A Randomized,Double‐Masked Clinical Trial Comparing Four Periodontitis Treatment Strategies: 1‐Year Clinical Results

Background: The benefit of full‐mouth disinfection (FDIS) over traditional scaling and root planing (SRP) remains equivocal, and it is not known whether the use of adjunctive antibiotics may enhance the effect of FDIS. The aim of the present study is to test the hypothesis that there is no difference in the 1‐year clinical outcome of therapy among groups of patients treated with conventional SRP performed over 2 to 3 weeks, or same‐day FDIS, with or without adjunctive metronidazole. Methods: A total of 184 patients with moderate‐to‐severe periodontitis were randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups: 1) FDIS+metronidazole; 2) FDIS+placebo; 3) SRP+metronidazole; or 4) SRP+placebo. Recordings of plaque, bleeding on probing, probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were carried out in four sites per tooth at baseline and at 3 and 12 months after treatment. Results: No differences were observed in the mean CAL or PD values between the four experimental groups at baseline and 3 or 12 months post‐treatment. All four groups displayed significant improvements in all parameters. However, using absence of pockets ≥5 mm as the criterion for treatment success, the two groups receiving adjunctive metronidazole performed significantly better than the two placebo groups. Conclusion: Metronidazole had a significant, adjunctive effect in patients with a metronidazole‐sensitive subgingival microbiota on the clinical parameters of CAL, PD, and absence of pockets ≥5 mm.     

The effect of metronidazole on the presence of P. gingivalis and T. forsythia at 3 and 12 months after different periodontal treatment strategies evaluated in a randomized,clinical trial

Abstract

Objective. The benefit of full-mouth disinfection (FDIS) over traditional scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of chronic, destructive periodontitis remains equivocal and it is not known whether the use of adjunctive antibiotics may enhance the effect of FDIS. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of conventional SRP completed over 21 days or 1-day FDIS, with or without systemically delivered adjunctive metronidazole (MET) on the presence of P. gingivalis and T. forsythia after 3 and 12 months. Materials and methods. One hundred and eighty-four patients with moderate-to-severe periodontitis were randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups; (1) FDIS+MET; (2) FDIS+placebo; (3) SRP+MET; (4) SRP+placebo. Prior to treatment, pooled subgingival samples were obtained from the five deepest pockets. The same sites were sampled again 3 and 12 months after treatment. All samples were analyzed for P. gingivalis and T. forsythia by PCR, whereas A. actinomycetemcomitans and other bacteria were identified by culture techniques. Results. At baseline, 47% of the samples were positive for P. gingivalis, while almost all samples were positive for T. forsythia. The occurrence of P. gingivalis and T. forsythia was significantly reduced at 3 and 12 months after treatment in the FDIS+MET group, but not in the other treatment groups. Conclusion. FDIS+MET had a significant effect in patients with P. gingivalis and T. forsythia, resulting in a significant reduction in number of patients where these micro-organisms could be detected at 3 and 12 months post-therapy.     

The combination of amoxicillin and metronidazole improves clinical and microbiologic results of one-stage, full-mouth, ultrasonic debridement in aggressive periodontitis treatment

Background: The aim of the present study is to assess clinical, microbiologic, and immunologic benefits of amoxicillin/metronidazole (AM) when performing full‐mouth ultrasonic debridement (FMUD) in generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) treatment. Methods: Twenty‐four GAgP patients were divided into two groups: the FMUD group (n = 12), which received FMUD plus placebo, and the FMUD+AM group (n = 12), which received FMUD and 375 mg amoxicillin plus 250 mg metronidazole for 7 days. The following clinical outcomes were tested: plaque and bleeding on probing indices, pocket probing depth (PD), relative gingival margin position (GMP), and relative clinical attachment level (CAL). Total amount of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Tannerella forsythia (Tf), and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) concentration of interleukin (IL)‐10 and IL‐1β were also determined. All clinical, microbiologic, and immunologic parameters were assessed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months post‐therapy. The ANOVA/Tukey test was used for statistical analysis (α = 5%). Results: Amoxicillin/metronidazole used as an adjunct to the FMUD protocol added clinical and microbiologic benefits to GAgP treatment (P <0.05). FMUD+AM groups presented an additional PD reduction in initially deep PDs at the 3‐month follow‐up (3.99 ± 1.16 mm and 3.09 ± 0.78 mm for FMUD+AM and FMUD, respectively; P <0.05), a lower number of residual pockets at the 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐ups, and a statistical reduction in amounts of Aa (P <0.05). Analysis of Tf and Pg amounts, as well as IL‐10 and IL‐1β GCF concentrations failed to demonstrate a difference between the groups (P >0.05). Conclusion: It may be concluded that amoxicillin/metronidazole improves clinical and microbiologic results of FMUD in GAgP treatment.     

