Periodontal treatment and systemic conditions

It has been reported that patients with periodontal disease have a greater prevalence of systemic disease than the general population. Furthermore, we are faced with an ageing population that is retaining its teeth for longer, and tends to present for periodontal management with a variety of systemic conditions. There is ample evidence to show that periodontal treatment results in a systemic response, which includes bacteraemia and systemic inflammatory cytokine release. Certain systemic conditions present unique challenges in the treatment of periodontal disease. These conditions include cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and cancer. The various treatment modalities for these systemic diseases can impact on periodontal treatment, and conversely periodontal treatment can influence systemic conditions and their management. Close collaboration with the treating physician and timely provision of periodontal treatment are important considerations of managing the systemically compromised patient.