ABSTRACT To carry out various dental interventions, a correct evaluation of the periodontal biotype is necessary, for which it is necessary to know the different methods of evaluating the periodontal biotype. 8 methods are known to determine the periodontal biotype, among which we have: visual, probe transparency, transgingival evaluation, ultrasound, computed tomography, modified calibrator, photographic analysis and cone beam computed tomography. There are several widely used methods to determine the periodontal biotype, however, among the methods analyzed, cone beam computed tomography has high precision and minimal deviation when compared with conventional methods such as probe transparency, transgingival evaluation or visual method for accurately determine the periodontal biotype.

RESUMEN Para realizar varias intervenciones odontológicas es necesario una correcta evaluación del biotipo periodontal por la cual es necesario conocer los diferentes métodos de evaluación del biotipo periodontal. Se conocen 8 métodos para determinar el biotipo periodontal entre los que tenemos: visual, transparencia de sonda, evaluación transgingival, ultrasonido, tomografía computarizada, calibrador modificado, análisis fotográfico y tomografía computarizada de haz cónico. Hay varios métodos ampliamente usados para determinar el biotipo periodontal, sin embargo, entre los métodos analizados la tomografía computarizada de haz cónico posee una alta precisión y desviación mínima si lo comparamos con los métodos convencionales como la transparencia de sonda, evaluación transgingival o método visual para determinar con precisión el biotipo periodontal.

Resumo Objetivo Caracterizar os Biótipos Periodontais (BP) por meio de fotografias, além de verificar a concordância com o método clínico de determinação, bem como com diferentes profissionais em Odontologia. Material e método A avaliação clínica intra-bucal de 34 pacientes (n=34) e verificação de fotografias padronizadas foram realizadas para caracterização dicotômica do BP em fino e espesso. A avaliação subjetiva, por meio da fotografia, foi comparada ao método clínico da transparência à sondagem. A determinação do BP por meio de fotografias foi realizada através da aplicação de um questionário contendo três categorias (fino, espesso e intermediário), direcionadas a 90 cirurgiões-dentistas divididos igualmente em três grupos: clínicos gerais, periodontistas e protesistas. A concordância em ambas as comparações foi avaliada por meio do Teste Kappa, além dos testes de sensibilidade e especificidade. Resultado Na comparação entre o método clínico e o fotográfico, não houve concordância (K = 0,264, p = 0,113). Na comparação entre os grupos dos profissionais, foi encontrada uma baixa concordância (kappa = 0,160; p<0,05) entre os periodontistas e protesisas, bem como entre protesistas e clínicos gerais (kappa = 0,110; p = 0,142). Houve maior concordância, ainda que fraca, entre periodontistas e clínicos gerais (kappa = 0,291; p = 0,00). O questionário obteve um valor de sensibilidade e especificidade maior para o diagnóstico do BP espesso. Conclusão A avaliação clínica do paciente por meio dos parâmetros clínicos ainda é necessária para caracterizar o BP, visto que a determinação usando-se análise visual por meio do fotografia, independentemente da especialidade, não foi efetiva, embora o BP espesso tenha sido o mais facilmente identificado.

Abstract Objective To characterize the Periodontal Biotypes (PB) through photographs and verify the agreement with the clinical method of determination as well as with different Dental professionals. Material and method Standardized photographs and intraoral clinical evaluation of 34 patients (n = 34) were performed for dichotomous characterization of PB in thin and thick. The subjective assessment, through photography, was compared to clinical method of probing transparency. The PB determination by photographs was performed through the application of a questionnaire containing three categories (thin, thick intermediate) directed to 90 dental professionals. They were equally divided into 3 groups: general practitioners, periodontists and prosthodontists. The concordance in both comparisons was evaluated through the Kappa Test, in addition to the sensitivity and specificity tests. Result In the comparison between the clinical and the photographic method, there was no agreement (K = 0.264, p = 0.113). However, in the comparison between the groups of professionals, a low agreement (kappa = 0.160; p <0.05) was found between periodontists and prothesis, as well as between prosthesis and general practitioners (kappa = 0.110; p = 0.142). Greater agreement, although weak, between periodontists and general practitioners (kappa = 0.291, p = 0.00). The questionnaire obtained a higher sensitivity and specificity value for the diagnosis of thick PB. Conclusion The evaluation of patients through clinical parameters is still necessary to characterize PB, since the determination using visual analysis using photography, regardless of specialty, was not effective, although thick PB was the most easily identified.