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.     

Clinical and microbiologic results 12 months after scaling and root planing with different irrigation solutions in patients with moderate chronic periodontitis: a pilot randomized trial

Background: The aim of this study is to determine in a randomized trial the impact on treatment outcome after 12 months of different subgingival irrigation solutions during scaling and root planing (SRP). Methods: Fifty‐one adult volunteers with generalized chronic periodontitis were treated by full‐mouth SRP using 0.9% sodium chloride, 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate, or 7.5% povidone–iodine for subgingival irrigation during SRP. Before SRP and after 3 and 12 months, probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded. Subgingival plaque samples were analyzed for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Treponema denticola. Results: PD, CAL, and BOP were significantly improved in all groups after 12 months (P <0.001 to P = 0.044). No significant differences were seen among the groups for all sites and sites with 4 to 6 mm PD at baseline. The povidone–iodine group had the highest clinical improvements. The counts of A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis were significantly reduced after 12 months (P = 0.045 and P = 0.002) using povidone–iodine. Significant differences between the groups were seen after 3 months for A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis, and after 12 months for T. forsythia. Conclusions: No differences were seen among the groups in the clinical results after 12 months. Regarding the microbiologic results, a slight benefit seemed to derive from the use of povidone–iodine.     

Systemic ornidazole as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal therapy in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Background: The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate the adjunctive clinical effects of the systemic administration of ornidazole (ORN) in the full‐mouth scaling and root planing (SRP) of individuals with moderate‐to‐advanced chronic periodontitis. Methods: Fifty‐eight individuals presenting ≥12 teeth with probing depth (PD) ≥4 mm were selected. All participants were instructed on strict oral hygiene measures and were advised to use 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash for 1 week before being allocated to two groups. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to full‐mouth SRP + placebo (control group), and 28 participants were assigned to full‐mouth SRP + ORN (test group). The clinical outcomes evaluated were plaque index, gingival index, clinical attachment level (CAL), and PD. Results: Fifty participants could be evaluated by ≤6 months. At 6 months, the test group had greater mean reduction (2.84 mm) in PD compared to the control group (0.84 mm) (P <0.05), and there was also a greater mean CAL reduction (2.92 mm) in the test group compared to the control group (0.92 mm) (P <0.05). Conclusion: The systemic use of ORN, when used in conjunction with initial periodontal treatment consisting of SRP in adults with periodontitis, achieves significantly better clinical results than initial periodontal treatment alone.     

A Randomized Double‐Masked Clinical Trial Comparing Four Periodontitis Treatment Strategies: 5‐Year Tooth Loss Results

Background: Tooth loss is the ultimate negative consequence of periodontitis, and reports of the extent to which different treatment strategies may influence long‐term tooth loss are hard to find. This study aims to test the hypothesis that there is no difference in 5‐year clinical outcome of therapy in terms of tooth mortality between groups of patients treated with conventional scaling and root planing (SRP) over weeks or same‐day full‐mouth disinfection (FDIS), with or without adjunctive metronidazole (MET). Methods: One hundred eighty‐four patients with moderate‐to‐severe periodontitis were randomly allocated to one of four treatment groups: 1) FDIS+MET; 2) FDIS+placebo; 3) SRP+MET; and 4) SRP+placebo. Total 161 patients (88%) completed the 5‐year follow‐up examination, and data on number and timing of tooth extractions as well as pre‐extraction diagnoses and reasons for extractions were analyzed. Results: No differences were observed between groups with regard to number of, reasons for, or time of extractions in the four groups at baseline and 1, 3, and 5 years after treatment. Conclusion: If extraction or retention of teeth is regarded as a measure of failure or success 5 years after completion of periodontal therapy, none of the four strategies produced an end result better than the other.     

