Periodontal disease: Mechanisms of infection and inflammation and possible impact on miscellaneous systemic diseases and conditions.

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease, resulting from a predominantly gram-negative microbial infection within the sub-gingival dental plaque biofilm. The resulting inflammatory response in the periodontal tissues may facilitate intravascular dissemination of micro-organisms and their products, throughout the body. The total surface area of this inflammatory field is estimated to be the size of the palm of the hand.

A study of furcation defects at first permanent molars in African mandibles.

Introduction: This study was undertaken after a personal clinical observation (by AV) that periodontal disease and subsequent attachment loss in the molar root bi-furcation occurs more frequently on the buccal than the lingual aspect of mandibular permanent molars, particularly the first molar.

Aims: The purpose of this investigation was to determine the prevalence and severity of furcation defects on the buccal and lingual aspects of mandibular first molars visually and photographically.

Materials And Methods: One hundred and six dried human mandibles with neither caries nor restorations on the second premolar or first and second molars were the study sample.