Amoxicillin and metronidazole as an adjunctive treatment in generalized aggressive periodontitis at initial therapy or re-treatment: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Decision-making on systemic antibiotics in the management of periodontitis: A retrospective comparison of two concepts

AIM

To retrospectively compare two approaches for the adjunctive use of systemic antibiotics in non-surgical periodontal therapy: one based on the detection of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and the other on age and severity of periodontitis (Age & PPD). We also assessed the additional benefit of antibiotics in reducing the need for further surgical therapy in each group.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients of the Department of Periodontology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Germany, were screened for microbiological testing between 2008 and 2018. Patients were categorized by their microbiological result (Aa+/-) and demographic/clinical data (Age & PPD+/-). Agreement on antibiotic indication was tested. The clinical evaluation focussed on teeth with probing pocket depths (PPDs) ≥ 6 mm.

RESULTS

Analysis of 425 patients revealed 30% categorized as Age & PPD+ and 34% as Aa+. Sixty-three percent had consistent antibiotic recommendations (phi coefficient 0.14, p = .004). Patients in the Age & PPD+ group receiving antibiotics showed the most substantial reduction in the number of teeth with PPD ≥ 6 mm after non-surgical periodontal therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Both strategies resulted in a significant clinical improvement compared with those without antibiotic treatment and restricted antibiotic use similarly, but targeted different patient groups. Younger individuals with severe periodontitis benefited most from antibiotics, reducing the need for additional surgeries. The study was registered in an international trial register (German Clinical Trial Register number DRKS00028768, registration date 27 April 2022, https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00028768).

Therapeutic Strategies and Genetic Implications for Periodontal Disease Management: A Systematic Review

The objective of this review is to identify the microbiological alterations caused by various therapy modalities by critically analyzing the current findings. We limited our search to English-language papers published between 1 January 2004 and 7 May 2024 in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science that were relevant to our topic. In the search approach, the Boolean keywords "microbio*" AND "periodontitis" were used. A total of 5152 papers were obtained from the databases Web of Science (2205), PubMed (1793), and Scopus (1154). This resulted in 3266 articles after eliminating duplicates (1886), and 1411 entries were eliminated after their titles and abstracts were examined. The qualitative analysis of the 22 final articles is included in this study. Research on periodontal disease shows that periodontitis alters the oral microbiome and increases antibiotic resistance. Treatments like scaling and root planing (SRP), especially when combined with minocycline, improve clinical outcomes by reducing harmful bacteria. Comprehensive mechanical debridement with antibiotics, probiotics, EMD with bone grafts, and other adjunctive therapies enhances periodontal health. Personalized treatment strategies and advanced microbial analyses are crucial for effective periodontal management and antibiotic resistance control.

Clinical benefits of systemic amoxicillin/metronidazole may depend on periodontitis stage and grade: An exploratory sub-analysis of the ABPARO trial

AIM

Assessment of treatment response after systemic amoxicillin/metronidazole adjunctive to subgingival instrumentation (SI) according to stages and grades of the 2018 classification of periodontal diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We carried out exploratory re-analysis of the placebo-controlled, multi-centre ABPARO trial (52; 45/60 years of age; 205 males, 114 active smokers). Patients were randomized to SI with systemic amoxicillin 500 mg/metronidazole 400 mg (three times a day for 7 days, n = 205; ANTI) or placebo (n = 200; PLAC) and maintenance therapy every 3 months. Patients were reclassified according to the 2018 classification (stage/extent/grade). Treatment effect was the percentage of sites per patient with new attachment loss ≥1.3 mm (PSAL ≥ 1.3 mm) at 27.5 months post-baseline/randomization.

RESULTS

All patients were assigned according to the stage (n = 49 localized stage III, n = 206 generalized stage III, n = 150 stage IV). Because of missing radiographs, only 222 patients were assigned to grades (n = 73 B, n = 149 C). Treatment (PLAC/ANTI) resulted in PSAL ≥ 1.3 mm (median; lower/upper quartile) in localized stage III (PLAC: 5.7; 3.3/8.4% vs. ANTI: 4.9; 3.0/8.3%; p = .749), generalized stage III (8.0; 4.5/14.3% vs. 4.7; 2.4/9.0%; p < .001), stage IV (8.5; 5.1/14.4% vs. 5.7; 3.3/10.6%; p = .008), grade B (4.4; 2.4/6.7% vs. 3.6; 1.9/4.7%; p = .151) and grade C (9.4; 5.3/14.3% vs. 4.8; 2.5/9.4%; p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

In generalized periodontitis stage III/grade C, a clinically relevant lower percentage of disease progression after adjunctive systemic amoxicillin/metronidazole was observed compared to placebo (PLAC: 9.7; 5.8/14.3% vs. ANTI: 4.7; 2.4/9.0%; p < .001).

Impact of Treatment on Host Responses in Young Individuals with Periodontitis

Grade C periodontitis in young individuals is characterized by severe/rapid periodontal destruction, usually early onset, in systemically healthy individuals. An individual's host response, triggered by a dysbiotic subgingival biofilm, has been reported as a contributor to the tissue destruction, although mechanisms of this response and contributions to such disease remain poorly understood. Nonsurgical treatment has resulted in positive clinical responses for both localized (now molar-incisor pattern) and generalized forms of grade C periodontitis, especially when adjunctive systemic antibiotics are used. Nonsurgical treatment may also affect host responses, although mechanisms leading to significant changes in this response remain unclear. Significant effects on inflammatory response to antigens/bacteria have been described posttreatment, but evidence for long-term effects remains limited. Nonsurgical treatment in these individuals may also modulate a variety of host markers in serum/plasma and gingival crevicular fluid along with clinical parameter improvements. The impact of other adjuncts to nonsurgical treatment focusing on controlling exacerbated immunoinflammatory responses needs to be further explored in grade C periodontitis in young individuals. Recent evidence suggests that nonsurgical treatment with adjunctive laser therapy may modulate host and microbial responses in those subjects, at least in the short term. Available evidence, while very heterogeneous (including variations in disease definition and study designs), does not provide clear conclusions on this topic yet provides important insights for future studies. In this review, studies within the past decade evaluating the impact of nonsurgical treatment on systemic/local host responses in young individuals with grade C periodontitis, as well as long-term clinical responses posttreatment, will be critically appraised and discussed.

Additional benefit of systemic antibiotics in subgingival instrumentation of stage III and IV periodontitis with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans: A retrospective analysis

AIM

To evaluate subgingival instrumentation (SI) in periodontitis stage III and IV, grade B and C with systemic antibiotics (AB) only after detection of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients of the Department of Periodontology of Goethe University Frankfurt/Germany were screened for microbiological testing between 2008 and 2018. All patients with aggressive and generalized severe chronic periodontitis were tested. In case of positive subgingival A. actinomycetemcomitans tests, SI was combined with AB; in all other cases it was not (nAB). Clinical examinations were performed before (T0), 12.4 (9.4/15.1) weeks after SI (T1), and at the last supportive periodontal care (T2; 3.1 [1.4/5.5] years after T1). Results at T1/T2 were assessed as "treat-to-target" endpoint (≤4 sites with probing pocket depths ≥5 mm).