Clinical and Microbiologic Effects of Adjunctive Metronidazole Plus Amoxicillin in the Treatment of Generalized Chronic Periodontitis: Smokers Versus Non‐Smokers

Background: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the clinical and microbiologic effects of the adjunctive use of metronidazole (MTZ) and amoxicillin (AMX) in the treatment of smokers and non‐smokers with generalized chronic periodontitis (CP). Methods: Thirty‐two smokers and 32 non‐smokers were selected and received scaling and root planing (SRP) combined with MTZ (400 mg three times daily) and AMX (500 mg three times daily) for 14 days. Clinical and microbiologic examinations were performed at baseline and 3 months after SRP. Nine subgingival plaque samples per patient were analyzed using checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization. Results: Both groups presented a significant improvement in all clinical parameters at 3 months after therapy (P <0.05). Non‐smokers showed lower mean number of sites with probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm after therapy. Fewer non‐smokers exhibited at least nine of these sites at 3 months after treatment. Non‐smokers also presented the greatest reductions in mean PD and gain in clinical attachment between baseline and 3 months after therapy at initially deep (PD ≥7 mm) sites (P <0.01). The most beneficial changes in the microbial profile were also observed in the non‐smoker group, which showed the lowest proportions of the orange complex at 3 months, as well as a significant increase in the proportions of Actinomyces species after treatment. Conclusion: Smokers with CP benefit less than non‐smokers from treatment by the combination of SRP, MTZ, and AMX.     

Microbiologic Response to Periodontal Therapy and Multivariable Prediction of Clinical Outcome

Background: This study assesses the microbiologic effects of a two‐phase antimicrobial periodontal therapy and tested microbiologic, clinical, and biologic markers as prognostic indicators for clinical success. Methods: Eighty patients with chronic or aggressive periodontitis received periodontal treatment supplemented with 375 mg amoxicillin plus 500 mg metronidazole, three times daily for 7 days. In group A, antibiotics were given during the first non‐surgical phase (T1); in group B, antibiotics were given during the second surgical phase (T2). Six microorganisms, group assignment, demographic and clinical variables, peak values of 15 cytokines, and nine acute‐phase proteins in serum were evaluated as potential predictors of at least one site with probing depth (PD) >4 mm and bleeding on probing (BOP) at 12 months post‐therapy. Results: T1 decreased the counts of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Prevotella intermedia (Pi), and Treponema denticola significantly more in group A than group B. Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Parvimonas micra (Pm) showed a significant decrease only if the treatment was supplemented with antibiotics, i.e., T1 in group A, or T2 in group B. After T2, differences between groups were no longer significant. A multivariable model including four parameters revealed a predictive value of Pm (odds ratio [OR] = 4.38, P = 0.02) and Pi (OR = 3.44, P = 0.049) and yielded moderate accuracy for predicting the treatment outcome (area under the curve = 0.72). Host‐derived factors and treatment sequence were not significantly associated with the outcome. Conclusions: Long‐term microbiologic outcomes of periodontal therapy with adjunctive antibiotics either in T1 or T2 were similar. Detection of Pm before therapy was a predictor for persistence of sites with PD >4 mm and BOP at 12 months post‐treatment.     

