[Sulcus fluid in periodontal diagnosis. A review]

In the present review, the composition of the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) as well as its important role in the diagnosis of periodontal disease have been discussed. Furthermore, the different sampling methods and the subsequent analytical procedures have been described. Some of the GCF-components, such as elastase, prostaglandin, arylsulphatase and beta-glucuronidase, are examined for their use as suitable markers of future disease activity. At the present time, the interest of research is focussing on the host-parasite interaction, the prediction of disease activity, and the identification of risk groups of patients. Therefore, GCF is considered a valuable research subject and a possible diagnostic marker.