduction of frequency of CAL >6 mm was correlated with TA after adjusting for confounders. Stressed subjects did not show reduction of frequency of PPD >6 mm (T1), CAL 4-6 mm and CAL >6 mm (T2). CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest an influence of trait of anxiety and stress on the response to NPT.     

Nd��YAG ���⸨������������ֲ����Χ�׶�����Ч�۲�

??Objective    To evaluate the clinical outcomes of non-surgical mechanical and Nd??YAG laser therapy plus local applied minocycline hydrochloride on initial peri-implantitis. Methods    Totally 40 implants from 26 patients diagnosed with initial peri-implantitis in the Department of Periodontology??Hospital of Stomatology??China Medical University from February 2013 to June 2014??were enrolled and randomly assigned to 2 groups??laser  therapy group and control group??and 20 implants per group. Implants in control group were treated with non-surgical periodontal therapy and local applied minocycline hydrochloride. Implants in laser therapy group received Nd??YAG laser therapy based on the control group. Modified plaque index??mPLI????modified sulcus bleeding index??mSBI??and probing depth??PD??were measured at baseline and 8 weeks after therapy. Results    After 8 weeks??implants of both groups yielded a statistically significant reduction??P < 0.05??in mPLI??mSBI and PD??when compared with baseline. Between-group comparisons revealed statistically significant differences in mSBI and PD ??P < 0.05?? at 8 weeks after therapy. Conclusion    Non-surgical mechanical and Nd??YAG laser therapy plus local applied minocycline hydrochloride is effective for initial peri-implantitis.     

Utilisation of locally delivered doxycycline in non-surgical treatment of chronic periodontitis

AIM: In the present 6-month multicentre trial, the outcome of 2 different approaches to non-surgical treatment of chronic periodontitis, both involving the use of a locally delivered controlled-release doxycycline, was evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 105 adult patients with moderately advanced chronic periodontitis from 3 centres participated in the trial. Each patient had to present with at least 8 periodontal sites in 2 jaw quadrants with a probing pocket depth (PPD) of > or =5 mm and bleeding following pocket probing (BoP), out of which at least 2 sites had to be > or =7 mm and a further 2 sites > or =6 mm. Following a baseline examination, including assessments of plaque, PPD, clinical attachment level (CAL) and BoP, careful instruction in oral hygiene was given. The patients were then randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: scaling/root planing (SRP) with local analgesia or debridement (supra- and subgingival ultrasonic instrumentation without analgesia). The "SRP" group received a single episode of full-mouth supra-/subgingival scaling and root planing under local analgesia. In addition, at a 3-month recall visit, a full-mouth supra-/subgingival debridement using ultrasonic instrumentation was provided. This was followed by subgingival application of an 8.5% w/w doxycycline polymer at sites with a remaining PPD of > or =5 mm. The patients of the "debridement" group were initially subjected to a 45-minute full-mouth debridement with the use of an ultrasonic instrument and without administration of local analgesia, and followed by application of doxycycline in sites with a PPD of > or =5 mm. At month 3, sites with a remaining PPD of > or =5 mm were subjected to scaling and root planing. Clinical re-examinations were performed at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: At 3 months, the proportion of sites showing PPD of < or =4 mm was significantly higher in the "debridement" group than in the "SRP" group (58% versus 50%; p<0.05). The CAL gain at 3 months amounted to 0.8 mm in the "debridement" group and 0.5 mm in the "SRP" group (p=0.064). The proportion of sites demonstrating a clinically significant CAL gain (> or =2 mm) was higher in the "debridement" group than in the "SRP" group (38% versus 30%; p<0.05). At the 6-month examination, no statistically significant differences in PPD or CAL were found between the two treatment groups. BoP was significantly lower for the "debridement" group than for the "SRP" group (p<0.001) both at 3- and 6 months. The mean total treatment time (baseline and 3-month) for the "SRP" patients was 3:11 h, compared to 2:00 h for the patients in the "debridement" group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that simplified subgingival instrumentation combined with local application of doxycycline in deep periodontal sites can be considered as a justified approach for non-surgical treatment of chronic periodontitis.     

