A systematic review on the effects of the chlorhexidine chip when used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of chronic periodontitis.
BACKGROUND
Several local antimicrobial agents, such as a bioabsorbable chlorhexidine chip, have been developed to enhance the outcome of non-surgical periodontal therapy.


METHODS
Electronic (MEDLINE and Cochrane Oral Health Group Specialized Trials Register) and manual searches were performed to detect studies concerning the use of the chlorhexidine chip as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Only full-text randomized controlled trials published in English up to June 2005 were included.


RESULTS
Five studies were finally selected following independent screening by two reviewers. Due to considerable heterogeneity in study design, a qualitative data analysis was performed. Multicenter studies have indicated significantly higher pocket reductions and clinical attachment gains following a combination of mechanical debridement and repeated chlorhexidine chip administration in comparison to scaling and root planing alone. However, some recent studies failed to confirm the additional value of the chlorhexidine chip. A number of interstudy disparities with respect to methodological quality and study design may account for this lack of accordance.


CONCLUSIONS
The clinical and microbiological data currently available on the chlorhexidine chip are limited and conflicting. More research is needed to elucidate the additional value of the chlorhexidine chip when used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing.
Cosyn
Jan
J
Department of Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium. jan.cosyn@vub.ac.be
Wyn
Iris
I
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D012534:Dental Scaling; D004343:Drug Implants; D006801:Humans; D017622:Periodontal Attachment Loss / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012107:Research Design; D016745:Root Planing
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D004343:Drug Implants; D002710:Chlorhexidine