Background: Chronic periodontitis is a biofilm-induced inflammatory disease leading to progressive destruction of periodontal supporting tissues. Mechanical debridement by scaling and root planing (SRP) remains the gold standard of therapy; however, complete elimination of pathogenic microorganisms from deep periodontal pockets is challenging. Adjunctive laser therapy has been proposed to enhance clinical outcomes. Objective: To compare the clinical effectiveness of two diode laser wavelengths (980 nm and 445 nm) as adjuncts to subgingival curettage/SRP in the treatment of periodontal pockets, and to evaluate their outcomes relative to SRP alone. Materials and Methods: Comparative analysis of two independent prospective studies with identical methodology were analyzed. The first study included 24 subjects (1,164 periodontal pockets) treated with SRP + 980 nm diode laser (SmilePro 980, Biolitec, Germany). The second study included a same number of subjects and a comparable number of periodontal pockets were treated (862 periodontal pockets) with SRP + 445 nm diode laser (SiroLaser Blue, Dentsply Sirona, Germany). Control groups received SRP alone. Clinical parameters included Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Bleeding on Probing (BOP), Probing Pocket Depth (PPD), and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL), assessed at baseline and 1 month post-therapy. Results: Both laser groups demonstrated statistically significant reductions in PI, GI, BOP, and PPD compared with baseline (p < 0.05). When compared to SRP alone, both adjunctive laser therapies showed significantly greater improvement in PPD reduction and CAL gain (p < 0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed between the 980 nm and 445 nm laser groups in overall clinical outcomes (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Both diode laser wavelengths (980 nm and 445 nm) significantly enhance short-term clinical outcomes when used adjunctively with SRP compared to SRP alone. No clear superiority of one wavelength over the other was demonstrated under the applied clinical conditions.

Introduction: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease leading to the loss of the supporting apparatus of the tooth, and tooth mobility is a common complication of advanced stages of the disease. Splinting is a therapeutic measure stabilizing mobile teeth and improves function in the patient. Aim: To present the clinical procedure and therapeutic outcome of splinting of mobile lower incisors in a patient with stage 3, class B periodontitis. Methods: A case of a 40-year-old patient with pronounced gingival recessions, moderate plaque index, subgingival calculus and mobility of the lower frontal teeth is presented. After initial non-surgical therapy and subgingival curettage, splinting of the lower incisors was performed using Ribbond fibers. The procedure included etching, adhesive preparation, adaptation of the fibers to the contour of the tooth and finishing with composite material, with occlusion check and polishing. Clinical effects were monitored through multiple visits. Discussion: Splinting with fiber-reinforced composite materials is an effective and aesthetically acceptable method of tooth stabilization in patients with periodontitis. In this case, stabilization of mobile teeth and reduction of subjective symptoms of hypersensitivity after treatment were achieved. The literature confirms that adequately planned and timely splinting can contribute to the improvement of periodontal parameters, bone remodeling and increased oral health quality of life. An individualized approach and estimation of optimal intervention timing are key to achieving stable long-term outcomes.

In the aim of this study was to analyze oral hygiene maintenance habits and the correctness of applying oral hygiene methods among students of the Faculty of Dentistry and students of other faculties at the University of Sarajevo, with focus on assessing the importance of oral hygiene in the prevention of gingivitis. Materials and methods: The study included 30 students from the Faculty of Dentistry and 30 students from other faculties. The age of participants ranged from 21 to 26 years. All participants signed informed consent for voluntary participation prior to the examination. Data were recorded on specially designed forms. Inclusion criteria were systemic health and absence of ongoing therapy. All participants answered questions regarding harmful habits, oral hygiene practices, and regular dental visits. A clinical examination of the gingiva was performed, including the assessment of periodontal indices and diagnostic tests. Results: Dental students demonstrated better oral hygiene habits and gingival health compared to students from other faculties. Plaque, calculus, and gingival index values were lower among dental students, while signs of gingival inflammation—such as redness, smooth surface, and a positive Pitting test - were more common among students of other faculties. Dental students more frequently used interdental cleaning aids and regularly visited the dentist, indicating a higher level of knowledge and awareness regarding oral health. Conclusion: The results confirm that education plays a key role in maintaining oral health and highlight the need for preventive and educational programs even among populations not belonging to the dental profession.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of initial periodontal therapy on the periodontal status of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, in correlation with glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. A total of 60 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease underwent initial periodontal therapy. Relevant data on HbA1c laboratory test results and periodontal parameters were recorded at baseline and again three months later. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software package (version 13.0; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). To compare periodontal indices between the initial and follow-up examinations, the General Linear Model – Repeated Measures (GLM-RM) was used. Additional variables that could potentially influence the outcome (therapeutic option, HbA1c levels, and presence of diabetes mellitus) were included as covariates. Descriptive statistics are presented as absolute values (n), relative values (%), and as means with standard deviations or interquartile ranges. Comparisons between variables were conducted using the paired t-test or the Wilcoxon test, depending on the distribution of the data. Based on our study, it can be concluded that initial periodontal therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, when analyzed in correlation with HbA1c levels, resulted in a reduction in clinical periodontal inflammatory parameters. The duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus and HbA1c levels did not have a statistically significant effect on the periodontal indices monitored in this study.