Short-term clinical and immunologic effects of scaling and root planing with Er:YAG laser in chronic periodontitis

BACKGROUND: Recently, the erbium-doped:yttrium, aluminum, and garnet (Er:YAG) laser has been used for periodontal therapy. This study compared Er:YAG laser irradiation (100 mJ/pulse, 10 Hz, 12.9 J/cm(2)) with or without conventional scaling and root planing (SRP) to SRP only for the treatment of periodontal pockets affected with chronic periodontitis. METHODS: Twenty-one subjects with pockets from 5 to 9 mm in non-adjacent sites were studied. In a split-mouth design, each site was randomly allocated to a treatment group: SRP and laser (SRPL), laser only (L), SRP only (SRP), or no treatment (C). The plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and interleukin (IL)-1beta levels in crevicular fluid were evaluated at baseline and at 12 and 30 days postoperatively, whereas probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were evaluated at baseline and 30 days after treatment. A statistical analysis was conducted (P <0.05). RESULTS: Twelve days postoperatively, the PI decreased for SRPL and SRP groups (P <0.05); the GI increased for L, SRP, and C groups but decreased for the SRPL group (P <0.05); and BOP decreased for SRPL, L, and SRP groups (P <0.01). Thirty days postoperatively, BOP decreased for treated groups and was lower than the C group (P <0.05). PD decreased in treated groups (P <0.001), and differences were found between SRPL and C groups (P <0.05). CAL gain was significant only for the SRP group (P <0.01). GR increased for SRPL and L groups (P <0.05). No difference in IL-1beta was detected among groups and periods. CONCLUSION: Er:YAG laser irradiation may be used as an adjunctive aid for the treatment of periodontal pockets, although a significant CAL gain was observed with SRP alone and not with laser treatment.     

Local delivery of chlorhexidine gluconate in patients with aggressive periodontitis

The aim of this randomized, controlled, single-blinded trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a biodegradable chlorhexidine chip as an adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planing. Eleven consecutive patients with aggressive periodontitis were recruited for this study. Each volunteer provided four sites with probing depth > or = 5 mm. Two sites received scaling and root planing (SRP) and placement of the chlorhexidine chip (PC), and the other two sites received scaling and root planing only. The clinical outcomes were measured at baseline, 6 weeks and 3 months after treatment. All patients completed the trial. None of the volunteers reported any adverse effect. Both groups showed a significant reduction in periodontal pocket depth (PPD) and gain in clinical attachment level (CAL) after treatment. However, there were no significant differences in the clinical parameters between the groups after 6 weeks and after 3 months. Sites presenting probing depths > or = 8 mm at baseline treated with SRP + PC demonstrated greater reduction in PPD and a greater CAL gain than sites treated with SRP alone after 6 weeks and after 3 months. The authors concluded that the adjunctive use of the biodegradable chlorhexidine chip resulted in greater reduction of PPD and additional gain in CAL in deep pockets (PPD > or = 8 mm) in patients with aggressive periodontitis when compared to scaling and root.     

Er:YAG激光治疗慢性牙周炎临床疗效观察

目的 比较单独应用Er:YAG激光与常规牙周基础治疗治疗慢性牙周炎的临床疗效.方法 纳入22例慢性牙周炎患者,采用单盲、随机和自身对照设计,患者一侧用Er:YAG激光治疗,另一侧用超声联合手工刮治.分别于基线、治疗后6周、3个月和6个月进行牙周临床指标检查,内容包括菌斑指数、探诊深度、牙龈出血指数和附着丧失;并对基线时探诊深度≥4mm的位点进行统计和比较.结果 2组探诊深度、牙龈出血指数和附着丧失在治疗后6周、3个月和6个月时与基线比较均有明显下降,2组菌斑指数在基线及治疗后各时间点均无明显变化.且同一时间点2组间各项临床指标均无显著性差异.结论 Er:YAG激光作为治疗慢性牙周炎的方法可行有效,可取得与常规牙周基础治疗相似的临床疗效.     

