Scanning electron microscopy of the gingival wall of deep periodontal pockets in humans

Abstract

The epithelial surface of deep periodontal pockets has been described using scanning electron microscopy. The presence of microtopographically distinct areas suggests that the pocket wall is constantly changing as a result of the interaction between the host and the epithelial‐ and pocket‐associated bacteria. Seven topographical areas were described: relative quiescence, bacterial accumulation, emergence of leukocytes, leukocyte‐bacterial interaction, epithelial desquamation, hemorrhage, and ulceration.