Effects of Smoking on Non-surgical Periodontal Therapy in Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis

In the morning following an overnight fast, during which subjects were requested not to drink (except water) or to chew gum, whole saliva samples were obtained by expectorating into polypropylene tubes; clinical periodontal measurements and any necessary periodontal interventions were then carried out. Cytokine levels were assessed by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Nine milliliters of venous blood were taken from the antecubital vein by a standard venipuncture method and centrifuged for 10 minutes at 3,000 rpm, separating serum from the cells. Cytokine levels were assessed by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

GCF samples were obtained from buccal aspects of one interproximal site in each quadrant. Supragingival plaque was removed carefully by sterile curettes; the surfaces were dried and isolated by cotton rolls. Filter paper strips were placed in the orifices of the gingival sulcus/pocket for 30 seconds. Care was used to avoid mechanical trauma, and strips contaminated with blood were discarded. The absorbed GCF volume was estimated by a calibrated instrument. The readings of GCF sample volumes were converted to an actual volume (μL) by reference to the standard curve. Cytokine levels were assessed by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Plaque samples were collected from the same sites by sterile paper points from the base of the pockets. Paper points were inserted into the deepest part of the pocket and kept for 5 seconds. Paper points were then placed into propylene tubes. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used for detection and quantification of bacterial cell copy numbers in 1 mg plaque.