Topical metronidazole application as an adjunct to scaling and root planing

AIM: This study was carried out to investigate the effect of 2 applications of a metronidazole 25% dental gel as adjunctive therapy to subgingival scaling with root planing. METHOD: 59 of the original collective of 64 patients with adult periodontitis were observed for a 9-month period. This randomised single-blind study was carried out in split-mouth design. Each patient had to have at least 2 pockets with a probing depth of > or =5 mm in each quadrant. The clinical parameters, pocket probing depth (PPD), attachment level (AL) and bleeding on probing (BOP), were recorded at all teeth on days 0, 91, 175 and 259; in addition, subgingival plaque samples taken from 45 patients were analysed by means of dark-field microscopy. Therapy comprised subgingival scaling and root planing (SRP) of all quadrants and additional application of metronidazole 25%, dental gel in 2 randomly selected quadrants (SRP+Metro). Treatment was confined to teeth with a baseline PPD of > or =5 mm. Average PPD and AL and the incidence of BOP were computed for all pockets with a baseline PPD of > or =5 mm, and the 2 methods compared. The main efficacy variable for evaluation of the 2 treatments was the difference in PPD on day 259. RESULTS: Comparison of the 2 treatments revealed a statistically significant improvement in the clinical parameters for both treatment methods over the study period. Between baseline and day 259, significant differences in PPD (SRP+Metro: from 6.00 to 4.63 mm, SRP: from 6.02 to 4.83 mm) and BOP (SRP+Metro: from 67 to 31%, SRP: from 64 to 36%) were observed between the 2 treatment groups. Evaluation according to different patient groups demonstrated significant advantages of the combined therapy in previously-untreated patients, especially in female probands. Dark-field microscopy revealed a shift in the bacterial flora towards "healthy conditions". CONCLUSIONS: The results show that only minor advantages are to be gained from the application of a metronidazole 25% dental gel as adjunctive therapy to subgingival scaling. The distinctly better results of combined therapy in previously-untreated patients calls for more thorough investigation.     

Topical metronidazole application compared with subgingival scaling

Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the topical application of a metronidazole 25% dental gel with subgingival scaling. 30 patients from the recall program participated in this open randomised study with split-mouth design. Pocket probing depths (PPD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were measured before and 2, 12 and 24 weeks after the end of the treatment period. In addition, subgingival plaque samples were taken from all mesial sites and analysed with dark-field microscopy. All patients had at least 1 tooth in each quadrant with a PPD of 5 mm or more that should bleeding on probing, when entering the study. The treatment consisted of 2 applications of the dental gel in 2 randomly selected quadrants (on days 0 and 7) as well as simultaneous subgingival scaling of the remaining quadrants. Oral hygiene instruction was given on day 21. The average PPD and the average frequency of BOP were calculated for all sites with an inital PPD of 5 mm or more and continued at each examination, using the same sites. The statistical analyses showed that both treatments were effective in reducing PPD and BOP over the 6-month period. At the end of the follow-up period, the mean reduction in PPD was 1.3 mm after gel treatment and 1.5 mm after subgingival scaling. BOP was reduced by 35% and 42%, respectively. No significant differences between the 2 treatments were detected. Dark-field microscopy showed a shift towards a more healthy microflora for both treatment modalities; this persisted throughout the 6-month period. Application of a 25% metronidazole dental gel on recall patients seems to be as effective on the investigated clinical and microbiological parameters as subgingival scaling.     

Clinical responses to subgingival application of a metronidazole 25% gel compared to the effect of subgingival scaling in adult periodontitis

Abstract. A newly developed metronidazole 25% dental gel was compared with subgingival scaling in the treatment of adult periodontitis. 206 patients in 9 centres participated in the study. Probing pocket depth (PPD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded before treatment and 2, 6, 12, 18, and 24 weeks after the treatment. All patients had at least I tooth in each quadrant with a PPD of 5 mm or more. The treatments consisted of 2 applications of dental gel (days 0 and 7) in 2 randomly selected quadrants (split mouth design) and 2 sessions of subgingival scaling (1 quadrant on day 0, and 1 quadrant on day 7). Instruction in oral hygiene was given 2 weeks after completed treatment. The average PPD and the average frequency of BOP were calculated over all sites with initial PPD of 5 mm or more. PPD and BOP were thus, at each examination, calculated from the same sites. The mean PPD was 5.9 mm before gel application and 5.8 mm before scaling (p= 0.31). BOP was 88% in both treatment groups. 24 weeks after the treatment. PPD and BOP were significantly reduced in both groups and for both parameters (p < 0.01). PPD was reduced by 1.3 mm after gel application and 1.5 mm after scaling; BOP was reduced by 32% and 39%, respectively. The difference between the treatments was statistically significant, but considered as clinically unimportant.     