RESULTS

Four-hundred and twenty-five patients (280 stage III/145 stage IV, 95 grade B/330 grade C) provided complete data (AB 144/nAB 281) for T0 and T1, and 332 (AB 121/nAB 211) for T2. At T1/T2, AB resulted in 53 (37%)/76 (63%) patients with "treat-to-target" endpoint, and nAB in 76 (27%)/91 (43%) (p = .038/.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In periodontitis stage III and IV, grade B and C with subgingival A. actinomycetemcomitans infection, SI with AB resulted in higher rate of "treat-to-target" endpoint than exclusive SI in patients without the infection.

Drugs for the Quorum Sensing Inhibition of Oral Biofilm: New Frontiers and Insights in the Treatment of Periodontitis

Chemical molecules are used by microorganisms to communicate with each other. Quorum sensing is the mechanism through which microorganisms regulate their population density and activity with chemical signaling. The inhibition of quorum sensing, called quorum quenching, may disrupt oral biofilm formation, which is the main etiological factor of oral diseases, including periodontitis. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of infectious etiology involving the hard and soft periodontal tissues and which is related to various systemic disorders, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity. The employment of adjuvant therapies to traditional scaling and root planing is currently being studied to further reduce the impact of periodontitis. In this sense, using antibiotics and antiseptics involves non-negligible risks, such as antibiotic resistance phenomena and hinders the re-establishment of eubiosis. Different quorum sensing signal molecules have been identified in periodontal pathogenic oral bacteria. In this regard, quorum sensing inhibitors are emerging as some interesting solutions for the management of periodontitis. Therefore, the aim of this review is to summarize the current state of knowledge on the mechanisms of quorum sensing signal molecules produced by oral biofilm and to analyze the potential of quorum sensing inhibitors for the management of periodontitis.

Clinical, microbiological and immunological effects of 3- or 7-day systemic antibiotics adjunctive to subgingival instrumentation in patients with aggressive (stage III/IV grade C) periodontitis: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

AIM

To evaluate the clinical non-inferiority of a 3-day-protocol of systemic antibiotics adjunctive to subgingival instrumentation (SI) compared to a 7-day-protocol in patients with stage III/IV grade C periodontitis.

METHODS

50 systemically healthy patients (32.7±4.3 years) with aggressive periodontitis (stage III/IV grade C periodontitis) were treated by SI and adjunctive amoxicillin and metronidazole randomly assigned to group A: (n=25) 500mg antibiotics 3-times-daily for 3 days, followed by placebo 3-times-daily for 4 days, or group B: (n=25) 500mg AB 3-times-daily for 7 days. Clinical, microbial and immunological parameters were assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 months, and patient-related outcomes after 2 weeks. The primary outcome variable was the number of residual sites with PD≥6mm at 6 months.

RESULTS

For the primary outcome variable (the number of residual sites with PD≥6mm at 6 months), the null hypothesis was rejected and demonstrated the non-inferiority of the 3d AB protocol compared to 7d AB (the upper limits of the 95%CI for ITT: [-2.572; 1.050] and PP: [-2.523; 1.318] were lower than the assumed margin of Δ=3.1). Comparable clinical improvements were obtained for all parameters with both antibiotic protocols (p>0.05). All investigated periodontopathogens and pro-inflammatory host-derived markers were statistically significantly reduced, without differences between the treatments (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that in patients with aggressive periodontitis (stage III/IV grade C periodontitis), a 3-day systemic administration of amoxicillin and metronidazole adjunctive to SI may lead to non-inferior clinical outcomes after 6-months with fewer adverse events compared to a 7-day-protocol.

Effect of Subgingival Instrumentation on Neutrophil Elastase and C-Reactive Protein in Grade B and C Periodontitis: Exploratory Analysis of a Prospective Cohort Study

Background: Assessment of the effect of subgingival instrumentation (SI) on systemic inflammation in periodontitis grades B (BP) and C (CP). Methods: In this prospective cohort study, eight BP and 46 CP patients received SI. Data were collected prior to and 12 weeks after SI. Blood was sampled prior to, one day, 6, and 12 weeks after SI. Neutrophil elastase (NE), C-reactive protein (CRP), leukocyte count, lipopolysaccharide binding protein, interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-8 were assessed. Results: Both groups showed significant clinical improvement. NE was lower in BP than CP at baseline and 1 day after SI, while CRP was lower in BP than CP at baseline (p < 0.05). NE and CRP had a peak 1 day after SI (p < 0.05). Between-subjects effects due to CP (p = 0.042) and PISA (p = 0.005) occurred. Within-subjects NE change was confirmed and modulated by grade (p = 0.017), smoking (p = 0.029), number of teeth (p = 0.033), and PISA (p = 0.002). For CRP between-subjects effects due to BMI (p = 0.008) were seen. Within-subjects PISA modulated the change of CRP over time (p = 0.017). Conclusions: In untreated CP, NE and CRP were higher than in BP. SI results in better PPD and PISA reduction in BP than CP. Trial registration: Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien DRKS00026952 28 October 2021 registered retrospectively.

Efficacy of MMP-8 Level in Gingival Crevicular Fluid to Predict the Outcome of Nonsurgical Periodontal Treatment: A Systematic Review

Purpose: To explore whether baseline matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 level in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) (exposure) can predict the outcome (reduction in probing pocket depth (PPD) (outcome)) of nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) (manual or ultrasonic or both) in patients with periodontitis (population/problem) after 3 months. Methods: Six databases (PubMed, Cochrane library, ProQuest, Ovid, Scopus, EBSCO) were searched for relevant articles published until 30 July 2021. Retrieved articles were passed through a three-phase filtration process on the basis of the eligibility criteria. The primary outcome was the change in PPD after 3 months. Quality of the selected articles was assessed using Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB2) and Risk of Bias In Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tools. Results: From 1306 articles, five were selected for analysis. The results showed high variations in the level of GCF MMP-8 level at baseline. The average amount of reduction in PPD was 1.20 and 2.30 mm for pockets with initial depth of 4−6 mm and >6 mm, respectively. Conclusion: On the basis of available evidence, it was not possible to reach a consensus on the ability of baseline GCF MMP-8 to forecast the outcome of NSPT. This could have been due to variation in clinical and laboratory techniques used. However, consistency in mean PPD reduction after 3 months was shown.

Classic vs. Novel Antibacterial Approaches for Eradicating Dental Biofilm as Adjunct to Periodontal Debridement: An Evidence-Based Overview

Periodontitis is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory disease that affects tooth-supporting soft/hard tissues of the dentition. The dental plaque biofilm is considered as a primary etiological factor in susceptible patients; however, other factors contribute to progression, such as diabetes and smoking. Current management utilizes mechanical biofilm removal as the gold standard of treatment. Antibacterial agents might be indicated in certain conditions as an adjunct to this mechanical approach. However, in view of the growing concern about bacterial resistance, alternative approaches have been investigated. Currently, a range of antimicrobial agents and protocols have been used in clinical management, but these remain largely non-validated. This review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of adjunctive antibiotic use in periodontal management and to compare them to recently suggested alternatives. Evidence from in vitro, observational and clinical trial studies suggests efficacy in the use of adjunctive antimicrobials in patients with grade C periodontitis of young age or where the associated risk factors are inconsistent with the amount of bone loss present. Meanwhile, alternative approaches such as photodynamic therapy, bacteriophage therapy and probiotics showed limited supportive evidence, and more studies are warranted to validate their efficiency.

