The aim of this review is to present the current status of the occurrence and management of a periodontal abscess during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT).

A periodontal abscess depicts typical features and has been described in patients under SPT in clinical trials. Common periodontal pathogens have been observed in this lesion and some etiologic factors may be responsible for its recurrence. This condition can be isolated or associated with factors that can change the prognosis of affected teeth.

Although it has been frequently noticed in untreated periodontitis, the periodontal abscess can also occur in patients under SPT and has been regarded as one of the possible complications of SPT. Patients with a high susceptibility to periodontal disease lost more teeth than those with a healthy periodontium.

Early diagnosis and appropriate intervention for periodontal abscesses in patients under SPT are extremely important for the management of the periodontal abscess since this condition can lead to loss of the involved tooth. A single case of a tooth diagnosed with periodontal abscess that responds favorably to adequate treatment does not seem to affect its longevity.

An accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment can preserve the longevity of affected teeth.

Silva GLM, Soares RV, Zenóbio EG. Periodontal Abscess during Supportive Periodontal Therapy: A Review of the Literature. J Contemp Dent Pract 2008 September; (9)6:082-091.