Periodontal and endodontic infectious/inflammatory profile in primary periodontal lesions with secondary endodontic involvement after a calcium hydroxide-based intracanal medication

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a calcium hydroxide-based intracanal medication (ICM) on periodontal and endodontic infectious/inflammatory contents and on periodontal clinical parameters in teeth with primary periodontal lesion and secondary endodontic involvement.Materials and methodsTen patients with abnormal pulp test results and deep probing depth derived from primary periodontal disease with secondary endodontic involvement were included. Samples were collected from root canals (RC) and periodontal pockets (PP) in order to investigate the microbiological status, levels of endotoxin (LPS), cytokines, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), before and after ICM. PCR was used for microbiological assessment. The kinetic-chromogenic LAL assay was used for LPS quantification. Quantikine ELISA kits were used for measurement of IL-1 , IL-1 , TNF-, PGE(2), MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-8, MMP-9, and MMP-13 levels. The statistical analyses were made using the Friedman and Wilcoxon tests (p<0.05). T test was used to compare data on periodontal characteristics.ResultsICM did not reduce the number of microorganisms in PP and RC, except for Fusobacterium nucleatum in RC. There was a significant reduction in LPS, MMPs, IL-1 , and TNF- levels in PP after ICM. In RC, LPS, MMP13, PGE(2), and IL-1 levels remained unaltered (p>0.05); however, the levels of the other MMPs and cytokines were reduced (p<0.05). After 1year of the root canal treatment, tooth mobility was significantly reduced (p0.05).ConclusionsThe use of a calcium hydroxide-based ICM showed positive effects for periodontal treatment prognosis, as it reduced LPS, cytokine, and MMP levels in periodontal pockets.Clinical significancePatients presenting deep probing depth and undergoing periodontal treatment for at least 6months, with no positive response to periodontal therapy, might benefit with the endodontic treatment.