Periodontics

ANN ARBOR, Michigan – New test results show a portable saliva test device developed by a University of Michigan School of Dentistry professor could tell patients in just minutes if they have periodontal disease, which would be a major improvement over current methods which require hours of analysis at an off-site lab.

CHICAGO, Illinois – The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) released its commissioned literature review on bone augmentation techniques today. The review titled Bone Augmentation Techniques can't open this pdf page? download acrobat reader appears in this month’s issue of the Journal of Periodontology.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Research presented in a recent paper by Tonetti et al published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) suggests that intensive periodontal treatment may reverse atherosclerosis by improving elasticity of the arteries, or endothelial function. Findings from previous studies have suggested a link between periodontal disease and atherosclerosis and proposed that periodontal treatment may reduce cardiovascular risk. This study is important because it furthers the understanding of the potential relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Eliminating dental plaque may be an important step in preventing periodontitis and coronary artery disease according to a new study published in this month’s issue of the Journal of Periodontology.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Mothers who breastfeed should be sure to have enough Calcium in their diet, or may risk bone loss around their teeth and gums, according to a new study that appears in the January issue of the Journal of Periodontology (JOP).

CHICAGO, Illinois – The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) released the Guidelines for the Management of Patients with Periodontal Diseases on September 1, 2006, and distributed it to dentists nationwide beginning in November 2006. The purpose of the Guidelines is to facilitate the identification of patients with periodontal diseases who, because of their disease severity and/or risk profile, present significant challenges in treatment. However, some questions have arisen regarding the Guidelines. The Academy therefore offers this statement in an effort to address any confusion that may exist.

WEST ALLIS, Wisconsin – An estimated 300 dental professionals will attend a seminar on one of the hottest topics in dentistry – periodontal (gum) disease and its link to heart disease and diabetes – this Friday, Dec. 1, 2006 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Milwaukee Marriott West in Waukesha.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Researchers from the University of Connecticut Health Center are the first to report an interrelationship between periodontal and systemic inflammation in solid-organ-transplant recipients. This study appears in this month’s issue of the Journal of Periodontology.

CHICAGO, Illinois – Research presented in a recent paper by Michalowicz et al published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) suggests that treatment of periodontitis in pregnant women improves periodontal health and is safe but does not significantly alter rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, or fetal growth restriction. This outcome is at variance with findings of other studies, which have suggested that periodontal treatment positively affects birth outcomes.

ROCHESTER, New York and GOTEBORG, Sweden – Chemicals commonly used to treat heartburn also display fighting power against the oral bacteria linked with gum disease, according to researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center and Göteborg University in Sweden.