Boric Acid Irrigation as an Adjunct to Mechanical Periodontal Therapy in Patients With Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: The purpose of this single‐masked, randomized, controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effects of boric acid irrigation as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) on clinical and microbiologic parameters and compare this method with chlorhexidine irrigation and SRP alone in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP). Methods: Forty‐five systemically healthy patients with CP are included in this study. They were divided into three groups: 1) SRP + saline irrigation (C); 2) SRP + chlorhexidine irrigation (CHX); and 3) SRP + boric acid irrigation (B). To determine an ideal concentration of boric acid, a preclinical analysis was conducted. At baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment, clinical measurements, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP), were performed, and subgingival plaque samples were taken. Quantitative analysis of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Tannerella forsythia (Tf), and Treponema denticola (Td) was performed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedures. Results: The concentration of boric acid is 0.75% in this study. All clinical parameters showed statistically significant reduction at all time points compared to baseline in all groups (P <0.001). Whole‐mouth PD and CAL reduction was similar in all groups at all time points after treatment (P >0.05). The PD and CAL reductions for moderately deep pockets (PD ≥5 and <7) were greater in the B group compared to other groups between baseline and 1 month (P <0.05). For deep pockets (PD ≥7), reductions were similar in the B and CHX groups (P >0.05). BOP (percentage) was significantly lower in the B group compared with the CHX and C groups in the first month after treatment (P <0.001). GI and PI scores were significantly lower in the B and CHX groups compared with the C group at all time points after treatment (P <0.05). The amounts of Pg, Tf, and Td were significantly reduced in all treatment groups after 1 month (P <0.05). No statistically significant differences were detected among the groups for microbiologic parameters at any time points after treatment (P >0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that boric acid could be an alternative to chlorhexidine, and it might be more favorable because boric acid was superior in whole‐mouth BOP as well as PD and CAL reduction for moderate pockets in early time periods.     

Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy as an Adjunct to Non‐Surgical Treatment of Aggressive Periodontitis: A Split‐Mouth Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: The management of aggressive periodontitis (AgP) represents a challenge for clinicians because there are no standardized protocols for an efficient control of the disease. This randomized controlled clinical trial evaluated the effects of repeated applications of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) adjunctive to scaling and root planing (SRP) in patients with AgP. Methods: Using a split‐mouth design, 20 patients with generalized AgP were treated with aPDT + SRP (test group) or SRP only (control group). aPDT was applied at four periods. All patients were monitored for 90 days. Clinical, microbiologic, and immunologic parameters were statistically analyzed. Results: In deep periodontal pocket analysis (probing depth [PD] ≥7 mm at baseline), the test group presented a decrease in PD and a clinical attachment gain significantly higher than the control group at 90 days (P <0.05). The test group also demonstrated significantly less periodontal pathogens of red and orange complexes and a lower interleukin‐1β/interleukin‐10 ratio than the control group (P <0.05). Conclusion: The application of four sessions of aPDT, adjunctive to SRP, promotes additional clinical, microbiologic, and immunologic benefits in the treatment of deep periodontal pockets in single‐rooted teeth in patients with AgP.     

Controlled-delivery chlorhexidine chip versus amoxicillin/metronidazole as adjunctive antimicrobial therapy for generalized aggressive periodontitis: a randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Subgingival application of chlorhexidine via a controlled-delivery device (CHX chip) improves the clinical outcome of scaling/root planing (SRP) in therapy for chronic periodontitis. Generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP) is commonly treated with SRP and adjunctive antimicrobial medication. To date, the efficacy of CHX chips in GAP therapy has not been evaluated. AIM: To compare SRP plus adjunctive CHX chip placement with SRP plus adjunctive systemic amoxicillin/metronidazole with regard to clinical efficacy in first-line therapy for GAP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-six GAP patients were treated with SRP and randomly with either placement of CHX chips or systemic amoxicillin/metronidazole. Clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BoP) and suppuration (Pus) were measured at baseline, 3 and 6 months after therapy. RESULTS: CAL, PD, BoP and Pus were significantly reduced in both groups after 3 months. In the CHX chip group, PD significantly increased again between 3 and 6 months. Finally, amoxicillin/metronidazole patients presented significantly more CAL "gain", PD reduction and less remaining deep sites after 6 months. Pus remained detectable in CHX chip patients only. CONCLUSIONS: In first-line non-surgical therapy for GAP, SRP plus adjunctive systemic amoxicillin/metronidazole was more efficacious in clinically relevant measures of outcome than SRP plus adjunctive placement of CHX chips.     