Long-term prognosis of teeth with class III furcation involvement

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of survival of teeth with class III furcation involvement (FI) ≥5 years after active periodontal treatment (APT) and identification of prognostic factors.

METHODS

All charts of patients who completed APT at the Department of Periodontology of Goethe-University Frankfurt, Germany, beginning October 2004 were screened for teeth with class III FI. APT had to be accomplished for ≥5 years. Charts were analysed for data of class III FI teeth at baseline (T0), at accomplishment of APT (T1), and at the last supportive periodontal care (T2). Baseline radiographic bone loss (RBL) and treatment were assessed.

RESULTS

One-hundred and sixty patients (age: 54.4 ± 9.8 years; 82 females; 39 active smokers; 9 diabetics, 85 stage III, 75 stage IV, 59 grade B, 101 grade C) presented 265 teeth with class III FI. Ninety-eight teeth (37%) were lost during 110, 78/137 (median, lower/upper quartile) months. Logistic mixed-model regression and mixed Cox proportional hazard model associated adjunctive systemic antibiotics with fewer tooth loss (26% vs. 42%; p = .019/.004) and RBL (p = .014/.024) and mean probing pocket depth (PPD) at T1 (p < .001) with more tooth loss.

CONCLUSIONS

Subgingival instrumentation with adjunctive systemic antibiotics favours retention of class III furcation-involved teeth. Baseline RBL and PPD at T1 deteriorate long-term prognosis.

Medication Prescribing Practices in Croatian Dental Offices and Their Contribution to National Consumption

Objectives

The objective of this study was to analyse the pattern of medication prescribing among dental practitioners in the Republic of Croatia and to compare it with general medical practice patterns at the national level.

Methods

Data on drug prescriptions were obtained from the Croatian Health Insurance Fund. The number of dentist prescriptions, the cost of medicine denominated in the national currency (Croatian Kuna [HRK]), and the number of packages and days prescribed have been included in the analysis.

Results

Results indicate that there was an increase in medication prescribing(+5.7%) by dentists, with antimicrobials comprising the majority, whereas national medical antimicrobial prescribing had slightly decreased. Antibiotics accounted for 80% of all dentists’ prescriptions, with penicillins being the most commonly prescribed. In particular, amoxicillin with clavulanic acid accounted for 56.4% of all antibiotics prescribed. Such broad-spectrum antibiotics were prescribed more frequently than those of narrow-spectrum. Antibiotics were followed by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, with prescribing frequency for ibuprofen increasing by 75%.

Conclusion

Current trends show an increase in the overall prescription rate for all medications prescribed by dentists. The largest increase was observed for the broad-spectrum amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, and ibuprofen. As the apparent widespread use of broad-spectrum antibiotics by dentists in Croatia is in contrast to national and international recommendations for antibiotic stewardship, there is a need for further prospective investigation and possible provider education and guidelines.

Microbiological and host-derived biomarker evaluation following non-surgical periodontal therapy with short-term administration of systemic antimicrobials: secondary outcomes of an RCT

Nonsurgical periodontal therapy with adjunctive use of systemic antimicrobials (for 7-14 days) showed improved clinical, microbiological and immunological results over the mechanical protocol alone. Considering the increasing risk for antimicrobial resistance with longer antibiotic regimes, it is important to establish the optimal antibiotic protocol with a maximum antimicrobial benefit and minimum risk for adverse effects. The aim of the study was to evaluate the microbiological and inflammatory outcomes 12-months after a 3-/7-day systemic antibiotic protocol [amoxicillin (AMX) + metronidazole (MET)] adjunctive to subgingival debridement in severe periodontitis compared to mechanical treatment alone. From the initially treated 102 patients, 75 subjects (Placebo group: n = 26; 3-day AMX + MET group: n = 24; 7-day AMX + MET group: n = 25) completed the 12-month examination. Clinical parameters, eight periodontal pathogens and inflammatory markers were determined at baseline and 3-, 6-, 12-months after therapy using real-time PCR and ELISA respectively. After 6 months, several periodontopathogens were significantly more reduced in the two antibiotic groups compared to placebo (p < 0.05). After 1 year, both antibiotic protocols showed significant reductions and detection of the keystone pathogen P. gingivalis compared to placebo. Antibiotic protocols, smoking, disease severity, baseline-BOP, -CAL and -IL-1β, as well as detection of T. denticola at 12-months significantly influenced the residual number of deep sites. The present data indicate that the systemic use of both short and longer antibiotic protocols (AMX + MET) adjunctive to nonsurgical periodontal therapy lead to higher microbiological improvements compared to subgingival debridement alone. The two investigated antibiotic protocols led to comparable microbiological and inflammatory results.

Effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on haematological parameters in grades B and C periodontitis: an exploratory analysis

Aim

Assessment of the effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on haematological parameters in patients with grades B (BP) and C periodontitis (CP).

Methods

Eight BP and 46 CP patients received full-mouth periodontal debridement within 48 h, if positive for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans with adjunctive systemic antibiotics (4 BP, 17 CP). Clinical data were collected prior and 12 weeks after periodontal therapy. Blood was sampled prior to and 1 day as well as 6 and 12 weeks after the first SD visit. Erythrocyte count, haemoglobin value, haematocrit (HCT), mean erythrocyte volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), MCH concentration (MCHC), platelets (PLT) and heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) were assessed.

Results

Both groups showed significant clinical improvement (p < 0.05). Using univariate analysis, MCV was noticeably lower in CP than BP at all examinations, HCT only at baseline. For CP, MCHC was noticeably higher 12 weeks after SD than at baseline and 1 day (p ≤ 0.005) and Hsp27 increased noticeably at 1 day (p < 0.05). Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed African origin to be associated with lower MCV and female sex with lower MCHC.

Conclusion

Based on multivariate analysis, periodontal diagnosis (BP/CP) was not associated with haematological parameters measured in this study or serum Hsp27. In CP, nonsurgical periodontal therapy improved MCHC 12 weeks after SD. Also in CP Hsp27 was increased 1 day after SD.

Effects of timing of adjunctive systemic antibiotics on the clinical outcome of periodontal therapy: A systematic review

Background

Many systematic reviews and meta-analysis have indicated beneficial effects of adjunctive systemic antibiotics in periodontal therapy in specific situations. However, some essential issues such as the ideal time of their administration during periodontal therapy remain unanswered. This systematic review aimed to determine at which phase of periodontal treatment would adjunctive systemic antibiotics lead to the best clinical outcomes, during the active phase or in the reevaluation phase.

Material and Methods

Searches in the databases Medline, Scopus and Cochrane Library were conducted. The randomized clinical trials and retrospective cohort studies comparing the clinical benefits of adjunctive systemic antibiotic administration in the active phase of periodontal treatment versus their administration in the reevaluation phase were included. The primary outcomes assessed were differences in clinical changes in periodontal pocket depth and clinical attachment loss at all post-treatment phases.

Results

Of the 6209 records identified, two randomized clinical trials and two retrospective cohort studies were eligible according to inclusion criteria. Two studies suggested there were greater clinical benefits when systemic antibiotics were prescribed during the active phase of periodontal therapy than in the reevaluation phase while two other studies showed no significant difference in clinical outcomes at 6 months between these two different timing of administration.

