Effect of standard periodontal therapy on white blood cell count in generalized aggressive periodontitis

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of standard periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing) on white blood cell count and the differential blood count in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP). Materials and Methods: 24 adult periodontitis patients with previously untreated GAP were subjected to 2 sessions of oral hygiene procedure. Afterwards, the patients were treated by scaling and root planing under local anaesthesia. Periodontal examinations were performed after supragingival pretreatment and three months after subgingival therapy. Pocket probing depth (PPD) and bleeding on probing were measured with UNC 15 probe. Accompanying clinical evaluation venous blood samples were taken to analyse the WBC counts and differential blood counts. For statistical analysis non-parametric tests were utilized. Results: PPD and bleeding on probing (BoP) improved significantly after therapy. Following periodontal treatment WBC counts, neutrophil counts decreased significantly. Conclusion: The results indicate that a therapeutical intervention may have a systemic effect on the blood count in GAP patients.