Clinical and Microbiologic Effects of Subgingival Controlled-Release Delivery of Chlorhexidine Chip in the Treatment of Periodontitis: A Multicenter Study

Efficacy of Chlorhexidine Chips as Local Drug Delivery in Nonsurgical Management of Chronic Periodontitis: A Systematic Review

This systematic review assesses the efficacy of local chlorhexidine (CHX) chips as an adjunct to nonsurgical scaling and root planing (SRP) in treating chronic periodontitis, compared to SRP alone. A comprehensive search strategy was developed to identify relevant studies, focusing on articles published in English. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE (via PubMed), Web of Science, and periodontology journals up to December 2020, specifically looking for studies on the use of CHX chips alongside SRP for managing chronic periodontitis. This research took place from January to September 2024. The review found that sites treated with SRP plus CHX chips showed improvements in probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, plaque index, and gingival index. The results revealed that 48.50% of the findings were not statistically significant between the two treatment groups. In contrast, 25.75% of the findings were significant for the CHX chips group compared to the SRP alone group, while 1.5% were significant for the control group. Additionally, 24.25% of the data were unavailable. Combining SRP with CHX chips results in more significant improvements in treating chronic periodontitis.

Topical Biocomposites Based on Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid and Metronidazole as Periodontitis Treatment

BACKGROUND

It is well known that periodontitis affects the gums and surrounding connective tissue. The chronic inflammatory response induced by bacteria in the gingival tissue leads to the loss of the collagen connection between the tooth and the bone and ultimately to bone loss.

METHODS

In this context, the aim of this research was the obtaining and characterization of a drug release supports in the form of sponges based on collagen, hyaluronic acid as a support and metronidazole as an antibiotic for the treatment of periodontitis. The sponges were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, water uptake, contact angle, SEM microscopy, in vitro metronidazole release analysis from sponges and data modeling.

RESULTS

The results showed that all the sponges had a porous structure with interconnected pores, the pore sizes being influenced by hyaluronic acid and metronidazole; the spongious structure became much more dense for samples with metronidazole content. All metronidazole-loaded sponges showed good surface wettability and an adequate swelling capacity for a suitable antimicrobial release at the periodontal pocket. The porous structures allow a controlled release, fast in the first hour, essential to control the initial microbial load at the periodontal level, which continues slowly in the following hours to ensure an effective treatment of periodontitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Correlating all physical-chemical and bio-pharmaceutical results obtained, a promising solution for periodontitis treatment could be a met-ronidazole-collagen-hyaluronic system consisting of 1% collagen, 1.5% metronidazole and 0.8% hyaluronic acid, and in vitro and in vivo tests are recommended to continue studies.

Impact of local drug delivery and natural agents as new target strategies against periodontitis: new challenges for personalized therapeutic approach

Periodontitis is a persistent inflammation of the soft tissue around the teeth that affects 60% of the population in the globe. The self-maintenance of the inflammatory process can cause periodontal damage from the alveolar bone resorption to tooth loss in order to contrast the effects of periodontitis, the main therapy used is scaling and root planing (SRP). At the same time, studying the physiopathology of periodontitis has shown the possibility of using a local drug delivery system as an adjunctive therapy. Using local drug delivery devices in conjunction with SRP therapy for periodontitis is a potential tool since it increases drug efficacy and minimizes negative effects by managing drug release. This review emphasized how the use of local drug delivery agents and natural agents could be promising adjuvants for the treatment of periodontitis patients affected or not by cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other system problems. Moreover, the review evidences the current issues and new ideas that can inspire potential later study for both basic research and clinical practice for a tailored approach.

Controlled release devices as adjuvants in nonsurgical periodontal therapy: A systematic review

Controlled release devices (CRD) have been widely studied regarding their application in periodontal therapy. Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the use and effectiveness of controlled-release devices in nonsurgical periodontal therapy through a systematic review. The research was carried out in six different databases, namely: Online Medical Literature Search and Analysis System (Medline-PubMed), Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, Scielo, and Google Scholar. The descriptors "Delayed-Action Preparation," "Therapeutics," and "Periodontitis," were used with their EntryTerms and connected through the Boolean operators AND and OR. A total of 2847 studies were found, and after applying the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist flowchart, 34 were selected using the eligibility criteria. After that, the qualitative results were tabulated and the risk of bias in each of them was evaluated. It can be observed that the use of CRD presents itself as a successful alternative for adjuvant treatment to periodontal therapy, a fact due to its availability and local concentration in the crevicular fluid. However, further clinical research is still needed to develop devices that are effective, with an easy and quick application, as well as available at a good cost-benefit ratio.

Local Delivery and Controlled Release Drugs Systems: A New Approach for the Clinical Treatment of Periodontitis Therapy

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the gums characterized by the degeneration of periodontal ligaments, the formation of periodontal pockets, and the resorption of the alveolar bone, which results in the destruction of the teeth's supporting structure. Periodontitis is caused by the growth of diverse microflora (particularly anaerobes) in the pockets, releasing toxins and enzymes and stimulating the immune system. Various approaches, both local and systemic, have been used to treat periodontitis effectively. Successful treatment depends on reducing bacterial biofilm, bleeding on probing (BOP), and reducing or eliminating pockets. Currently, the use of local drug delivery systems (LDDSs) as an adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planing (SRP) in periodontitis is a promising strategy, resulting in greater efficacy and fewer adverse effects by controlling drug release. Selecting an appropriate bioactive agent and route of administration is the cornerstone of a successful periodontitis treatment plan. In this context, this review focuses on applications of LDDSs with varying properties in treating periodontitis with or without systemic diseases to identify current challenges and future research directions.

Local drug delivery systems as therapeutic strategies against periodontitis: A systematic review

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of the soft tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth, which causes periodontal structural damage, alveolar bone resorption, and even tooth loss. Its prevalence is very high, with nearly 60% of the global population affected. Hence, periodontitis is an important public health concern, and the development of effective healing treatments for oral diseases is a major target of the health sciences. Currently, the application of local drug delivery systems (LDDS) as an adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planning (SRP) in periodontitis is a promising strategy, giving higher efficacy and fewer side effects by controlling drug release. The cornerstone of successful periodontitis therapy is to select an appropriate bioactive agent and route of administration. In this context, this review highlights applications of LDDS with different properties in the treatment of periodontitis with or without systemic diseases, in order to reveal existing challenges and future research directions.

