Ultrastructure of the periodontal lesion in a case of Papillon‐Lefèvre syndronne (PLS)

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Abstract
In this study, 11 permanent teeth and their associated soft tissues from an 11‐year‐old boy with PLS were examined. Plaque, cementum and periodontal tissues were examitied by scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Except for depressed lymphocyte transformation, there were no abnormal haematological data. Local findings included abnormally thin cementum, extensive destruction of the periodontal ligament were still attached to the root, and severe inflammation of the soft tissues. Few bacteria were found in any of the soft tissue layers. The apical border plaque was restricted to gram‐ cocci and rods. The features observed in this case of PLS may indicate primary defects of cementum or ligament attachment, or disruption of fibroblast and cementoblast function due to the rapid advance of the disease process. Lack of bacterial invasion in the pocket soft tissue casts doubt on its involvement in the present case of severe periodontitis. The restricted range of morphotypes observed suggests a limited range of associated organisms. Further research is required to clarify the rôle of the host response and to identify the organisms involved.