Beyond Scaling: Local Drug Delivery in Periodontal Pocket Therapy - A Case Based Insight

Abstract

AbstractBackground/Aim: Locally delivered antimicrobials are adjunctive that are suggested to improve the clinical outcomes of non-surgical periodontal therapy. Metronidazole, Chlorhexidine, Doxycycline,Minocycline, and Tetracycline are the various local agents that can be administered directly into periodontal pockets to reduce pathogenic bacterial load and modulate host inflammatory response. This case report aims to demonstrate the clinical effectiveness of a local drug delivery (LDD) system as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the management of periodontal pockets.Methods: A patient presenting with localized chronic periodontitis and persistent periodontal pocket underwent thorough SRP followed by the placement of a locally delivered antimicrobial agent within the affected site. The selected LDD system was applied into the periodontal pocket, allowing sustained release of the drug over several days. Clinical parameters, including probing depth and clinical attachment level, were recorded at baseline and during follow-up visits.Results: The adjunctive use of the LDD system resulted in noticeable improvement in periodontal parameters, including reduction in probing depth and gain in clinical attachment. The controlled release mechanism ensured sustained antimicrobial activity within the periodontal pocket, contributing to enhanced healing compared to SRP alone.Conclusion: Within the limitations of a single case, the combination of SRP and locally delivered antimicrobial therapy demonstrated improved clinical outcomes. The use of controlled release antimicrobial agents may serve as a beneficial adjunct in managing periodontal pockets, with treatment decisions guided by individual clinical presentation and patient specific factors.