title: Periodontal abscess during supportive periodontal therapy: a review of the literature.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this review is to present the current status of the occurrence and management of a periodontal abscess during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT).
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  A periodontal abscess depicts typical features and has been described in patients under SPT in clinical trials. Common periodontal pathogens have been observed in this lesion and some etiologic factors may be responsible for its recurrence. This condition can be isolated or associated with factors that can change the prognosis of affected teeth.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although it has been frequently noticed in untreated periodontitis, the periodontal abscess can also occur in patients under SPT and has been regarded as one of the possible complications of SPT. Patients with a high susceptibility to periodontal disease lost more teeth than those with a healthy periodontium.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Early diagnosis and appropriate intervention for periodontal abscesses in patients under SPT are extremely important for the management of the periodontal abscess since this condition can lead to loss of the involved tooth. A single case of a tooth diagnosed with periodontal abscess that responds favorably to adequate treatment does not seem to affect its longevity.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  An accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment can preserve the longevity of affected teeth.
authors.affiliation: Faculdad de Odontolgia de Pontificia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
authors.forename: Geraldo L M
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: Rodrigo V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Soares
authors.forename: Elton G
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Zenóbio
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001421:Bacteria, Anaerobic; D003777:Dental Prophylaxis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004322:Drainage; D006801:Humans; D010482:Periapical Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis; D010508:Periodontal Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000628:therapy; D014082:Tooth Fractures / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents