International Journal of Periodontics & Restorative Dentistry, 05/1994

Clinical and radiographic healing observations were categorized into four patterns: rapid, typical, delayed, and adverse. While considerable overlap of characteristics was noted between the categories, singular factors or combinations of factors enabled pattern identification. The factor primarily associated with the rapid healing pattern was the appearance of bone in the former defect adjacent to the membrane at removal. In contrast, the adverse healing pattern depicted surface necrosis or loss of tissue height at membrane removal. One hundred random sites were evaluated, revealing 13% rapid healing patterns, 76% typical healing patterns, 8% delayed healing patterns, and 3% adverse healing patterns. With favorable patient compliance with oral hygiene and follow-up care, the rapid and typical healing patterns became clinically successful cases. The level of clinical success varied with the delayed healing pattern; the adverse pattern failed to achieve the therapeutic objective.

To maintain osseointegration, it is essential that the prosthesis fit with total passivity because the absence of a periodontal ligament makes the implant unable to adapt its position to a nonpassive framework. The traditional system of building a metal framework by melting over mechanized pieces - called gold cylinders in the Brånemark system - has been modified so these pieces are joined to the metal framework by means of physicochemical bonding. This bond is achieved by treating the metallic surfaces with a Silicoater system and a composite resin cement that sets in the mouth using an improved cementing protocol. In this paper, the clinical viability of this new philosophy, shown over 2 years, is presented. A total of 64 prostheses (39 maxillary and 25 mandibular) supported by 214 abutments, with an average observation period of 9 months, were evaluated. The results show that it is possible to routinely obtain a ceramometal prosthesis with a totally passive circular fitting while maintaining the possibility of retrieval, thus making postceramic soldering unnecessary.

Controlled drug delivery of antibiotics in the periodontal pocket is a scientifically tested clinical reality. Application of pharmacokinetic principles allows effective suppression of the pathogenic microflora, which, in turn, results in resolution of inflammatory signs. In the cases presented, tetracycline fibers were employed as a supplement to mechanical therapy and oral hygiene in a variety of clinical situations. Outcomes included depression of periodontal pathogens, reduction of bleeding on probing, decrease in probing pocket depths, and increase in probing attachment levels. A novel therapeutic approach based on root planing for debridement, local drug delivery for control of the pathogens, and oral hygiene for preventing recolonization is discussed.

This study evaluated periodontal tissue response to a new bioresorbable guided tissue regeneration barrier material following guided tissue regeneration treatment of dehiscence-type defects at 45 teeth in 15 monkeys. The results were clinically and histologically evaluated 6 weeks and 3,6, 12, and 24 months posttreatment. Healing was uneventful and without inflammation or other adverse tissue reactions. Following 6 weeks of healing, the matrix barrier was completely integrated with the surrounding tissues, preventing epithelial downgrowth along the device. There were no inflammatory cell infiltrates adjacent to the material. New attachment (ie, new cementum with inserting collagen fibers) and new supporting bone were found after 6 weeks of healing. The matrix barrier maintained its functional stability for a minimum of 6 weeks. The subsequent slow resorption process of the material occurred without detrimental effects on the surrounding tissues, demonstrating the biocompatibility of the material. The material was completely resorbed after 6 to 12 months. At the final stages of the resorption process, macrophages and multinuclear cells were present within the tissue that replaced the material. The design and the resorption pattern of the matrix barrier are discussed in relation to the regenerative wound healing process.

This study presents the clinical results of a surgical technique that expands a narrow ridge when its orofacial width precludes the placement of dental implants. In 170 people, 329 implants were placed in sites needing ridge enlargement using the endentulous ridge expansion procedure. This technique involves a partial-thickness flap, crestal and vertical intraosseous incisions into the ridge, and buccal displacement of the buccal cortical plate, including a portion of the underiying spongiosa. Implants were placed in the expanded ridge and allowed to heal for 4 to 5 months. When indicated, the implants were exposed during a second-stage surgery to allow visualization of the implant site. Occlusal loading was applied during the following 3 to 5 months by provisional prostheses. The final phase was the placement of the permanent prostheses. The results yielded a success rate of 98.8%.

Tetracycline hydrochloride treatment of cementum and dentin surfaces derived from human teeth not affected by periodontitis resulted in the removal of the smear layer and uncovered a fibrillar collagen substrate. In cementum specimens, the amount of exposure of the organic matrix appeared to be more related to morphologic structure of the cementum and mechanical instrumentation of the root surface rather than to concentration and time of application of tetracycline solution. Time-dependent changes were observed in dentin surfaces, the intertubular matted collagen matrix being evident only in the 4-minute specimens.