Adjunctive effect of locally delivered antimicrobials in periodontitis therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM

To answer the following PICOS question: in adult patients with periodontitis, which is the efficacy of adjunctive locally delivered antimicrobials, in comparison with subgingival debridement alone or plus a placebo, in terms of probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction, in randomized clinical trials with at least 6 months of follow-up.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A systematic search was conducted: 59 papers, reporting 50 different studies, were included. Data on clinical outcome variables changes were pooled and analysed using weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), and prediction intervals (PI), in case of significant heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were observed, in 6- to 9-month studies, for PPD (WMD = 0.365, 95% CI [0.262; 0.468], PI [-0.29; 1.01]) and clinical attachment level (CAL) (WMD = 0.263, 95% CI [0.123; 0.403], PI [-0.43; 0.96]). For long-term studies, significant differences were observed for PPD (WMD = 0.190, 95% CI [0.059; 0.321]), but not for CAL. For adverse events, no differences were observed. Results were affected by study design (split-mouth versus parallel studies) and assessment (full- or partial-mouth), as well as by the formulation tested.

CONCLUSIONS

The use adjunctive locally delivered antimicrobials in periodontitis therapy results in statistically significant benefits in clinical outcomes, without relevant side effects.

Local drug delivery systems for inflammatory diseases: Status quo, challenges, and opportunities

Inflammation that is not resolved in due course becomes a chronic disease. The treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases involves a long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, often accompanied by dose-dependent side effects. Local drug delivery systems have been widely explored to reduce their off-target side effects and the medication frequency, with several products making to the market or in development over the years. However, numerous challenges remain, and drug delivery technology is underutilized in some applications. This review showcases local drug delivery systems in different inflammatory diseases, including the targets well-known to drug delivery scientists (e.g., joints, eyes, and teeth) and other applications with untapped opportunities (e.g., sinus, bladder, and colon). In each section, we start with a brief description of the disease and commonly used therapy, introduce local drug delivery systems currently on the market or in the development stage, focusing on polymeric systems, and discuss the remaining challenges and opportunities in future product development.

Use of chlorhexidine chip after scaling and root planning on periodontal disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

This systematic review aims to assess the efficacy chlorhexidine chip as an adjunctive therapy of scaling and root planning on periodontal disease treatment.

Material and methods

This study follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA) and was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42019148221). The search was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases until April 2020. The PICO question was: “Is the chlorhexidine chip (CHX) effective as an adjunctive therapy of scaling and root planning on periodontal disease treatment?”. Inclusion criteria involved: randomized controlled clinical trials, with a minimum of 15 patients included on the sample and each patient has two sites of probing depth of ≥5 mm; The minimum follow up was at least 1 months of follow-up and the outcomes present in the studies probing depth (PD), plaque index (PI) and clinical attachment level (CAL) after scaling and root planning (SRP).

Results

After searching the databases, 13 articles were selected for qualitative and 8 for quantitative analysis. Were included 427 patients, with a mean age of 45.6 years. The results shown that the association of chlorhexidine chips to scaling and root planning reduce periodontal pocket depths (P < 0.00001; MD −0.77 [CI −1.0 to −0.55]; I² = 23%, P = 0.24), gain on the clinical attachment level (P < 0.0001; MD −0.57 [CI −0.86 to −0.27]; I² = 33%, P = 0.18P < 0.0001) and reduction on plaque index (P = 0.04; MD −0.23 [CI −0.45 to −0.01]; I² = 91%, P < 0.00001).

Conclusions

Thus, we can conclude that chlorhexidine chip when used associated to scaling and root planning promoted a significant improvement the reduction of periodontal diseases.

Bio-Inspired Systems in Nonsurgical Periodontal Therapy to Reduce Contaminated Aerosol during COVID-19: A Comprehensive and Bibliometric Review

Background: On 30 January 2020, a public health emergency of international concern was declared as a result of the new COVID-19 disease, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This virus is transmitted by air and, therefore, clinical practices with the production of contaminant aerosols are highly at risk. The purpose of this review was to assess the effectiveness of bio-inspired systems, as adjuvants to nonsurgical periodontal therapy, in order to formulate bio-inspired protocols aimed at restoring optimal condition, reducing bacteremia and aerosols generation. Methods: A comprehensive and bibliometric review of articles published in English. Research of clinical trials (RCTs) were included with participants with chronic or aggressive periodontal disease, that have compared benefits for nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). Results: Seventy-four articles have been included. For probing depth (PPD) there was a statically significant improvement in laser, probiotic, chlorhexidine groups, such as gain in clinical attachment level (CAL). Bleeding on probing (BOP) reduction was statistically significant only for probiotic and chlorhexidine groups. There were changes in microbiological and immunological parameters. Conclusions: The use of bio-inspired systems in nonsurgical periodontal treatment may be useful in reducing risk of bacteremia and aerosol generation, improving clinical, microbiological and immunological parameters, of fundamental importance in a context of global pandemic, where the reduction of bacterial load in aerosols becomes a pivotal point of clinical practice, but other clinical trials are necessary to achieve statistical validity.

Current uses of chlorhexidine for management of oral disease: a narrative review

OBJECTIVES

Chlorhexidine (CHX) is a commonly used antiseptic mouthwash, used by dental practitioners and the public, due to its antimicrobial effects. The aim of this article was to provide a narrative review of current antimicrobial uses of CHX relevant to dentistry in the context of oral diseases, highlighting need for further studies to support its safe and appropriate use.

STUDY SELECTION, DATA AND SOURCES

Randomised controlled trials, systematic reviews and national (UK and US) guidelines were consulted where available, with search terms for each subject category entered into MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar and the Cochrane database.