Periodontal treatment with an Er:YAG laser or scaling and root planing. A 2-year follow-up split-mouth study

BACKGROUND: Non-surgical periodontal treatment with an Er:YAG laser has been shown to result in significant clinical attachment level gain; however, clinical results have not been established on a long-term basis following Er:YAG laser treatment. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to present the 2-year results following non-surgical periodontal treatment with an Er:YAG laser or scaling and root planing. METHODS: Twenty patients with moderate to advanced periodontal destruction were treated under local anesthesia, and the quadrants were randomly allocated in a split-mouth design to either 1) Er:YAG laser (ERL) using an energy level of 160 mJ/pulse and 10 Hz, or 2) scaling and root planing (SRP) using hand instruments. The following clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline and at 1 and 2 years after treatment: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Subgingival plaque samples were taken at each appointment and analyzed using dark-field microscopy for the presence of cocci, non-motile rods, motile rods, and spirochetes. The primary outcome variable was CAL. No statistically significant differences between the groups were found at baseline. Power analysis to determine superiority of ERL treatment showed that the available sample size would yield 99% power to detect a 1 mm difference. RESULTS: The sites treated with ERL demonstrated mean CAL change from 6.3 +/- 1.1 mm to 4.5 +/- 0.4 mm (P < 0.001) and to 4.9 +/- 0.4 mm (P < 0.001) at 1 and 2 years, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between the CAL mean at 1 and 2 years postoperatively. The sites treated with SRP showed a mean CAL change from 6.5 +/- 1.0 mm to 5.6 +/- 0.4 mm (P < 0.001) and to 5.8 +/- 0.4 mm (P < 0.001) at 1 and 2 years, respectively. The CAL change between 1 and 2 years did not present statistically significant differences. Both groups showed a significant increase of cocci and non-motile rods and a decrease in the amount of spirochetes. However, at the 1- and 2-year examination, the statistical analysis showed a significant difference for the CAL (P < 0.001, respectively) between the 2 treatment groups. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the CAL gain obtained following non-surgical periodontal treatment with ERL or SRP can be maintained over a 2-year period.     

Periodontal conditions in patients requesting dental implant treatment

Periodontal disease is considered a risk factor in dental implant treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the periodontal conditions in patients requesting dental implant therapy. A total of 169 patients visiting Department of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Implantology at Tokyo Dental College Chiba Hospital were targeted. The following intraoral parameters were measured in each patient: Community Periodontal Index (CPI) score, probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and bleeding on probing (BOP). Prevalence of patients with periodontal pockets was high: 38% and 28% of patients had a CPI score of code 3 and 4, respectively. Prevalence of teeth with one or more sites with PPD≥4mm was 27%. Moreover, clinical signs suggestive of periodontitis (PPD, CAL≥4mm) were found in 10-15% of tooth sites. Prevalence rates at sites with severe periodontal breakdown (PPD, CAL≥7mm) were 2-5%. These results further emphasize the importance of thorough periodontal assessment in patients prior to dental implant treatment.     

液氮冷冻联合Nd:YAG激光对兔耳静脉作用的效果观察

目的:观察液氮冷冻联合Nd:YAG激光照射对兔耳静脉的作用,评估该方法治疗静脉畸形的可行性。方法:将65只白兔随机分为4组。A、B、C为实验组,每组20只;D组为空白对照组,5只。以兔耳背中央静脉为实验模型,A组行液氮冷冻及Nd:YAG激光照射,B组行液氮冷冻,C组行Nd:YAG激光照射,D组不做处理。分别于实验处置后1、3、7、14、21 d对兔耳背中央静脉进行大体、光镜及电镜观察。结果:A组静脉血管内皮细胞、管壁平滑肌及构架结构均有明显损伤破坏,管腔内血栓形成,最终静脉闭锁。B、C组虽有血管内皮细胞损伤及血栓形成,但随后血栓逐渐溶解,血管修复。结论:冷冻联合激光照射对兔耳静脉有较强的损伤作用,具有治疗静脉畸形的可能性。     

Nd:YAG激光联合康复新液治疗糜烂型OLP疗效纵向观察

目的:评价Nd:YAG激光联合康复新液治疗糜烂型口腔扁平苔藓的纵向疗效。方法:对121例临床经病理确诊的口腔糜烂型扁平苔藓患者随机分为两组,A组41例,使用Nd:YAG激光局部照射联合康复新液湿敷治疗;B组40例,采取康复新液局部湿敷治疗;C组40例,单纯使用Nd:YAG激光局部照射治疗。3组均定期随访24 月,进行统计学分析。结果:3组病例于治疗后2周、1月、6月、24月给予疗效评定。实验A组与B、C两组治疗后2周与1月相比,复发率差异无显著性,显效率差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗后6月及24月实验A组与 B、C两组显效率和复发率比较均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:在合适的照射频率、照射角度、照射时间下,脉冲 Nd:YAG 激光联合康复新液治疗糜烂型扁平苔藓可以迅速达到治疗效果,控制远期复发,提高治愈成功率。     

