Alveolar bone response in an experimental model of renal failure and periodontal disease: a histomorphometric and histochemical study.

Background: Chronic destructive periodontal disease is characterized by gingival inflammation, periodontal pocket formation, and bacterial plaque that lead to alveolar bone destruction. Polymorphonuclear neutrophil leukocytes (PMNs) are the first line of defense against infection caused by dental plaque bacteria. Renal patients present functional abnormalities of PMN, including impaired chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and intracellular killing of bacteria.