RESULTS

Some evidence existed to support adjunctive short-term use of CHX to manage dental plaque, and reduce clinical symptoms of gingivitis, dry socket, as well as reduce aerosolisation of bacteria. However, use must be weighed alongside the less desirable effects of CHX, including extrinsic staining of teeth, antimicrobial resistance to antiseptic agents and the rare, but fatal, allergic reactions to CHX. Conversely, evidence for the effectiveness of chlorhexidine to manage or prevent periodontitis, dental caries, necrotising periodontal diseases, peri-implantitis, and infections associated with extraction and aerosolised viruses remains less certain.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of CHX in dentistry and oral healthcare continues to be widespread and thus it is important that dental practitioners understand that, based on its differential mechanisms of action on different microbes, appropriate clinical and dental use of CHX should be oral disease specific. However, further scientific and clinical research is required before full recommendations can be made.

Adjunctive local treatments for patients with residual pockets during supportive periodontal care: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

AIM

This systematic review and network meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of adjunctive locally delivered antimicrobials, compared to subgingival instrumentation alone or plus a placebo, on changes in probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), in patients with residual pockets during supportive periodontal care.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Literature search was performed with electronic databases and by hand until 31 May 2020. Primary outcome was the changes in PPD. The treatment effects between groups were estimated with weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and prediction intervals (PI) by using random-effects network meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies were included. Significantly greater PPD reduction was achieved in chlorhexidine chip group (WMD: 0.65 mm, 95% CI: 0.21-1.10) and tetracycline fibre group (WMD: 0.64 mm, 95% CI: 0.20-1.08) over 6-month follow-up. Other adjunctive antimicrobial agents achieved non-significant improvements compared to scaling and root planing alone. All differences between adjunctive therapies were statistically non-significant. Similar findings were observed for CAL gain.

CONCLUSION

Adjunctive local antimicrobial agents achieved small additional PPD reduction and CAL gain in residual pockets for a follow-up of up to 6 months. Tetracycline fibre and chlorhexidine chip achieved better results than other antimicrobials.

Effect of chlorhexidine chip as an adjunct in non-surgical management of periodontal pockets: a meta-analysis

Background

The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the difference in treatment outcomes between sub-gingival placement of chlorhexidine chip (CHX chip) in adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) and SRP alone for the management of periodontal pockets in patients suffering from chronic periodontitis.

Methods

We searched the MEDLINE (PubMed), SCOPUS and CENTRAL databases and identified 15 randomized clinical trials published within the last decade (2007–2019): 9 with split-mouth design and 6 with parallel study design. We extracted data and performed both qualitative and quantitative syntheses. The primary outcomes assessed were gain in clinical attachment level (CAL), reduction in probing pocket depth (PPD), improvement in gingival inflammation, and results of microbiological assays.

Results

We used meta-analysis plots to assess all the clinical outcomes. The mean differences in PPD reductions at 1 month (MD 0.63), 3 months (MD 0.69), and 6 months (MD 0.75); and the CAL gains at 1 month (MD 0.54), 3 months (MD 0.64), and 6 months (MD 0.68) showed more favorable responses in sites treated with the CHX chip as an adjuvant to SRP, than in sites treated with SRP alone.

Conclusion

SRP with adjunctive CHX chips showed better clinical outcomes than SRP alone for the management of periodontal pockets in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Bioactive Healing Abutment as a Potential Tool for the Treatment of Peri-Implant Disease—In Vitro Study

The common use of dental implants for dental reconstruction poses new treatment challenges for physicians, peri-implantitis being a particularly difficult one. Micro-organisms, including drug-resistant Staphylococcus spp. strains, play a crucial role in the etiology of peri-implantitis. In this paper, the authors assess the efficacy of a bioactive healing abutment (BHA) of their own design for the local release of antibiotics as a potential tool for the treatment of peri-implant disease. BHA filled with a collagen material, combined with the antibiotics clindamycin and tetracycline, was tested in vitro by disk diffusion assay. Antibacterial activity was observed for the chosen Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis bacterial strains. In addition, the impact of titanium discs (which were used to make the BHA) was monitored. The results show that the zone diameter breakpoints for BHA are higher than those of standard absorbent paper discs in both tested strains for both tested antibiotics. This work demonstrates that the proposed BHA can serve as an effective and precise drug carrier. The release of antibiotics from the described implant device is easy to control and allows for an effective local antibacterial in vitro treatment. The procedure is inexpensive, easy to perform, and repeatable.

Antiseptics as adjuncts to scaling and root planing in the treatment of periodontitis: a systematic literature review

BACKGROUND

Periodontitis is microbially-associated, host-mediated inflammatory condition that results in loss of periodontal attachment. The goals of periodontal therapy include arresting the disease progression, establishing healthy, stable, maintainable periodontal conditions. A fundamental strategy of treating periodontitis is scaling and root planning (SRP), however its efficacy may be restricted in areas inaccessible for mechanical instrumentation. As periodontitis is infectious in nature, it might be helpful to use additional antimicrobial adjuncts, in order to eliminate or inactivate pathogenic microflora. The aim of this study is to evaluate the current evidence regarding the potential clinical benefits of using additional antiseptics for SRP in nonsurgical periodontal therapy.

METHODS

An electronic literature search was conducted in the MEDLINE (Ovid) and Cohrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases for articles published between January 1, 2000 and September 22, 2019. Randomized controlled clinical trials in English that compare the effectiveness of one or more antiseptic agents as adjuncts to SRP with a follow-up of ≥6 months were included. A meta-analysis using the random-effects model was performed on the selected qualifying articles.

RESULTS

The search resulted in 12 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Based on the vehicle employed to deliver the antiseptic agent, studies were divided into adjunctive sustained-release antiseptics (gels, chips and varnish) and adjunctive irrigation with antiseptics. The meta-analysis demonstrated significant improvements in probing depth (PD) reduction (p = 0.001), clinical attachment level (CAL) gain (p = 0.001), and bleeding on probing (BOP) values (p = 0.001) following the adjunctive subgingival application of sustained-release antiseptics. Additional subgingival irrigation with antiseptics failed to show significant improvements in PD (p = 0.321), CAL (p = 0.7568), or BOP values (p = 0.3549) over SRP alone.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjunctive subgingivally delivered antiseptics with a sustained-release delivery have significant clinical benefits compared to SRP alone.

