title: A bacteriologic aid in the differential diagnosis of periapical and periodontal abscesses.
abstract: The aim of the present investigation was to determine whether spirochaetal count could help differentiate between periodontal and periapical abscesses. 23 draining abscesses were included, where 15 were diagnosed as periodontal and 8 as periapical, based on clinical and radiographic data. Exudate samples were collected aseptically and examined by both darkfield microscopy and Gram-stained smear. The results revealed a statistically high increase in spirochaetal count in periodontal abscesses compared to periapical ones. The obvious difference appeared adequate to differentiate both lesions and establish a rapid chairside diagnostic aid.
authors.affiliation: Endodontic Department, Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Cairo University.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: el-Sayed
authors.forename: F M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Zahran
mesh_terms: D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005122:Exudates and Transudates / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010482:Periapical Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology*; D010508:Periodontal Abscess / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000382:microbiology*; D011859:Radiography; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013144:Spirochaetales / Q000302:isolation & purification