Randomized, controlled, single-masked, clinical study to compare and evaluate the efficacy of microspheres and gel in periodontal pocket therapy.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this randomized, split-mouth, single-masked study is to compare the efficacy of a gel and microspheres as drug-delivery systems in the treatment of periodontal disease.


METHODS
Microspheres were prepared, the release patterns of the microspheres and gel formulations were analyzed using an ultraviolet spectrophotometer, and particle shapes were studied under a scanning electron microscope. A split-mouth design was followed in which 30 potential sites were identified and divided into three groups: one control group and two groups in which microspheres or a gel was placed. Patients were recalled at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months. Clinical recordings included plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and relative attachment level (RAL) measurements; subgingival plaque was also obtained for microbiologic examination prior to and after therapy.


RESULTS
Microspheres had a more sustained release and a high initial drug concentration. There was a significant improvement in the PI and GI in the initial 3 months. The results were statistically significant at P = 0.01. The mean PD scores among scores for the three groups at baseline and follow-up visits showed a reduction of 0.4 to 1 mm. The microbiologic parameters were also statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that the type of delivery system could significantly influence the outcome of therapy.
Srirangarajan
S
S
Department of Periodontics, Bangalore Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Bangalore, India. docranga@yahoo.com
Mundargi
Raghavendra C
RC
Ravindra
S
S
Setty
Swati B
SB
Aminabhavi
T M
TM
Thakur
Srinath
S
D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D055113:Chronic Periodontitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000382:microbiology; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D004318:Doxycycline / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004337:Drug Carriers; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005782:Gels; D006801:Humans; D019344:Lactic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D008297:Male; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008863:Microspheres; D008875:Middle Aged; D010316:Particle Size; D017622:Periodontal Attachment Loss / Q000188:drug therapy; D010512:Periodontal Index; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011091:Polyesters / Q000737:chemistry; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004337:Drug Carriers; D005782:Gels; D011091:Polyesters; D000077182:Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; C016240:polycaprolactone; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D019344:Lactic Acid; D004318:Doxycycline