Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Minimally-invasive Non-surgical and Surgical Periodontitis Treatment

This research is looking into better ways to treat a serious form of gum disease called periodontitis, which can harm the bone supporting your teeth. Specifically, it's comparing two treatment approaches for 'intrabony defects' — areas where some bone around a tooth has been lost. One method is a new, gentle, non-surgical cleaning technique (MINST) that aims to remove bacteria and help gums heal. The other is a minimally-invasive surgical approach (M-MIST), which is a small gum operation designed to encourage bone repair. Researchers want to see which treatment is more effective at rebuilding bone and improving overall gum health. They hope to find a reliable way to save teeth and prevent further damage from this condition.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Queen Mary University of London

Enrolment target

Start

20 Mar 2019

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2025

Periodontitis

What is this study about?

Imagine your teeth are held firmly in place by strong foundations, which include your gums and jawbone. Periodontitis is a common gum disease that can attack these foundations. It's basically a serious infection that, if not treated, can cause the bone around your teeth to wear away, creating what dentists call 'intrabony defects' – like little pockets of bone loss around the tooth root. These defects can make your teeth wobbly and, in time, even lead to tooth loss.

Currently, there are different ways to treat periodontitis and these bone defects. Some involve very thorough deep cleaning under the gum line to remove bacteria, while others are minor surgical procedures designed to help the bone re-grow. This study is trying to find out which of two specific methods works best for these intrabony defects.

One method is a special, gentle, non-surgical cleaning technique called MINST. The other is a technique called M-MIST, which is a small surgical procedure on the gums. Both are considered 'minimally-invasive,' meaning they aim to achieve results with as little disruption to your body as possible. Researchers will carefully measure changes in both bone levels and gum health to see which approach is more effective at repairing the damage and improving the long-term health of your teeth. The goal is to discover the best way to help people with this type of gum disease.

Key takeaways

This study compares two advanced gum disease treatments.
It targets severe gum disease with bone loss (intrabony defects).
One treatment is a special deep cleaning, the other a minor gum surgery.
The goal is to find which helps rebuild bone and heal gums best.
Participation involves treatment and regular follow-up checks.
You won't choose your treatment; it's assigned randomly.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for volunteers between the ages of 25 and 70 with a specific type of advanced gum disease (periodontitis Stage III or IV). You would need to have at least one 'intrabony defect' – that's an area where bone loss around your tooth root is significant, measured at 3mm or more on an X-ray, and your gum pocket is deeper than 5mm.

There are several reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've smoked or vaped in the last five years, or if you have certain health conditions like diabetes, liver, or kidney disease. People who need antibiotics before dental work, have recently taken anti-inflammatory or blood-thinning medicines, or antibiotics, are also not eligible.

You also can't take part if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of alcohol or drug abuse, or if you've had recent gum treatment to the tooth being studied within the last year (unless it was a very light cleaning). The researchers will go through all these details carefully with you to see if the study is suitable.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 25 and 70 years old?
Have you been told you have advanced gum disease (Stage III or IV periodontitis)?
Do you have bone loss around a tooth that your dentist calls an 'intrabony defect'?
Have you avoided smoking or vaping for the last five years?
Are you generally healthy, without conditions like diabetes or kidney/liver disease?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you will first have a health check-up, including X-rays, to confirm your eligibility. You will then be randomly assigned to receive one of two treatments: either a specially designed deep cleaning of your gums (MINST) or a minor gum operation (M-MIST). You won't be able to choose which treatment you get, as this is decided by chance to ensure fair comparison.

There will be several follow-up visits over a period of time, where the dental team will check your gum health, take more X-rays to see bone changes, and provide instructions on how to keep your teeth clean. We expect these visits to be spaced out over several months to a year, allowing enough time to see the effects of the treatment. The total duration of your involvement in the study will be explained to you, but typically, such studies involve regular checks for up to a year or more after treatment.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study means you could receive a cutting-edge treatment that might improve the health of your gums and potentially help regrow bone around your teeth, possibly more effectively than standard care. You'll also be closely monitored by dental specialists. However, like any medical procedure, there are potential risks, such as temporary discomfort, swelling, or sensitivity in the treated area, and there's no guarantee the treatment will be successful for everyone. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual dental care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Barts and The London Dental Hospital
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'periodontitis'?

It's a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. If not treated, it can lead to tooth loss.

What are 'intrabony defects'?

These are specific areas where the bone around a tooth has been lost, creating a deeper pocket or dip next to the tooth root.

What's the difference between MINST and M-MIST?

MINST is a very gentle, deep cleaning method without surgery. M-MIST is a small operation on your gums, aiming for minimal disturbance.

Will I know which treatment I'm getting?

No, you will be randomly assigned to either MINST or M-MIST, like flipping a coin, to ensure the study results are fair.

How long will I be involved in the study?

Your involvement in the study, including follow-up appointments, will be explained to you, but these types of studies often involve several visits over a period of many months to a year or more.