Gingival sulcus and retraction techniques. Anatomo-histological aspects]

Retraction of gingival margin means a very important step to take a precise impression. Most used methods are electrosurgery and retraction's fibres. This study compares both techniques analysing the reaction of gingival tissues by anatomical-histological observation.     

Gingival and bacterial plaque response to instrumentation, oral hygiene instruction and nutritional therapy

Thirty-three male subjects participated in a study to examine the effect of supplements of multiple vitamins and minerals, local therapy (periodontal instrumentation and oral hygiene instruction) and a combination of both on gingival inflammation and bacterial plaque formation. Subjects were given either multivitamin and mineral supplements or placebos on a double-blind basis for 21 days. On Day 7, the mandibular incisors were instrumented, and each subject was instructed in brushing and flossing. Observations were taken at Days 0, 7 and 21. There was a significant (P = 0.004) effect from micronutrient supplementation at Day 7 on the gingival index but no significant effect on the plaque index. On Day 21 there was no statistical superiority noted for the supplemented group in respect to either the gingival or plaque index, although the gingival index approached significance (P = 0.062).     

Gingival bleeding in an experimental clinical trial design

An experimental clinical trial design is described in which the onset of gingival bleeding was used as an indicator of early gingivitis. Twenty-nine dental students participated in a double-blind crossover trial utilising chlorhexidine as a known plaque inhibitor. The onset of gingival bleeding was assessed in three ways, one of which yielded a statistically significant difference in favour of the active mouthrinse (P = 0.02). The method has a role in screening agents believed to be active against gingivitis.     

Gingival fluid and tissues around successful titanium and ceramic implants. A comparative clinical, laboratory, and morphologic study

The gingival tissue reactions around 19 titanium implants (Br?nemark System) and 6 ceramic implants (Frialit) were studied by using established variables for monitoring periodontal status. Natural teeth in the same or the opposite jaw served as controls. Both clinical and laboratory examinations showed healthy gingival status. No differences in soft-tissue reactions between the two types of implant or between the implants and the natural teeth were registered.     

Gingival crevicular fluid and plasma levels of neuropeptide Substance-P in periodontal health, disease and after nonsurgical therapy

Background and Objective: The level of Substance‐P in gingival crevicular fluid has been found to correlate with clinical measures of periodontal disease. The present study was designed to assess the relationship between clinical parameters and levels of Substance‐P in the gingival crevicular fluid from inflamed gingiva, periodontitis sites and after treatment of periodontitis sites, and to correlate them to the Substance‐P levels of plasma. Material and Methods: Thirty, age‐ and gender‐matched subjects were divided into three groups (healthy, gingivitis and chronic periodontitis) based on modified gingival index scores and clinical attachment loss. A fourth group consisted of 10 subjects from the periodontitis group, 6–8 wk after initial therapy. Plasma and gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected and quantified for Substance‐P using an enzyme immunoassay. Results: The mean concentration of Substance‐P, both in gingival crevicular fluid and plasma, was observed to be highest in the periodontitis group (45.13 pg/mL in gingival crevicular fluid and 67.8 pg/mL in plasma) and lowest in the healthy group (6.07 pg/mL in gingival crevicular fluid and below the detection level in plasma). The mean Substance‐P concentration in the gingivitis group (11.42 pg/mL in gingival crevicular fluid and 38.8 pg/mL in plasma) and in the after‐treatment group (7.58 pg/mL in gingival crevicular fluid and 39.7 pg/mL in plasma) lay between the highest and lowest values. In all groups the gingival crevicular fluid levels showed a statistically significant positive correlation with that of plasma and clinical attachment loss. Conclusion: Substance‐P levels were highest in the gingival crevicular fluid from sites with periodontal destruction; however, periodontal treatment resulted in the reduction of Substance‐P levels. Gingival crevicular fluid and plasma Substance‐P levels showed a positive correlation in all of the groups.     

Gingival hyperplasia associated with nifedipine therapy. Report of a case

A case of gingival hyperplasia associated with the administration of nifedipine is reported. Clinically and histologically, the tissue resembled that seen in hyperplasia induced by phenytoin (Dilantin). We believe this to be the first reported case of gingival hyperplasia associated with this drug.     

Epidemiology, aetiology, and clinical aspects of oral cancer and premalignant lesions

Since oral cancer can be considered to be a relatively rare disease, dental practitioners will only rarely be confronted with it. Nevertheless, dental practitioners have a key role to play in the early diagnosis and referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. The major part of oral cancers are squamous cell carcinomas, recognizable during routine oral inspection. Early referral is essential since treatment of small, not yet metastasized cancers have the best chance of long-term disease-free survival. Moreover, oral carcinoma is often preceded by white and/or red pre-malignant lesions of the salivary glands. These can similarly be detected by routine inspection. Here too, dentists play an important role in recognizing such diseases and referring patients to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.     

Gingival depigmentation by erbium:YAG laser: clinical observations and patient responses

BACKGROUND: Melanin, carotene and hemoglobin are the most common natural pigments contributing to the normal color of the gums. Although physiologic and ethnic melanin pigmentation is not a medical problem, complaints about "black gums" are common. Gingival depigmentation has been carried out using non-surgical and surgical procedures. Recently, laser ablation has been recognized as a most effective, pleasant and reliable technique. METHODS: The study included 10 patients who requested cosmetic therapy for melanin pigmented gums. Treatment was carried out using an erbium:YAG laser. The laser beam was set at 500 mJ/10 pulses/second. The beam was defocused to produce a 3 mm diameter circle, thus reducing the beam penetration to 2 to 4 microm/pulse while increasing the treated surface. The "brush" technique was applied until the gingival surface appeared clinically free of pigmentation. Patients were observed for 6 months. Each patient filled out a personal evaluation questionnaire for clinical analysis. RESULTS: Between 500 to 1,100 pulses/cm2 were recorded and a total of 800 to 2,200 pulses were required per patient, depending on the epithelium thickness and pigmentation. Treatment required only topical anesthesia. Healing was uneventful and required no supportive therapy. None of the patients experienced severe pain during or post-operatively. Mild pain or itching was common during the first week. Treatment was reported as generally pleasant. Follow-up during the 6 months showed no recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Depigmentation of gingival melanin pigmentation by erbium:YAG laser radiation in a defocused mode was a safe and effective procedure. The esthetic results were pleasing and healing was uneventful. Since the erbium:YAG laser is available in the dental office, it seems to be the laser of choice for this procedure.