Adjunctive Non‐Surgical Therapy of Inflamed Periodontal Pockets During Maintenance Therapy Using Diode Laser: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Numerous studies have documented the clinical outcomes of laser therapy for untreated periodontitis, but very few have reported on lasers treating inflamed pockets during maintenance therapy. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of scaling and root planing (SRP) plus the adjunctive use of diode laser therapy to SRP alone on changes in the clinical parameters of disease and on the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) inflammatory mediator interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in patients receiving regular periodontal maintenance therapy. Methods: This single‐masked and randomized, controlled, prospective study includes 22 patients receiving regular periodontal maintenance therapy who had one or more periodontal sites with a probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm with bleeding on probing (BOP). Fifty‐six sites were treated with SRP and adjunctive laser therapy (SRP + L). Fifty‐eight sites were treated with SRP alone. Clinical parameters, including PD, clinical attachment level (CAL), and BOP, and GCF IL‐1β levels were measured immediately before treatment (baseline) and 3 months after treatment. Results: Sites treated with SRP + L and SRP alone resulted in statistically significant reductions in PD and BOP and gains in CAL. These changes were not significantly different between the two therapies. Similarly, differences in GCF IL‐1β levels between SRP + L and SRP alone were not statistically significant. Conclusion: In periodontal maintenance patients, SRP + L did not enhance clinical outcomes compared to SRP alone in the treatment of inflamed sites with ≥5 mm PD.     

One-stage full-mouth disinfection as a therapeutic approach for generalized aggressive periodontitis

Background: Data concerning treatment outcomes in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP) are limited. The aim of this study is to investigate 6‐month clinical and microbiologic outcomes of the one‐stage full‐mouth disinfection (OSFMD) in the management of patients with GAgP. Methods: Twenty‐seven patients with advanced GAgP were included in this prospective follow‐up intervention study. Clinical and microbiologic parameters were collected at baseline and 3 and 6 months after the OSFMD. Patient‐, tooth‐, and site‐level analyses were carried out. Subgingival samples from moderate (4 to 5 mm) and deep (≥6 mm) pocket sites were analyzed using a polymerase chain reaction for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (previously Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans), Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia (previously T. forsythensis), and Treponema denticola. Results: The OSFMD resulted in significant improvements in all parameters. After 6 months, the whole‐mouth probing depth (PD) decreased from 4.2 ± 1.1 mm to 2.8 ± 0.6 mm, and the clinical attachment level was reduced from 4.5 ± 1.2 mm to 3.4 ± 1.1 mm (P <0.001). When data were analyzed based on the frequency distribution of PD, the number of sites with PD ≥5 mm decreased by 61% from baseline values, and mean PD reductions of 1.5 and 2.5 mm were noted in moderate and deep pockets, respectively. At 6 months, percentages of moderate and deep sites free of pathogens were 40% and 27%, respectively. Conclusion: The OSFMD may be a viable approach to deal with severe GAgP.     

Scaling and root planing, systemic metronidazole and professional plaque removal in the treatment of chronic periodontitis in a Brazilian population. I. clinical results

OBJECTIVE: The current investigation evaluated the clinical effects of scaling and root planing (SRP) alone or in combination with systemic metronidazole and/or repeated professional removal of supragingival plaque in subjects with chronic periodontitis. METHODS: Fourty-four adult subjects (mean age: 45+/-6 years) with periodontitis were randomly assigned to four treatment groups; a control (C, n=10) that received SRP and placebo and three test groups treated as follows: Test 1 (T1) (n=12) received SRP and metronidazole (400 mg t.i.d., M) for 10 days; Test 2 (T2) (n=12) received SRP, weekly professional supragingival plaque removal for three months (professional cleaning (PC)) and placebo; and Test 3 (T3) (n=10) received SRP, M and PC. Pocket depth (PD), attachment level (AL), bleeding on probing (BOP) and presence of visible plaque and suppuration were measured at six sites per tooth at baseline and at 90 days post-therapy. Significance of differences over time was determined using the Wilcoxon test, and among groups using ancova. RESULTS: A reduction in full-mouth mean clinical parameters was observed at 90 days after all therapies. Sites with baseline PD<4 mm showed an increase in mean PD in the control group and in mean AL in all treatment groups. Sites with baseline PD of 4-6 mm in subjects who received PC as part of therapy (T2, T3) showed a marked reduction in PD, AL and in the % of sites with BOP. Subjects who received metronidazole (T1 and T3) showed the best clinical response at sites with an initial PD of >6 mm. The major clinical benefit occurred when the combination of SRP, M and PC was used. Group T3 showed the least attachment loss in initially shallow pockets. This group also exhibited the greatest reduction in the % of sites with BOP and suppuration as well as in mean PD and AL at sites with baseline PD>4 mm. CONCLUSION: The data suggest a significant clinical benefit in combining SRP, systemic metronidazole and weekly professional supragingival plaque removal for the treatment of chronic periodontitis.     

