[Microbiology of periodontitis. 2. Microbiological diagnosis of periodontitis].

By common methods like scaling and root planing, flap procedures or surgical furcation treatment, a successful therapy of periodontal disease is possible in about 90% of the cases. The remaining 10%, mainly patients with juvenile or rapidly progressive periodontitis, are causing great problems, due to poor treatment response and frequent, local or general recidives. In the future, microbiological tests for a precise diagnosis of the pocket flora will be used in the dental office. They can provide better indications for additional antibiotic therapy. The present article reviews several microbiological investigation methods and their future use in the office during periodontal treatment.