Clinical and microbiological effects of fixed orthodontic appliances on periodontal tissues in adolescents

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of fixed orthodontic appliances on periodontal health and microbiological composition of subgingival dental plaque. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective longitudinal self-controlled study was conducted on 32 adolescents (13 males, 19 females), who were scheduled for fixed orthodontic treatment between 2002 and 2005. Dental plaque accumulation, gingival inflammation and pocket probing depth were measured at the mesio-vestibular angle of the examined group of teeth followed by collection of subgingival dental plaque samples in the same points. These periodontal indices and microbiological parameters were determined prior to the placement of fixed appliances and 1, 3 and 6 months after the beginning of orthodontic treatment. RESULTS: All values of both clinical and microbiological parameters started to increase after the placement of fixed appliances. Maximum values were reached 3 months after fixed appliance placement followed by their decrease in the last registration period of 6 months after the placement of fixed appliances. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with fixed appliances in adolescents may transitionally increase the values of all periodontal indices and stimulate the growth of periodontopathogenic bacteria, but without destructive effects on deep periodontal tissues.     

固定矫治器对龈沟液中蛋白质成分的影响

目的检测青少年戴用固定矫治器前后龈沟液(GCF)中蛋白质成分的变化。方法随机选择接受双颌固定矫治器治疗的青少年患者40例。以首诊时的牙周状态为基线,佩戴固定矫治器后4、8、12周时复诊,分别记录菌斑指数、牙龈出血指数、测量探诊深度和附着丧失水平。采用滤纸条法收集龈沟液样本,对龈沟液总蛋白和钙结合蛋白进行检测分析。结果戴用固定矫治器后,GCF量、钙结合蛋白和总蛋白的含量均增加;在各检测时间点,钙结合蛋白/总蛋白的值差异无显著性。结论检测GCF中钙结合蛋白和总蛋白含量的变化,可以反映青少年戴用固定矫治器后的牙周健康状况。     

固定矫治器对青少年龈沟液量及其生化成分的影响

目的 通过对龈沟液量及其生化成分的检测，评价青少年戴用固定矫治器对牙周健康状况的影响。方法 随机选择接受双颌固定矫治器治疗的青少年患者40例。首诊以及佩戴固定矫治器后4、8、12周时。分别记录菌斑指数、牙龈出血指数、测量探诊深度和附着龈丧失水平。采用滤纸务法收集龈沟液样本，检测龈沟液中弹性蛋白酶（GCF—EA）和髓过氧化酶（GCF—MPO）的活性。结果 戴用固定矫治器后，GCF量、GCF—EA争GCF—MPO的活性均明显增加；与中切牙相比，第一恒磨牙的变化更加显著。结论 龈沟液中的生化成分能够更敏感的反映出牙周健康状况，可用于监测青少年戴用固定矫治器后的牙周健康状况。     

舌侧矫治器对牙周致病菌的影响

目的研究舌侧矫治器对患者牙周临床指标和牙周致病菌的影响。方法收集成年正畸治疗患者55例资料,28例使用颊侧矫治器作为对照组,27例使用舌侧矫治器作为试验组,于治疗前和治疗6个月后,分别记录菌斑指数、龈沟出血指数、探诊深度,PCR检测龈下菌斑中牙龈卟啉单胞菌(Porphyromonas gingivalis,Pg)、伴放线放线杆菌(Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomtans,Aa)、福赛斯坦氏菌(Tannerella forsythensis,Tf)3种牙周致病菌的检出率。结果治疗6个月试验组菌斑指数、龈沟出血指数、探诊深度分别为2.36±0.71、2.05±0.49、(3.43±0.56)mm,对照组分别为1.86±0.44、1.67±0.25、(2.87±0.74)mm,2组间差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);试验组Pg、Aa检出率分别为37.0%和22.2%,对照组的Pg、Aa检出率分别为14.3%和10.7%,试验组高于对照组(P<0.05)。结论舌侧矫治器,较颊侧矫治器,对牙周临床指标影响更大,可造成更多的牙周致病菌聚集。     

Site-specific subgingival colonization by Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in orthodontic patients.

