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Generalized aggressive periodontitis in a prepubertal patient: a case report
1Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, University of Gazi, Ankara, Turkey. aysenbodur@hotmail.com
Quintessence International (Berlin, Germany : 1985)
|June 18, 2002
Summary
A case of generalized aggressive periodontitis in a 10-year-old boy highlights the role of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. Successful treatment involved dental procedures and antibiotics, leading to disease remission.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Periodontology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Prepubertal periodontitis, now termed generalized aggressive periodontitis, is a severe form of gum disease affecting children.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this condition and preventing tooth loss.
Observation:
- A 10-year-old boy presented with severe gingival inflammation, extensive alveolar bone loss, and mobile teeth.
- Microbiologic analysis identified Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans as the primary pathogen.
- Scanning electron microscopy revealed cementum abnormalities on extracted teeth.
Findings:
- The patient received a combination of surgical debridement, root planing, tooth extraction, and a 1-week course of metronidazole and amoxicillin.
- One-year follow-up showed no recurrence of periodontal lesions and eradication of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans.
- Cementum hypoplasia and aplasia were observed on extracted teeth.
Implications:
- Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans may play a significant role in the etiology of prepubertal periodontitis.
- Aggressive periodontitis in children requires prompt and comprehensive management.
- This case underscores the importance of microbiologic diagnostics in periodontitis treatment.