Local Drug Delivery Systems in Periodontal Therapy

Periodontal diseases are considered infection of the periodontium, because there is a bacterial etiology, an immune response, and tissue destruction. With the increasing awareness of the bacterial etiology of periodontal disease and in particular the hypothesis that specific bacteria are involved, a more direct approach using antimicrobial agents has become an integral part of the therapeutic armamentarium. Local delivery of chemotherapeutic agents into the pockets via a syringe or irrigating device has been shown to have an effect on the subgingival flora. The concept of administering an antibiotic to the immediate area of infection is attractive. It enables delivery of high drug concentrations directly to the infected site and eliminates or decreases the potential for creating antibiotic resistance. In recent years there are reports which suggest that mechanical debridement along with locally delivered adjunctive antimicrobial therapy are highly effective in the management of periodontal diseases and could hence reduce the need for surgery