Dynamic changes in macrophage polarization during the resolution phase of periodontal disease.

Aim: Polarization of macrophages (Mφ) is a well-controlled axis with considerable consequences in both the pro-inflammatory and resolution phases of inflammation. We aimed to determine if periodontal therapy may instigate M1 to M2 Mφ polarization favoring resolution of inflammation within periodontal tissues.

Methods: Gingival biopsies were excised from subjects diagnosed with Stage III, Grade B periodontitis before and 4-6 weeks after nonsurgical periodontal therapy.

Emerging therapeutic strategies targeting bone signaling pathways in periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a multifactorial immune-mediated disease exacerbated by dysregulated alveolar bone homeostasis. Timely intervention is crucial for disease management to prevent tooth loss. To successfully manage periodontitis, it is imperative to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis to develop novel treatment modalities.

Are healing abutments being reused in periodontics residency programs in the United States? A survey-based study.

Purpose: Recent studies indicate that reusing healing abutments (HAs) may pose a risk of biomaterial cross contamination among patients. The intent is to investigate whether postgraduate periodontics residency programs in the United States are reusing dental implant HAs and determine if there is a standardization in the decontamination and sterilization protocol of used HAs.

Methods: An electronic survey consisting of-seven multiple choice and/or short answer questions pertaining to the re-use of HAs among postdoctoral periodontics programs was sent to program directors of 57 accredited dental schools in the United States via an online survey system (Qualtrics).

Assessment of Detoxification Strategies for Used Dental Implant Healing Abutments: Macroscopic and Biologic Implications.

Purpose: To evaluate four decontamination strategies utilizing enzymatic agents available in most clinical settings to determine (1) the amount of biomaterial that can be removed in a group of previously used healing abutments (uHAs) and (2) the degree to which the decontaminated HAs are capable of inducing an inflammatory response in vitro compared to new HAs.

Materials And Methods: In total, 50 HAs were collected following 2 to 4 weeks of intraoral use and distributed randomly into five test groups (groups A-E; n = 10 per group). Group A used enzymatic cleaner foam and an autoclave.