Treatment of intrabony defects with enamel matrix proteins and guided tissue regeneration. A prospective controlled clinical study

BACKGROUND: Utilisation of enamel matrix proteins (EMD) and application of the guided tissue regeneration principle (GTR) are treatment modalities which both have been shown to result in periodontal regeneration. However, it is yet unknown whether the combination of EMD and GTR may additionally favor the regeneration process. AIM: The aim of the present controlled study was to evaluate clinically the treatment effect of EMD, GTR, combination of EMD and GTR, and flap surgery (control) on intrabony defects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 56 patients each of whom displaying one intrabony defect of a depth of at least 6 mm were randomly treated with one of the treatment modalities. Prior to surgery and at one year after, the following parameters were evaluated by a blinded examiner: Plaque index (PlI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival recession (GR) and clinical attachment level (CAL). No statistical significant differences between the four groups were observed at baseline for any of the investigated parameters. RESULTS: At 1 year after therapy, the sites treated with EMD demonstrated a mean PPD reduction of 4.1 +/- 1.7 mm and a mean CAL gain of 3.4 +/- 1.5 mm (p<0.001). The sites treated with GTR showed a mean PPD reduction of 4.2 +/- 1.9 mm and a mean CAL gain of 3.1 +/- 1.5 mm (p<0.001). The sites treated with the combined treatment showed a mean PPD reduction of 4.3 +/- 1.4 mm and a mean CAL gain of 3.4 +/- 1.1 mm (p<0.001). In the control group, the mean PPD reduction was 3.7 +/- 1.4 mm (p<0.001) and the mean CAL gain measured 1.7 +/- 1.5 mm (p<0.01). All 4 treatments led to statistically significant PPD reduction and CAL gain. All three regenerative treatments led to higher CAL gain than the control treatment (p<0.05). No statistical significant differences in PPD reduction and CAL gain were observed between the three regenerative treatments. CONCLUSION: It may be concluded that (a) all 3 regenerative treatment modalities may lead to higher CAL gain than the control one, and (b) the combined treatment does not seem to improve the outcome of the regenerative procedure.     

Evaluation of the surface roughness of zirconia ceramics after different surface treatments

Objective. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different mechanical surface treatments of pre-sintered zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) in an attempt to improve its bonding potential. Materials and methods. One hundred and twenty IPS e-max ZirCAD (Ivoclar Vivadent) pre-sintered zirconia blocks (7 mm diameter, 3 mm height) received six different surface treatments (n = 20): Group C was untreated (control); Group E was Er:YAG laser irradiated; Group N was Nd:YAG laser irradiated; Group SB was sandblasted, Group SN was sandblasted and Nd:YAG laser irradiated; and Group SE was sandblasted and Er:YAG laser irradiated. After the surface treatments, the average surface roughness (Ra, µm) of each specimen was determined with a profilometer, then all the specimens were sintered. The surface roughness values were analysed through one-way ANOVA and Tukey's test. Changes in the morphological characteristics of ZrO₂ were examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results. Sintered sandblasted, Er:YAG laser treatment, sandblasted + Er:YAG laser and sandblasted + Nd:YAG laser irradiation resulted in a rougher surface than the other treatments. Conclusion. Nd:YAG laser irradiation alone was not effective in altering the zirconia surface morphology.     

Evaluation of enamel matrix derivative as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the adjunctive use of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) on periodontal healing following nonsurgical periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing - SRP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed as an intraindividual, longitudinal trial of 3 months duration with a double-blinded, split-mouth, controlled, and randomized design. Twenty-two patients with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis were enrolled in the study. In each patient, two sites with pocket depths >/=5 mm and with radiographic angular bone defects >3 mm were selected. Baseline examination included measurement of probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment levels (CAL). The presence or absence of plaque and bleeding on probing at selected sites was also recorded. Following initial examination, full-mouth SRP was performed. Study sites were then treated with 24% EDTA for 2 min, followed by thorough irrigation with sterile saline. The sites were then randomized. The experimental site received subgingival application of enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain, BIORA AB, Malmo, Sweden). The control site received no additional treatment. At 3 months, all sites were re-examined. The response to therapy in experimental and control sites was evaluated, using change in probing depth and CAL as the primary outcome variables. Statistical analysis (paired t-tests) was used to compare response to treatment in control versus experimental sites. RESULTS: Statistically significant changes in PPD and CAL were seen in both treatment groups from baseline to 3 months. The mean PPD reduction was 2.3+/-0.5 mm for control sites and 2.0+/-0.3 mm for experimental sites. The mean CAL gain was 1.8+/-0.4 mm for control sites, and 1.4+/-0.3 mm for experimental sites. Statistical analysis, however, revealed no significant difference in PPD reduction or CAL gain between experimental and control groups (p>0.4). In addition, no difference was found between treatment groups in bleeding or plaque indices at 3 months. CONCLUSION: The findings from the present study do not support the use of EMD during routine, nonsurgical debridement of periodontal pockets as measured 3 months post SRP.     

