The Importance of Periostin in Periodontal Health and Disease

Inclusion Criteria:

Inclusion criteria for diseased subjects:

• Diagnosis of generalized chronic or aggressive periodontitis
• At least four periodontal sites with probing depth (PD) ≥6 mm, evidence of clinical attachment loss (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP). Inclusion criteria for healthy individuals will include PD <4 mm, no evidence of attachment loss, and <10% of sites with BOP
• Need an open flap procedure

Inclusion criteria for non-diseased subjects:

• Subjects requiring a gingivectomy or crown lengthening procedure

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of alcoholism or drug abuse
• Medical conditions that may affect the outcome such as autoimmune diseases, diabetes, immunocompromised subjects, neurologic or psychiatric disorders, systemic infections, etc.
• Chronic medications known to affect the periodontal status (calcium antagonists, anticonvulsives, immunosuppressives, anti-inflammatory medications, Depo-Provera contraceptive injection users, new oral contraceptives users within 3 months of baseline or subjects that are planning on, starting oral contraceptives during the study.
• Antibiotic therapy within 3 months of the baseline visit, and/or antibiotic therapy needed for infective endocarditis prophylaxis.
• Current use or quit smoking less than one year ago with a pack-year history of more than or equal to 10.
• Untreated cavities