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Scanning electron microscopic examination of pocket wall epithelium and associated plaque in localized juvenile periodontitis
Author(s) -
Verderame Richard A.,
Cobb Charles M.,
Killoy William J.,
Drisko Connie L.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
journal of clinical periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.456
H-Index - 151
eISSN - 1600-051X
pISSN - 0303-6979
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-051x.1989.tb01647.x
Subject(s) - epithelium , biology , pathology , junctional epithelium , fibrin , periodontitis , penetration (warfare) , infiltration (hvac) , dentinal tubule , microbiology and biotechnology , anatomy , medicine , dentistry , dentin , immunology , materials science , operations research , engineering , composite material
The purpose of this investigation was to describe the morphologic characteristics of epithelial‐associated plaque in periodontal pockets of patients with localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP). 25 tissue specimens obtained from 10 adolescent patients were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Specimens were evaluated to determine the following specific features: (1) distribution of microbial colonies on the epithelial surface; (2) topographic features of pocket epithelium associated with microbial colonies; and (3) the predominante microbial morphologic types comprising the colonies. Observations made during this investigation revealed the following. (1) The surface epithelium in the coronal one‐third of the pocket wall was essentially healthy in appearance and exhibited no distinct microbial colonies or unusual topographic features. (2) The surface epithelium in the middle one‐third area featured randomly‐dispersed microbial colonies consisting of 3 major morphotypes: cocci, bacilli and coccobacilli. Also in this zone, there was morphologic evidence of microbial penetration of the epithelial barrier along intercellular spaces. (4) The apical one‐third zone was characterized by lymphocytic infiltration, epithelial cavitation and ulcerations, and singular organisms entrapped in fibrin meshworks. There were no distinct microbial colonies in this zone, although individual spirochetes, fusiforms, filamentous organisms, and short and longe rods were observed.