Objectives: To identify the main factors associated with the recession of the interdental papilla of the upper central incisors. Material and Methods: A non-probabilistic sample of 86 patients from the section of the Periodontal and Implant Section of the Department of Dentistry of the Peruvian Air Force Central Hospital was analyzed. The study was observational, correlational, transversal and prospective. Factors such as coronal tooth shape and gingival biotype were clinically evaluated; and radiographically, with the parallel technique, distances of the cement enamel proximal junction to the point of interdental contact (UCEp-PC), papilla tip to the point of interdental contact (PP-PC), bone crest to the point of interdental contact (CO-PC), bone crest to the cement enamel proximal junction (CO-UCEp), interdental width (AI), width of the bone crest (AC) and width of the tip of the papilla (APP). Results: In all study patients, the recession level, CO-PC and APP were significant individual predictors (p <0.05) of papillary height (PA). In patients with papillary recession, CO-PC, APP and PP-PC were significant predictors (p <0.05) of AP. In addition, CO-PC was the only significant predictor (p <0.001) of AP in patients without papillary recession. Conclusions: The PC, CO-PC and APP PP distances are the main factors associated with recession of the interdental papilla of upper central incisors and together predict papillary height.

Objetivo: Identificar los principales factores asociados a la recesión de la papila interdental de incisivos centrales superiores. Material y métodos: Se analizó una muestra no probabilística de 86 pacientes de la sección de Periodoncia e Implantes del Departamento de Estomatología del Hospital Central de la Fuerza Aérea del Perú. El tipo de estudio fue observacional, correlacional simple, transversal y prospectivo. Se evaluaron clínicamente factores como forma coronal dentaria y biotipo gingival; y radiográficamente distancias de la unión cemento esmalte proximal al punto de contacto interdentario (UCEp-PC), punta de la papila al punto de contacto interdentario (PP-PC), cresta ósea al punto de contacto interdentario (CO-PC), cresta ósea a la unión cemento esmalte proximal (CO-UCEp), ancho interdental (AI), ancho de la cresta ósea (AC) y ancho de la punta de la papila (APP). Resultados: En todos los pacientes de estudio, el nivel de recesión, CO-PC y APP fueron predictores individuales significativos (p<0,05) de la altura papilar (AP). En pacientes con recesión papilar, CO-PC, APP y PP-PC fueron predictores significativos (p<0,05) de AP. Además, CO-PC fue el único predictor significativo (p<0,001) de AP en pacientes sin recesión papilar. Conclusiones: Las distancias PP-PC, CO-PC y APP son los principales factores asociados a la recesión de la papila interdental de incisivos centrales superiores y en conjunto predicen la altura papilar.

Resumen Introducción: A pesar de que existen opciones terapéuticas para el tratamiento de defectos de la mucosa bucal, persiste la necesidad de encontrar sustitutos funcionales, anatómicos y estéticamente similares al tejido que se va a reemplazar, así como soluciones que reduzcan la morbilidad de los injertos autólogos. Objetivo: Determinar la compatibilidad clínica e histológica de aloinjertos equivalentes de mucosa bucal elaborados mediante ingeniería tisular en ratas no consanguíneas. Materiales y métodos: Se utilizó una muestra de mucosa bucal de ratas Sprague Dawley para la obtención de un cultivo de fibroblastos y otro de queratinocitos y fibroblastos. En ambos casos, se usó una membrana de colágeno comercial como soporte. Después de diez semanas de cultivo, las membranas resultantes se injertaron en cuatro ratas Wistar. La primera fase del estudio consistió en la elaboración de los tejidos análogos de mucosa bucal mediante ingeniería tisular, los cuales se implantaron en ratas Wistar inmunocompetentes; posteriormente, se evaluaron las características clínicas e histológicas del aloinjerto. Resultados: La evaluación in vivo de los tejidos análogos demostró que se habían integrado correctamente en los huéspedes inmunocompetentes, y se había logrado el aumento del biotipo periodontal y la creación de una zona con mayor queratinización. Desde el punto de vista histológico, el tejido adquirió características similares a las de la muestra de mucosa bucal de control, sin ningún tipo de reacción inflamatoria ni signos clínicos o histológicos de rechazo. Conclusión: Hubo compatibilidad clínica e histológica de los aloinjertos equivalentes de mucosa bucal obtenidos mediante ingeniería tisular.