A high prevalence of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) in subgingival plaque in patients for orthodontia already has been observed. The present study had the following aims: 1) to ascertain a direct relationship between the orthodontic appliance placement and the subgingival colonization by Aa, and 2) to determine whether the Aa growth specifically occurred on teeth with braces attached or whether the presence of orthodontic appliances could also cause the isolation of Aa in teeth free from therapeutic appliances. Twenty-four young systemically and periodontally healthy subjects with malaligned and crowded teeth in the anterior sextants of both dental arches participated in this study. After 1 session of ultrasonic scaling with oral hygiene instructions during the first experimental session, the mesiobuccal sites of the first molars and the distobuccal sites of the lateral incisors in both dental arches in each participant were subjected to clinical and microbiologic examination for the recovery of Aa. Clinical examination consisted of recording the presence of plaque and the examination of gingival bleeding on probing and probing depth. Microbiologic sampling was obtained with the insertion of 3 sterile paper points at the deepest part of each gingival sulcus. Altogether, 192 periodontal sites were examined. After the examinations, the patients received fixed orthodontic appliances in only 1 dental arch (test sites) and the other one was left free from appliances (control sites). Clinical examination and microbiologic sampling were repeated in the same experimental test and control sites after 4, 8, and 12 weeks. At the 12-week session, the orthodontic appliance was removed from the test arch, and, 4 weeks later, a further clinical and microbiologic examination was performed. The results showed that, during the period with orthodontic appliances, the presence of plaque scores and the gingival bleeding on probing scores were increased significantly and that Aa, initially absent from all but 1 subject, was isolated in 19 and 20 subjects after 4 and 8 weeks, respectively. Furthermore, no gingival sites from the control teeth (free from Aa colonization at baseline) showed positive results for the sought-after bacterium throughout the entire length of the study. It was concluded that the placement of orthodontic appliances promotes the subgingival growth of Aa; this specific microbial change is specifically restricted to subgingival plaque from orthodontic appliance-bearing teeth. The presence of orthodontic bands and brackets therefore cannot affect the microbiologic condition of the whole mouth.     

Comparison of the effectiveness of two types of toothbrushes on the oral hygiene of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether orthodontic toothbrushes were superior to classical toothbrushes in the elimination of microbial dental plaque on teeth and brackets and in the maintenance of periodontal tissue health in patients, ages 12 to 22 years, with fixed appliances. Twenty patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances and brushing with the Bass technique were included in the study. Ten patients used the Oral B Ortho type toothbrushes (Oral B Laboratories Ltd.), whereas the remaining 10 patients used the Oral B Plus 35 type toothbrushes. Quigley-Hein plaque index, bonded bracket index, sulcus bleeding index, and periodontal pocket depth measurements were made at the beginning of the study and a month later. No statistically significant difference was found for plaque, sulcus bleeding, and periodontal pocket depth between Oral B Ortho and Plus 35 groups when the preinvestigatory and postinvestigatory measurements for the vestibular and proximal surfaces of upper and lower teeth were compared. This short-term study concluded that the Ortho-type toothbrush is not superior to the Plus 35-type toothbrush. (Am J Orthod Dentofac Orthop 1997; 111:591-4.)     

Periodontal implications of orthodontic treatment in adults with reduced or normal periodontal tissues versus those of adolescents

This longitudinal study monitored periodontal status in 20 adults and 20 adolescents undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Ten adults had generalized periodontitis and received periodontal treatment, including periodontal surgery, before orthodontic treatment. They also received periodontal maintenance at 3-month intervals during orthodontic treatment. The other 10 adults had normal periodontal tissues. Neither these latter adults nor the adolescents received periodontal maintenance during orthodontic treatment. Periodontal status was determined (1) at six standard sites before fixed appliances were placed (baseline), (2) at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, and 18 months after appliances had been placed, and (3) 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after appliances had been removed. At each of these visits, these sites were assessed for plaque index, gingival index, bleeding tendency, and pocket depth. Loss of attachment between baseline and 3 months after appliances were removed and tooth loss were also determined. Complete data were obtained for 15 adolescents and 14 adults. During orthodontic treatment the adolescent group showed significantly more (p less than 0.05) periodontal inflammation and supragingival plaque than the adults; after appliances were removed, this pattern was no longer statistically significant. For loss of attachment, there were no significant differences among adolescents, adults with normal periodontal tissues, or adults with reduced but healthy periodontal tissues who had undergone treatment for periodontal disease. For tooth loss, three nonstudy site teeth with pockets deeper than 6 mm and/or furcation involvements were lost because of periodontal abscesses in the adult group treated for periodontal disease.     