Conclusions

The evidence available and evaluated in this systematic review is of heterogeneous quality and limited by the restricted number of studies and their dissimilarities in their study design and outcome reporting. Despite insufficient evidence to determine the ideal time to the adjunctive systemic antibiotic administration in the periodontal therapy, it seems that prescription of systemic antibiotic at the active phase of periodontal therapy leads to better clinical outcomes.

Key words:Active phase; periodontal therapy, periodontitis, reevaluation, systemic antibiotics, timing.

Clinical, microbiological and oxidative stress evaluation of periodontitis patients treated with two regimens of systemic antibiotics, adjunctive to non-surgical therapy: A placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial

Aim of research was to evaluate and compare the clinical and microbiological effects of two different regimens of amoxicillin (AMX) and metronidazole (MTZ) combined with non-surgical periodontal therapy in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP), and identify antibiotic-resistant bacteria and changes in oxidative stress (OS). Forty-six patients with generalized CP were randomly assigned to group A [scaling and root planing within 24 h (SRP) + placebo for 7 days), group B [SRP + AMX + MTZ, both 500 mg three times daily (TID), 3 days), and group C [SRP + AMX + MTZ, both 500 mg TID, 7 days). Periodontal pocket depth (PPD-primary outcome), clinical attachment level (CAL), full-mouth bleeding scores (FMBS), plaque scores (FMPS), blood and subgingival plaque were assessed at baseline and after three months. OS was evaluated via derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and assessments of biological antioxidant potential (BAP). Bacterial profiling was performed by PCR. Antibiotic resistance was evaluated in cultures. PPD, CAL, number of sites with PPD ≥6 mm, their PPD, CAL and FMBS decreased (P<0.05) in all groups, as well as FMPS in groups A and B, and d-ROMs in group C. There were significant differences among groups regarding decreases in the frequency of detection for Aa and Tf. For Aa, there were differences between groups A and C (P=0.048) and between groups B and C (P=0.048), but not between groups A and B; whereas for Tf, groups A and B were different from group C (P<0.001), but not from each other (P=0.920). No resistance to AMX was identified prior to treatment; two strains were resistant after treatment. Before treatment, 13 strains were resistant to MTZ, and 2 were resistant after. One strain in the same patient was sensitive prior to treatment, and later became resistant to both antibiotics. SRP with a 7-day course of antibiotic therapy was more effective for improving clinical parameters, in decrease of detection of several periopathogens, and in improvement of OS when compared to a 3-day regimen. Resistance was found in fewer strains after treatment than before.

Clinical performance of non-surgical periodontal therapy in a large Chinese population with generalized aggressive periodontitis

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate clinical performance of non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) and its influential factors in a large Chinese population with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Longitudinal periodontal examination data of 1,004 GAgP patients (numbers of patients with observation periods 6 weeks~, 3 months~, 6 months~, 1 year~, 3 years~ and >5 years were 203, 310, 193, 205, 70 and 23, respectively) were extracted from a hospital-based electronic periodontal charting record system and analysed by multilevel analysis.

RESULTS

Mean probing depth (PD) and attachment loss (AL) reductions at patient level were 1.17 mm and 1.07 mm, respectively. Multilevel analysis demonstrated PD reductions after maintenance were mainly influenced by frequency of supportive periodontal treatment (FSPT), gender, adjunctive systemic use of antibiotics, baseline mobility, tooth type and baseline PD and bleeding index reductions were mainly influenced by FSPT, adjunctive systemic use of antibiotics, baseline AL, baseline mobility, tooth type and baseline PD.

CONCLUSION

The clinical performance of NSPT on patients with GAgP was proved in the large Chinese population. Outcomes of NSPT were mainly influenced by FSPT, adjunctive systemic use of antibiotics, baseline mobility, tooth type and baseline PD.

The ideal time of systemic metronidazole and amoxicillin administration in the treatment of severe periodontitis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

The combination of systemic metronidazole (MTZ) and amoxicillin (AMX) with scaling and root planing (SRP) has shown to be an effective periodontal treatment. However, some essential issues associated with the use of these antibiotics remain unanswered, such as the ideal time of administration during the course of periodontal treatment. Although these agents are often prescribed after the healing phase of the SRP procedure, there is biological plausibility to support its use in conjunction with the mechanical treatment. However, to date, no placebo controlled randomized clinical trial (RCT) has directly compared these two protocols. Therefore, the aim of this RCT is to compare the clinical, microbiological and immunological effects of the adjunctive systemic MTZ + AMX administered in different phases of the treatment of severe periodontitis.

Methods

Subjects with severe periodontitis (n = 180) are being randomly assigned into three groups (n = 60/group): (i) SRP-only (control group), SRP in combination with 400 mg MTZ + 500 mg AMX, starting (ii) at the first SRP session (active phase group), or (iii) after 3 months of its completion (healing phase group). All volunteers are receiving clinical and microbiological evaluation at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months, and immunological assessment at baseline and 12 months post-therapy. Nine subgingival biofilm samples are being collected per subject and analyzed for counts and proportions of 40 bacterial species by checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization, and six gingival crevicular fluid samples are being collected and analyzed for the levels of 20 chemokines by multiplex immunoassay. The primary outcome variable is the number of volunteers reaching the clinical endpoint for treatment (≤ 4 sites with probing depth ≥5 mm) at 1 year post-therapy. Differences in clinical, microbiological and immunological parameters among groups and over time will be evaluated using analysis of variance, analysis of covariance and the Chi-square and Tukey tests. Microbiological and immunological analyses will be performed using adjustments for multiple comparisons. Statistical significance will be set at 5%.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02954393. Registered on 3 November 2016.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-018-2540-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Inflammatory serum markers up to 5 years after comprehensive periodontal therapy of aggressive and chronic periodontitis

Aim

The aim of the study is to assess the long-term effect of active periodontal therapy on serum inflammatory parameters in patients with aggressive (AgP) and chronic (ChP) periodontitis in a non-randomised clinical study.

Methods

Twenty-five ChP and 17 AgP were examined clinically prior to (baseline), 12 weeks and 60 months after subgingival debridement of all pockets within 2 days. Systemic antibiotics were prescribed if Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans was detected (10 AgP, 8 ChP), flap surgery was rendered if required. Neutrophil elastase (NE), C-reactive protein (CRP), lipopolysaccharide binding protein, interleukin 6, 8, and leukocyte counts were assessed at baseline, 12 weeks and 60 months.

Results

Clinical parameters improved significantly in both groups from 12 weeks to 60 months. Eleven AgP and 18 ChP patients received surgical treatment after the 12 weeks examination. Only 3 patients in each group attended ≥ 2 supportive maintenance visits per year. NE and CRP were significantly higher in AgP than ChP at baseline and 60 months (p < 0.01). For leukocyte counts in ChP, significant changes were observed (baseline: 6.11 ± 1.44 nl⁻¹; 12 weeks: 5.34 ± 1.40 nl⁻¹; 60 months: 7.73 ± 2.89 nl⁻¹; p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis identified African origin, surgical treatment and female sex to correlate with better clinical improvement.