Repeated local metronidazole-therapy as adjunct to scaling and root planing in maintenance patients

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of local antibiotic therapy with metronidazole adjunctively to scaling and root planing (SRP) versus mechanical treatment alone. 30 maintenance-patients were included in this single-blind study. The subjects had to comply with the following criteria: 2 non-adjacent sites with a probing depth > or =6 mm with bleeding on probing in separate quadrants, no periodontal therapy within the last 3 months, and no antibiotic therapy within the last 6 months. After randomization, the study sites were assigned to one of the following 2 treatments: SRP plus subgingival application of metronidazole 25% dental gel (Elyzol) 5x during 10 days (test site) or SRP alone (control site). Subgingival microbiological samples were taken prior to, and 21 days and 3 months after scaling. The samples were analyzed with a commercial chair-side ELISA (Evalusite) for Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. Probing pocket depth (PPD), attachment level (AL) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded at baseline and 3 months later. PPD reduction and AL-gain were statistically significant (p<0.001) after both treatments. However, there were no statistically significant differences between them. The same observation was made for BOP. P. gingivalis was reduced significantly after both treatments without statistically significant differences. P. intermedia was reduced significantly only after SRP. A. actinomycetemcomitans was not reduced significantly after either treatment. In conclusion, the repeated local application of metronidazole as an adjunct to SRP and the mechanical treatment alone showed similar clinical and microbiological effects without statistically significant differences with the exception of P. intermedia.     

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.     

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.     

Clinical evaluation of partial- and full-mouth scaling in the treatment of chronic periodontitis

BACKGROUND: Full-mouth scaling (FMS) is claimed by some researchers to be superior to standard scaling and root planing (SRP). The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinical outcomes of two modalities of non-surgical periodontal therapy for patients with chronic periodontitis. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study, 37 subjects with chronic periodontitis were treated by SRP in two quadrants at 4-week intervals (N=20) or by FMS (N=17). Clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded at premolar and molar teeth at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: Both therapies resulted in significant improvements of all clinical variables. After 12 months, CAL at pockets with PDs of 4 to 6 mm was reduced significantly from 4.5+/-0.8 mm to 3.4+/-1.0 mm with SRP and from 4.7+/-0.9 mm to 3.8+/-1.1 mm with FMS (P<0.001). PD decreased from 4.4+/-0.6 mm to 3.3+/-0.9 mm in the SRP group and from 4.5+/-0.7 mm to 3.5+/-1.0 mm in the FMS group (P<0.001). BOP was reduced from 63.6%+/-45.3% to 29.0%+/-42.6% in the SRP group and from 59.6%+/-43.8% to 28.6%+/-38.3% in the FMS group (P<0.001 and P=0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to CAL gain, PD, and BOP reduction. CONCLUSION: Both therapy modalities have the same positive influence on clinical outcome at premolar and molar teeth with PDs of 4 to 6 mm.     

The effects of subgingival calculus on the clinical outcomes of locally-delivered controlled-release doxycycline compared to scaling and root planing

BACKGROUND, AIM: The effect of subgingival calculus on the clinical outcomes of the local delivery of antimicrobials is unknown. This study examines the clinical outcomes of treatment with locally delivered controlled-release doxycycline (DH) or scaling and root planing (SRP) in subsets of adult periodontitis patients with known baseline levels of subgingival calculus. METHODS: The data examined were obtained from 393 patients who participated in 2 multi-center trials. All patients had baseline subgingival calculus levels assessed and were then treated at baseline and month 4 with either DH or SRP. Clinical attachment levels (CAL), pocket depth (PD) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were assessed at baseline and months 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9. RESULTS: Treatment with either DH or SRP resulted in significant statistical and clinical improvements in CAL, PD and BOP. These clinical outcomes were equivalent regardless of the extent of subgingival calculus present at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the primary clinical effects of these therapies are the result of a disruption and reduction of the subgingival plaque and not the effect of the removal of subgingival calculus and contaminated cementum.     

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.     

