title: Systemic antibiotic therapy in severe periodontitis.
abstract: The main goal in the treatment of periodontitis is to control the subgingival infection. Systemic periodontal antibiotic therapy aims to reinforce mechanical debridement procedures and to support the host defense system in overcoming the infection that remains after conventional mechanical treatment. In particular, patients with early onset periodontitis and patients with refractory periodontitis may benefit from systemic antimicrobial therapy. Outside clinical parameters, the use of microbiologic information can assist in selecting the most optimal antibiotic regimen based on the presence and levels of selected periodontal pathogens.
authors.affiliation: Vrije Universiteit Oral Micro, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: van Winkelhoff
authors.forename: E G
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Winkel
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000658:Amoxicillin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D008795:Metronidazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D013752:Tetracycline / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D008795:Metronidazole; D000658:Amoxicillin; D013752:Tetracycline