Meta-analysis of local metronidazole in the treatment of chronic periodontitis

BACKGROUND: Meta-analysis was used to assess the effectiveness of local delivery of metronidazole alone or as an adjunct to mechanical therapy in patients with chronic periodontitis. METHODS: Studies were identified using MEDLINE and other sources. Meta-analyses were performed on the basis of probing depth (PD) at baseline and experimental and control regimens studied (i.e., metronidazole plus scaling and root planing [SRP] versus SRP and metronidazole versus SRP); the effect of local metronidazole on PD and attachment level (AL) was evaluated for follow-up times of 4, 8, 12, 24, and 36 weeks. The DerSimonian & Laird random effects model was used. RESULTS: Twelve studies that met inclusion criteria were entered into the meta-analysis. A significant mean reduction in PD for the combined metronidazole and SRP was observed in all comparisons with initial PD > or = 4 mm (0.38 mm at 8 weeks to 0.6 mm at 12 weeks); whereas, with initial PD > or = 5 mm a significant mean reduction was observed from 12 weeks (0.29 to 0.48 mm at 24 and 36 weeks, respectively). Meta-analysis could be performed for AL to test the effectiveness of metronidazole as an adjunct to SRP and a significant AL improvement was found in all analyses (0.2 mm at 4 weeks to 0.29 mm at 24 and 36 weeks). Meta-analyses were performed including two to four studies. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated the effectiveness of metronidazole as an adjunct to SRP in the treatment of chronic adult periodontitis, but clinical significance and dissemination of antibiotics should be taken into account in the evaluation of metronidazole as an alternative to SRP.     

Efficacy of short-term adjunctive subantimicrobial dose doxycycline in diabetic patients - randomized study

Oral Diseases (2012) 18 , 763–770 Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of short‐term adjunctive subantimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD) treatment in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 and chronic periodontitis (CP). Methods: Thirty‐four patients with CP and type 2 diabetes mellitus were included in the placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study. After scaling and root planing (SRP), patients were randomly assigned to two groups, receiving either SDD or placebo bid for 3 months. The probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), approximal plaque index, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level were recorded and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected at baseline and after 3‐month therapy for the estimation of matrix metalloproteinase‐8 levels. Results: Clinical attachment level, PD, and BOP improved significantly in both groups after therapy (P < 0.05). The statistically significant difference between the two groups after the therapy was observed only in PD in tooth sites with initial PD ≥ 4 mm (SRP + placebo: 3.41 ± 0.6 mm vs SRP + SDD: 2.92 ± 0.5 mm, P < 0.05). GCF matrix metalloproteinase‐8 levels were significantly reduced only in SRP + SDD group (P < 0.01). There were no changes in HbA1c levels after therapy. Conclusion: The short‐term administration of SDD gives significant benefit at tooth sites with moderate disease (PD ≥ 4 mm) when compared to SRP alone in patients with diabetes and CP.     

