Background: Individuals enrolled in supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) can still present with tooth loss due to periodontitis (TLP). There is limited evidence on the influence of residual pockets (RPc) and a defined “threshold” at which a patient's profile is set to be at high risk for TLP in the literature. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the influence of RPc on TLP and determine the prognostic performance of RPc compared to the staging and grading of periodontitis on TLP risk.Methods: Clinical data from 168 patients (3869 teeth) treated for periodontitis and receiving SPT for at least 10 years were evaluated in this retrospective study. TLP and the percentage of sites with RPc ≥ 5 mm or ≥6 mm per patient were collected. The prognostic performance of RPc was compared to the staging and grading of the disease on TLP using a multilevel Cox proportional hazard regression model.Results: Over a median follow‐up of 25 years, 13.7% of teeth were lost, 4.6% of which were due to periodontitis. Most patients with TLP had ≥1 site with RPc ≥5 mm (90.8%) or ≥6 mm (77.6%). Multivariate multilevel Cox regression revealed that patients with >15% of sites with RPc ≥5 mm had a hazard ratio of 2.34, and grade C had a hazard ratio of 4.6 for TLP compared to RPc ≤4 mm/grade A. Grading exhibited the best discrimination and model fit.Conclusion: Patients with RPc ≥5 mm at >15% of the sites are at risk for tooth loss. Grading and RPc ≥5 mm displayed very good predictive capability of TLP.

Human histology provides critical information on the biological potential of various regenerative protocols and biomaterials, which is vital to advancing the field of periodontal regeneration, both in research and clinical practice. Outcomes of histologic studies are particularly valuable when interpreted considering additional evidence available from pre-clinical and clinical studies. One of the best-documented growth factors areproven to have positive effects on a myriad of oral regenerative procedures is recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor—BB (rhPDGF-BB). While a systematic review of clinical studies evaluating rhPDGF in oral regenerative procedures has been recently completed, a review article that focuses on the histologic outcomes is needed. Hence, this communication discusses the histologic effects of rhPDGF-BB on oral and periodontal regenerative procedures, including root coverage and soft tissue augmentation, intrabony defects, furcation defects, peri-implant bone augmentation, and guided bone regeneration. Studies from 1989 to 2022 have been included in this review.

Objectives: One of the main challenges in performing root coverage is patient discomfort and donor site morbidity. This case report presents a minimally invasive apical tunnel surgical technique, with propolis for root conditioning, to correct gingival recession defects without harvesting donor grafts, flap elevation, or sutures. Propolis is a natural anti‐infective, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant agent.Material and Methods: A 58‐year‐old woman with no significant medical history was presented for root coverage of her upper left canine and first premolar with recession type (RT)1A (+). Propolis was used as a root conditioning agent to promote soft tissue coverage via an apical tunnel approach. During the apical tunnel approach, a small apical hole was made 6 mm below the mucogingival junction, and the mucosa and associated attached gingiva was away from the tooth so the flap could be repositioned coronally. Collagen matrix was used as a soft tissue graft material.Results: At the 2‐month, 6‐month, 8‐month, and 2‐year follow‐up, complete root coverage was achieved for both teeth. No bleeding on probing was noticed nor recurrent GRs at the treated sites.Conclusion: Without incisions, donor site reflection, or flaps, the apical tunnel approach can be successfully used to cover the exposed roots. Additionally, propolis is a potential root conditioning agent during soft tissue graft procedure due to its anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the association between asthma, related allergies and medication use, and the presence and severity of periodontitis among individuals at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.Methods: Employing a case–control design, the study analyzed data from 892 patients, half with asthma and half without asthma. Data collection included demographics, asthma history, medication use, allergies, and periodontal examination outcomes, including probing pocket depth (PPD), mobility, furcation involvement, and radiographic bone loss (RBL). Logistic regression models assessed the relationship between asthma and periodontitis, adjusting for confounders.Results: Asthmatic patients exhibited significantly lower odds of periodontitis (OR = 0.10, p < .001) and were less likely to present with advanced stages (OR = 0.23, p < .001) and grades of the disease (OR = 0.31, p < .001) compared to non‐asthmatic patients. The study also found a higher proportion of females in the asthmatic group (67% vs. 51.8%, p < .001). Smoking was identified as a significant factor associated with periodontitis in patients with asthma, with former smokers at more than double the odds (OR = 2.28, p = .035) and current smokers at a slightly lower yet significant odds (OR = 1.87, p = .050). Additionally, asthmatic patients on adrenergic inhalers had an increased likelihood of developing periodontitis (OR = 1.76, p = .045). Allergies to codeine and latex were associated with higher odds of periodontitis, with ORs of 3.41 and 6.09, respectively.Conclusions: Asthma was found to be associated with lower odds of periodontitis. However, this association appears to be modified by smoking habits and the use of certain asthma medications, which are related to an increased likelihood of periodontitis among asthmatic patients.

Objectives: Oronasal fistulas are common sequelae following cleft lip and palate surgery and can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. They result from various factors, including surgical techniques, tissue management, and patient‐specific factors. This case report explores the modern approach to oronasal fistula closure using periodontal plastic surgery principles.Materials and Methods: The report presents two cases of patients with oronasal fistulas due to previous maxillofacial surgical intervention. These patients underwent microsurgical procedures that involved partial flap thickness preparation of the fistula areas, the use of connective tissue grafts from the palate, and meticulous suturing techniques to ensure graft integrity. The procedures were performed in stages, and postoperative care was provided.Results: Both cases demonstrated successful fistula closure and graft survival. The patients reported improvements in breathing, speech, aesthetics, and quality of life. The second case also included guided bone regeneration and implant placement.Conclusions: Oronasal fistulas resulting from maxillofacial surgery can be effectively treated using periodontal plastic surgery techniques, significantly improving patients' quality of life and aesthetic outcomes. This approach represents a valuable addition to the existing repertoire of oronasal fistula closure methods.

This case report describes the clinical, radiographic, and histological outcomes of alveolar ridge preservation using chairside‐prepared autogenous dentin graft stored at room temperature. A 25‐year‐old female underwent extraction of a non‐restorable maxillary premolar followed by ridge preservation using autogenous dentin graft prepared and stored 3 weeks earlier. Healing was uneventful. One‐year radiographic and histological evaluation demonstrated adequate bone formation with newly formed vital bone and no evidence of inflammation or residual dentin particles. This case contributes to emerging evidence supporting stored autogenous dentin as a potential grafting material.