title: Topographic distribution of subgingival plaque along root surfaces of human periodontally diseased teeth. A descriptive study.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to characterize the topographical distribution and organization of subgingival plaque in periodontally diseased teeth. 26 extracted teeth were fixed and processed for undecalcified histological evaluation. The sections were cut perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth and analyzed by phase-contrast microscopy. The coronal portion of the analyzed roots showed a dense accumulation of filamentous forms, fusiform rods, coccoid forms and loosely aggregated spirochetes. The middle and apical portions showed a non-uniform distribution of the microflora, with microorganisms representing all the known morphotypes. Furthermore, plaque was detected below undisturbed periodontal fibers, indicating that plaque not only forms apically, but also in a lateral direction, penetrating and colonizing below areas where periodontal fibers are inserted into the root surface.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillo-facial Surgery, School of Dental Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo, USA.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Crespi
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Covani
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Margarone
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Andreana
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D003739:Dental Cementum / Q000382:microbiology; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010513:Periodontal Ligament / Q000382:microbiology; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000382:microbiology*; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000382:microbiology*