Abstract Introduction: Although there are therapeutic options for the treatment of oral mucosa defects, the need for functional, anatomical and aesthetically similar substitutes persists, as well as for solutions to reduce autologous grafts morbidity. Objective: To determine clinical and histological compatibility of equivalent oral mucosa allografts generated through tissue engineering in non-consanguineous rats. Materials and methods: We used a sample of oral mucosa from Sprague Dawley rats to obtain a fibroblast culture and a keratinocytes and fibroblasts co-culture. In both cases, we used a commercial collagen membrane as "scaffold". After ten weeks of culture, we grafted the resulting membranes into four Wistar rats. The first phase of the study was the development of the oral mucosa equivalents generated by tissue engineering. Then, we implanted them in immunocompetent Wistar rats, and finally we evaluated the clinical and histological features of the allografts. Results: In vivo evaluation of mucosal substitutes showed a correct integration of artificial oral mucosa in immunocompetent hosts, with an increase in periodontal biotype and the creation of a zone with increased keratinization. Histologically, the tissue was similar to the control oral mucosa sample with no inflammatory reaction nor clinical or histological rejection signs. Conclusion: The equivalent oral mucosa allografts generated by tissue engineering showed clinical and histological compatibility.

To perform different dental procedures it is currently necessary to make a correct assessment of periodontal biotype, using the right tools that allow its thickness to be accurately measured. The objective of this study was to evaluate different diagnostic methods and correlating them with direct measurement of width and thickness of attached gingiva in the front upper jaw area. The study included 30 periodontally healthy patients, in whom biotype identification was performed on teeth 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3, using visual parameters, direct measurement of the width and attached gingiva thickness, and transparency of the periodontal probe as an indirect method. According to the transparency of the probe, the thick biotype was the most frequent (53.3%) was observed more in men (62.5%) than women (37.50%). According to the visual parameters, thin biotype was more prevalent (56.7%) than the thick biotype (43.3%). There were no significant differences on comparing the 2 methods. The mean width of attached gingiva was 2.79 mm and a thickness of 1.06 mm, being greater in the thick biotype (width 2.94 mm and thickness 1.10) than in the thin biotype (width 2.67 mm and thickness 1.01 mm). According to the results, it can be concluded that both the visual diagnosis and transparency of the probe are valid to identify the gingival biotype. However, a lower reproducibility by visual inspection was observed, and the thin biotype showed a higher error rate.

Actualmente, para realizar distintos procedimientos odontológicos se hace necesaria una correcta evaluación del biotipo periodontal utilizando las herramientas adecuadas que nos permitan medir de manera certera su grosor. El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar distintos métodos diagnósticos, correlacionándolos con la medición directa de ancho y grosor de encía adherida en la zona anterosuperior del maxilar. Se reclutaron 30 pacientes periodontalmente sanos, y en los dientes 1.1, 1.2 y 1.3 se realizó: identificación del biotipo según parámetros visuales, medición directa del ancho, grosor de encía adherida y transparencia de la sonda periodontal como método indirecto. Mediante la transparencia de la sonda, el biotipo grueso fue el más prevalente (53,3%), observándose más en hombres (62,5%) versus mujeres (37,50%). Según parámetros visuales, el biotipo fino fue más prevalente (56,7%) que el grueso (43,3%), y al comparar ambos métodos no existieron diferencias significativas. Se observó un ancho promedio de la encía adherida de 2,79 mm y un grosor de 1,06 mm, presentándose valores más elevados en el biotipo grueso (ancho 2,94 mm y grosor 1,10 mm) versus el fino (ancho 2,67 mm y grosor 1,01 mm). Según los resultados obtenidos podemos concluir que tanto el diagnóstico visual como la transparencia de la sonda son válidos para identificar el biotipo gingival. Sin embargo, la inspección visual mostró menor reproducibilidad y mayor porcentaje de error al definir biotipo fino.

