Detection of subgingival periodontal pathogens--comparison of two sampling strategies.

Objective: The aim of the study is to compare detection frequency of periodontal pathogens in patients with aggressive/severe chronic periodontitis using pooled plaque samples from the deepest pockets per quadrant/per sextant.

Methods: In 100 patients with aggressive/chronic periodontitis, subgingival plaque was sampled from the deepest pockets per quadrant (MT4) and per sextant (MT6). Plaque samples were taken using two sterile paper points simultaneously.