Award for Research in Periodontal Disease

¹ Eastman Dental Center, Rochester, New York

Since the statement by Roy O. Greep (Conference on Research in Periodontal Disease. Chicago, Illinois, March 16, 1960, p. 331) in 1960 "If you ask a scientist about periodontal disease, he throws up his hands; but if you ask a clinician, he is likely to write a textbook," the gap between the scientist and the clinician has been bridged by "basic" studies on periodontal disease. Such studies have led to an understanding of the tooth-epithelial interface. This interface is similar to the junction between epithelium and connective tissue. At the ultrastructural level a basement membrane and hemidesmosomes have been found. These cells are also capable of producing cuticular material against the enamel surface. Coronal movement of cells occurs in the epithelial attachment, principally in the middle layers. Evidence exists for the passage of micro and macro molecules from the connective tissue through this epithelium. In the area of the gingival crevice, such passage results in the appearance of "gingival fluid" containing protein and ionic constituents derived from serum and inflammatory exudate. The tooth epithelial junction is of critical importance for the maintenance of periodontal health. Any alteration in its anatomical or physiological state may be responsible for the onset of periodontal disease. "Basic" studies now in progress on the relationship of ischemnia to epithelial metabolism, the relationship of oxygen tension to cellular behavior, and new devices for clinical measurement promise great impact in the understanding of periodontal disease.