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Histological characteristics associated with suppurating periodontal pockets
S A Passo1, R A Reinhardt, L M DuBois
1Department of Periodontics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Dentistry, Lincoln.
Journal of Periodontology
|November 1, 1988
Summary
Suppuration in advanced periodontitis is linked to significantly greater gingival inflammation and collagen loss. Histological analysis revealed more inflammatory infiltrate and neutrophils in suppurating lesions.
Area of Science:
- Periodontology
- Oral Pathology
- Histopathology
Background:
- Advanced periodontitis involves complex gingival tissue changes.
- Suppuration (pus discharge) is a clinical sign of active periodontal disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To histologically characterize gingival lesions associated with suppuration in advanced periodontitis.
- To compare the inflammatory infiltrate and tissue composition of suppurating versus nonsuppurating lesions.
Main Methods:
- Obtained 33 suppurating (S) and 23 nonsuppurating (NS) interproximal gingival biopsies from nine patients.
- Processed biopsies for light microscopy using hematoxylin/eosin and van Gieson stains.
- Quantified cell types and analyzed collagen-poor areas using grid intersection counting and computer biometrics.
Main Results:
- Suppurating sites exhibited significantly larger collagen-poor (inflamed) areas (42.1%) compared to nonsuppurating sites (27.7%) (P=0.02).
- Type II (intense inflammation) and Type III (abscess) histological patterns were more prevalent in suppurating lesions.
- Plasma cells and lymphocytes predominated in inflammatory infiltrates for both S and NS sites, but suppurating sites showed a slight increase in neutrophils.
Conclusions:
- Suppuration in advanced periodontitis is histologically associated with increased gingival inflammation and a larger proportion of collagen-poor connective tissue.
- The findings suggest suppuration reflects a more intense inflammatory response within the gingival lesion.