Comparison of conventional periodontal maintenance versus scaling and root planing with subgingival minocycline

BACKGROUND: Alternative regimens using subgingival antimicrobials compared to conventional periodontal maintenance (PM) may lead to more efficient protocols. The purpose of this study was to evaluate treatment time and clinical and radiographic outcomes in 2 periodontitis cohorts, one receiving conventional PM and the other receiving scaling and root planing (SRP) and multiple doses of subgingival minocycline. METHODS: Moderate to advanced chronic periodontitis patients were concurrently treated with either: 1) scaling and root planing and 4 subgingival doses of minocycline microspheres in all > or = 5 mm pockets over a 6-month period (RP/M; n = 24 patients); or 2) conventional 3-month periodontal maintenance (PM; n = 24 patients). Clinical and radiographic measurements, including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and interproximal bone height (BH), were analyzed in 2 premolar/molar interproximal > or = 5 mm pockets at baseline and 1 year using paired t tests, analysis of variance, chi-square analysis, and correlation coefficients. RESULTS: Baseline clinical and radiographic data were similar between RP/M and PM patients. Probing depths showed greater mean improvement in RP/M (0.9 +/- 0.1 versus 0.4 +/- 0.1 mm, P = 0.02), with 25% of subjects in RP/M gaining > or = 2 mm compared to 4.2% in PM (differences were statistically significant). The mean loss in bone height and percent subjects losing bone height were less in RP/M (0.05 +/- 0.05 mm; 12.5%) than PM (0.09 +/- 0.08 mm; 16.7%), but bone height differences were not statistically significant. A subset of RP/M molar furcation sites responded with similar PD reduction and no BH loss over 1 year. While cross-sectional RP/M data between CAL and BH, or PD and CAL were highly correlated, changes over 1 year were not correlated among any of these parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Scaling and root planing and subgingival minocycline in experimental sites took little time (<5 minutes/appointment), but resulted in more probing depth reduction and less frequent bone height loss than conventional periodontal maintenance.     

Subgingival topical doxycycline versus mechanical debridement for supportive periodontal therapy: a single blind randomized controlled two-center study

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical effects of topical subgingival application of a doxycycline gel compared to conventional mechanical debridement in supportive periodontal therapy. METHODS: 37 patients with residual or recurring periodontitis after systematic periodontal treatment at two centers (Heidelberg, Frankfurt) participated in this study. They had to exhibit at least one single-rooted tooth with either a probing depth (PPD) = 5 mm and bleeding-on-probing (BOP) or with PPD > or = 6 mm. The patients were randomly assigned to one of the two different treatment regimes: DOXY (exclusively subgingival application of a 14% doxycycline gel) or SRP (scaling and root planing with a sonic scaler). Clinical examinations (plaque index [P1I], PPD, vertical relative attachment level [RAL-V], gingival index [GI]) were performed before, 3, and 6 months after therapy. RESULTS: In 37 patients (19 female), aged 30-76 years with a total of 168 teeth were treated (DOXY: 79; SRP: 89). Six months after therapy, both groups exhibited statistically significant (P< 0.001) reductions of PPD (DOXY: -1.43 +/- 0.22 mm; SRP: -1.14 +/- 0.18 mm) and gains of RAL-V (DOXY: 0.79 +/- 0.22 mm; SRP: 0.72 +/- 0.19 mm). Multilevel regression analyses, considering the therapy of different numbers of teeth in different patients, failed to show statistically significant differences concerning PPD reduction and RAL-V gain between both therapies (DOXY/SRP). For both therapies, PPD reduction was significantly better in deeper pockets (PPD > or = 7 mm) than in shallow pockets (PPD: 5-6 mm).     

甘氨酸龈下喷砂辅助治疗老年伴糖尿病牙周炎疗效分析

目的:观察甘氨酸龈下喷砂辅助治疗老年伴糖尿病牙周炎后,牙周炎症的改善情况以及糖尿病相关指标的变化。方法:2018年6月~2019年6月于浙江医院口腔科就诊的40例老年伴糖尿病牙周炎患者(男20例,女20例,年龄60~78岁)为研究对象。随机分为对照组(超声龈下刮治+根面平整术)和实验组(超声龈下刮治+根面平整术+甘氨酸龈下喷砂治疗)。临床检查患牙基线时与治疗后1、3个月牙周袋探诊深度(PPD)、出血指数(BI)、菌斑指示(PLI)、探诊出血率(BOP)、C反应蛋白(CRP)、糖化血红蛋白(HbA1c)。结果:两组在基线水平、术后1个月、3个月的PPD、BOP依次减小(P<0.001),术后1个月、3个月,实验组PPD、BOP下降速度快于对照组;实验组在1个月、3个月时BI、PLI值均小于对照组(P<0.001);术后3个月时,实验组和对照组的CRP水平均较基线有改善(P<0.05),实验组的改善效果优于对照组(P<0.05);实验组和对照组的HbA1c值均较基线降低(P<0.05),降低水平实验组大于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:甘氨酸龈下喷砂辅助龈下刮治根面平整术能有效控制老年伴糖尿病牙周炎患者的牙周组织炎症,减轻全身炎症反应,控制2型糖尿病,效果优于单纯进行龈下刮治根面平整术。     

