Effect of Scaling and Root Planning in Periodontitis on Peripheral Blood

Numerous studies linking periodontitis and cardiovascular disease have been observed. We used a treatment intervention model to study the relationship between periodontitis and peripheral blood. We studied 37 subjects (M:F, 16:21, in age group 23-40 years) with severely periodontitis requiring scaling and root planning. Blood samples were obtained: (1) at initial presentation, (2) after 3 weeks of scaling and root planning (3) after 10 weeks of scaling and root planning. After the treatment, there is significant decrease in white blood cells, neurophil, platelets, while increase hemoglobin and RBC levels. This research paper shows that elimination of periodontitis by scaling and root planning reduces systemic inflammatory markers of cardiovascular risk. It also supports that links between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease exist.