Archwire ligation techniques, microbial colonization, and periodontal status in orthodontically treated patients

Fixed or removable orthodontic appliances impede the maintenance of oral hygiene and result in plaque accumulation. Plaque retention surrounding orthodontic appliances leads to enamel demineralization caused by organic acids produced by bacteria in the dental plaque. Many studies have evaluated the effects of fixed orthodontic appliances on microbial flora and periodontal status, but only a few have evaluated the method of ligation as an additional factor. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in microbial flora and periodontal status after orthodontic bonding and to determine whether two different archwire ligation techniques affect these changes. A total of 21 orthodontic patients scheduled for fixed orthodontic treatment were selected for this split-mouth study. Two commonly used auxiliaries (elastomeric rings and ligature wires) for tying archwires were tested. Microbial and periodontal records were obtained before bonding (T0), one week later (T1), and five weeks after bonding (T2). Paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to compare the groups statistically. Although, teeth ligated with elastomeric rings exhibited slightly greater numbers of microorganisms than teeth ligated with steel ligature wires, the differences were not statistically significant and could be ignored. The two archwire ligation techniques showed no significant differences in the gingival index, bonded bracket plaque index, or pocket depths of the bonded teeth. However, teeth ligated with elastomeric rings were more prone to bleeding. Therefore, elastomeric ring use is not recommended in patients with poor oral hygiene.     

数字化隐形矫正技术治疗33例成人牙周病伴错(牙合)畸形患者的效果评价

目的：比较无托槽隐形矫正器与固定矫正器在治疗牙周病伴错畸形患者中的牙周健康状况。方法：选取牙周病伴错畸形患者33例,随机分为2组,即无托槽隐形矫正器组（实验组,16例）和唇侧固定矫正器组（对照组,17例）。记录2组患者正畸治疗前,治疗后1、3、6、9个月龈沟出血指数（BI）、牙周探诊深度（PD）、菌斑指数（PLI）和牙龈指数（GI）情况。采用SPSS 17.0软件包比较2组间数据差异。结果：对照组BI、PD、PLI和GI正畸开始后1、3、6、9个月均较治疗前增高,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。实验组治疗前和开始治疗后1、3、6、9个月各项牙周临床指标差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）。正畸开始后1、3、6、9个月,实验组BI、PLI、GI均显著低于对照组（P<0.05）;PD略小于对照组,但差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。结论：与固定矫正相比,无托槽隐形矫正技术更加有利于牙周病伴错畸形患者牙周健康的维护。     

Clinical and microbiologic changes after removal of orthodontic appliances.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological factors associated with orthodontic appliances during an episode of gingival inflammation and the impact of appliance removal on periodontal health. This prospective study included 10 patients, aged 12 to 20 years, with clinical signs of gingival inflammation at the final phase of orthodontic treatment (appliance removal). Plaque index, gingival index, and probing depth were evaluated, and microbiological samples were collected from teeth 16, 11, and 26 at 2 times: during the gingival inflammation (baseline) and 30 days after the removal of the appliance and professional prophylaxis. Polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to detect Porphyromonas gingivalis, Bacteroides forsythus, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, and Prevotella nigrescens. A statistically significant improvement of the plaque and gingival indexes was seen, as well as a reduction in probing depth (P <.05). Periodontal pathogens were associated with gingival inflammation during orthodontic treatment. The improvement in periodontal health at 30 days was concomitant with a reduction of sites positive for A. actinomycetemcomitans and B. forsythus (P <.05). Periodontal pathogens associated with gingival inflammation during orthodontic treatment can be significantly reduced by orthodontic appliance removal and professional prophylaxis.     

