The adjunctive use of a controlled-release chlorhexidine chip following treatment with a new ultrasonic device in supportive periodontal therapy: a prospective, controlled clinical study.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this randomised, split-mouth, controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a controlled-release chlorhexidine chip (CHX chip) as an adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planing (SRP) with a newly developed ultrasonic device in supportive periodontal therapy (SPT).


METHODS
Twenty patients with moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis, displaying at least four sites with probing depth (PD) > or = 5 mm and persistent bleeding on probing (BOP), were recruited for the study. The target sites were randomly treated with either a newly developed piezo-driven ultrasonic device Vector--or ultrasonic system (VUS) + CHX chip or VUS alone without adjunctive antimicrobial treatment. The clinical parameters, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), BOP, PD and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline and after 1, 3 and 6 months.


RESULTS
At baseline, there were no significant differences between test and control sites for any of the investigated parameters. The average reduction of PD and improvement in CAL was greater in the VUS + CHX chip sites than in sites treated with the VUS alone at 1, 3 and 6 months (P < 0.05). The mean reductions on PD and CAL were 0.7 and 0.6 mm for the control sites and 2.2 and 1.9 mm for the test sites, respectively. Also, the mean reduction in BOP scores were higher in the VUS + CHX chip sites compared to VUS alone at 1, 3 and 6 months (P < 0.05). PI scores were not significantly different between VUS + CHX chip sites and VUS alone sites at any visit.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that CHX chip application following SRP with the tested ultrasonic device is beneficial in improving periodontal parameters in patients on SPT.
Kasaj
Adrian
A
Department of Operative Dentistry, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany. Kasaj@gmx.de
Chiriachide
Alexandra
A
Willershausen
Brita
B
D000328:Adult; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000188:drug therapy; D012534:Dental Scaling / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004812:Epidemiologic Methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017622:Periodontal Attachment Loss / Q000188:drug therapy; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D002710:Chlorhexidine