Core-Shell poly-(D,l-Lactide-co-Glycolide)-chitosan Nanospheres with simvastatin-doxycycline for periodontal and osseous repair

This study aimed to evaluated the potential of core-shell poly(D,l-lactide-co-glycolide)-chitosan (PLGA-chitosan) nanospheres encapsulating simvastatin (SIM) and doxycycline (DOX) for promoting periodontal and large-sized osseous defects. SIM, and/or DOX were encapsulated in PLGA-chitosan nanospheres using double emulsion technique and were delivered to sites of experimental periodontitis and large-sized mandibular osseous defects of rats for 1-4 weeks. The resultant nanospheres were ~ 200 nm diameter with distinct core-shell structure and released SIM and DOX sustainably for 28 days. DOX and SIM-DOX nanospheres significantly inhibited P. gingivalis and S. sanguinis. In experimental periodontitis sites, SIM-DOX nanospheres significantly down-regulated IL-1b and MMP-8 and significantly reduced bone loss. In mandibular osseous defects, VEGF was up-regulated, and osteogenesis was significantly augmented with SIM nanospheres treatment. In conclusion, core-shell PLGA-chitosan nanospheres released SIM and DOX sustainably. SIM-DOX and SIM nanospheres could be considered to promote the repair of infected periodontal sites and non-infected osseous defects respectively.

Local drug delivery systems in the management of periodontitis: A scientific review

Periodontitis (PD) is a microbial disease of tooth supporting tissues that results in progressive destruction of surrounding soft and hard tissues with eventual tooth mobility and exfoliation. Perioceutics, which includes the delivery of therapeutic agents via systemic and local means as an adjunct to mechanical therapy has revolutionized the arena of periodontal therapy. Selection of a right antimicrobial agent with appropriate route of drug administration is the key to successful periodontal therapy. Irrigating systems, fibers, gels, strips, films, microparticles, nanoparticles and low dose antimicrobial agents are some of the local drug delivery systems (LDDS) available in the field, which aims to deliver antimicrobial agents to sub-gingival diseased sites with minimal or no side-effects on other body sites. The present review aim to summarize the current state-of-the-art technology on LDDS in periodontal therapy ensuring the the practitioners are able to choose LDD agents which are custom made for a specific clinical condition.

Application of xanthan gum as polysaccharide in tissue engineering: A review

Xanthan gum is a microbial high molecular weight exo-polysaccharide produced by Xanthomonas bacteria (a Gram-negative bacteria genus that exhibits several different species) and it has widely been used as an additive in various industrial and biomedical applications such as food and food packaging, cosmetics, water-based paints, toiletries, petroleum, oil-recovery, construction and building materials, and drug delivery. Recently, it has shown great potential in issue engineering applications and a variety of modification methods have been employed to modify xanthan gum as polysaccharide for this purpose. However, xanthan gum-based biomaterials need further modification for several targeted applications due to some disadvantages (e.g., processing and mechanical performance of xanthan gum), where modified xanthan gum will be well suited for tissue engineering products. In this review, the current scenario of the use of xanthan gum for various tissue engineering applications, including its origin, structure, properties, modification, and processing for the preparation of the hydrogels and/or the scaffolds is precisely reviewed.

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.

Chemometric evaluation of the efficacy of locally administered chlorhexidine in patients with periodontal disease

The process of assessment of drug efficacy produces multivariate data which are difficult to interpret. The interpretation and extraction of relevant data requires application of chemometric algorithms for multivariate data analysis. The aim of our study was evaluation of the efficacy of local treatment with chlorhexidine (CHX) in patients suffering from periodontal disease by chemometric algorithms for multivariate data analysis. Several algorithms were used: principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). The PCA models identified the examined variables as suitable for monitoring the periodontal disease progression at the same time revealing mutual relationship among them. The developed PLS-DA model successfully distinguished patients treated with CHX from non-treated patients. The OPLS-DA model revealed differences in the mechanism of action of the two widely applied treatments in periodontal disease, local administration of CHX and local administration of doxycycline (DOX). The approach presented in this study opens the possibility of application of chemometric algorithms for multivariate data analysis for assessment of treatment efficacy.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on the nonsurgical treatment of chronic periodontitis by means of scaling and root planing with or without adjuncts

BACKGROUND

Conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on nonsurgical treatment of patients with chronic periodontitis by means of scaling and root planing (SRP) with or without adjuncts.

METHODS

A panel of experts convened by the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs conducted a search of PubMed (MEDLINE) and Embase for randomized controlled trials of SRP with or without the use of adjuncts with clinical attachment level (CAL) outcomes in trials at least 6 months in duration and published in English through July 2014. The authors assessed individual study bias by using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and conducted meta-analyses to obtain the summary effect estimates and their precision and to assess heterogeneity. The authors used funnel plots and Egger tests to assess publication bias when there were more than 10 studies. The authors used a modified version of the US Preventive Services Task Force methods to assess the overall level of certainty in the evidence.

RESULTS

The panel included 72 articles on the effectiveness of SRP with or without the following: systemic antimicrobials, a systemic host modulator (subantimicrobial-dose doxycycline), locally delivered antimicrobials (chlorhexidine chips, doxycycline hyclate gel, and minocycline microspheres), and a variety of nonsurgical lasers (photodynamic therapy with a diode laser, a diode laser, neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet lasers, and erbium lasers).

CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

With a moderate level of certainty, the panel found approximately a 0.5-millimeter average improvement in CAL with SRP. Combinations of SRP with assorted adjuncts resulted in a range of average CAL improvements between 0.2 and 0.6 mm over SRP alone. The panel judged the following 4 adjunctive therapies as beneficial with a moderate level of certainty: systemic subantimicrobial-dose doxycycline, systemic antimicrobials, chlorhexidine chips, and photodynamic therapy with a diode laser. There was a low level of certainty in the benefits of the other included adjunctive therapies. The panel provides clinical recommendations in the associated clinical practice guideline.

Different methods for subgingival application of chlorhexidine in the treatment of patients with chronic periodontitis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical efficacy of different chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) preparations applied subgingivally as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 120 periodontal pockets was included in this randomized, controlled, split mouth designed study. According to protocols used in treatment, periodontal pockets were assigned to experimental and control groups as follows: CHX solution as an addition to SRP versus control SRP group; CHX gel as an addition to SRP versus control SRP; CHX chip as an addition to SRP versus control SRP group. Following clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, one and three months after the baseline: plaque index (PI), probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding index (BI) and clinical attachment level (CAL).

RESULTS

The most significant improvements were found concerning PI in CHX solution with SRP and CHX gel with SRP groups over controls at one month recall, as well as concerning BI and PPD in CHX chip with SRP group over SRP alone at three-month recall.

CONCLUSION

Results of this study favour combination therapy using CHX chip as an adjunct to SRP due to greater improvements in BI and PPD compared to those obtained by SRP alone in the treatment of chronic periodontitis.

Efficacy of curcumin as an adjunct to scaling and root planning in chronic periodontitis patients: A clinical and microbiological study

Background and Objectives:

Curcumin is a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory agent with various biologic and medicinal properties. Its therapeutic applications have been studied in a variety of conditions, but only few studies have evaluated the efficacy of curcumin as local drug delivery agent and in the treatment of periodontitis. The present study was to evaluate the efficacy of the adjunctive use of curcumin with scaling/root planing as compared with scaling/root planing alone in the treatment of the chronic periodontitis.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty patients with two sites in the contralateral quadrants having probing pocket depths (PPDs) of ≥5 mm were selected. Full mouth scaling and root planing (SRP) was performed followed by application of curcumin gel on a single side. Assessment of plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), PPD, and clinical attachment levels (CALs) were done at baseline and at 4^th week. Microbiologic assessment with polymerase chain reaction was done for Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tanerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola by collection of plaque samples.

Results:

The results revealed that there was a reduction in PI, GI, probing depth, CAL, and microbiologic parameters in test sites following SRP and curcumin gel application, when compared with SRP alone in control group.

Conclusion:

The local application of curcumin in conjunction with scaling and root planing have showed improvement in periodontal parameters and has a beneficial effect in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Adjunctive Effects of A Piscean Collagen-Based Controlled-Release Chlorhexidine Chip in the Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis: A Clinical and Microbiological Study

INTRODUCTION

PerioChip a bovine origin gelatine based CHX chip has shown beneficial effects in the management of Chronic Periodontitis. A new fish collagen based CHX chip similar to PerioChip is currently available; however this product has not been thoroughly researched.

AIM

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new Piscean collagen-based controlled-release chlorhexidine chip (CHX chip) as an adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planing (SRP).

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

The study was conducted as a randomised, split-mouth, controlled clinical trial at Krishnadevaraya College of Dental Sciences, Bangalore, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a split-mouth study involving 20 sites in 10 patients with chronic periodontitis, control sites received scaling and root planing and test sites received scaling and root planing (SRP) and the intrapocket CHX chip placement as an adjunct. Subgingival plaque samples were collected from both control and test sites at baseline, 11 days and 11 weeks and the anaerobic colony count were assessed. Clinical parameters that were recorded at baseline and 11 weeks were gingival index, Plaque index, Probing pocket depth (PPD), and Clinical attachment level (CAL). Plaque index was recorded additionally at 11 days.

RESULTS

In the test group there was a statistically significant reduction in the total anaerobic colony count, gingival index and plaque scores from baseline as compared to control sites at all time intervals. An additional 0.8mm reduction in mean probing pocket depth was noted in the test group. Gain in Clinical attachment level was comparable in both groups.

CONCLUSION

The adjunctive use of the new collagen-based CHX chip yielded significant antimicrobial benefit accompanied by a reduction in probing depth and a clinical attachment level gain as compared to SRP alone. This suggests that it may be a useful treatment option of nonsurgical periodontal treatment of chronic periodontitis.

Evaluation of three different manual techniques of sharpening curettes through a scanning electron microscope: a randomized controlled experimental study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of three different techniques for manually sharpening of periodontal curettes (PCs) by examining the blades with the aid of scanning electron microscope (SEM).

METHODS

Three groups were considered based on three sharpening methods used: group A (moving a PC over a stationary stone); group B (moving a stone over a stationary PC) and group C (moving a PC over a stone fixed, placed on a 'sharpening horse'). After the sharpening, the blades were examined using SEM. The SEM images were assessed independently by five different independent observers. An evaluation board was used to assign a value to each image. A preliminary pilot study was conducted to establish the number of samples. Pearson's correlation test was used to assess the correlations between measurements. anova test with Bonferroni's post hoc test was used to compare the three groups.

RESULTS

Sixty PCs (20 PCs per group) were used in this study. Statistically significant differences emerged between the three groups (P-value = 0.001). Bonferroni's test showed that the difference between groups A and B was not statistically significant (P-value = 0.80), while it was significant for the comparisons between groups A and C (P-value = 0.005) and between groups B and C (P-value = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The sharpening technique used in group C, which involved the use of the sharpening horse, proved the most effective.

Effect of chlorhexidine chip in the treatment of chronic periodontitis

AIMS

The evaluation of clinical and specific microbiological changes associated with chlorhexidine chip in the chronic periodontitis patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 30 chronic periodontitis patients (aged 20-65 years) having pocket depth of ≥5 mm in molar teeth were selected and randomly divided into following treatment groups: Group 1 - Scaling and root planning (SRP), Group 2 - SRP along with chlorhexidine chip and Group 3 - Only chlorhexidine chip. The clinical and microbial parameters were recorded at baseline and 1 and 3 months post-treatment as above. Benzoyl-DL-arginine-naphthylamide (BANA) chair side test was used for estimation of specific microbiota.

