Modulation of clinical expression of plaque-induced gingivitis. I. Background review and rationale.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this article is to provide the necessary background and rationale for the accompanying studies, which are ultimately aimed at identifying genetic and environmental factors determining gingivitis susceptibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature on factors reported to modify the clinical expression of gingivitis, i.e., factors that determine individual variability in gingival inflammatory response to plaque, is presented. RESULTS: Clinical evidence suggests that the gingival inflammatory response to plaque accumulation may differ substantially among individuals. However, most of the available studies are of small scale and not purposely designed to address the issue. Systemic factors implicated in modulation of the clinical expression of gingivitis include metabolic, genetic, environmental and other factors. The significance of such factors in designing and conducting a large-scale experimental gingivitis trial and means to account for them are discussed. CONCLUSION: Although several factors have been implicated, genetic or environmental factors underlying differences in gingivitis expression are not fully elucidated. The accompanying studies aim to identify and characterize, among participants in a specifically designed large-scale experimental gingivitis trial, subjects that differ significantly in their gingival inflammatory response to plaque. This is the first step in an effort to determine genetic or environmental factors underlying such differences

Adverse effects associated with the use of an absorbable GTR device in the treatment of human gingival recession defects. A clinicopathologic case report.

This clinicopathologic case report documents an adverse effect associated with the use of a polylactic acid-based barrier in the treatment of human gingival recession defects. A total of 27 consecutively treated patients, in whom guided tissue regeneration with a polylactic acid barrier was used to correct gingival recession defects, were evaluated. This adverse effect consisted of a midradicular-apical swelling, generally asymptomatic, with no apparent predilection for gender, age, tooth type or location (maxilla/mandible), or surgical procedure. It was observed in 14 of 27 (52%) patients and 22 of 41 (54%) defects. The swelling decreased in size over time and in most cases, it completely resolved within 12 months postsurgery. Histopathologic evaluation of a 14-week specimen indicated characteristics (multinucleated giant cells, foamy macrophages) consistent with a foreign body reaction. These findings suggest that patients undergoing GTR procedures with synthetic absorbable devices for the treatment of gingival recession defects should be advised of the possible occurrence of such an adverse effect

Plaque-induced Gingivitis

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Modulation of clinical expression of plaque-induced gingivitis: Effect of incisor crown form

none4Evidence indicates that incisor crown form correlates with clinical periodontal features. It was hypothesized that incisor crown form may explain subject differences in gingivitis expression. The present experimental gingivitis study aimed to assess the effect of incisor crown form on plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation, and on individual susceptibility to plaque-induced gingivitis. Eighty-five periodontally healthy subjects were evaluated. A negative correlation was found between incisor crown width/crown length ratio and bleeding score (p = 0.045). From the 85 subjects, two groups of subjects with either 'long-narrow' or 'short-wide' incisor form were identified. The 'long-narrow' group had a significantly higher bleeding score than the 'short-wide' group (p = 0.014). No significant differences were found in the incisor crown width/crown length ratio between previously identified 'high responder' and 'low responder' subjects (Trombelli et al., 2004a). In conclusion, incisor crown form appears to affect the bleeding response of inflamed gingival tissues, while it exerts no influence on explaining differences in individuals' susceptibility to plaque-induced gingivitis.noneTROMBELLI L.; R. FARINA; R. MANFRINI; D.N. TATAKISTrombelli, Leonardo; Farina, Roberto; R., Manfrini; D. N., Tataki

Intra and inter-examiner reproducibility in keratinized tissue width assessment with three methods for mucogingival junction determination.