Clinical and microbiological effects of fixed orthodontic appliances

The purpose of this clinical and microbiological study was to evaluate longitudinally the changes occurring in the subgingival microbiota in children following the placement of orthodontic bands in the absence of a prophylactic oral hygiene program. A total of 12 children in the age between 10 and 15 years were selected for the study. The experimental group (E) consisted of 6 subjects scheduled for orthodontic treatment including the placement of fixed appliances. They were seen 1 week before and just prior to the placement of orthodontic bands. The control group (C) involved 6 children in the maintenance phase of orthodontic therapy in which removable retainers were used. All subjects were examined at 3-5 week intervals for a period of 4 months. At each examination, microbiological subgingival plaque samples were collected by means of sterile paper points. Plaque and gingival index scores as well as pocket probing depth at the site of sampling were determined. The microbiological samples were processed using continuous anaerobic culturing techniques and were plated on non-selective and selective media. Differential counts and biochemical characterization of isolates were performed according to the methods described by Kornman and Loesche. Following tooth-banding, an increase in pocket probing depth was observed, while the P1I and GI scores remained unaffected. A statistically significant increase from baseline values (p less than 0.05) was found for the %s of black-pigmented bacteroides, the B. intermedius and A. odontolyticus species, concomitantly with a decrease of the anaerobe/facultative bacteria ratio in the experimental, but not the control sites.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Investigations on the Influencing of the Subgingival Microflora in Chronic Periodontitis

AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate changes in the subgingival flora in adults with chronic periodontitis undergoing orthodontic fixed appliance therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In seven adult patients who had undergone nonantibiotic periodontal pretreatment, the subgingival bacteria were subjected to microbiological examination and the number of periodontopathogenic organisms was determined before (T1: prior to treatment being started), during (T2: 6 weeks after orthodontic treatment was started) and after the end of orthodontic treatment (T3: 6 weeks after removal of the fixed appliances). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: During the fixed appliance therapy (metal brackets, NiTi archwires, stainless steel archwires), a marked reduction was observed in the total bacteria count from the subgingival pocket despite the clinical periodontal parameters remaining almost unchanged. However, the total count of some highly pathogenic bacteria rose again slightly after the end of treatment. We attribute the marked improvement in the periodontopathogenic bacteria spectrum under fixed appliance therapy with metal brackets, NiTi archwires and stainless steel archwires to metal corrosion entailing the release of primarily nickel ions, which have a toxic effect on bacteria and thus enable the regeneration of the physiological bacterial flora. In none of the patients was a deterioration of the periodontal status observed during and after fixed appliance therapy.     

Orthodontic treatment in a patient with Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome

BACKGROUND: Report of a combined periodontal and orthodontic treatment in a patient with Papillon-Lefevre Syndrome (PLS). METHODS: A patient with PLS was treated orthodontically 26 months after the start of a combined mechanical and antibiotic therapy. Clinical periodontal parameters were obtained 26 (t1), 60 (t2), and 79 (t3) months after anti-infective therapy. The deepest site of each tooth was sampled for microbiological analysis at 26 and 60 months. Periodontal maintenance therapy was provided every 6 weeks. After a stable periodontal situation was achieved, orthodontic treatment, consisting of space opening for the upper canines with a multibracket appliance and coil springs, was carried out. In the lower jaw, crowding was resolved by an orthodontic mesialization of the canines. RESULTS: Twenty-six months (t1) after the beginning of the combined mechanical and antibiotic therapy, 6% of the sites exhibited 4 mm probing depth (PD) with bleeding on probing (BOP) or PD > or =5 mm. Sixty months (t2) after therapy the number of sites with 4 mm PD with BOP or PD > or =5 mm had increased to 17%, and 79 months after therapy (t3) 13% of all sites were similarly affected. From 26 to 60 months, a slight mean clinical attachment level (CAL) gain was observed, whereas the mean PD increased. From 60 to 79 months, there was a mean PD reduction. However, a significant mean attachment loss was also noted. After 26 months (t1), RNA probes failed to detect A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis, or T. forsythensis from any site. Thirty-four months later (t2), subgingival recolonization was observed. A. actinomycetemcomitans was detected by RNA probes at three sites. At 26 and 60 months (t1, t2), trypticase-soy with serum, bacitracin, and vancomycin (TSBV) culture failed to detect A. actinomycetemcomitans at any of the sampled sites. Eighty-two months after the beginning of therapy (t4), none of the applied methods could detect A. actinomycetemcomitans from the pooled samples from the deepest pockets of each quadrant or the oral mucosa. In the present case, concomitant orthodontic treatment with a fixed appliance could be performed without further pronounced periodontal deterioration. Space for eruption of the canines and premolars was created, in addition to an alignment of the teeth. CONCLUSION: After a successful combined mechanical and antibiotic periodontal therapy of the PLS periodontitis, moderate orthodontic tooth movements may be possible within a complex interdisciplinary treatment regimen.     