Conclusion

Despite comprehensive periodontal treatment, AgP patients exhibit higher NE and CRP levels than ChP patients up to 5 years after therapy.

Clinical relevance

Systemic inflammatory burden in AgP patients is higher than in ChP patients even 5 years after periodontal treatment.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00784-018-2398-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Comparison of adjunctive azithromycin and amoxicillin/metronidazole for patients with chronic periodontitis: preliminary randomized control trial

BACKGROUND

There are insufficient guidelines for the use of adjunctive systemic antibiotics for patients with periodontal disease. The aim of this study was to compare clinical outcomes for patients with moderate-advanced chronic periodontitis treated with: scaling and root planing (SRP), SRP with amoxicillin and metronidazole (A+M), SRP with Azithromycin (Az).

METHODS

Thirty-seven non-smokers with generalized moderate to advanced chronic periodontitis were divided into three treatment groups: SRP, A+M and Az. Patients received the medications after the last SRP session and were reviewed three months later. Changes in clinical parameters were compared between the groups. Separate analyses were executed for: 'all sites', 'molar sites', 'sites with different PPD severities' and 'number of sites with shallow, moderate and deep PPD'.

RESULTS

The three groups exhibited improvements in most clinical parameters. At three months, A+M showed a higher reduction in PPD compared to Az in the 'all sites analysis'. Molars exhibited better reduction in BOP and PPD with A+M than SRP. Pocket depth of the 4-6 mm category reduced more in the A+M than SRP. A+M experienced a higher increase in the number of sites with PPD 1-3 mm than Az.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjunctive systemic antibiotics in the initial phase of treatment may result in improved clinical outcomes.

Clarithromycin as an Adjunct to One-Stage Full-Mouth Ultrasonic Periodontal Debridement in Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the periodontal clinical and microbiologic responses and possible adverse effects of clarithromycin (CLM) combined with periodontal mechanical therapy in the treatment of patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis.

METHODS

Forty patients were selected and randomly assigned into one of two groups: 1) CLM (n = 20): one-stage full-mouth ultrasonic debridement (FMUD) associated with CLM (500 mg, every 12 hours for 3 days); and 2) placebo (n = 20): FMUD associated with placebo pills. Clinical and microbiologic parameters were evaluated at baseline and 3 and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

Both treatments presented statistically significant clinical and microbiologic improvements. However, the CLM group presented lower means of probing depth for pockets ≥7 mm at 6 months (4.0 ± 1.7 mm) compared with the placebo group (4.7 ± 1.3 mm) (P = 0.04). In addition, the CLM group also presented greater reduction of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) DNA counts at 6 months (P = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Results from this study suggest both treatments are effective; however, adjunct use of CLM to FMUD leads to better reduction of deep pockets and Pg at 6 months compared with FMUD alone.

One year results of a randomized controlled clinical study evaluating the effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy of chronic periodontitis in conjunction with three or seven days systemic administration of amoxicillin/metronidazole

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the clinical outcomes 12 months after systemic administration of amoxicillin (AMX) and metronidazole (MET) adjunctive to subgingival debridement (SD) in patients with severe chronic periodontitis (sChP).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

102 patients with sChP were treated randomly as follows: SD within 2 consecutive days and placebo for 7 days (group A), SD+AMX+MET (both 500mg x3 times daily TID) for 3 days (group B), SD+AMX+MET (both 500mg x 3 TID) for 7 days (group C). At baseline, at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-treatment probing pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), furcation involvement, bleeding on probing (BOP), full-mouth plaque score (FMPS) were determined. The reduction in the number of sites with PD≥6mm was defined as main outcome variable.

RESULTS

75 patients completed the study. At 12 months, all three treatment groups showed statistically significant improvements (p<0.001) of mean PD, CAL, BOP and number of sites with PD≥6mm compared to baseline. Mean residual PD were statistically significantly lower and CAL gain statistically significantly greater in the two antibiotic groups as compared to placebo. While PD reductions (p = 0.012) and CAL gain (p = 0.017) were statistically significantly higher in group C compared to group A, only the 3-day AB group showed statistically significantly fewer sites with PD≥6mm at 12 m (p = 0.003). The reduction in the number of sites with PD≥6 mm (primary outcome) showed no statistical significant differences between the 3 treatment groups. However, in both antibiotic groups significantly more patients compared to the placebo group reached a low risk for disease progression at 12 months (≤4 sites with PD≥5mm).

CONCLUSION

At 12 months, both adjunctive antibiotic protocols resulted in statistically significantly greater clinical improvements compared to placebo.

Antibiotics/antimicrobials: systemic and local administration in the therapy of mild to moderately advanced periodontitis

This review gives an update of the current scientific evidence on the efficacy of the adjunctive use of systemic and local antibiotics/antimicrobials in the treatment of periodontitis. In particular, it addresses whether their use can improve the results of nonsurgical mechanical therapy in mild-to-moderate forms of the disease. Large numbers of randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews with meta-analyses have clearly established that adjunctive systemic antibiotics, combined with mechanical debridement, offer clinical improvements additional to those obtained with scaling and root planing alone. These effects are more pronounced in aggressive periodontitis and in initially deep pockets, whereas more limited additional improvements, of 0.3 mm for additional pocket reduction and 0.2 mm for additional clinical attachment gain, have been documented for moderately deep sites (4-6 mm) in patients with chronic periodontitis. The marginal clinical benefit in patients with moderate disease has to be balanced against possible side effects. Notably, it has to be realized that an increasing number of warnings have been articulated against the unrestricted use of antibiotics in treating periodontal diseases because of the emerging global public health issue of bacterial resistance. The effects of the adjunctive local administration of antimicrobials have also been very well documented in several systematic reviews. Overall, in persistent or recurrent localized deep sites, the application of antimicrobials by sustained-delivery devices may offer a benefit of an additional 0.4 mm in pocket depth reduction and 0.3 mm in clinical attachment level gain. In conclusion, the slight additional benefits of adjunctive antimicrobials, which were shown for moderate forms of periodontitis, have to be balanced against their side effects and therefore their prescription should be limited as much as possible.

Diagnosis and Management of Chronic and Aggressive Periodontitis Part 2: Periodontal Management

The first paper of this three-part series discussed periodontal disease pathogenesis and highlighted elements in the clinical assessment which will help the clinician to establish the diagnosis of chronic and aggressive periodontitis. This second paper will focus on the management of chronic and aggressive periodontitis. Finally, the diagnosis and management of chronic and aggressive periodontitis will be reviewed in the third part of the series using two clinical examples. Clinical relevance: This paper aims to provide the general dental practitioner with an understanding of the aim of periodontal treatment, the management of chronic and aggressive periodontitis and the prognosis of periodontally involved teeth.

Immediate implant and rehabilitation based on All-on-4 concept in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis: A medium-term prospective study

BACKGROUND

Aggressive periodontitis renders a great challenge to the conventional implant due to the risks of infection and ongoing marginal bone loss (MBL). A study about full-arch immediate implant and restoration in patients with advanced generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP) was not read, even though the All-on-4 concept has been proven to be predictable for edentulous patients.