Non-carious cervical lesion and Gingival Recession treatment using a Coronally Positioned Flap. The case developed below is intended to show the clinical outcome of a thick gingival biotype patient who underwent a periodontal surgery using the coronally positioned flap (CPF) technique in the treatment of a non-carious cervical lesion and single gingival recession in the anterior upper sector. A clinician should not forget that each case is different, therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the size and thickness of the periodontal tissue, the type and size of gingival recession, especially when non carious cervical lesions are present. In view of the results, we consider that in thick gingival biotypes, CPF is effective providing a significant reduction of an individual recession in the anterior upper sector and a non-carious cervical lesion treatment in the short term.

El caso que se desarrolla a continuación, tiene por objetivo mostrar el resultado clínico de un paciente con biotipo gingival grueso, que fue sometido a cirugía periodontal, utilizando la técnica de colgajo posicionado coronalmente (CPC) en el tratamiento de una lesión cervical no cariosa y recesión gingival individual en el sector anterosuperior. Un clínico no debe olvidar que cada caso es diferente, por tanto, es necesario evaluar las dimensiones y espesor del tejido periodontal, el tipo y tamaño de la recesión gingival, especialmente cuando se encuentra presente una lesión cervical no cariosa. En vista de los resultados, consideramos que el CPC, en biotipos gingivales gruesos, es efectivo para proporcionar una reducción significativa de la recesión individual en el sector anterosuperior y el tratamiento de lesión cervical no cariosa a corto plazo.

Periodontics is not only charged with resolving infectious processes that affect the periodontium, but is also responsible for preservation of function, comfort and aesthetics of the periodontal tissues. For this reason current plastic periodontal surgery techniques are an essential tool for the resolution of mucogingival defects, where the subepithelial connective tissues, due to their biology, have become the best alternative to resolve the sequelae of maxillo-facial trauma (TMF), fine biotype orthodontic treatment, dentoalveolar trauma (TDA), tumor resection, and treatment of the sequelae of periodontitis. In all of these conditions, the restoration of lost tissue and the modification of existing periodontal biotype dental improves their prognosis. In Chile, the periodontal treatment performed in secondary care has historically focused on infection control. However, due to the high demand for cases involving periodontal tissues without periodontitis, there is now a new reality that must focus clinical attention on the use of new techniques and surgical procedures designed to restore lost or mutilated periodontal tissues. This case report presents the work of the El Salvador Hospital Dental Department of East Metropolitan Health Service (SSMO), where periodontal plastic surgery techniques to treat complex cases have been performed since 2006.

En la actualidad, la periodoncia no solo se encarga de resolver los procesos infecciosos que afectan al periodonto, sino que también es responsable de la preservación de la función, del confort y de la estética de los tejidos periodontales. Es por eso que hoy en día las técnicas de cirugía plástica periodontal son una herramienta esencial para la resolución de defectos mucogingivales en donde el tejido conectivo subepitelial, debido a su biología, se ha convertido en la mejor alternativa para resolver las secuelas derivadas de trauma maxilofacial, tratamientos de ortodoncia en biotipos finos, trauma dentoalveolar, resección de tumores, tratamiento de las secuelas de la periodontitis, en donde al restaurar la pérdida de tejido existente y modificar el biotipo periodontal mejora el pronóstico dentario. En Chile, el tratamiento periodontal realizado en la atención secundaria se ha centrado históricamente en el control de infecciones. Sin embargo, debido a la gran demanda de casos relacionados con los tejidos periodontales sin periodontitis, hoy enfrentamos una nueva realidad clínica asistencial que amerita el empleo de nuevas técnicas y procedimientos quirúrgicos tendentes a la restauración de los tejidos periodontales perdidos o mutilados. En este reporte de casos se expone la labor realizada en el servicio dental del Hospital El Salvador, dependiente del Servicio de Salud Metropolitano Oriente, en donde desde el año 2006 se realizan intervenciones quirúrgicas con técnicas de cirugía plástica periodontal para resolver casos complejos.

