Effects of surgical periodontal therapy on serum levels of TNF-alpha in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Aim: To find if serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) can change after a surgical periodontal treatment.

Patients And Methods: Moderate to severe periodontitis subjects who received basic periodontal treatment were included in the study and randomly divided into two groups. In group A, periodontal surgery was performed. In group B, supportive periodontal therapy was administered. Clinical parameters including probing pocket depth, plaque index and circulating serum TNF-alpha levels were assessed at baseline and 16 weeks following treatment.

Results: There was a significant improvement in periodontal health of the surgery group compared with the control subjects, with reduction in plaque index and pocket probing depths. The circulating levels of TNF-alpha decreased statistically significantly in the group A (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Surgical periodontal therapy can reduce the circulating serum levels of TNF-t.