PURPOSE

This prospective study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and medium-term outcomes of immediate implant and rehabilitation based on the All-on-4 concept in patients with advanced GAP via clinical and radiographic analyses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventeen patients (mean age 39.4 years) with advanced GAP received immediate postextraction implant and rehabilitation based on the All-on-4 concept between January 2009 and January 2014. Eighty implants were inserted into 20 arches (7 maxillae and 13 mandibles). The average follow-up duration was 5 years (range 2-7). Complications, probing depth, and plaque, bleeding, and gingiva indices were evaluated. MBL was measured based on the panoramic radiographs taken immediately after surgery and annually thereafter.

RESULTS

The cumulative survival rate (CSR) of the implants was 98.75% (79/80) after an average of 5 years. One tilted implant failed due to peri-implantitis. The average peri-implant MBL was 0.8 ± 0.4 and 1.2 ± 0.3 mm after 1 and 7 years, respectively. The CSR was 100% (20/20) for definite prostheses, while 85% (17/20) for provisional prostheses. The average probing depth, and plaque, bleeding, and gingiva indices at the last recall visit were 3.0 ± 0.5, 1.2 ± 0.4, 0.5 ± 0.5, and 0.4 ± 0.4 mm, respectively. Patient showed high satisfaction to the overall effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on this study, the All-on-4 concept provided predictable outcomes in patients with GAP in 2- to 7-year follow-ups, and averted the severe bone defect area of aggressive periodontitis.

Systemic antibiotics in the treatment of periodontitis

Despite the fact that several clinical studies have shown additional benefits when certain systemic antibiotics are used as adjuncts to periodontal treatment, clear guidelines for the use of these agents in the clinical practice are not yet available. Basic questions concerning the use of systemic antibiotics to treat periodontitis remain unanswered, such as: which drug(s) should be used; which patients would most benefit from treatment; which are the most effective protocols (i.e. doses and durations); and in which phase of the mechanical therapy should the drug(s) be administered? Although not all of those questions have been directly addressed by controlled randomized clinical trials, recent concepts related to the ecology of periodontal diseases, as well as the major advances in laboratory and clinical research methods that have occurred in the past decade, have significantly broadened our knowledge in this field. This article endeavored to provide a 'state of the art' overview on the use of systemic antibiotics in the treatment of periodontitis, based on the most recent literature on the topic as well as on a compilation of data from studies conducted at the Center of Clinical Trials at Guarulhos University (São Paulo, Brazil) from 2002 to 2012.

Long-term clinical response to treatment and maintenance of localized aggressive periodontitis: a cohort study

AIM

To evaluate long-term clinical response to periodontal therapy and maintenance in localized aggressive periodontitis (LAP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred forty-one African Americans diagnosed with LAP, aged 5-25 years, were enrolled. Patients underwent periodontal mechanical debridement plus 1 week of amoxicillin/metronidazole. Mechanical therapy was repeated as needed and clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months, and two additional annual follow-up visits after treatment. Radiographs from primary dentition of patients with LAP in permanent dentition, and additional healthy siblings (HS) were analysed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Periodontal therapy significantly improved probing depth and clinical attachment level up to 4 years (mean reductions: 2.18 ± 1.03 and 2.80 ± 1.43 mm, respectively). Percentage of affected sites was reduced at all time points and maintained up to 4 years. Non-compliance with antibiotics/appointments negatively affected the treatment response. Ninety per cent of LAP patients in permanent dentition and 32% of HS presented radiographic bone loss in primary dentition.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanical debridement with 1 week of systemic antibiotics along with proper periodontal maintenance was effective in the treatment and successful maintenance of LAP for up to 4 years. LAP in permanent dentition may be preceded in the primary dentition. Clinicaltrials.gov #NCT01330719.

The concomitant administration of systemic amoxicillin and metronidazole compared to scaling and root planing alone in treating periodontitis: =a systematic review=

Background

The treatment of periodontitis begins with a non-surgical phase that includes scaling and root planing(SRP) and on occasion the use of systemic antibiotics. The goal was to systematically evaluate in systemic healthy adults the effect of the concomitant administration of amoxicillin (amx) and metronidazole (met) adjunctive to SRP compared to SRP alone.

Methods

The PubMed-MEDLINE, Cochrane-CENTRAL and EMBASE databases were searched up to November 2014 to identify appropriate studies. Probing Pocket Depth (PD), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL), Bleeding on Pocket Probing(BOP) and Plaque Indices(PI) were selected as outcome variables. Based on the extracted data a meta-analysis was conducted.

Results

A total of 526 unique articles were found, 20 studies met the eligibility criteria. A meta-analysis showed that SRP + amx + met provided significantly better effects overall and more pronounced PD reduction in periodontal pockets initially measuring ≥6 mm (DiffM:-0.86 mm, p < 0.00001) and gain in CAL(DiffM:+0.75 mm, p = 0.0001). The meta-analysis for the secondary inflammatory parameter BOP showed that SRP + amx + met provided full mouth significantly greater reduction in BOP than SRP alone (DiffM:-6.98 %, p = 0.0001).

Conclusion

Adjunctive systemic amoxicillin and metronidazole medication to SRP significantly improved the clinical outcomes with respect to mean PD, CAL and BOP compared to SRP alone. There is moderate to strong evidence in support of the recommendation that adjunctive amx + met therapy to SRP significantly improves the clinical outcomes, with respect to mean PD and CAL compared to SRP alone especially in initially deep (≥6 mm) pockets. No major side effects associated with the intake of amx + met were reported. This treatment regimen is an efficacious, minimally invasive, practical and inexpensive approach for periodontitis therapy. The key components are mechanical tooth and pocket debridement, supportive treatment of the disease with systemic antibiotics and attention to proper self-care.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12903-015-0123-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The effect of systemic antibiotics administered during the active phase of non-surgical periodontal therapy or after the healing phase: a systematic review

Objective

The aim of this systematic review was to compare the clinical effectiveness of systemic antibiotics administered in the active stage of periodontal treatment or after the healing phase.

Material and Methods

An electronic search was performed in the databases EMBASE, MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. A manual search of the reference list of selected studies and of review articles was also performed up to November 2013. Randomized Clinical Trials (RCT) that evaluated the systemic administration of antibiotics as adjuvants to scaling and root planning (SRP) at different phases of periodontal treatment were included. Systematic reviews and studies that evaluated subjects with systemic diseases and those that used subantimicrobial doses of antibiotics were excluded.

Results

The initial search identified 1,039 articles, of which seven were selected, and only one met the inclusion criteria. This study showed that subjects taking metronidazole and amoxicillin at the initial phase of treatment exhibited statistically significantly greater reduction in pocket depth and gain in clinical attachment level in initially deep sites (PD≥7 mm) than subjects taking antibiotics after healing (p<0.05). This comparison was conducted 2 months after antibiotic intake, at the healing phase.

Conclusion

To date, only one short-term RCT has directly compared different moments of systemic antibiotics administration, as adjuncts to SRP, in the treatment of periodontitis. Although the results of this study suggested some benefits for antibiotics intake during the active phase of therapy, these findings need to be confirmed by larger placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials with longer follow-up periods.

Systemic moxifloxacin vs amoxicillin/metronidazole adjunct to non-surgical treatment in generalized aggressive periodontitis

Background

The objective of this randomized clinical study was to evaluate the effect of systemic administration of moxifloxacin compared to amoxicillin and metronidazole, combined with non-surgical treatment in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) in a 6-month follow-up.

