Brain activation generated by periodontal initial treatment.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: There is a close relationship between the dental field and the cognitive function of the brain. The aim of this research was to examine the effect of periodontal initial treatment on brain functional activity.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The subjects were 16 patients with periodontitis. After informed consent was obtained, periodontal initial treatment included brushing instruction, scaling and root planing. No occlusal adjustments were conducted. Periodontal examination and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) were performed at the initial visits and subsequent reassessments.

RESULTS

Periodontal tissue improved significantly after periodontal initial treatment. From fMRI testing, during both the language and calculation task, brain activity in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and Wernicke's area were observed to have increased compared to the initial visit.

CONCLUSION

Periodontal disease causes functional impairment of working memory and selective attention. These findings suggested that the periodontal initial treatment aid in restoring brain function.