Hand and ultrasonic instrumentation in the treatment of chronic periodontitis after supragingival plaque control

This study compared the clinical effects of hand or ultrasonic scaling and root planing on the treatment of chronic periodontitis. After supragingival plaque control, twenty patients were examined by a blinded and calibrated examiner for probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and bleeding on probing (BOP). Experimental teeth were allocated to the following subgingival treatment groups according to PPD: 1) hand instrumentation; 2) hand instrumentation with irrigation; 3) ultrasonic instrumentation; 4) ultrasonic followed by hand instrumentation. Time used in the procedures was recorded. Follow-up examinations were performed at 30 and 90 days after treatment. Each patient's individual BOP, PPD and CAL means were analyzed with repeated-measures ANOVA. Differences in the instrumentation time were analyzed with 1-way ANOVA. Significance level was established at 5%. All treatments produced significant changes in the clinical parameters. BOP reduced, in proximal surfaces, from 67.21-79.17% at baseline to 45.75-51.54% at 90 days. Significant reductions were also found for PPD and CAL in all groups, both in proximal and free surfaces. Reductions in mean PPD at 90 days ranged from 0.92 to 1.14 mm for the free surfaces and from 1.01 to 1.35 mm for proximal surfaces, whereas reductions in CAL ranged from 0.43 to 0.82 mm and from 0.60 to 0.73 mm for free and proximal surfaces, respectively. Mean instrumentation time ranged from 4.77 to 5.30 minutes. No statistically significant differences were found among the four study groups. It can be concluded that the four methods of subgingival instrumentation were equally efficacious in the improvement of the studied clinical parameters.     

Repeated oral hygiene instructions alone, or in combination with metronidazole dental gel with or without subgingival scaling in adult periodontitis patients: a one-year clinical study

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the clinical efficacy of, and to monitor microbiologically, repeated oral hygiene instructions alone or in combination with metronidazole 25% gel or subgingival scaling with or without metronidazole gel in treatment of new, residual or recurrent periodontal pockets in previously treated adult periodontitis patients. Ten suitable patients were included in this randomized single-blind clinical study with an intra-individual design. Clinical parameters were measured before and at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after treatment. Subgingival plaque samples were taken at every examination from one selected site in each quadrant. Smears from plaque samples were silver-stained and differential counting was performed under light microscopy at 1000X magnification. Four treatment modalities: (i) oral hygiene instruction (OHI) alone; (ii) OHI and metronidazole dental gel; (iii) OHI and subgingival scaling; (iv) OHI and subgingival scaling plus metronidazole gel, were randomly assigned to one quadrant of each patient. At the 12-month examination, the mean reductions in probing pocket depth were 2.6 mm after OHI alone, 2.8 mm after OHI and metronidazole gel, 3.3 mm after OHI and subgingival scaling and 2.6 mm after oral OHI and subgingival scaling plus metronidazole gel. The mean gains in probing attachment level were 2.2 mm, 1.9 mm, 2.7 mm and 1.6 mm, respectively. Although there were statistically significant differences in treatment responses between some treatment modalities at some time points, these were not considered to be clinically significant. Differential counts showed a shift towards a healthy microflora in response to all treatment modalities. From the 12-month results, it was concluded that the metronidazole 25% gel produced positive effects on the clinical parameters and on the subgingival plaque microbiological composition in new, residual or recurrent pockets in previously treated chronic periodontitis patients. However, the metronidazole gel alone or in combination with scaling does not seem to have any additional clinically significant therapeutic effects over and above those derived from improved oral hygiene resulting from monthly recalls, with or without subgingival scaling.     

