tetracycline and Periodontal-Pocket

Meta-analysis was used to assess the clinical efficacy of local delivery of tetracycline alone or as an adjunct to conventional mechanical therapy in patients with chronic periodontitis.. Studies were identified in MEDLINE and others sources. Meta-analyses were performed on the basis of probing depth (PD) at baseline, type of antimicrobial used, and experimental and control regimens (i.e., tetracycline plus scaling and root planing [SRP] versus SRP, tetracycline versus SRP, and tetracycline versus placebo, or no treatment). The effect of local tetracycline was evaluated for follow-up times of 4, 8, 12, 16, 24, and 36 weeks. Sensitivity analysis was performed according to antimicrobial delivery mode (irrigation, fibers, strips). A random effects model was used.. The literature search identified 29 studies that met our inclusion criteria and were entered Into the meta-analysis. A significant mean reduction in PD for the combined tetracycline and SRP was observed regardless of initial probing depth and independently to the duration of follow-up. Tetracycline alone did not perform better than SRP, whereas they performed significantly better than placebo. Differences in improvement of attachment level (AL) were substantially similar to those encountered for PD.. Our results documented that local. delivery of tetracycline improves the clinical outcomes of traditional treatment and should be considered particularly as an adjunct to SRP. Considerations regarding the adverse effects of widespread use of tetracycline should be taken into account when choosing a therapeutic strategy of chronic periodontitis.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chronic Disease; Combined Modality Therapy; Dental Scaling; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Placebos; Root Planing; Tetracycline; Treatment Outcome

This paper reports a meta-analysis of studies that have investigated the effect of scaling and root planing on periodontal probing depth and attachment loss.. The criteria used for inclusion of studies were as follows: root planing and scaling alone was one of the primary treatment arms; patients or quadrants of each patient were randomly assigned to study groups; 80% of patients enrolled were included in first year follow-up examinations; periodontal probing depth and attachment loss were reported in mm; the sample size of each study and substudy was reported. Sample size was used to weight the relative contribution of each study since standard errors were not reported by many studies and sample size is highly correlated with standard error and therefore statistically able to explain a substantial portion of the standard error on studies that use similar measures.. The meta-analysis results show that periodontal probing depth and gain of attachment level do not improve significantly following root planing and scaling for patients with shallow initial periodontal probing depths. However, there was about a 1-mm reduction for medium initial periodontal probing depths and a 2-mm reduction for deep initial periodontal probing depths. Similarly, there was about a 0.50-mm gain in attachment for medium initial periodontal probing depth measurements and slightly more than a l-mm gain in attachment for deep initial periodontal probing depth measurements. Surgical therapy for patients with deep initial probing depths showed better results than scaling and root planing in reducing probing depths. When patients were followed up over 3 years or more, these differences were reduced to less than 0.4 mm. Antibiotic therapy showed similar results to scaling and root planing. However, a consistent improvement in periodontal probing depth and gain of attachment is demonstrated when local antibiotic therapy is combined with root planing and scaling.

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Combined Modality Therapy; Dental Scaling; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Metronidazole; Minocycline; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Pocket; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Root Planing; Sample Size; Statistics as Topic; Surgical Flaps; Tetracycline; Treatment Outcome

Gingival diseases are the most widely dispersed diseases in the United States. In some patients, periodontal disease appears in a generalized form, but more often it appears in localized areas. Furthermore, after treatment with scaling and root planing in generalized cases, the disease is often reduced to a few local areas in the patient's mouth. Because periodontitis is a bacterial infection with known pathogenic microorganisms, the local delivery of antimicrobial agents has been considered to be a possible solution for treating and controlling localized forms of periodontal disease. Three local chemotherapeutic agents are reviewed in this paper: tetracycline fiber, doxycycline gel, and chlorhexidine chip. With the advancement of local drug delivery systems, restorative dentists, periodontists, and their patients have new alternatives for the treatment of periodontal disease. Local chemotherapeutic agents offer an additional mode of therapy and should be used on a case-by-case basis, not necessarily as an initial treatment.

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Chlorhexidine; Doxycycline; Humans; Periodontal Pocket; Tetracycline

Since it is a disease mainly caused by plaque--an aggregate of various bacteria--periodontal disease can be considered a local infection. Thus, it has seemed reasonable to utilize antibiotics to suppress the intrapocket bacteria, specifically or nonspecifically. When antibiotics are administered orally, however, massive doses over a prolonged period of time are needed to attain a therapeutic effect. This increases the risk of adverse reactions as well as developing resistant strains of bacteria. To overcome these problems, local drug delivery systems (LDDS) were devised to combat the local infection. However, the intrapocket antibiotic delivery systems have yet to be fully evaluated for clinical effectiveness; to prove the therapeutic effectiveness of locally administered antibiotics, the drug must reach the base of the periodontal pocket and the effective concentration of the antibiotic against the pathogenic bacteria must be maintained for a long time. This concise review presents with figures, tables, and a comprehensive list of references the many studies which have used the various tetracyclines as LDDS to treat periodontal disease.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacterial Infections; Biodegradation, Environmental; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Delivery Systems; Humans; Minocycline; Periodontal Pocket; Tetracycline; Therapeutic Irrigation

