Abstract:
Aim: The aim of this study was (1) To investigate the viability of bacteria within supragingival and subgingival
calculus, (2) To examine motility of bacteria, and (3) To identify bacterial morphotypes in calculus. Materials and
Methods: Supra and subgingival calculus were harvested from 30 subjects having clinical evidence of chronic
inflammatory periodontal disease and were divided into two groups. Samples from both groups were immediately
transported to the Department of Microbiology for gram staining, acridine orange staining, bacterial culture and
to the Department of Oral Pathology for dark field microscopy. Results: Gram staining revealed presence of
bacteria within the samples. Dark field microscopic examination revealed presence of filamentous organisms,
spirochetes, and motile short bacilli. Acridine orange fluorescent stain showed that the viable bacteria appeared
apple green. Bacterial culture revealed presence of a variety of aerobic organisms. Conclusion: From the results,
it appeared that viable bacteria were present within calculus especially within internal channels and lacunae.