The predominant cultivable microbiota of the periodontal abscess.

Abstract

The formation and pathogenesis of the periodontal abscess is not completely understood. Most investigators agree that it is formed by occlusion or trauma to the orifice of a periodontal pocket resulting in extension of infection from the pocket into supporting tissues and localization of suppurative inflammation.1 Several factors may be responsible for the exacerbation of the acute abscess. The increased activity of the bacteria acting in combination with lowered tissue resistance and the virulence and number of organisms determine the rapidity and amount of destruction which is produced.2 The nature of the bacteria which are associated with abscess formation and acute infection have not been adequately described. A search of the literature revealed that only a few microbiological studies of acute dentoalveolar abscesses have been reported and none specifically directed at describing the aerobic and anaerobic flora associated with the periodontal abscess.'111 Past reports revealed problems in sampling, cultivation and enumeration of isolated bacteria. Often bacteria from periodontally involved sites were mixed (pooled) with bacteria from healthy sites obscuring differences which may have been present. The inability to adequately cultivate oxygen-sensitive organisms suggested that the previous bacterial description of this periodontal condition may have been incomplete. The purpose of this study was to describe the predominant cultivable microbiota of the periodontal abscess utilizing newly developed anaerobic techniques. Knowledge gained will improve our understanding of the prognosis, early diagnosis, treatment and eventually, prevention of the periodontal abscess.