Background: Aggressive periodontitis is a specific form of periodontal disease that is characterized by rapid attachment loss and bone destruction. Cytokine profiles are of considerable value when studying disease course during treatment. The aim of this trial was to investigate cytokine levels in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of patients with aggressive periodontitis, after treatment with photodynamic therapy (PDT) or scaling and root planing (SRP), in a split‐mouth design on −7, 0, +1, +7, +30, and +90 days.Methods: Ten patients were randomly treated with PDT using a laser source associated with a photosensitizer or SRP with hand instruments. GCF samples were collected, and the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa B ligand (RANKL) were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. The data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations to test the associations among treatments, evaluated parameters, and experimental times (α = 0.05).Results: Non‐surgical periodontal treatment with PDT or SRP led to statistically significant reductions in TNF‐α level 30 days following treatment. There were similar levels of TNF‐α and RANKL at the different time points in both groups, with no statistically significant differences.Conclusion: SRP and PDT had similar effects on crevicular TNF‐α and RANKL levels in patients with aggressive periodontitis.

A mandibular implant-retained overdenture is considered a first-choice treatment for edentulism. However, some aspects limit the use of standard implants—for example, the width of edentulous ridges, chronic diseases, fear, or costs. This randomized trial compared mandibular overdentures retained by 2 or 4 mini-implants with standard implants, considering oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL), patient satisfaction, and complications such as lost implant. In sum, 120 edentulous men and women (mean age, 59.5 ± 8.5 y) randomly received 4 mini-implants, 2 mini-implants, or 2 standard implants. Participants provided data regarding OHRQoL and satisfaction until 12 mo. Clinical parameters, including implant survival rate, were also recorded. Both 2 and 4 mini-implants led to better OHRQoL, compared with 2 standard implants. Treatment with 4 mini-implants was more satisfying than 2 standard implants, with 2 mini-implants presenting intermediate results. Implant survival rate was 89%, 82%, and 99% for 4 mini-implants, 2 mini-implants, or 2 standard implants, respectively. Overdentures retained by 4 or 2 mini-implants can achieve OHRQoL and satisfaction at least comparable with that of 2 standard implants. However, the survival rate of mini implants is not as high as that of standard implants ( ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01411683).