RESULTS

Gingival index, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level scores in selected teeth within the groups at different time intervals was significantly (P < 0.001) different. Although, the comparison between groups for specific microbiota in selected sites at different intervals was not statistically significant at baseline and 1 month, it reached statistical significance at 3(rd) month post-treatment. Although significant reductions in percentage of BANA positive sites were observed in all three groups, the Group 2 had significantly greater percentage of BANA negative sites.

CONCLUSION

Local drug delivery using chlorhexidine chip enhances the benefit of SRP in the treatment of chronic periodontitis.

Therapeutic effects of local drug delivery systems - PerioChip® in the treatment of periodontal disease

The primary goal of periodontal treatment is to stop periodontal disease progression and reduce future risks in disease recurrence. In order to overcome the limitations of the conventional treatment, controlled drug delivery systems for application in periodontal pockets have been developed. Their use offers several advantages: the therapeutic agent is targeted directly to the disease site and concentrations are 10-100 folds higher than the concentrations achieved by systemic administration, with low incidence of side effects. The PerioChip® is as local controlled-release biodegradable delivery system containing chlorhexidine digluconate. Several multicenter clinical trials have shown that the application of the PerioChip® in periodontal pockets as adjunct to the conventional periodontal treatment significantly improved the clinical parameters. In this article, the results from controlled clinical studies aimed to evaluate the clinical and microbiological efficacy of the PerioChip®, are discussed.

Management of biofilm control in an elderly patient suffering from rheumatoid arthritis: a case report

The increase in the average age of the population forces dentists and dental hygienists to deal with clinical scenarios typical of the elderly. In old people deep changes present both in systemic and oral health. These changes affect the anatomical and functional integrity of many tissues, such as the mouth. Impairment of patients' oral hygiene becomes manifested by local infections and promotes the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. There is also a significant increase in autoimmune diseases, which are defined as disorders of the immune system that result in abnormal immune responses. Among the autoimmune diseases of medical interest we report a case of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) strictly related to periodontal disease.

Effect of controlled-release Periochip™ on clinical and microbiological parameters in patients of chronic periodontitis

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the clinical and microbiological effectiveness of Periochip™ as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) with SRP alone in patients with chronic periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This randomized, split mouth, 3-month clinical and microbiological trial included 30 sites in 15 patients aged 30-50 years diagnosed with chronic periodontitis. In each patient, two bilateral pockets probing 5-7 mm were randomly assigned to test and control groups. The test group received SRP plus Periochip™, whereas the control group received SRP alone. Clinical indices and anaerobic culture analysis was done at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months interval. Total bacterial count and analysis of four major periodontopathogenic bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Prevotella intermedia (Pi), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) was done.

RESULTS

Significant improvement was obtained in all clinical variables in the test group as compared to the control group over the study period. Total colony counts were significantly reduced in the test group as compared to control over the period of time. At baseline Aa was recovered from 4 test group sites and 5 control group sites, Pg from 15 test group and 14 control group sites, Pi from 5 test group and 2 control group sites, Fn from 7 test and 7 control group sites. At 3 months, Aa was recovered from 1 test group and 4 control group sites, Pg from 4 test group and 8 control group sites, Pi from 1 test group and 1 control group site, Fn from 3 test and 4 control group sites.

CONCLUSION

Periochip™ placement as an adjunct to SRP, showed promising results, when compared to SRP alone. Healthy microflora can be maintained for a longer period of time and delay in the repopulation by periodontopathic microorganisms was observed.

Comparative analysis of hyaluronan gel and xanthan-based chlorhexidine gel, as adjunct to scaling and root planing with scaling and root planing alone in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: A preliminary study

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hyaluronan (HA) and chlorhexidine (CHX) gels as adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty patients within the age group of 30-65 years recruited to participate in the study were randomly equally divided into three groups. Complete SRP and subgingival debridement were performed within 6 h in all the patients. For control (Group I) patients, SRP was the only treatment modality given; for Group II and III patients, at least 8 teeth with 4-8 mm probing pocket depth (PPD) were selected for subgingival application of HA gel and CHX gel, respectively. Clinical periodontal parameters such as gingival index, PPD, and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline and 3 months, whereas plaque index was recorded at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. For measuring systemic/hematological parameters, blood samples for laboratory tests for total leucocyte count (TLC), differential leucocyte count (DLC), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were obtained using standard 2-mL syringe from each subject in all the three groups at baseline, 24 h, and on the 1 month and 3 months post-baseline.

RESULTS

In all the three groups, a significant reduction in PPD and gain in CAL were observed between baseline and 3 months follow-up (P< 0.05); however, at 3 months, change in PPD and CAL was more in Group II than Group III, but the difference was non-significant, and Group I (control) showed less changes in PPD and CAL than both experimental groups. Only one patient revealed positive value for CRP at baseline only, and hence could not be statistically analyzed. In all the three groups, the peak values for TLC count were observed at 24 h. At 1-month and 3-month intervals, a significant improvement in TLC and DLC counts was observed among the experimental (HA gel/SRP and Xan-CHX gel) groups as compared to control group (SRP alone).

Effectiveness of a controlled release chlorhexidine chip (PerioCol™-CG) as an adjunctive to scaling and root planing when compared to scaling and root planing alone in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: A comparative study

Aims and objectives:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a controlled-release chlorhexidine chip as an adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planing when compared with scaling and root planing alone in the treatment of chronic periodontitis.

Materials and Methods:

20 patients with a total number of 40 posterior sites were selected. These sites were divided into two groups in a split mouth design,: Group A (control site) had 20 sites treated with scaling and root planing alone and Group B (test site) had 20 sites treated with scaling and root planing and PerioCol™-CG. The clinical parameters (Plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level) were recorded at baseline, 90^th and 180^th day for both the groups.