Clinical comparison of the effectiveness of novel sonic instruments and curettes for periodontal debridement after 2 months

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo the effectiveness of scaling and root planing of new oscillating instruments (Periosonic) using a sonic handpiece compared to hand curettes with a split mouth design after 2 months. METHODS: 11 patients with adult periodontitis participated in this study. Plaque index (PII) (O'Leary), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), recession (REC) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline and 2 months after treatment. After oral hygiene instruction, 2 randomly assigned quadrants per patient were scaled and root planed with curettes (control side) and the remaining 2 quadrants with the Periosonic instruments 1 and 2 (test side). The student t-test for paired data was used to test the significance of difference between test and control sides. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference (p>0.05) between the 2 sides for the improvement of the clinical parameters excepted for the group with initial PPD of 4-6 mm (test: 1.3+/-0.4 mm PPD reduction, control: 1.6+/-0.4 mm). For PPD > or =7 mm, the test side had better clinical improvement in attachment levels (2.2+/-0.9 mm), less recession (-0.4+/-0.5 mm) with lower PPD reduction (2.4+/-0.6 mm) than the control side (AL: 1.6+/-1.8 mm; REC: -1.3+/-0.7 mm, PPD reduction: 3.0+/-1.4 mm). CONCLUSION: This clinical study demonstrated that Periosonic(R) instruments are clinically at least as effective as curettes in PPD reduction when initial PPD is < or =6 mm and show better clinical attachment level improvement with less recession for initial PPD of > or =7 mm.     

Topical metronidazole application in recall patients

Abstract The aim of this randomised study in split-mouth design, in which 24 patients from the recall programme of Marburg University Department of Period-ontology were enrolled, was to compare topical application of a metronidazole 25% dental gel with subgingival scaling. The clinical parameters used were pocket probing depth (PPD) and bleeding on probing (BOP); these were recorded at baseline and 1, 3, 6, 14, 18 and 24 months after completion of treatment. In addition, plaque samples were taken from all mesial pockets for evaluation by dark-field microscopy. All patients had at least one tooth in each quadrant with a PPD of 5 mm or more showing BOP when they entered the study. The treatment consisted of 2 applications of dental gel in 1 randomly selected quadrants (on days 0 and 7) as well as subgingival scaling of the remaining quadrants. Statistical evaluation of all sites with a baseline PPD of 5mm or more showed that both methods led to a significant reduction in PPD and BOP in the first 6 montKs. The average reduction in PPD was 1, 3 mm in the gel group and 1, 5 mm in the scaling group, with the tendency to bleeding being reduced by ca. 50% in both groups. After 24 months, improvements of 0, 6 mm and 0.5 mm respectively were observed in PPD, The tendency to bleeding had undergotie a slight increase but was still below baseline values. Mo statistically significant differences were observed between the two methods, although the results recorded with subgingival scaling were slightly better. Dark-field microscopy revealed a shift in the composition of the bacterial flora, suggesting a more physiological situation, which was maintained for 6 months before reverting consistently after 1 8 months to the baseline values of the plaque composition. Overall, application of a metronidazole 25% dental gel led m recall patients to an improvement in the investigated clinical and microbiological parameters comparable with subgingival scaling. After 24 months, the clinical parameters still displayed a very slight improvement over baseline values; after 18 months the microflora had reverted to its baseline composition.     

The adjunctive use of a controlled-release chlorhexidine chip following treatment with a new ultrasonic device in supportive periodontal therapy: a prospective, controlled clinical study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this randomised, split-mouth, controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a controlled-release chlorhexidine chip (CHX chip) as an adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planing (SRP) with a newly developed ultrasonic device in supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis, displaying at least four sites with probing depth (PD) > or = 5 mm and persistent bleeding on probing (BOP), were recruited for the study. The target sites were randomly treated with either a newly developed piezo-driven ultrasonic device Vector--or ultrasonic system (VUS) + CHX chip or VUS alone without adjunctive antimicrobial treatment. The clinical parameters, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), BOP, PD and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline and after 1, 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: At baseline, there were no significant differences between test and control sites for any of the investigated parameters. The average reduction of PD and improvement in CAL was greater in the VUS + CHX chip sites than in sites treated with the VUS alone at 1, 3 and 6 months (P < 0.05). The mean reductions on PD and CAL were 0.7 and 0.6 mm for the control sites and 2.2 and 1.9 mm for the test sites, respectively. Also, the mean reduction in BOP scores were higher in the VUS + CHX chip sites compared to VUS alone at 1, 3 and 6 months (P < 0.05). PI scores were not significantly different between VUS + CHX chip sites and VUS alone sites at any visit. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that CHX chip application following SRP with the tested ultrasonic device is beneficial in improving periodontal parameters in patients on SPT.     

