Western Society of Periodontics

Laboratory Studies

Volume Number 3, 1995

Observations of root surfaces from patients with early onset periodontitis and leukocyte adhesion

The purpose of the present study was to characterize the root surfaces of permanent teeth from two patients with generalized prepubertal periodontitis and leukocyte adhesion deficiency. The teeth were atraumatically extracted from both patients. Healthy, nondiseased root surfaces were identified by remnants of periodontal ligament fibers attached to the root surface, and that portion of the root exposed to periodontal disease was recognized by the absence of periodontal ligament fibers. Roots were sectioned and examined by scanning electron microscopy. In addition, eight healthy teeth were obtained from orthodontic patients and used as controls. Light microscopy on healthy teeth revealed nonpathological findings and cementum with normal structure. In patients with leukocyte adherence deficiency, specimens showed areas of cementum apical to the dentogingival junction, with lacunae and poor structural definition characterized by aplasia and hypoplasia. These areas of altered cementum were also found on root surfaces never exposed to periodontal disease. The authors suggest that these anatomical defects might play a role in the etiology of leukocyte adhesion deficiency periodontitis. [M.O.]