Background: The etiology of oral ulceration is multicausal with numerous predisposing factors. Studies by various authors cite Helicobacter pylori infection as a possible cause of certain oral ulcerations. Objective: The aim of the study is to prove the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the oral cavity of patients with oral ulcerations, as well as to examine the relationship between the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the oral cavity and the development of oral ulcerations. Methods: The study included regular patients at the Department and Clinic of Oral Medicine and Periodontology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Sarajevo, suffering from oral ulcerations, as well as healthy patients without oral diseases. The diagnosis of oral ulceration is based on a thorough history, clinical examination, and exclusion of other oral diseases. All patients were taken anamnestic data on the existence of digestive system diseases, and by reviewing medical documentation, a previously diagnosed digestive system disease by a gastroenterologist was recorded. A cytological smear was taken in all 80 cases, in patients with ulcerative lesions a smear was taken from the lesion and in healthy subjects from the mucous membrane of the palate, cheek and tongue. Highly sensitive and specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the oral cavity and oral lesions. Results: The results of our study showed that there is no statistically significant difference between the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the oral cavity of patients with oral ulcerations and subjects with healthy mucosa. Conclusion: Helicobacter pylori is not a risk factor for the development of oral ulcerations and can be found on the oral mucosa as a transient pathogen.

Introduction: Developmental anomalies and inflammations are common occurrences and are often associated with certain systemic conditions, such as diabetes, allergies, and anemia, as well as with harmful habits. The use of tobacco products and alcohol is frequently linked to changes on the tongue. Objective: This study aims to present the frequency of developmental anomalies and tongue inflammations in the student population of the fourth year at the Faculty of Dentistry in Sarajevo. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 50 participants, fourth-year students at the Faculty of Dentistry in Sarajevo. General anamnestic data were collected through a survey, including information on harmful habits such as cigarette smoking, hookah use, and alcohol consumption. A clinical examination of the oral cavity, focusing on the tongue, was performed for each participant, along with vitro-pression, vitro-adhesion tests, and native findings on Candida albicans. Results: The most common developmental anomaly was lingua plicata (4%). The most frequent tongue inflammation in our sample was lingua geographica (14%). Among the 6% of patients with developmental anomalies, 6% had a positive family history. Conclusion: A significant etiological factor is genetic predisposition. In our sample, among 6 participants with developmental anomalies, 6% had a positive family history. The most common etiological factors for the occurrence of developmental abnormalities and tongue inflammations were harmful habits such as cigarette smoking (20%) for over 5 years (14%) and hookah smoking (12%) for over 5 years.

Objective: This comprehensive research aimed to thoroughly examine the effectiveness of a diode laser (445 nm) in combination with non-surgical treatment in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) by evaluating a wide range of clinical and microbiological parameters. Materials and methods: Thirty-one subjects diagnosed with CP were included in this study. The total number of treated periodontal pockets was 862. The subjects were randomly assigned to group 1, which underwent scaling and root planing and laser therapy (SRP+L), and group 2, which underwent scaling and root planing (SRP) only. All respondents underwent a periodontal diagnostic protocol. The parameters plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing index (BOP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and tooth mobility (TM) were registered. Clinical periodontal measurements were performed at baseline and one and three months after therapy. Microbiological analysis was conducted on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), and Tannerella forsythia (Tf) using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). For microbiological analysis, samples were taken at baseline, immediately after therapy, and after three months. Laser irradiation was performed immediately after SRP. Results: All clinical parameters improved statistically from baseline to three months after therapy. For all examined clinical parameters, better results were achieved in group 1 than in group 2. This study showed a more significant reduction in Pg and Tf from baseline to three months in group 1 compared to group 2. Conclusion: These results showed that the diode laser wavelength 445 nm was also usable in treating periodontal diseases as an additional method to SRP.

