Abstract
This study was disigned to investigate the relationship between the subgingival microfloral shift and the progression of clinical observations in ligature and occlusal trauma-induced monkey periodontitis at 16 weeks. Subginigval specimens were obtained by paper point-sampling, and were evaluated for the total number of bacteria using bright light phase contrast microscopy and for the each number and ratio to total bacteria number of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans using indirect immunofluorescence. Clinical examination and microbial evaluation were performed on mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual (palatal) sites of posterior teeth. Experimental sites were divided into three groups. Group 1, non-ligated sites (n=24), exhibited chronic generalized gingivitis and a slight increase in the total number of bacteria, but no change in the counts and ratio of each of the above bacteria. Group 2, ligated sites (n=36), revealed increased both clinical attachment loss and radiographic evidence of alveolar bone loss. The subgingival flora showed a significant increase in the total number, in each bacterial number and in their ratios. Group 3, sites with the combination of ligature and trauma from occlusion of the jiggling type (n=36), revealed a greater degree of attachme nt loss and bone loss than group 2. No significant microbial changes were noted between the two groups.
The clinical pattern of attachment loss was associated with the total number of bacteria and the counts and rates of P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, and A. actinomycetemcomitans. While trauma from occlusion accelerated the progression of periodontitis, no significant microfloral shift was observed.
