Local application of tetracycline solution with a microbrush: an alternative treatment for persistent periodontitis.
OBJECTIVE
Topical antibiotics may overcome shortcomings of mechanical therapy for localized persistent periodontitis. This double-center, single-blind, randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate the microbiologic profile and clinical parameters of persistent periodontal pockets after treatment with tetracycline solution.


METHODS
Thirty-seven patients who had at least 4 non-adjacent sites of persistent periodontal pockets with probing depth of at least 5 mm and bleeding on probing were randomly assigned to test and control groups. In the test group, 2 teeth received 4 applications of tetracycline solution (100 mg/mL) with a microbrush(T), while the other 2 teeth received the same treatment plus 1 session of scaling and root planing(SRP+T). In the control group, 2 teeth received 1 session of scaling and root planing(SRP), and the other 2 teeth received 4 applications of saline with a microbrush plus 1 session of scaling and root planing(SRP+S). Clinical parameters of probing depth, bleeding on probing, visible plaque index, gingival bleeding index, gingival recession, as well as clinical attachment level and subgingival plaque samples (evaluated by polymerase chain reaction) were measured at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months.


RESULTS
All therapies yielded statistically significant data on clinical measurements with no significant differences among groups. Presence of bacteria decreased in both groups, but only in the test group was a significant decrease of Porphyromonasgingivalis,Tannerellaforsythia, and Actinobacillusactinomycetemcomitans noted up to 6 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Tetracycline applied with a microbrush may be an alternative treatment for persistent periodontitis that can probably be mediated by reduction of microorganism proliferation
Bosco
Joseane M D
JMD
Lopes
Beatriz M V
BMV
Bosco
Alvaro F
AF
Spolidorio
Denise M P
DMP
Marcantonio
Rosemary A C
RAC
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D016976:Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans / Q000187:drug effects; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001439:Bacteroides / Q000187:drug effects; D003762:Dental Instruments; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D012534:Dental Scaling; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010512:Periodontal Index; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D016966:Porphyromonas gingivalis / Q000187:drug effects; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013752:Tetracycline / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D013752:Tetracycline