Background: Non-surgical periodontal therapy, including mechanical debridement and root planning, is the gold standard in the treatment of periodontal diseases. The most commonly used instruments for non-surgical therapy are sonic/ultrasonic devices and manual instruments such as curettes. Objective: This study evaluates the clinical effectiveness and patient experience of non-surgical periodontal therapy using the Vector® Paro Pro ultrasonic device, emphasizing its impact on periodontal indices and patient comfort. Methods: Fifty patients with gingivitis, periodontitis, or peri-implantitis participated. Baseline data, including Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Papillary Bleeding Index (PBI), Probing Depth (PD), and Clinical Attachment Loss (CAL), were recorded. Patients underwent treatment using the Vector® Paro Pro system. Evaluations were conducted at baseline, two weeks, and one month post-therapy. Statistical analyses utilized repeated measures ANOVA and paired t-tests, with a significance threshold of p<0.05. Patient experience was assessed via a questionnaire. Results: All periodontal indices showed significant improvement post-therapy. The mean PI decreased from 1.18±0.12 to 0.52±0.08 after two weeks and 0.44±0.09 after one month (p<0.001). Significant reductions were observed in PBI (from 1.68±0.10 to 0.46±0.09) and PD (>4 mm pockets: from 5.55±0.19 to 3.65±0.45; p<0.001). CAL improved significantly (from 0.80±0.18 to 0.70±0.16 after one month; p<0.001). Patient-reported outcomes revealed that 98% experienced no pain during therapy. Conclusion: The Vector® Paro Pro ultrasonic device demonstrated significant clinical improvements in periodontal health, particularly in bleeding reduction and deep pocket management. Its hydroxyapatite-enhanced fluid effectively polished root surfaces and reduced post-therapeutic sensitivity. Patients reported minimal discomfort, underscoring the device’s potential as a comfortable, efficient alternative for non-surgical periodontal therapy. Further studies with longer follow-up periods are recommended to confirm these findings.

Background: Periodontal complications are one of the common side effects associated with orthodontic therapy. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the periodontal changes in patients before, during, and after the therapy with a fixed orthodontic appliance. Methods: Out of 38 healthy adolescents with permanent dentition who were indicated for fixed orthodontic therapy were included in this study. Patients were selected from Class I, treated by non-extraction methods, by using conventional orthodontic braces. After their examination and treatment by an orthodontist, the patients were referred to the periodontist before the placement of a fixed orthodontic appliance. The patients underwent the application of a periodontal anamnestic-diagnostic protocol, and the clinical-radiological evaluation. After a fixed orthodontic appliance was placed, the respondents were referred to the periodontist for regular mandatory check-ups, initially, after three months, and later on-after 6 months, after 1 year and after 2 years until the end of orthodontic therapy. Results: An increase in the mean value of the Plaque Index and Sulcus Bleeding Index was found at each check-up after the placement of a fixed orthodontic appliance. There is a statistically significant difference in the presence of gingival hyperplasia found by monitoring the changes after three and six months, and after one and two years following the start of orthodontic therapy. Conclusion: The assessment of periodontal changes in patients before, during and after the completion of fixed orthodontic therapy revealed that there is a strong need for mutual and close cooperation between orthodontist and periodontist during orthodontic therapy.

Amaç: İnterlökin-6’nın (IL-6) periodontal hastalık patogenezi ve periodontal doku yıkımındaki rolü geniş çapta ele alınmıştır. Çalışmanın amacı, evre IV periodontitis hastalarının tükürüklerindeki IL-6 seviyelerini değerlendirmektir. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Araştırmaya evre IV periodontitis teşhisi konulan 28 hasta ile 22 hastadan oluşan kontrol grubu dahil edildi. Hastaların tümü sistemik olarak sağlıklıydı. Tükürük örnekleri toplandı ve sondalama derinliği (SD), klinik ataşman seviyesi (KAS), papil kanama indeksi (PKİ), sondalamada kanama yüzdesi (SK %), plak indeksi (Pİ) ve diştaşı indeksini (Dİ) içeren klinik periodontal ölçümler kaydedildi. Her bir hastanın uyarılmamış tükürükleri, tükürük toplayıcı ile toplandı ve örneklerdeki IL-6 seviyesi enzim bağlı immünosorbent testi ile analiz edildi. Bulgular: Evre IV periodontitis hastalarının ortalama IL-6 değeri 22,18±5,96 pg/mL idi. Kontrol grubunun ortalama IL-6 değeri ise 2,23±2,17 pg/mL idi. Periodontitis Objective: The role of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease and tissue destruction at the periodontal site has been widely reported. This study aimed to evaluate the salivary IL-6 levels in patients with stage IV periodontitis. Materials and Methods: The study included 28 patients who were diagnosed with periodontitis stage IV and the control group of 22 periodontally healthy patients. All the patients were systemically healthy. Saliva samples were collected, and clinical periodontal measurements, including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), papilla bleeding index (PBI), the percentage of sites with bleeding on probing (BOP) %, plaque index (PI) and calculus index (CI), were recorded. The unstimulated saliva of each patient was collected by a saliva collector, and all samples were analysed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method for the detection of IL-6. Results: The mean value of salivary IL-6 in patients with periodontitis stage IV was 22.18±5.96 pg/mL. In the control group, the average measured value of IL-6 was 2.23±2.17 pg/mL. The periodontitis group had a significantly higher salivary IL-6 levels than the control group. A strong positive correlation was observed between the salivary IL-6 and clinical periodontal parameters (PD, CAL, PBI, BOP %, PI and CI) in patients with periodontitis stage IV (p<0.0001). Conclusion: We demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between periodontal parameters and salivary IL-6 in patients with periodontitis stage IV. New studies are needed to accurately establish salivary IL-6 potential as a biomarker for periodontal disease monitoring, including all stages and grades of periodontitis.