Immunocompetent cell populations associated with periodontal disease activity were studied by means of immunohistochemical characterization of the gingiva, with or without deep periodontal pockets, in various clinical stages. Serial paraffin sections were prepared from gingiva fixed by the AMeX method. Cell species were identified with monoclonal antibodies reactive with B cells, T cells and macrophages and classes of immunoglobulins in plasma cells were determined with polyclonal class specific antibodies. The specimens were classified into three groups according to periodontal therapy history and probing pocket depth: P-1; untreated gingivae with pockets 6•`8mm in depth, P-2; gingivae after initial preparation with pockets 6•`8mm in depth. There were some improvements in clinical symptoms in this group. P-3; clinically cured gingivae with pockets 2•`3mm in depth during the maintenance phase. Gingivae from patients with chronic gingivitis were also examined. givitis or periodontitis.

We investigated the survival of teeth that were subjected to a flap operation with implantation of hydroxyapatite (HAP) granules in periodontal osseous defects. For 70 cases over a five-year period, the survival rates for individual tooth type were determined every year. The influence of the following conditions on survival of the teeth was considered: 1) whether the patient recall at the appropriate interval was consistent; 2) whether the tooth was splinted; 3) whether the tooth had furcation involvement; and 4) how deep the probing pocket depth was at the flap operation. The survival rate for all teeth was 87% after five years, and it decreased with the passing years.The rate decreased drastically after 7 to 8 years, and it was 47% after 10 years. The survival rate by individual tooth type was 44% for upper molars, the lowest among all types of teeth; 75% for upper incisors and canine teeth; 91% for lower incisors and canine teeth and 72% for lower premolars. Teeth with furcation involvement tended to be lost. Keeping a appointment recall, splinting, and probing pocket depth at the operation appeared to have little effect upon tooth survival.Thus, despite the conditions of the teeth, HAP implant applied to a single-rooted tooth with a periodontal osseous defect resulted in a good long-term prognosis.

No abstract