Treatment considerations in rapidly progressive periodontitis: a case report

This article presents a concept for the control of periodontal pathogens in early-onset periodontitis and demonstrates the reparative potential of periodontal tissue when the infection is under control. The patient discussed here was diagnosed with rapidly progressive periodontitis. We were able to reduce the bacterial mass with scaling and root planing and, in conjunction with systemic antibiotics, return the microbial profile to the normal range. Microbiological testing was used to monitor the microbiota and to adjust antimicrobial treatment. Improvements in probing depths and attachment levels were monitored for more than 1 year. Tissue response to this treatment made surgical intervention unnecessary. Although not essential, orthodontic treatment enhanced cleansability and improved esthetics.