Results:

When both groups were compared the change in Plaque index was significantly higher in Group B when compared to Group A on the 90^th day and 180^th day. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean percentage of gingival bleeding sites between the two groups on the 90^th day, though Group B showed a statistically higher reduction in the mean percentage of gingival bleeding sites at the end of 180^th day. There was no statistically significant difference in probing pocket depth between the two groups on both 90^th and 180^th day. Gain in clinical attachment level was significantly higher in Group B when compared to Group A on the 90^th and 180^th day.

Conclusion:

From the results observed in this study, it can be concluded that the adjunctive use of PerioCol™-CG was safe and provided significant improvement in both Plaque index and gingival bleeding index. It was also more favorable than scaling and root planing alone for gain in clinical attachment level.

A systematic review on the effects of local antimicrobials as adjuncts to subgingival debridement, compared with subgingival debridement alone, in the treatment of chronic periodontitis

AIMS

To update the existing scientific evidence on the efficacy of local antimicrobials as adjuncts to subgingival debridement in the treatment of chronic periodontitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifty-six papers were selected, reporting data from 52 different investigations. All the studies reported changes in probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) and most in plaque index (PlI) and/or bleeding on probing (BOP). Meta-analyses were performed with the data retrieved from the studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

The overall effect of the subgingival application of antimicrobials was statistically significant (p = 0.000) for both changes in PPD and CAL with a weighted mean difference (WMD) of -0.407 and -0.310 mm respectively. No significant differences occurred for changes in BOP and PlI. Subgingival application of tetracycline fibres, sustained released doxycycline and minocycline demonstrated a significant benefit in PPD reduction (WMD between 0.5 and 0.7 mm). The rest of the tested outcomes demonstrated a high heterogeneity. The local application of chlorhexidine and metronidazole showed a minimal effect when compared with placebo (WMD between 0.1 and 0.4 mm).

CONCLUSIONS

The scientific evidence supports the adjunctive use of local antimicrobials to debridement in deep or recurrent periodontal sites, mostly when using vehicles with proven sustained release of the antimicrobial.

Adjunctive effect of chlorhexidine antiseptics in mechanical periodontal treatment: first results of a preliminary case series

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present case series was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological effects of a single session of mechanical and manual scaling and root planing (SRP) combined with the use of two different chlorhexidine formulations in the treatment for generalized chronic periodontitis.

METHODS

Ten patients affected by chronic periodontal disease with periodontal probing depth (PPD) ≥ 5 mm were treated with SRP plus local chlorhexidine. In each patient, similar teeth, treated with SRP with the adjunctive use of chlorhexidine digluconate and dihydrochloride or chlorhexidine gluconate, respectively, were selected and assigned to a test and a control group. In both groups, PPD, bleeding on probing (BOP) parameters, total bacterial counts (TBC) and quality of periodontal bacteria at time 0 and 6 weeks after treatment were measured.

RESULTS

PPD significantly decreased over time both in the test and in the control group; however, no significant differences between the two groups were observed. BOP and TBC were significantly lower in the test than in the control group 6 weeks after treatment. In the post-treatment revaluation, a significant decrease both in the treatment and in the control group, for each of the single periodontal pathogens, was observed.

CONCLUSION

In this study--a preliminary case series with small sample size and short follow-up--the adjunctive use of chlorhexidine (CHX) to SRP resulted in clinical and microbiological benefits in the treatment for generalized chronic periodontitis. A CHX gel formulation consisting of CHX digluconate and CHX dihydrochloride seems to lead some additional benefits over SRP plus CHX gluconate in the short term. Additional investigations are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of this antiseptic therapy.

Effect of local drug delivery in chronic periodontitis patients: A meta-analysis

Periodontal diseases are multi-factorial in etiology, and bacteria are one among these etiologic agents. Thus, an essential component of therapy is to eliminate or control these pathogens. This has been traditionally accomplished through mechanical means (scaling and root planing (SRP)), which is time-consuming, difficult, and, sometimes, ineffective. From about the past 30 years, locally delivered, anti-infective pharmacological agents, most recently employing sustained-release vehicles, have been introduced to achieve this goal. This systematic review is an effort to determine the efficacy of the currently available anti-infective agents, with and without concurrent SRP, in controlling chronic periodontitis. Four studies were included, which were all randomized controlled trials, incorporating a total patient population of 80, with 97 control sites and 111 test sites. A meta-analysis completed on these four studies including SRP and local sustained-release agents compared with SRP alone indicated significant adjunctive probing depth (PD) reduction for 10% Doxycycline hycylate (ATRIDOX), minocycline hydrochloride (ARESTIN), tetracycline hydrochloride (PERIODONTAL PLUS AB), and chlorhexidine gluconate (PERIOCHIP). Essentially, all studies reported substantial reductions in gingival inflammation, plaque scores, and bleeding indices, which were similar in both the control and the experimental groups. Use of antimicrobial sustained-release systems as an adjunct to SRP does not result in significant patient-centered adverse events. Local drug delivery combined with SRP appears to provide additional benefits in PD reduction compared with SRP alone.

Treatment modalities and evaluation models for periodontitis

Periodontitis is the most common localized dental inflammatory disease related with several pathological conditions like inflammation of gums (gingivitis), degeneration of periodontal ligament, dental cementum and alveolar bone loss. In this perspective, the various preventive and treatment modalities, including oral hygiene, gingival irrigations, mechanical instrumentation, full mouth disinfection, host modulation and antimicrobial therapy, which are used either as adjunctive treatments or as stand-alone therapies in the non-surgical management of periodontal infections, have been discussed. Intra-pocket, sustained release systems have emerged as a novel paradigm for the future research. In this article, special consideration is given to different locally delivered anti-microbial and anti inflammatory medications which are either commercially available or are currently under consideration for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. The various in vitro dissolution models and microbiological strain investigated to impersonate the infected and inflamed periodontal cavity and to predict the in vivo performance of treatment modalities have also been thrashed out. Animal models that have been employed to explore the pathology at the different stages of periodontitis and to evaluate its treatment modalities are enlightened in this proposed review.