缓释氯己定凝胶在慢性牙周炎治疗中的应用

目的:观察龈上洁治术、龈下刮治术和根面平整术(scaling and root planing,SRP)结合缓释氯己定凝胶(chlorhexidine,CHX)对慢性牙周炎的治疗作用。方法:选择35～65岁的慢性牙周炎患者36例,将后牙区牙周袋数目较多的单颌设定为实验组,对颌为对照组。实验组采取SRP+CHX治疗,对照组采取SRP治疗。分别于牙周治疗前、中、后3个阶段,记录每个受试牙近颊、颊侧、远颊、近舌、舌侧和远舌位点的牙龈指数(GI)、探诊出血(BOP)、探诊深度(PD)、临床附着水平(CAL)、探诊出血指数(SBI)。结果:BOP、SBI、PD、GI四项指标在治疗后1个月,实验组与对照组之间有显著差异(P<0.05),4个月后则无显著性差异(P>0.05)。CAL在治疗后1个月,两组间无显著(P>0.05),而4个月后差异显著性差异(P<0.05)。无论是实验组还是对照组,治疗前后各项牙周指标后牙区位点对治疗的反应明显不如前牙区,但无显著性差异(P>0.05)。PD>7 mm的深牙周袋,SRP+CHX组与SRP组之间4个月后仍有显著性差异。结论:在慢性牙周炎治疗过程中,SRP+CHX治疗能够改善牙周临床指标,尤其对PD>7 mm的深牙周袋有更好的治疗作用。     

Timing affects the clinical outcome of adjunctive systemic antibiotic therapy for generalized aggressive periodontitis

BACKGROUND: Systemic antibiotics improve the outcome of scaling and root planing (SRP) in patients exhibiting severe periodontitis. This study evaluated the influence of timing of adjunctive systemic antibiotics in the sequence of periodontal therapy. METHODS: Two cohorts of patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis and treated by SRP, adjunctive antibiotics, and supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) were analyzed retrospectively. Cohort A (17 patients; 36 +/- 5 years of age) received systemic amoxicillin/metronidazole immediately after SRP ("immediate"); cohort B (17 patients; 36 +/- 4 years of age) received the same regimen 3 months after SRP, following SPT, including subgingival reinstrumentation ("late"). Clinical parameters, including probing depth (PD), relative attachment level (RAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and suppuration, were recorded with a pressure-sensitive electronic probe at baseline and 3 and 6 months after SRP. RESULTS: Significant time*group interactions were found for all clinical parameters except BOP, i.e., timing of antibiotic therapy affected the course of clinical changes over time. Immediate antibiotic therapy produced significantly higher initial changes (0 to 3 months) in PD and RAL. Late antibiotic therapy at 3 months resulted in additional significant improvements in all clinical parameters between 3 and 6 months. In initially deep sites (baseline PD >6 mm), improvements in PD and RAL over 6 months were significantly higher with immediate antibiotic therapy compared to late antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of a retrospective analysis, these findings indicate that administration of amoxicillin/metronidazole immediately after initial SRP provides more PD reduction and RAL "gain" in initially deep sites than late administration at SPT with reinstrumentation after 3 months.     

Clinical and microbiological benefits of systemic metronidazole and amoxicillin in the treatment of smokers with chronic periodontitis: a randomized placebo-controlled study

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological effects of scaling and root planing (SRP) alone or combined with metronidazole (MTZ) or with MTZ and amoxicillin (AMX) in the treatment of smokers with chronic periodontitis. Methods: A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized clinical trial was conducted in 43 subjects who received SRP alone (n=15) or combined with MTZ (400 mg 3 × per day, n=14) or with MTZ+AMX (500 mg 3 × per day, n=14) for 14 days. Clinical and microbiological examinations were performed at baseline and 3 months post‐therapy. Subgingival samples were analysed by checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization. Results: Subjects receiving MTZ+AMX showed the greatest improvements in mean probing depth and clinical attachment level. Both antibiotic therapies led to additional clinical benefits over SRP alone in initially shallow, intermediate, and deep sites. The SRP+MTZ+AMX therapy led to the most beneficial changes in the subgingival microbial profile. These subjects showed significant reductions in the mean counts and proportions of periodontal pathogens such as Tannerella forsythia, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola, and the greatest increase in proportions of host‐compatible species. Conclusion: Significant advantages are observed when systemic antibiotics are combined with SRP in the treatment of smokers with chronic periodontitis. The greatest benefits in clinical and microbiological parameters are achieved with the use of SRP+MTZ+AMX.