Changes in periodontal and microbial parameters after the space maintainers application

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Microbiology

Background:

• Space maintainers (SMs) are crucial in pediatric dentistry for preserving arch integrity.
• The potential impact of SMs on periodontal health in children requires thorough evaluation.
• Understanding changes in periodontal tissues and microbial flora during SM treatment is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess clinical and microbiological shifts in periodontal tissues during SM treatment.
• To compare the effects of fixed versus removable SM appliances on periodontal parameters.

Main Methods:

• Children were divided into fixed (n=20) and removable (n=20) SM groups.
• Periodontal examinations included plaque index (PI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and bleeding on probing (BOP).
• Anaerobic microorganisms in crevicular fluid were identified using culture methods at baseline, 3, and 9 months.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in PI, PPD, and BOP scores were observed in both groups at 9 months (P < 0.05).
• A non-significant increase in anaerobic bacteria presence was noted in the fixed SM group from baseline to 3 months.
• The prevalence of anaerobic bacteria remained stable between 3 and 9 months in the fixed SM group.

Conclusions:

• Fixed and removable SM appliances in children are associated with increased clinical periodontal parameters.
• Specific periodontal pathogens like Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Tannerella forsythia were not detected.
• Further long-term studies are needed to comprehensively assess the periodontal implications of SMs.