A View on Polymerase Chain Reaction as an Outstanding Molecular Diagnostic Technique in Periodontology

Objectives. This study presents a discussion on the fundamentals of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and its use as a diagnostic tool
in periodontology. Materials and Methods. A computer-aided as well as hand-made search in PubMed and Scopus indexed journals
(relevant to the topic) was done by keywords of molecular technique in periodontology, PCR, applications of PCR, and PCR in
periodontics. Only the papers in the English language and outlining PCR and its association with periodontology were collected
and utilized to provide a succinct review. There was no limitation for publication time. Results. The results of our search showed
that PCR has turned into a standard in diagnosis in the field of periodontology. A variety of researches has demonstrated that
its sensitive, and specific characteristics make it a quick and effective technique of recognition, identification, and quantification
of microorganisms. Identification of various immunoinflammatory markers at the mRNA expression level as well as
ascertaining gene-related polymorphisms can also be performed. Conclusions. The mechanisms of periodontal disease can
further become clarified using PCR. Clinical Relevance. PCR as a diagnostic method can play a main part in the validation of the
clinical diagnosis of periodontal disease indicating the reason, pathogenesis, clinical steps, progress, and prognosis of the disease