[Microbiology of periodontitis. 1. The infective nature of periodontitis].

In the last years, guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and implantology have opened new possibilities for practical periodontologists in the treatment of advanced cases. For both techniques the successful therapy of the local infection of the pocket is a prerequisite. In the near future rapid tests for microbiological diagnoses and slow release devices for antibiotics will be available to achieve this aim easier. The following article will present the microbiological aspects of periodontitis and plaque control and show their relevance for the practitioner.