none4BACKGROUND: Although the need for "adequate" amount of keratinized tissue (KT) for periodontal health is questionable, the mucogingival junction (MGJ) often serves as a measurement landmark in periodontal evaluations. Limited information is available on the reproducibility of KT width (KTW) assessment. The purpose of this study was to assess intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility in measuring KTW by using 3 different methods to identify MGJ location. METHODS: Fifteen patients provided 17 teeth which had undergone a gingival augmentation procedure (connective tissue graft; surgery group) and an equal number of contralateral, non-treated teeth (control group). At the midbuccal aspect of each tooth, KTW was assessed by 2 independent examiners after MGJ identification by the visual (VM), functional (FM), and visual with histochemical staining (HM) method. Data analysis was based on intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) and 3-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for differences between replicate measurements. RESULTS: KTW was significantly different between treated and control teeth. No significant differences in KTW were found in relation to method for MGJ determination and examiner. Intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility was high, regardless of treatment status or method for MGJ determination (ICC = 0.92 - 0.99). Standard deviations of the difference between replicate measurements ranged from 0.46 mm for VM to 0.21 mm for HM. CONCLUSIONS: Intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility has been shown to be substantially consistent when different methods for MGJ determination are used to measure the apico-coronal dimension of the gingiva. The level of reproducibility does not seem to be affected whether or not the mucogingival complex has been surgically altered by a gingival augmentation procedure.noneP. GUGLIELMONI; A. PROMSUDTHI; D.N. TATAKIS; TROMBELLI L.P., Guglielmoni; A., Promsudthi; D. N., Tatakis; Trombelli, Leonard

Gingival Perfusion and Tissue Biomarkers During Early Healing of Postextraction Regenerative Procedures: A Prospective Case Series

Background—Post-extraction alveolar bone loss, mostly affecting the buccal plate, occurs despite regenerative procedures. To better understand possible determinants, this prospective case series assessed gingival blood perfusion and tissue molecular responses in relation to postextraction regenerative outcomes. Methods—Adults scheduled to receive bone grafting in maxillary, non-molar, single tooth extraction site were recruited. Clinical documentation included probing pocket depth (PD), keratinized tissue width (KT), tissue biotype (TB), plaque (P) and bleeding. Wound closure was clinically evaluated. Gingival blood perfusion was measured by Laser Doppler Flowmetry (LDF). Wound fluid (WF) and gingival biopsies were analyzed for protein levels and gene expression, respectively, of relevant molecular markers. Bone healing outcomes were determined radiographically (Cone Beam Computerized Tomography; CBCT). Healing was followed for 4 months. Results—Data from 15 patients (50 ± 5 years, 8 males) are reported. Postoperatively, neither complications nor changes in PD, KT or TB were observed. Postoperatively, LDF revealed decreased perfusion followed by hyperemia that persisted 1 month (p≤0.05). WF levels of angiopoietin-2, interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, and vascular endothelial growth factor peaked on day 6 (p≤0.05) and decreased thereafter. Only interleukin-8 and tumor necrosis factor-α exhibited increased gene expression. Linear bone changes were negligible. Volumetric bone changes were minimal but statistically significant, with more bone loss when membrane was used (p=0.05). Conclusion—Gingival blood perfusion following post-extraction bone regenerative procedures follows an ischemia-reperfusion model. Transient increases in angiogenic factor levels and prolonged hyperemia characterize the soft tissue response. These soft tissue responses do not determine radiographic bone changes

Bone Grafting History Affects Soft Tissue Healing Following Implant Placement

Background This study aimed to determine and compare soft tissue healing outcomes following implant placement in grafted (GG) and non-grafted bone (NGG). Methods Patients receiving single implant in a tooth-bound maxillary non-molar site were recruited. Clinical healing was documented. Volume and content of wound fluid (WF; at 3, 6, and 9 days) were compared with adjacent gingival crevicular fluid (GCF; at baseline, 1, and 4 months). Buccal flap blood perfusion recovery and changes in bone thickness were recorded. Linear mixed model regression analysis and generalized estimating equations with Bonferroni adjustments were conducted for repeated measures. Results Twenty-five patients (49 ± 4 years; 13 males; nine NGG) completed the study. Soft tissue closure was slower in GG (P \u3c 0.01). Differential response in WF/GCF protein concentrations was detected for ACTH (increased in GG only) and insulin, leptin, osteocalcin (decreased in NGG only) at day 6 (P ≤0.04), with no inter-group differences at any time(P \u3e 0.05). Blood perfusion rate decreased immediately postoperatively (P \u3c 0.01, GG) followed by 3-day hyperemia (P \u3e 0.05 both groups). The recovery to baseline values was almost complete for NGG whereas GG stayed ischemic even at 4 months (P = 0.05). Buccal bone thickness changes were significant in GG sites (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion History of bone grafting alters the clinical, physiological, and molecular healing response of overlying soft tissues after implant placement surgery