Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Minimally-invasive Non-surgical Therapy of Intrabony Defects

This study is investigating a new, gentle approach to treating gum disease that causes bone damage around teeth, known as chronic periodontitis. Often, this disease creates 'intrabony defects' – places where the bone supporting the tooth has worn away unevenly. Traditionally, these defects might have needed surgery, sometimes even removing healthy bone, or complex regenerative procedures with grafts, which can be costly and have side effects. This research is exploring a 'minimally-invasive non-surgical therapy' (MINST). This means using very careful cleaning techniques to remove bacteria from under the gums without aggressive surgery. The aim is to see if this gentler method can help rebuild the bone and improve the health of the teeth, checking progress with X-rays and dental examinations. It's hoped this could be a more comfortable and effective treatment option.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Queen Mary University of London

Enrolment target

Start

01 Feb 2019

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2025

Chronic Periodontitis

What is this study about?

Imagine your teeth are held firmly in place by healthy gums and the bone underneath. Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is an infection that can damage these supporting structures. When it's severe, it can lead to what dentists call 'intrabony defects' – these are like pockets or holes in the bone surrounding the tooth roots. These defects can make your teeth less stable and, if not treated, might eventually lead to tooth loss.

For a long time, treating these bone defects often involved surgery. Sometimes, this meant removing some bone or using special materials to help the bone grow back, which can be quite involved and sometimes uncomfortable. This study is exploring a different, more gentle approach called 'minimally-invasive non-surgical therapy' (MINST).

MINST focuses on very careful and thorough cleaning deep under the gums using special tools, without needing to cut or lift the gum tissue much. The main goal is to get rid of the harmful bacteria that cause the disease. Researchers want to see if this gentler cleaning can encourage the bone around the teeth to heal and regenerate naturally, and if it's a better option than traditional, more invasive treatments. They will use X-rays and dental checks to measure how well this new method works.

Key takeaways

Exploring a gentle, non-surgical way to treat advanced gum disease.
Focuses on improving bone damage around teeth without aggressive surgery.
Aims to encourage natural healing and bone regeneration.
Could be a more comfortable treatment option for chronic periodontitis.
Requires careful checks using X-rays and dental examinations.
Participation helps advance understanding of gum disease treatment.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults between 18 and 70 years old who have been diagnosed with chronic periodontitis, which is a serious form of gum disease. Specifically, you would need to have at least one 'intrabony defect' – that's a specific type of bone damage around a tooth, which your dentist can measure with special tools and X-rays.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join the study. For example, if you've smoked recently (even e-cigarettes), or if you have certain health conditions like diabetes, liver or kidney disease. You also can't take part if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you've recently had certain medications like strong antibiotics or blood thinners. Anyone with allergies to local anaesthetic or a history of drug or alcohol abuse would also be excluded, as would people who have had recent dental treatment on the tooth being studied.

Quick self-check

Are you between 18 and 70 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with chronic periodontitis (serious gum disease)?
Do you have a specific type of bone damage around a tooth (an 'intrabony defect')?
Have you not smoked (including e-cigarettes) in the last 5 years?
Do you have good general health, without conditions like diabetes or serious liver/kidney disease?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the process will involve a few steps. First, you'll have a detailed dental examination, including X-rays, to assess the condition of your teeth and gums. Following this, you will receive the 'minimally-invasive non-surgical therapy' on the affected areas. This treatment usually involves careful cleaning under the gum line to remove bacteria and tartar. After your treatment, you will have follow-up appointments where the dental team will check your gum health and take further X-rays to see the healing progress. The total duration of your participation, including all follow-up visits, will be explained in detail by the study team, but typically clinical trials involve several visits spread out over a number of months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a study like this might offer potential benefits, such as receiving a new, gentler gum disease treatment that could lead to better healing and bone regeneration around your teeth. It could also contribute to valuable knowledge that helps improve dental care for others in the future. However, there are also potential risks, like temporary discomfort or sensitivity after the treatment, or the treatment might not work as well as hoped for everyone. Your dental team will explain all known risks to you. Remember, deciding whether to join is entirely up to you, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (9)

Dr Ryan Lee Private Practice
Brisbane, Australia
Studio Dentistico Associato Montevecchi D'Alessandro
Forlimpopoli, Italy
Clinica de Periodoncia
A Coruña, Spain
South Coast Dental Specialists
Dorchester, United Kingdom
The Dentist
London, United Kingdom
High Barnet Dental Care
London, United Kingdom
Pall Mall Dental
London, United Kingdom
Ravenscourt Dental Practice
London, United Kingdom
Claremont Dental Practice
Middlesex, United Kingdom

Common questions

What exactly is 'chronic periodontitis'?

It's a serious gum disease that causes inflammation and can damage the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth, potentially leading to tooth loss if not treated.

What does 'minimally-invasive non-surgical therapy' involve?

It's a very careful and gentle cleaning procedure done deep under your gums to remove bacteria and plaque, without the need for extensive cutting or stitching traditionally associated with gum surgery.

Will this treatment hurt?

The procedure is typically done under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn't feel pain during the treatment. You might experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity afterwards, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

How long will the study last if I join?

The full duration, including examinations, treatment, and follow-up checks, will be explained to you by the study team. It usually involves several appointments over a number of months.

Will I have to pay to join the study?

No, you should not have to pay for any study-related treatments or visits. This will be made clear in the consent form you review.