Pulsed short waves in the remineralization of alveolar bone structures of the jaw in patients with diabetes mellitus – a series of cases

Abstract

This clinical study included three patients aged between 50 and 78 years who had chronic marginal periodontitis and type 2 diabetes mellitus, diseases that are frequently associated due to changes occurring in polymorphonuclear cells, as well as to alterations of microcirculation. No bone augmentation therapies were performed. Bone regeneration was strictly influenced by conventional periodontal therapy, supplemented with ten pulsed short wave sessions applied to the lower face shortly after closed periodontal curettage. The allocated time was ten minutes for the first two sessions, and 15 minutes for the following 8 sessions. Clinical and radiological evaluations were performed at the time of presentation, as well as after initiation of pulsed short wave therapy: in the first case, three weeks after initiation of therapy and three years after the end of complex oral rehabilitation; in the second case, eight weeks after the onset of pulsed short wave therapy and in the third case, five weeks after the onset of pulsed short wave therapy. The results were significant in all three cases, demonstrated radiologically by the same type of radiological examination at identical scales. Bone remineralization was obvious in the alveolar processes of the jaw. Although further studies in this direction are necessary, the results are both clinically and radiologically significant. Key words: pulsed short waves, alveolar bone resorption, periodontal disease, diabetes,