Aim To evaluate long-term clinical response to periodontal therapy and maintenance in localized aggressive periodontitis (LAP). Materials and Methods One hundred forty-one African-Americans diagnosed with LAP, aged 5–25 years, were enrolled. Patients underwent periodontal mechanical debridement plus one week of amoxicillin/metronidazole. Mechanical therapy was repeated as needed and clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, and 2 additional annual follow-up visits after treatment. Radiographs from primary dentition of patients with LAP in permanent dentition, and additional healthy siblings (HS) were analyzed retrospectively. Results Periodontal therapy significantly improved probing depth and clinical attachment level up to 4 years (mean reductions: 2.18 ± 1.03 and 2.80 ± 1.43 mm, respectively). Percentage of affected sites was reduced at all timepoints and maintained up to 4 years. Noncompliance with antibiotics/appointments negatively affected the treatment response. Ninety percent of LAP patients in permanent dentition and 32% of HS presented radiographic bone loss in primary dentition. Conclusions Mechanical debridement with one-week of systemic antibiotics along with proper periodontal maintenance was effective in the treatment and successful maintenance of LAP for up to 4 years. LAP in permanent dentition may be preceded in the primary dentition. Clinicaltrials.gov #NCT01330719.

Objectives Due to the low prevalence of localized aggressive periodontitis (LAP), clinical characteristics of LAP in primary dentition are derived from a few case reports/series in the literature. The goal of this study was to determine common clinical characteristics such as bone and root resorption patterns, in a series of cases with LAP in primary dentition. We hypothesize these cases present aggressive periodontal bone destruction starting mostly around first primary molars and atypical root resorption patterns. Study Design We have evaluated 33 LAP cases in primary dentition for pattern of bone destruction, root resorption and early exfoliation. Results Cases evaluated were aged 5–12 (mean=8.7 years). Thirty cases presented more severe bone loss on first than second molars, with relatively fast progression to second molars, altered pattern of root resorption, mostly external (n=16) and early exfoliation of primary teeth due to periodontal bone loss, rather than physiologic root resorption (n=11). Conclusions This study showed common clinical characteristics found in LAP in primary molars, including possible initiation on first primary molars and abnormal root resorption patterns. These characteristics are important to be early identified and treated in order to prevent possible progression into the permanent dentition.

Weaver syndrome is a rare condition characterized by accelerated growth, advanced osseous maturation, and distinct craniofacial features that can occur in both males and females. Etiology is unknown and no definitive oral characteristics have been established. The objective of this case report is to describe the oral and radiographic findings of a 14-year-old male with Weaver syndrome. A comprehensive dental examination was performed under general anesthesia. The clinical findings were: severe generalized heavy plaque with subgingival calculus, gingival edema, malocclusion and maxillary atresia, mild micrognathia of the mandible, enlarged tongue, and bifid uvula. Clinical and radiographic caries were not found. Out of over 40 possible cases of Weaver syndrome previously reported in the literature, only two were related to the oral cavity. Bifida uvula was not mentioned until now as clinical findings associated with the syndrome. Autism, macroglossia, and cleft palate were seldom mentioned. The oral manifestations in Weaver syndrome are not yet well known. Future studies will be required to improve the subject matter.