The aim of the study was to determine the association between cephalic biotype and severity of periodontal disease in dogs in a pet clinic in Lima between September 2008 and March 2009. Forty five patients’ heads older than one year were classified by the Cephalic Index in brachycephalic and not brachycephalic (mesaticephalic and dolicocephalic), and then, the teeth was evaluated through the Veterinary Periodontal Index. The result showed that 57.8% of animals had periodontal disease, where 81.2% were brachycephalic dogs and 44.8% were not brachycephalic (p<0.05). There was statistical association between missing teeth and presence of periodontal disease. The most affected teeth were premolars

El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la asociación entre el biotipo cefálico y la severidad de la enfermedad periodontal, en los pacientes caninos de una clínica de animales menores de la ciudad de Lima entre septiembre de 2008 y marzo de 2009. Se trabajó con 45 pacientes mayores de un año de edad. Se les clasificó el tipo de cabeza mediante el Índice Cefálico en perros braquiocefálicos y no braquiocefálicos (mesaticefálico y dolicocefálico), y se les evaluó la dentadura mediante el Índice Veterinario Periodontal. El 57.8% de perros presentaron algún grado de enfermedad periodontal, siendo de 81.2% en el biotipo braquiocefálico y de 44.8% en el no braquiocefálico (p<0.05). Además, se encontró asociación estadística entre la ausencia de dientes y la presentación de la enfermedad periodontal. El tipo dentario más afectado fue el premolar

La adecuada oseointegración de un implante no es suficiente para declarar el éxito; los implantes colocados en inadecuadas posiciones, terminan con restauraciones antiestéticas que no proveen satisfacción ni al clínico ni al paciente. La creación de una restauración sobre implante que luzca naturalmente estética, depende no solamente de la apropiada colocación del implante sino de la reconstrucción de una arquitectura gingival que esté en armonía con el componente labial y el facial. La terapia con implantes ha demostrado ser un tratamiento efectivo en el remplazo de estructuras dentarias. Parece ser un tratamiento sencillo, pero para obtener resultados óptimos, la restauración debe tener un balance armonioso entre la función, la estética y los principios biológicos. Esta filosofía ha generado el concepto de ‘implantes guiados protésicamente', en el cual los implantes son colocados con base en los requisitos de la restauración final, y no simplemente en la disponibilidad del hueso en la zona para el implante.

Adequate osseointegration of an implant is not always sufficient to obtain success; implants placed in inadequate positions end up with unaesthetic restorations that do not provide satisfaction to the professional or the patient. The placement of an esthetic restoration over an implant depends not only on the appropriate placement of the implant but also on the proper reconstruction of the gingival architecture in harmony with the facial and labial component. Therapy with implants has demonstrated to be an effective treatment for the replacement of tooth structures. It seems to be a simple treatment, although in order to obtain good results, the restoration must have a harmonious balance between function, esthetics and biological principles. This philosophy has generated the concept of “prosthetic guided implants”, in which the implants are placed in relation to the final restoration rather that the availability of bone for the implant.

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans é um importante agente etiológico da periodontite e produz infecções extra-bucais. Neste estudo, foram detectados os biótipos, o gene ltxA associado à produção de leucotoxina e o promotor ltx em A. actinomycetemcomitans de pacientes com e sem periodontite. A atividade leucotóxica sobre células HL-60 também foi avaliada. A atividade leucotóxica foi determinada através do método de exclusão do azul de tripam. A deleção de 530 bp no promotor ltx foi avaliada usando-se o par de iniciadores PRO. A. actinomycetemcomitans foi detectado por cultura e por PCR. Por cultura, A. actinomycetemcomitans foi detectado em nove pacientes com periodontite (18%) e em um indivíduo sadio (2%). Por PCR esse microrganismo foi detectado em 44% dos pacientes com periodontite e em 16% dos saudáveis. Verificou-se diferença estatística entre a detecção do promotor do operon ltx, por PCR, diretamente do biofilme subgengival e do DNA bacteriano. Somente uma amostra clínica apresentou A. actinomycetemcomitans altamente leukotóxico. O biótipo II foi o mais prevalente e não foi observada correlação biótipo-atividade leucotóxica. A expressão da leucotoxina por A. actinomycetemcomitans na doença periodontal e outras doenças infecciosas necessita ser avaliado.

Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans is an important etiologic agent of the periodontitis and is associated with extra-oral infections. In this study, the detection of the ltxA gene as well as the ltx promoter region from leukotoxic A. actinomycetemcomitans isolated from 50 Brazilian patients with periodontitis and 50 healthy subjects was performed. The leukotoxic activity on HL-60 cells was also evaluated. Leukotoxic activity was determined using a trypan blue exclusion method. The 530 bp deletion in the promoter region was evaluated by PCR using a PRO primer pair. A. actinomycetemcomitans was detected by culture and directly from crude subgingival biofilm by PCR using specific primers. By culture, A. actinomycetemcomitans was detected in nine (18%) of the periodontal patients and one (2%) healthy subject. However, by PCR, this organism was detected in 44% of the periodontal patients and in 16% of the healthy subjects. It was verified a great discrepancy between PCR detection of the ltx operon promoter directly from crude subgingival biofilm and from bacterial DNA. Only one periodontal sample harbored highly leukotoxic A. actinomycetemcomitans. Moreover, biotype II was the most prevalent and no correlation between biotypes and leukotoxic activity was observed. The diversity of leukotoxin expression by A. actinomycetemcomitans suggests a role of this toxin in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease and other infectious diseases.

OBJETIVO: Realizar a detecção comparativa de A. actinomycetemcomitans e F. nucleatum de sítios periodontais e sadios. MÉTODOS: Foram analisadas amostras subgengivais de 50 pacientes com periodontite do adulto e de 50 indivíduos sadios. Ambos os organismos foram isolados em meio ágar de soja tripticaseína-bacitracina-vancomicina e detectados por PCR. Testes bioquímicos convencionais foram usados para a identificação bacteriana. RESULTADOS: A. actinomycetemcomitans e F. nucleatum foram isolados em 18 e 20% dos pacientes, respectivamente, e em 2 e 24% dos indivíduos sadios. Entre os isolados de A. actinomycetemcomitans, o biótipo II foi o mais prevalente. O par de iniciadores AA mostrou 100% de sensibilidade na detecção de A. actinomycetemcomitans, em ambos os grupos de indivíduos. Iniciadores ASH e FU foram também 100% sensíveis para detectar esse organismo em amostras de indivíduos sadios. O iniciador FN5047 foi mais sensível para detectar F. nucleatum em amostras de pacientes ou de sadios que o 5059S. Iniciadores ASH e 5059S foram mais específicos na detecção de A. actinomycetemcomitans e F. nucleatum, respectivamente, em amostras de pacientes e de sadios. CONCLUSÕES: PCR constitui-se uma ferramenta efetiva na detecção de patógenos periodontais de espécimes clínicos, fornecendo um diagnóstico rápido e seguro da doença periodontal. Entretanto, esse método depende da escolha dos iniciadores específicos utilizados.

OBJECTIVE: To comparatively detect A. actinomycetemcomitans and F. nucleatum from periodontal and healthy sites. METHODS: Subgingival clinical samples from 50 periodontitis adult patients and 50 healthy subjects were analyzed. Both organisms were isolated using a trypticase soy agar-bacitracin-vancomycin (TSBV) medium and detected by PCR. Conventional biochemical tests were used for bacteria identification. RESULTS: A. actinomycetemcomitans and F. nucleatum were isolated in 18% and 20% of the patients, respectively, and in 2% and 24% of healthy subjects. Among A. actinomycetemcomitans isolates, biotype II was the most prevalent. Primer pair AA was 100% sensitive in the detection of A. actinomycetemcomitans from both subject groups. Primers ASH and FU were also 100% sensitive to detect this organism in healthy subject samples. Primer pair FN5047 was more sensitive to detect F. nucleatum in patients or in healthy samples than primer 5059S. Primers ASH and 5059S were more specific in the detection of A. actinomycetemcomitans and F. nucleatum, respectively, in patients and in healthy subject samples. CONCLUSIONS: PCR is an effective tool for detecting periodontal pathogens in subgingival samples, providing a faster and safer diagnostic tool of periodontal diseases. The method's sensitivity and specificity is conditioned by the choice of the set of primers used.