Clinical effects of an essential oil solution used as a coolant during ultrasonic root debridement

AIM

The use of chlorhexidine and povidone iodine solutions applied as a coolant during ultrasonic root debridement for the treatment of chronic periodontitis has been described. Hitherto, this application has not yet been extensively investigated for essential oil solutions. The goal was to clinically explore this and to compare to water irrigation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-five chronic periodontitis patients participated in a single-blind randomized controlled clinical study. Patients were randomly allocated to the control group (n=18) or test group (n=17) receiving oral hygiene instructions and ultrasonic root debridement using water as a coolant, respectively, a pure essential oil solution. Oral hygiene was reinforced if necessary at each occasion, and clinical parameters were collected at baseline and after 1 and 3 months.

RESULTS

Significant pocket reduction (control, 1.02 mm; test, 0.89 mm) and clinical attachment gain (control and test, 0.48 mm) were shown in both groups. However, there were no significant differences between the groups at any point in time for any of the parameters.

CONCLUSION

Essential oil solutions do not offer a clinical benefit over water when used as a coolant during ultrasonic root debridement for the treatment of chronic periodontitis.

Control of periodontal infections: a randomized controlled trial I. The primary outcome attachment gain and pocket depth reduction at treated sites

OBJECTIVE

To compare the treatment outcome of scaling and root planing (SRP) in combination with systemic antibiotics, local antibiotic therapy and/or periodontal surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred and eighty-seven patients were assigned to eight groups treated by SRP plus none, one, two or three adjunctive treatments and monitored for 24 months in a randomized controlled clinical trial using a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design. Systemic amoxicillin + metronidazole (SMA), local tetracycline delivery (LTC) and periodontal surgery (SURG) were evaluated as adjuncts. Changes in clinical attachment level (CAL) and probing pocket depth (PPD) were statistically evaluated by ancova of main effects.

RESULTS

Effects of adjunctive therapy to SRP were minimal at 3 months. Between 3 and 6 months PPD reduction occurred particularly in patients receiving periodontal surgery. After 6 months, both CAL gain and PPD reduction reached a plateau that was maintained at 24 months in all groups. The 24-month CAL gain was improved by SMA (0.50 mm) while PPD was reduced by SMA (0.51 mm) and SURG (0.36 mm). Smoking reduced CAL gain and PPD reduction.

CONCLUSION

Patients receiving adjunctive therapies generally exhibited improved CAL gain and/or PPD reduction when compared with the outcome of SRP alone. Only additive, not synergistic effects of the various adjunctive therapies were observed.

Multiple applications of flurbiprofen and chlorhexidine chips in patients with chronic periodontitis: a randomized, double blind, parallel, 2-arms clinical trial

AIM

The aim of the present randomized, double blind, parallel, 2-arm clinical study was to examine the safety and efficacy of frequent applications of chlorhexidine chip (CHX) and flurbiprofen chip (FBP) in patients with chronic periodontitis.

METHODS

Sixty patients were randomized into CHX and FBP groups. Following OHI and scaling and root planing (SRP), baseline pocket depth (PD) measurements, gingival recession and bleeding on probing (BOP) were performed and repeated at week 4 and 8. The assigned chip was placed at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7.

RESULTS

Mean PD reduction in the CHX group was 2.08 mm (7.17 to 5.09, p < 0.0001). Mean PD reduction in the FBP group was 2.27 mm (6.72 to 4.45, p < 0.0001). Ninety-seven percentage and 95% of these sites exhibited PD reduction ≥1 mm, while 38% and 34% of the sites exhibited PD ≥3 mm (FBP and CHX, respectively). Clinical attachment level gain (1.66 and 1.95 mm, respectively) was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Baseline BOP dropped from 98% and 100% to 24% and 30% for the CHX and FBP groups, respectively (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Frequent applications of CHX and FBP chips resulted in a significant improvement in the periodontal condition in these sites. Furthermore studies will be required to compare this new treatment regimen to SRP or SRP with single chip application.

A novel approach to the use of subgingival controlled-release chlorhexidine delivery in chronic periodontitis: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

We aimed to analyze clinical, microbiologic, and serologic effects of chlorhexidine (CHX) chips used as a subgingival controlled-release delivery device before and immediately after scaling and root planing (SRP).

METHODS

Twenty-four patients presenting with ≥12 teeth with probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm and bleeding on probing were assigned in test or control groups. After prophylaxis, CHX chips (test) or placebo chips (control) were placed in pockets with PD ≥5 mm. Ten days later, SRP was performed in all teeth with PD ≥4 mm in a single appointment. Immediately after SRP, new chips were inserted in all pockets with PD ≥5 mm. Parameters were assessed at baseline; beginning of SRP; and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. Subgingival samples were obtained at baseline; beginning of SRP; and at 1 month after treatment. Periodontal pathogens Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola were analyzed. Serum levels of high sensitive C-reactive and lipopolysaccharide-binding proteins were measured. The changes of the parameters between and within the groups were tested by Mann-Whitney U test (P <0.05).

RESULTS

All clinical and serologic parameters improved in both groups over time. There was a significant difference in clinical attachment level (CAL) gain from baseline to 6 months between groups (1.17 mm in the test group versus 0.79 mm in the placebo group) (P <0.05). The treatment with CHX chips showed a greater reduction of the microorganisms of the "red complex" after 1 month (P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

The use of CHX chips before and immediately after SRP improved CAL and reduced the subgingival microorganisms of the red complex in the treatment of chronic periodontitis.

Recent approaches for the treatment of periodontitis

Periodontal disease is a localised inflammatory response caused by the infection of a periodontal pocket arising from the accumulation of subgingival plaque. Periodontal disease has been considered as a possible risk factor for other systemic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and pre-term low birth weight infants. Advances in understanding the aetiology, epidemiology and microbiology of periodontal pocket flora have revolutionised the therapeutic strategies for the management of periodontal disease progression. This review summarises the recent developments in the field of intra-pocket drug delivery systems and identifies areas where further research may lead to a clinically effective intra-pocket delivery system.