title: [Subgingival irrigation: a heresy?].
abstract: Bacteria are the principal causal factor for gingivitis and adult periodontitis. This article is a review of the pertinent literature regarding subgingival irrigation with antimicrobial agents. Furthermore, the clinical significance of this technique is evaluated. In order for the antimicrobial agent to reach the base of the periodontal pocket, the canula must be placed at least 3.0 mm subgingivally. Subgingival irrigation offers no added antimicrobial effect over root scaling alone, but may extend the therapeutic effect of scaling. The effect of subgingival irrigation is none the less temporary. Subgingival irrigation must be regarded as an alternative treatment for gingivitis and adult periodontitis when root scaling alone is not sufficient.
authors.affiliation: Faculté de médecine dentaire, Université Laval, Ste-Foy, Québec.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bouclin
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: D'Aoust
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Landry
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D012534:Dental Scaling; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000382:microbiology; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D016745:Root Planing; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local