Material and Methods

A total of 39 systemically healthy patients with GAgP were evaluated in this randomized clinical trial. Periodontal parameters were recorded at the baseline during the 1st, 3rd and 6th month. Patients received either 400 mg of moxifloxacin per os once daily or 500 mg of metronidazole and 500 mg amoxicillin per os three times daily for 7 days consecutively.

Results

No significant differences between groups were found in any parameters at the baseline. Both groups led to a statistically significant decrease in all clinical periodontal parameters compared to the baseline (PI, p<0.001 and GI, PD, BOP, CAL, p<0.01). There were no differences between the 1st and 3rd months or the 3rd and 6th months for clinical parameters in the groups. Also, no intergroup difference was observed in any parameters at any time, except the gingival index at 6th months.

Conclusions

Systemic administration of moxifloxacin as an adjunct to non-surgical treatment significantly improves clinical outcomes and provides comparable clinical improvement with less adverse events to that of combination of amoxicillin and metronidazole in the treatment of GAgP.

Key words: Aggressive periodontitis, amoxicillin, metronidazole, moxifloxacin, nonsurgical periodontal debridement.

Adjunctive use of antibiotics in periodontal therapy

Periodontal diseases are infectious diseases with a mixed microbial aetiology and marked inflammatory response leading to destruction of underlying tissue. Periodontal therapy aims to eliminate pathogens associated with the disease and attain periodontal health. Periodontitis is generally treated by nonsurgical mechanical debridement and regular periodontal maintenance care. Periodontal surgery may be indicated for some patients to improve access to the root surface; however, mechanical debridement alone may not be helpful in all cases. In such cases, adjunctive systemic antibiotic therapy remains the treatment of choice. It can reach microorganisms at the base of the deep periodontal pockets and furcation areas via serum, and also affects organisms residing within gingival epithelium and connective tissue. This review aims to provide an update on clinical issues regarding when and how to prescribe systemic antibiotics in periodontal therapy. The points discussed are the mode of antibiotic action, susceptible periodontal pathogens, antibiotic dosage, antibiotic use in treatment of periodontal disease, and mechanism of bacterial resistance to each antibiotic.

An estimate of pocket closure and avoided needs of surgery after scaling and root planing with systemic antibiotics: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Relevant benefits of adjunctive medication of antibiotica after conventional root surface debridement in terms of enhanced pocket depth (PD) reduction have been shown. However, means and standard deviations of enhanced reductions are difficult to translate into clinical relevant treatment outcomes such as pocket resolution or avoidance of additional surgical interventions. Accordingly, the aim of this systematic review was to calculate odds ratios for relevant cut-off values of PD after mechanical periodontal treatment with and without antibiotics, specifically the combination of amoxicilline and metronidazol, from published studies. As clinical relevant cut-off values "pocket closure" for PD ≤ 3mm and "avoidance of surgical intervention" for PD ≤ 5 mm were determined.

METHODS

The databases PubMed, Embase and Central were searched for randomized clinical studies assessing the beneficial effect of the combination of amoxicillin and metronidazole after non-surgical mechanical debridement. Titles, abstracts and finally full texts were scrutinized for possible inclusion by two independent investigators. Quality and heterogeneity of the studies were assessed and the study designs were examined. From published means and standard deviations for PD after therapy, odds ratios for the clinically relevant cut-off values were calculated using a specific statistical approach.

RESULTS

Meta-analyses were performed for the time points 3 and 6 month after mechanical therapy. Generally, a pronounced chance for pocket closure from 3 to 6 months of healing was shown. The administration of antibiotics resulted in a 3.55 and 4.43 fold higher probability of pocket closure after 3 and 6 months as compared to mechanical therapy alone. However, as the estimated risk for residual pockets > 5 mm was 0 for both groups, no odds ratio could be calculated for persistent needs for surgery. Generally, studies showed a moderate to high quality and large heterogeneity regarding treatment protocol, dose of antibiotic medication and maintenance.

CONCLUSION

With the performed statistical approach, a clear benefit in terms of an enhanced chance for pocket closure by co-administration of the combination of amoxicillin and metronidazole as an adjunct to non-surgical mechanical periodontal therapy has been shown. However, data calculation failed to show a benefit regarding the possible avoidance of surgical interventions.

Differential benefits of amoxicillin-metronidazole in different phases of periodontal therapy in a randomized controlled crossover clinical trial

BACKGROUND

The specific advantage of administering systemic antibiotics during initial, non-surgical therapy or in the context of periodontal surgery is unclear. This study assesses the differential outcomes of periodontal therapy supplemented with amoxicillin-metronidazole during either the non-surgical or the surgical treatment phase.

METHODS

This is a single-center, randomized placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial with a 1-year follow-up. Eighty participants with Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans-associated moderate to advanced periodontitis were randomized into two treatment groups: group A, antibiotics (500 mg metronidazole plus 375 mg amoxicillin three times per day for 7 days) during the first, non-surgical phase of periodontal therapy (T1) and placebo during the second, surgical phase (T2); and group B, placebo during T1 and antibiotics during T2. The number of sites with probing depth (PD) >4 mm and bleeding on probing (BOP) per patient was the primary outcome.

RESULTS

A total of 11,212 sites were clinically monitored on 1,870 teeth. T1 with antibiotics decreased the number of sites with PD >4 mm and BOP per patient significantly more than without (group A: from 34.5 to 5.7, 84%; group B: from 28.7 to 8.7, 70%; P <0.01). Twenty patients treated with antibiotics, but only eight treated with placebo, achieved a 10-fold reduction of diseased sites (P = 0.007). Consequently, fewer patients of group A needed additional therapy, the mean number of surgical interventions was lower, and treatment time in T2 was shorter. Six months after T2, the mean number of residual pockets (group A: 2.8 ± 5.2; group B: 2.2 ± 5.0) was not significantly different and was sustained over 12 months in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Giving the antibiotics during T1 or T2 yielded similar long-term outcomes, but antibiotics in T1 resolved the disease quicker and thus reduced the need for additional surgical intervention.

Outcomes of nonsurgical periodontal therapy in severe generalized aggressive periodontitis

Purpose

Aggressive periodontitis, especially in its severe form, was traditionally considered to have an unfavourable prognosis. It required a complex treatment and its stabilization was often achieved by surgical therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the results of nonsurgical periodontal treatment in severe generalized forms of aggressive periodontitis.

Methods

Patients with advanced generalized aggressive periodontitis were included in the study. Probing depth (PD) of pockets ≥7 mm and clinical attachment level (CAL) of sites with attachment loss ≥5 mm were measured at baseline before nonsurgical periodontal treatment, at re-evaluation, and after treatment. The following other parameters were recorded: resolution of inflammation and bone fill. We compared the baseline values with re-evaluation and posttreatment values using the Friedman test. The Wilcoxon test with the Bonferroni correction was used for both re-evaluation and posttreatment values.

Results

Seven patients with 266 periodontal sites were examined. A significant difference was found between values, reported as medians with interquartile ranges, for PD at baseline (7.94 [7.33-8.19] mm) and both re-evaluation (4.33 [3.63-5.08] mm) and posttreatment (3.54 [3.33-4.11] mm) values (P=0.002). A significant difference was also found between values for CAL at baseline (9.02 [7.5-9.2] mm) and both re-evaluation (6.55 [6.30-6.87] mm) and posttreatment (6.45 [5.70-6.61] mm) (P=0.002). Inflammation was resolved and angular bone defects were repaired in all cases.

