title: Microbiology in diagnosis and treatment planning in periodontics.
abstract: Periodontitis is considered a multifactorial infectious disease in which bacteria play an essential role. It has become clear that not all patients with periodontitis harbour the same subgingival microflora, and so far, a limited number of species have been recognised as indicators for progression of periodontal breakdown. These findings are the basis for the use of clinical periodontal microbiology. Microbiological information can assist in diagnosis and treatment planning in periodontics, and is essential for the rational use of topical and systemic antimicrobial treatment. Different antimicrobial regimes have been proposed as adjuncts to mechanical periodontal treatment. This article reviews the current knowledge on periodontal microbiology, different techniques to test for marker bacteria and the use of antibiotics in the treatment of severe periodontitis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Basic Sciences, Section Oral Microbiology, ACTA, Amsterdam, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT Amsterdam, the Netherlands. AJ.van_Winkelhoff.omb.acta@med.vu.nl
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: van Winkelhoff
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000382:microbiology; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents