Comparative evaluation of C-reactive protein and complete blood count in chronic periodontitis patients following Phase I therapy: A serological and hematological study.

Abstract

Background:Periodontitis is an example of persistent low-grade disease. The primary cause for the disease is anaerobic gram-negative bacteria thriving in a protective biofilm in subgingival periodontal pockets. The treatment of this infection is removal of these deposits by mechanical instrumentation (Phase I therapy). This can help achieve reduction of the bacterial load thus suppressing localized inflammation. Phase I therapy or mechanical debridement of the subgingival area causes a severe transient bacteremia along with some damage to the surrounding soft tissue, resulting in a systemic inflammatory response being elicited. The objective of the current study was to comparatively assess periodontal parameters, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and transitory alterations in hematological parameters; in 30-systemically healthy patients having chronic periodontitis, before and after Phase I therapy.Materials and Method:The individuals underwent an intensive session of mechanotherapy with ultrasonic scalers. Blood samples were taken before treatment and at 1, 7, and 30 days after treatment to assess the parameters.Results:There was a clear recuperation in periodontal parameters as well as marked improvement in the values of CRP and complete blood count (CBC) by 30 days after transient alterations occurring initially.Conclusion:Phase I (mechanotherapy) – the first step in treatment of periodontitis leads to transient bacteremia by systemic dispersal of bacteria harbored in dental plaque. This produces an acute-phase response resulting in variations in the levels of CRP and the CBC counts. After a month, both periodontal and hematological parameters show marked improvement, thus establishing periodontal health and decreasing the risk of inadvertent cardiovascular or thromboembolic episode.