Adjunctive use of tetracycline fibers with nonsurgical periodontal therapy in an adult with Down syndrome: a case report

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are susceptible to severe periodontal disease, due to immune alterations related to functional defects of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes. The adjunctive use of locally delivered antimicrobials has been proven to be beneficial, especially in areas where mechanical therapy might fail. This article describes the management of a patient with DS who had aggressive periodontitis. The treatment used a local drug delivery system with tetracycline fibers as an adjunct to scaling and root planing.