Clinical and microbiological studies of periodontal disease in Sjögren syndrome patients

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the periodontal status of patients with Sj?gren's Syndrome (SS), a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by xerophthalmia and xerostomia. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the periodontal status of SS patients, in terms of clinical and microbiological parameters, differs from systemically healthy age- and gender-matched controls. METHODS: 8 primary SS and 10 secondary SS patients were examined in comparison with 11 control subjects. All patients were diagnosed by the European Community Criteria. Control subjects were systemically healthy and not undergoing periodontal treatment. The comparison of clinical status was made in terms of mean periodontal parameters (plaque index, gingival index, gingival recession, probing pocket depth, probing attachment level and bleeding on probing) as well as the frequency distribution of probing pocket depth and probing attachment level measurements. Microbiological assays of the subgingival dental plaque samples were carried out by both a chairside enzyme test (Periocheck) for the detection of peptidase activity (PA) and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis for 9 selected periodontal micro-organisms (Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, Treponema denticola, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Eikenella corrodens, Campylobacter rectus, Bacteroides forsythus, Streptococcus oralis). RESULTS: The occurrence, severity and extent of periodontal lesions were not significantly different between the 3 patient groups for all periodontal parameters examined. No significant differences in the sub-gingival plaque samples from control, primary or secondary SS patients for the PA test, frequency or type of periodontal micro-organisms observed. CONCLUSION: No significant differences could be detected in either clinical or microbiological parameters of primary or secondary SS patients compared with that of control subjects. The results of the present study thus support the notion that the periodontal status of patients with SS do not differ from systemically healthy age- and gender-matched controls.     

Orthodontic therapy in patients with juvenile periodontitis: clinical and microbiologic effects

The correction of malocclusions in juvenile periodontitis (JP) patients completing periodontal therapy is a problem of increasing clinical concern to orthodontists, since many teeth with severe alveolar bone loss in these patients can now be successfully treated without extraction. In this report, fixed edgewise orthodontic therapy was carried out after the completion of periodontal therapy on four JP patients. The orthodontic therapy included extensive intrusion of teeth severely affected by JP. Phase-contrast microscopic analysis of subgingival plaque from orthodontically treated teeth was used to monitor longitudinally the effects of fixed orthodontic bands on the subgingival flora and also to monitor the efficacy of topical and systemic antimicrobial therapy aimed at suppression of suspected periodontopathic bacteria. Orthodontic movement was completed on most periodontally compromised teeth without significant evidence of additional deterioration in periodontal status. However, within the first 6 months of orthodontic band placement, all patients had significant increases in the number of spirochetes and motile rods in their subgingival flora. Three of the patients also developed high levels of crevicular polymorphonuclear leukocytes around orthodontically treated teeth, indicating significant subgingival inflammation. Intensive antimicrobial measures, including topical inorganic salt applications and systemic tetracycline, were helpful in limiting clinical inflammation and subgingival colonization by periodontopathogens during orthodontic therapy. The results demonstrate that successful orthodontic repositioning can be carried out in treated JP patients. In addition, bacteriologic monitoring and chemotherapeutic suppression of periodontal pathogens may be valuable in the prevention of further destructive periodontal disease activity in periodontitis patients undergoing orthodontic therapy.     

