Alterations in crevicular fluid flow during healing following gingival surgery

The relationship between gingival crevicular fluid flow and healing after gingival surgery, as assessed by biopsy, cytologic and microbial smears, was evaluated. Eighty‐five periodontal pockets from the maxillary anterior and premolar teeth were studied in nine patients. Gingival fluid flow measurements, cytologic and microbial smears were taken weekly from each periodontal pocket for five weeks. The gingivectomy was performed at the first week and the tissue biopsied. Additional biopsies were also taken of selected areas on the fifth week. The results were analyzed to ascertain any correlation between gingival crevicular fluid flow and gingival inflammation during healing. The following conclusions can be drawn: Quantity of gingival crevicular fluid, sulcular cytologic and microbial smears can be of value in assessing gingival status. A direct relationship exists between the rate of crevicular fluid flow and healing following gingival surgery. A healthy crevicular epithelium lining the gingival sulcus appears to function as a barrier, thereby retaining the gingival tissue fluid.