OBJETIVO: Realizar a detecção comparativa de A. actinomycetemcomitans e F. nucleatum de sítios periodontais e sadios. MÉTODOS: Foram analisadas amostras subgengivais de 50 pacientes com periodontite do adulto e de 50 indivíduos sadios. Ambos os organismos foram isolados em meio ágar de soja tripticaseína-bacitracina-vancomicina e detectados por PCR. Testes bioquímicos convencionais foram usados para a identificação bacteriana. RESULTADOS: A. actinomycetemcomitans e F. nucleatum foram isolados em 18 e 20% dos pacientes, respectivamente, e em 2 e 24% dos indivíduos sadios. Entre os isolados de A. actinomycetemcomitans, o biótipo II foi o mais prevalente. O par de iniciadores AA mostrou 100% de sensibilidade na detecção de A. actinomycetemcomitans, em ambos os grupos de indivíduos. Iniciadores ASH e FU foram também 100% sensíveis para detectar esse organismo em amostras de indivíduos sadios. O iniciador FN5047 foi mais sensível para detectar F. nucleatum em amostras de pacientes ou de sadios que o 5059S. Iniciadores ASH e 5059S foram mais específicos na detecção de A. actinomycetemcomitans e F. nucleatum, respectivamente, em amostras de pacientes e de sadios. CONCLUSÕES: PCR constitui-se uma ferramenta efetiva na detecção de patógenos periodontais de espécimes clínicos, fornecendo um diagnóstico rápido e seguro da doença periodontal. Entretanto, esse método depende da escolha dos iniciadores específicos utilizados.

OBJECTIVE: To comparatively detect A. actinomycetemcomitans and F. nucleatum from periodontal and healthy sites. METHODS: Subgingival clinical samples from 50 periodontitis adult patients and 50 healthy subjects were analyzed. Both organisms were isolated using a trypticase soy agar-bacitracin-vancomycin (TSBV) medium and detected by PCR. Conventional biochemical tests were used for bacteria identification. RESULTS: A. actinomycetemcomitans and F. nucleatum were isolated in 18% and 20% of the patients, respectively, and in 2% and 24% of healthy subjects. Among A. actinomycetemcomitans isolates, biotype II was the most prevalent. Primer pair AA was 100% sensitive in the detection of A. actinomycetemcomitans from both subject groups. Primers ASH and FU were also 100% sensitive to detect this organism in healthy subject samples. Primer pair FN5047 was more sensitive to detect F. nucleatum in patients or in healthy samples than primer 5059S. Primers ASH and 5059S were more specific in the detection of A. actinomycetemcomitans and F. nucleatum, respectively, in patients and in healthy subject samples. CONCLUSIONS: PCR is an effective tool for detecting periodontal pathogens in subgingival samples, providing a faster and safer diagnostic tool of periodontal diseases. The method's sensitivity and specificity is conditioned by the choice of the set of primers used.

Biological width is known as the dentogingival unit formed by the junction of the epithelium and the connective tissue attachement. Biological width does not only refer to the length of the gingival insertion, but also to the gingival thickness, the type of periodontal tissues and the depth of the gingival sulcus, because all these components are part of a unit and should be considered as such. Another factor to be considered is the dimensional range of the epithelial and connective tissue components between individuals and in a given individual. Once the dentogingival unit is invaded, different clinical processes can take place regarding the host response to periodontal disease among other different factors that we will expose. In the event that the biological width has been invaded, and symptoms have appeared, what can be done? At the end and in a nutshell, the reader will find a brief introduction to the different treatment options available for these patients.

Se denomina espacio biológico a la unión dentogingival, que está constituida por el epitelio de unión y el tejido conectivo de inserción de la encía. Cuando se habla de espacio biológico no sólo se debe pensar en la longitud de la inserción gingival, sino que se debe relacionar con el grosor de la encía, el biotipo periodontal y la profundidad del surco gingival, puesto que todos estos parámetros se integran, y deben ser tenidos en cuenta para comprender de manera exacta la morfología del tejido gingival supracrestal. La variabilidad de dimensiones de los componentes epitelial y conectivo que existe entre individuos, e incluso dentro del mismo individuo, es otro factor que debe ser considerado. Una vez que se ha invadido la unión dentogingival, el tipo de manifestación clínica que se produce va a ser distinta según los casos, ya que no hay que olvidar que la respuesta está relacionada con la susceptibilidad del paciente frente a la enfermedad periodontal, además de otros factores que se enumerarán. Y cuando se ha invadido el espacio biológico con sintomatología, ¿qué se puede hacer? La parte final esbozará las opciones terapéuticas disponibles frente a estas situaciones.