Treatment of periodontal disease by photodisinfection compared to scaling and root planing

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of a photodisinfection process to that of scaling and root planing (SRP) for non-surgical periodontal treatment. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-three subjects with moderate to advanced periodontal disease were randomly treated in one of three study arms with either photodisinfection (PD) alone (Group 1) using a diode laser and photosensitizer combination, with SRP alone (Group 2), or with SRP and PD combined (Group 3). Clinical assessments of bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were made at baseline, three weeks, six weeks, and 12 weeks following therapy. RESULTS: No difference in any of the investigated parameters was observed at baseline between the three groups. The mean value of BOP decreased in the PD group (Group 1) from baseline by 71% at six weeks and 73% at 12 weeks, and in the SRP alone group (Group 2) from baseline by 43% at six weeks and 56% at 12 weeks. The BOP in the combined SRP + PD group (Group 3) decreased from baseline by 65% at six and 59% at 12 weeks. The sites treated with PD alone demonstrated mean CAL gains of 0.09 +/- 0.38 mm and 0.14 +/- 0.65 mm at six and 12 weeks, respectively. Those sites treated with SRP alone demonstrated mean CAL gains of 0.37 +/- 0.34 mm and of 0.36 +/- 0.35 mm at six and 12 weeks, respectively. The final group of SRP + PD demonstrated mean CAL gains of 0.92 +/- 0.62 mm and 0.86 +/- 0.61 mm at six and 12 weeks, respectively (p < 0.01 for six weeks and p < 0.02 for 12 weeks when compared to SRP alone). The sites treated with PD alone demonstrated mean PPD reductions of 0.69 +/- 0.33 mm and of 0.67 +/- 0.44 mm at six and 12 weeks, respectively. Those sites treated with SRP alone demonstrated mean PPD reductions of 0.78 +/- 0.47 mm and 0.74 +/- 0.43 mm at six and 12 weeks, respectively. The final group of SRP + PD demonstrated mean PPD reductions of 1.16 +/- 0.39 mm and 1.11 +/- 0.53 at six and 12 weeks, respectively (p < 0.06 for six weeks and p < 0.05 for 12 weeks when compared to SRP alone). CONCLUSION: Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that SRP combined with photodisinfection leads to significant improvements of the investigated parameters over the use of SRP alone.     

Effects of Er:YAG laser compared to ultrasonic scaler in periodontal treatment: a 2-year follow-up split-mouth clinical study

BACKGROUND: The aim of this clinical study was to compare the results of non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease with an erbium-doped:yttrium, aluminum, and garnet (Er:YAG) laser to root debridement with an ultrasonic scaler. METHODS: Twenty-five patients furnished two quadrants containing four teeth with probing depths (PD) >4 mm; the quadrants were divided equally between the right and left sides. On one side, teeth were treated by Er:YAG laser using 160 mJ/pulse at 10 Hz (test group); on the contralateral side, teeth were treated by ultrasonic scaler (control group). Clinical baseline data, including plaque index, gingival index, probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL), were recorded before treatment and at 3 months and 1 and 2 years. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in PD between the test and control groups for pockets of 1 to 4 mm (P <0.05), 5 to 6 mm (P <0.01), and > or =7 mm (P <0.001). However, there were no significant differences between the test and control groups for CAL gain in pockets of 1 to 4 mm; statistically significant differences were found between the test and control groups in pockets of 5 to 6 mm (P <0.01) and > or =7 mm (P <0.001). CONCLUSION: Er:YAG laser periodontal treatment resulted in statistically significant improvements in PD and CAL gain compared to ultrasonic scaler treatment at 2-year follow-up, especially in moderate and deep pockets.