Conclusions

These therapeutic results suggest that this form of periodontitis could have positive outcomes after nonsurgical periodontal treatment. The reparative potential of tissue affected by severe aggressive periodontitis should encourage clinicians to save apparently hopeless teeth in cases of this form of periodontitis.

Graphical Abstract

Non-surgical periodontal therapy with systemic antibiotics in patients with untreated chronic periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the effectiveness of different systemic antibiotics in combination with scaling and root planing (SRP) when compared to SRP alone in patients with untreated chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND

Although chronic periodontitis is mostly treated without adjunctive systemic antibiotics, some recent meta-analyses have shown clinical benefit for some systemic antibiotics when used as an adjunct to SRP. However, there is a wide variety of systemic antibiotic regimens used today. It remains unclear if the selected type of systemic antibiotic influences the magnitude of clinical benefit.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The MEDLINE-PubMed database was searched from their earliest records through May 16, 2013. Several journals were hand searched and some authors were contacted for additional information. Outcome measures analysed were mean bleeding on probing change, mean clinical attachment level gain and mean probing pocket depth reduction. Extracted data were pooled using a random effect model. Weighted mean differences were calculated and heterogeneity was assessed.

RESULTS

The search yielded 281 abstracts. Ultimately, 95 studies were selected, describing 43 studies meeting the eligibility criteria. Systemic antibiotics showed a significant (p < 0.05) additional pocket depth reduction for moderate (at 3 mo 0.27 mm ± 0.09, at 6 mo 0.23 mm ± 0.10 and at 12 mo 0.25 mm ± 0.27) and deep pockets (at 3 mo 0.62 mm ± 0.17, at 6 mo 0.58 mm ± 0.16 and at 12 mo 0.74 mm ± 0.30). Statistically, no specific type of antibiotic was superior over another. However, when analysing the clinical data for initially moderate pockets or deep pockets, some trends became apparent.

CONCLUSION

Systemic antibiotics combined with SRP offer additional clinical improvements compared to SRP alone. Although there were no statistically significant differences, there was a trend that for initially moderate and deep pockets, metronidazole or metronidazole combined with amoxicillin, resulted in clinical improvements that were more pronounced over doxycycline or azithromycin. Additionally, there was a trend that the magnitude of the clinical benefit became smaller over time (1 year).

Treatment of aggressive periodontitis

Despite etiological differences between aggressive and chronic periodontitis, the treatment concept for aggressive periodontitis is largely similar to that for chronic periodontitis. The goal of treatment is to create a clinical condition that is conducive to retaining as many teeth as possible for as long as possible. When a diagnosis has been made and risk factors have been identified, active treatment is commenced. The initial phase of active treatment consists of mechanical debridement, either alone or supplemented with antimicrobial drugs. Scaling and root planing has been shown to be effective in improving clinical indices, but does not always guarantee long-term stability. Antimicrobials can play a significant role in controlling aggressive periodontitis. Few studies have been published on this subject for localized aggressive periodontitis, but generalized aggressive periodontitis has been subject to more scrutiny. Studies have demonstrated that systemic antibiotics as an adjuvant to scaling and root planing are more effective in controlling disease compared with scaling and root planing alone or with supplemental application of local antibiotics or antiseptics. It has also become apparent that antibiotics ought to be administered with, or just after, mechanical debridement. Several studies have shown that regimens of amoxicillin combined with metronidazole or regimens of clindamycin are the most effective and are preferable to regimens containing doxycycline. Azithromycin has been shown to be a valid alternative to the regimen of amoxicillin plus metronidazole. A limited number of studies have been published on surgical treatment in patients with aggressive periodontitis, but the studies available show that the effect can be comparable with the effect on patients with chronic periodontitis, provided that proper oral hygiene is maintained, a strict maintenance program is followed and modifiable risk factors are controlled. Both access surgery and regenerative techniques have shown good results in patients with aggressive periodontitis. Once good periodontal health has been obtained, patients must be enrolled in a strict maintenance program that is directed toward controlling risk factors for disease recurrence and tooth loss. The most significant risk factors are noncompliance with regular maintenance care, smoking, high gingival bleeding index and poor plaque control. There is no evidence to suggest that daily use of antiseptic agents should be part of the supportive periodontal therapy for aggressive periodontitis.

Periodontal pathogens and associated factors in aggressive periodontitis: results 5-17 years after active periodontal therapy

OBJECTIVES

To assess the association between presence of periodontal pathogens and recurrence of disease in patients with aggressive periodontitis (AgP) after active periodontal therapy (APT) and further influencing factors.

MATERIAL & METHODS

Microbiological samples were taken from 73 patients with AgP 5-17 years after APT at 292 sites (deepest site per quadrant). Real-time polymerase chain reactions were used to detect the periodontal pathogens Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola. Uni- and multivariate analyses evaluated the associations between pathogens and recurrence of disease, smoking and adjunctive antibiotic therapy.

RESULTS

At re-examination A. actinomycetemcomitans could be detected in six patients (8.2%), P. gingivalis in 24 (32.9%), T. forsythia in 31 (42.5%) and T. denticola in 35 (48.0%). Increased levels of T. forsythia and T. denticola at re-examination were significantly associated with recurrence of disease in multivariate analyses (OR: 12.72, p < 0.001; OR 5.55, p = 0.002 respectively). Furthermore, high counts of T. denticola were found in patients with increased percentage of sites with clinical attachment levels (CAL) ≥ 6 mm compared to those with low counts (13.8% versus 3.2%, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

In patients with recurrence of disease T. forsythia and T. denticola were detected more frequently and in higher counts. Furthermore, T. denticola was found more frequently in patients with increased CAL.

Subgingival plaque sampling after combined mechanical and antibiotic nonsurgical periodontal therapy

AIM

This study aimed to make a comparison of two sampling strategies of subgingival plaque after combined mechanical-antibiotic periodontal therapy.

METHODS

Thirty patients (18 female) suffering from aggressive (n = 12) or generalised severe chronic (n = 18) periodontitis were included. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans had been detected subgingivally in all prior to anti-infective therapy (AT) and combined mechanical-antibiotic AT had been rendered. After AT clinical examinations were performed and subgingival plaque was sampled from the same four sites as prior to AT (ASPRE) as well as from the four deepest sites after AT (DEEP). Per patient two pooled samples (ASPRE/DEEP) were generated and analysed for A. actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola using a commercial 16S rRNA test.

RESULTS

ASPRE failed to detect A. actinomycetemcomitans, DEEP detected A. actinomycetemcomitans only in two patients (7 %). Only for T. forsythia DEEP (53 %) provided higher detection frequencies than ASPRE (27 %; p = 0.005). Detection frequencies of P. gingivalis and T. denticola ranged from 47 to 53 %.

CONCLUSION

After combined mechanical-antibiotic AT sampling the deepest sites revealed higher detection rates. Combined mechanical-antibiotic AT suppresses A. actinomycetemcomitans to a higher extent than P. gingivalis, T. forsythia and T. denticola.