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Temperature gradients in periodontal pockets
R H Meyerov1, J Lemmer, P E Cleaton-Jones
1Department of Oral Medicine and Peridontology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Journal of Periodontology
|February 1, 1991
Summary
Periodontal pocket temperature correlates with pocket depth, increasing as pockets deepen. This finding may aid in diagnosing periodontal disease activity, though further research is needed for reference levels.
Area of Science:
- Periodontology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Periodontal pockets are indicative of periodontal disease.
- Tissue inflammation can alter local temperature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between periodontal pocket temperature and pocket depth.
- To explore potential diagnostic applications of pocket temperature in periodontitis.
Main Methods:
- Pocket temperatures were measured using a thermocouple at 1 mm intervals.
- Measurements were taken in 247 periodontal pockets across 20 patients with periodontitis.
- Temperatures were recorded in relation to specific teeth and anatomical locations (buccal, palatal/lingual).
Main Results:
- A consistent increase in pocket temperature was observed with increasing pocket depth.
- Maxillary pockets were found to be cooler than mandibular pockets.
- Differences between buccal and palatal/lingual pocket temperatures were not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Periodontal pocket temperature shows a positive correlation with pocket depth.
- Findings suggest pocket temperature may be a relevant indicator for assessing periodontal disease activity.
- Further studies are required to establish definitive reference ranges for pocket temperature in disease diagnosis.