Dental and periodontal status of Sjögren's syndrome

Background: Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is one of the most common systemic autoimmune diseases in middle‐aged women. The present study had the aim to examine the dental and periodontal condition in patients with SS in comparison with disease controls and to evaluate the influence of reduced salivary flow in the periodontal tissues. Method: We examined 24 patients with primary or secondary SS in comparison with 27 patients who had another autoimmune disease but no signs or symptoms of SS, as well as with 29 subjects who had a subjective feeling of xerostomia or xerophthalmia without exhibing an underlying disease. The clinical evaluation included examination of the oral mucosa, determination of missing, decayed and filled teeth, fixed or removable prosthetic appliances, plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, probing attachment level, oral hygiene habits and frequency of dental visits. Statistical analysis was performed using the 2‐tailed Fisher exact and Kruskal‐Wallis tests. Results: No significant difference was found in the dental or periodontal condition of the 3 groups. The number of teeth, feelings and distal or mesial decay lesions correlated negatively with age, while the number of fixed prosthetic appliances correlated positively. The salivary flow was statistically lower in patients with SS and exhibited a negative correlation with the number of cervical decay lesions. It was also found that SS patients had better oral hygiene habits than subjects of the control groups. Conclusions: No significant difference could be detected concerning the dental and periodontal status of SS patients, compared with that of patients with other immune diseases as well as with that of controls who had subjective xerostomia.     

Comparative analysis of putative periodontopathic bacteria by multiplex polymerase chain reaction

Background and Objective:  The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has been applied for the rapid and specific detection of periodontopathic bacteria in subgingival plaque and is potentially of clinical benefit in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontitis subjects. However, several technical points need to be modified before the conventional PCR detection system can be used by clinicians.
Material and Methods:  To develop a PCR-based technique more applicable for clinical use than conventional PCR, we established a multiplex PCR for five putative periodontopathic ( Treponema denticola , Porphyromonas gingivalis , Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans , Prevotella intermedia and Tannerella forsythia ) and two nonperiodontopathic ( Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus salivarius ) species of bacteria using whole-plaque suspension as templates, and detected bacteria in subgingival plaque taken from 85 subjects at the supportive periodontal therapy stage after active periodontal treatments.
Results:  Among putative periodontopathic bacteria, the detection frequency of T. denticola and P. gingivalis was elevated in parallel with higher probing pocket depth and clinical attachment loss, and had 4.2–14.1 times increasing odds of the clinical parameters tested. Detection of any of the five species of putative periodontopathic bacteria markedly increased the odds ratio of a higher probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss and bleeding on probing.
Conclusion:  The multiplex PCR system developed in this study enabled the detection of all the bacteria under investigation in one reaction tube in a less time- and labor-intensive manner than conventional PCR. These results support the potential clinical use of multiplex PCR for detecting periodontopathic bacteria and for evaluating therapeutic strategies and predicting the prognosis for each subject.     

Povidone-iodine as a periodontal pocket disinfectant

OBJECTIVES AND BACKGROUND: Povidone-iodine [polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine complex (PVP-iodine)] might constitute a valuable adjunct to current periodontal therapy because of its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, low potential for developing resistance and adverse reactions, wide availability, ease of use, and low financial cost. This investigation employed a randomized, split-mouth study design to determine the microbiological and clinical effects of 10% PVP-iodine subgingival irrigation in periodontitis lesions showing radiographic evidence of subgingival calculus. METHODS: Sixteen adults having at least one periodontal pocket of 6 mm or more in each quadrant of the dentition and harboring one or more periodontopathic bacteria participated in the study. In each subject, a study site in each quadrant was randomly chosen to receive either subgingival irrigation with 10% PVP-iodine together with scaling and root planing, scaling and root planing alone, subgingival irrigation with 10% PVP-iodine, or subgingival irrigation with sterile saline. Prior to therapy and at 5 weeks post-treatment, microbiological culture was carried out without knowledge of the clinical status or the type of treatment rendered. A blinded clinical examiner determined presence of dental plaque, probing pocket depth, and gingival bleeding on probing. Microbiological and clinical data were analyzed using a repeated measures analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis rank test with the Tukey and Mann-Whitney post hoc tests. RESULTS: At 5 weeks post-treatment, subgingival irrigation with PVP-iodine together with scaling and root planing caused a 95% or greater reduction in total pathogen counts in 44% of pockets having >/= 6 mm depth whereas scaling and root planing alone, povidone-iodine irrigation alone and water irrigation alone caused 95% reduction of total pathogens only in 6-13% of similar study sites (P = 0.02). Reduction in mean pocket depth was 1.8 mm for the PVP-iodine/scaling and root planing group, 1.6 mm for the scaling and root planing group, and 0.9 mm for the PVP-iodine and the saline monotherapy groups, with statistical significance reached for the scaling and root planing group vs. the PVP-iodine group (P = 0.04) and for the scaling and root planing group vs. the saline group (P = 0.02). Reduction in visible dental plaque, which ranged from 38% to 62%, showed no significant differences among treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of subgingival PVP-iodine irrigation to conventional mechanical therapy may be a cost-effective means of reducing total counts of periodontal pathogens and helping control periodontal disease. However, subgingival irrigation with PVP-iodine without concomitant mechanical debridement might not improve microbiological and clinical variables in comparison with saline irrigation, at least not in sites with radiographic evidence of subgingival calculus.     

