Clinical significance of gingival fluid measurement by "Periotron"

The accuracy of gingival fluid measurement with an electric device was compared with such clinical parameters as Gingival Index scores and pocket depths, and the treatment effect was evaluated by changes in the gingival fluid amount. After the initial examination 10 patients received oral hygiene instruction, scaling, root planing and soft tissue curettage. The operated areas were protected by a periodontal dressing for 1 week and all patients used a 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinse twice daily during that period and for the next week. Four weeks later the patients were reexamined for the same factors that were evaluated at the initial examination. The amount of gingival fluid correlated with the Gingival Index (r = 0.65), the pocket depth (r = 0.74) and the total amount of acid phosphatase in the gingival fluid (r = 0.92). Following treatment, a significant improvement in periodontal status was demonstrated by all of the parameters utilized.