Periodontitis and Atheromatous Disease: A 2012 Perspective

Sunday Session

Program Track: Periodontal-Systemic Relationships
Moderator: Bradley S. McAllister
Speakers: Kenneth S. Kornman, David W. Paquette

Inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of both periodontitis and
atheromatous disease (atherosclerosis); population studies indicate a consistent association between them. In addition, early studies suggest that interventions aimed at controlling periodontal inflammation may improve surrogate markers associated with atheromatous disease. What are the mechanisms to explain how periodontitis may alter the risk for atheromatous disease in patients? What is the state of the evidence, and how does this translate to periodontal practice?