A short-term clinical and microbial evaluation of periodontal therapy associated with amalgam overhang removal

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effect of periodontal therapy plus amalgam overhang removal (PT+AOR) on periodontal status and the presence of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Streptococcus mutans and compared two microbiological sampling techniques. METHODS: Molar teeth with Class II overhang restorations were selected as the test group, and homologous sound teeth were selected as the control group. Periodontal probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and plaque and gingival indices were measured, and restorations were evaluated using radiographs and clinical exploration at baseline (T1) and 90 days after PT+AOR (T2). Microbial samples were taken with dental floss and paper points at T1 and T2. S. mutans and A. actinomycetemcomitans were detected using culture and commercial kits. RESULTS: Mean values of plaque and gingival indices did not show statistically significant differences between test and control teeth between T1 and T2. At T2, the mean CAL decreased among test teeth, and the number of test teeth positive for A. actinomycetemcomitans showed a decrease, whereas positive samples for S. mutans increased. At T1, an association between the two sampling techniques for both bacteria was found. At T2, dental floss presented low sensitivity values for A. actinomycetemcomitans, whereas paper points showed low sensitivity for S. mutans. CONCLUSIONS: PT+AOR showed a beneficial effect on clinical parameters and a decrease of A. actinomycetemcomitans. At T1, both sampling techniques showed appropriate results. At T2, the use of paper points was a more sensitive sampling technique for isolate A. actinomycetemcomitans, whereas dental floss was found to be an alternative sampling method for isolate S. mutans.     

A rapid DNA probe method for detection of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans

BACKGROUND: The objective of the present study was to develop a rapid DNA probe method for the microbiological detection of periodontitis that can be used in dental clinics. By using the DNA probe, we also investigated the correlation between the occurrence of putative periodontopathic bacteria and clinical parameters. METHODS: This rapid DNA probe method minimizes the use of a water bath for ordinary hybridization and washing in order to shorten the total reaction time. The detection process could be completed within 2 hours. In order to evaluate the clinical application of the DNA probe, subgingival plaque samples were taken from patients with periodontitis before initial therapy. After the therapy, the patients were microbiologically and clinically evaluated. RESULTS: When the DNA probe method was compared with the culture method, the agreement was 88% for Porphyromonas gingivalis and 67% for Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. A statistically significant association was found between the detection of P. gingivalis and probing depth, bleeding on probing (chi2 test: P <0.001, P <0.05). A significant association was also shown between the detection of A. actinomycetemcomitans and probing depth in patients aged 35 or older (chi2 test: P <0.001). The detection rate of A. actinomycetemcomitans was highest in teenagers. At shallow periodontal pocket sites (PD < or =3 mm) in teenagers, no P. gingivalis was found, while 22% of the sites harbored A. actinomycetemcomitans. After the therapy, the frequency of detection of P. gingivalis decreased significantly only in the clinically improved sites (chi2 test: P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The rapid DNA probe method appears promising as an efficient tool for rapid clinical detection of periodontopathic bacteria.