0.1%/0.2% commercial chlorhexidine solutions as subgingival irrigants in chronic periodontitis

Abstract This study compared 2 proprietary chlorhexidine (CH) products, Corsodyl (CO - 0.2% CH. then ICI. U.K.) and Eludril (EL - 0.1% CH. Pierre Fabre. France) as subgingival irrigants adjunctive to Simplified Oral Hygiene. 19 subjects. 8M, HE aged 30-57 years, mean 44 years, took part. Probing pocket depth (PPD) ranged from 5-10 mm, mean 6.5 mm (CO and EL), with 60 CO and 65 EL sites. After oral hygiene instruction, without stress on interdental cleaning, patients received one visit supra- and subgingival debridement. and instruction in subgingival irrigation using the Max-I-Probe system (Smith & Nephew MPL, USA). For baseline, days 28 (end of irrigation). 56 and 84. data were respectively: GI (medians): 1.7. 1.2. 1.2. 1.0 (CO). 1.9. 1.5, 1.3. 1.0 EL): BOP (medians): 1.2, 0.4. 0.7. 0.4 (CO), 1.5. 0.6. 0.6, 0.25 (EL): PPD (mm) (means): 6.3. 4.8, 4.2, 4.5 (CO). 6.8, 5.2, 5.3. 4.7 (EL); PAL (mm) (means-change relative to day 0): 0.6, 0.5. 0.8 (CO), 0.8. 0.8. 1.5 (EL). By Wilcoxon for non-parametric and /-tests for parametric data, both groups showed significant improvement for all variables at all times relative to baseline, with only one significant difference between the groups, in favour of EL, for PAL at day 84 (p<0.05). This pilot study indicates that both simplified oral hygiene regimes are effective in periodontitis. but that there was no difference between the 2 commercial irrigants as adjunctives.     

A Randomized,Double‐Masked Clinical Trial Comparing Four Periodontitis Treatment Strategies: 1‐Year Clinical Results

Background: The benefit of full‐mouth disinfection (FDIS) over traditional scaling and root planing (SRP) remains equivocal, and it is not known whether the use of adjunctive antibiotics may enhance the effect of FDIS. The aim of the present study is to test the hypothesis that there is no difference in the 1‐year clinical outcome of therapy among groups of patients treated with conventional SRP performed over 2 to 3 weeks, or same‐day FDIS, with or without adjunctive metronidazole. Methods: A total of 184 patients with moderate‐to‐severe periodontitis were randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups: 1) FDIS+metronidazole; 2) FDIS+placebo; 3) SRP+metronidazole; or 4) SRP+placebo. Recordings of plaque, bleeding on probing, probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were carried out in four sites per tooth at baseline and at 3 and 12 months after treatment. Results: No differences were observed in the mean CAL or PD values between the four experimental groups at baseline and 3 or 12 months post‐treatment. All four groups displayed significant improvements in all parameters. However, using absence of pockets ≥5 mm as the criterion for treatment success, the two groups receiving adjunctive metronidazole performed significantly better than the two placebo groups. Conclusion: Metronidazole had a significant, adjunctive effect in patients with a metronidazole‐sensitive subgingival microbiota on the clinical parameters of CAL, PD, and absence of pockets ≥5 mm.     

Subgingival utilization of a 1% chlorhexidine collagen gel for the treatment of periodontal pockets. A clinical and microbiological study.

This study evaluates the effect of subgingival irrigation with a 1% chlorhexidine collagen gel in periodontal pockets as an adjunct procedure to scaling and root planing (SRP). Thirty-seven sites with probing depth (PD) of 5-7 mm and BANA positive in 6 patients with chronic periodontal disease were selected. Sites were assigned to different treatment groups consisting of SRP only (group 1), SRP + irrigation with collagen gel (group 2), or SRP + irrigation with collagen gel containing 1% chlorhexidine (group 3). Subgingival irrigation was performed after initial SRP and at 7, 14 and 21 days. Clinical measurements including PD, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), gingival recession (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were performed at the selected sites at baseline, 60 and 90 days and the BANA test was performed on plaque samples from the same sites at baseline and 90 days. There was an improvement in clinical parameters in all groups with a significantly greater decrease in GI and bleeding in the chlorhexidine group. There was a greater reduction of BANA positive sites in groups 2 and 3. The authors concluded that 1% chlorhexidine collagen gel is a promising adjunct to SRP in the treatment of adult periodontitis.