Periodontal therapy has the primary aim of halting periodontal disease progression. Clinical trials over the years have indicated that meticulous scaling and root planing in conjunction with a patient's proper plaque control can arrest periodontitis, but this therapy is not always completely effective and thus adjunctive therapies need to be considered. Local delivery of antibacterial agents into periodontal pockets has been extensively developed and investigated since the late 1970s and many systems have been designed to maintain high levels of antimicrobial agents in the crevicular fluid with minimal systemic uptake. More recently subgingival antimicrobial delivery systems have become available to the practising periodontist for clinical use. These systems, employ different antimicrobial agents but also different delivery systems which influence the concentration of available drug over time. The dental profession is confused by the wide variety of available slow release subgingival antimicrobial devices on the market and clearly comparative independent assessment of these therapies is needed. This review will summarise the findings of a comparative study on three commonly available periodontal local delivery antimicrobial systems on sites with previously unsuccessful mechanical therapy. The slow release devices studied adjunctively with root planing were: Actisite, Dentomycin and Elyzol, compared to root planing alone. Substantivity of an antimicrobial system is the ability of the system to maintain an effective concentration of drug over time which may be the most significant difference between the three delivery systems rather than the type of antimicrobial drug used. Although all three locally applied antimicrobial systems seem to offer some benefit over scaling and root planing alone, a treatment regime of scaling and root planing plus tetracycline fibre placement gave the greatest reduction in probing pocket depth over the six months after treatment.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Biocompatible Materials; Cellulose; Delayed-Action Preparations; Dental Scaling; Disease Progression; Drug Delivery Systems; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Glycerides; Humans; Metronidazole; Minocycline; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Pocket; Root Planing; Sesame Oil; Tetracycline

The microbial flora in the natural dentition sulcus/pocket and the implant crevice/pocket is very similar in both health and disease. In health, coccal forms predominate, and in disease, large numbers of Gram-negative pathogens are associated with both tooth and implant. It has also been demonstrated that the bacteria in the partially edentulous implant case may be more pathogenic (especially Gram-negative rods and spirochetes) than in the fully edentulous case, indicating a possible seeding mechanism from tooth pocket to implant crevice. Detoxification procedures involving the use of tetracycline and citric acid prior to regenerative procedures with the use of barrier membranes and grafting materials are necessary, and the same problems attendant to premature exposure of the barrier membrane(s) in the natural dentition situation apply to the implant case. It is apparent that periodontitis = peri-implantitis in etiology and therapy.

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria; Chelating Agents; Citric Acid; Dental Implants; Gingiva; Gram-Negative Bacteria; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections; Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal; Humans; Jaw, Edentulous, Partially; Membranes, Artificial; Mouth, Edentulous; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Spirochaetales; Tetracycline; Tooth; Virulence

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Chlorhexidine; Clinical Trials as Topic; Dental Scaling; Drug Combinations; Drug Delivery Systems; Humans; Hydrogen Peroxide; Periodontal Pocket; Povidone-Iodine; Sodium Bicarbonate; Tetracycline; Therapeutic Irrigation; Tin Fluorides

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drug Carriers; Humans; Patient Selection; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Polyvinyls; Recurrence; Retreatment; Tetracycline

Since last reviewing the field, controlled release products have made the jump from research to clinical practice. The potential to extend the efficacy of periodontal therapy with such products is exciting, but also needs careful evaluation. This review will look at recent developments and also will examine the eventual place for these products in periodontics.

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Delivery Systems; Gels; Humans; Metronidazole; Minocycline; Patient Care Planning; Patient Selection; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Polyvinyls; Root Planing; Tetracycline

This article addresses the use of tetracycline-impregnated fibers in the treatment of periodontal diseases. Clinical and microbiologic data are reviewed to provide pragmatic guidelines for fiber use. In addition, controversial issues associated with the labeling of Actisite, the potential of developing antibiotic-resistant strains, and the benefits of systemic vs local drug delivery are discussed. Ultimately, the article concludes that tetracycline-impregnated fibers can be used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in certain patients at sites that do not respond to conventional therapy.

Topics: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans; Drug Delivery Systems; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Humans; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Tetracycline; Tetracycline Resistance; Tetracyclines; Time Factors

A new therapeutic approach involves the discovery by the "Stony Brook group," that tetracyclines, but not other antibiotics, can inhibit host-derived collagen-destructive enzymes. This newly discovered property of tetracyclines is unrelated to the antimicrobial activity of these drugs. Examples support the hypothesis that this unexpected property of tetracyclines provides a new approach to treating periodontal diseases as well as a variety of medical disorders.

Topics: Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; Metalloendopeptidases; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Pocket; Tetracycline; Tetracyclines

Topics: Administration, Topical; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Delivery Systems; Epithelium; Humans; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Tetracycline; Tooth Root

The use of systemic tetracycline in the treatment of periodontal disease has been controversial. To investigate this controversy, we performed a quality assessment and attempted to perform a meta-analysis of 13 published studies. We evaluated the quality of the study protocol and data analysis and presentation for each study. We were unable to combine data from the majority of studies due to heterogeneity of the outcomes evaluated and limitations in data reported in the individual studies. Therefore, only 2 studies were included in the quantitative meta-analysis. On a scale of 0-1, the mean score for this group of studies was 0.27 (+/- 0.19) for study protocol and 0.31 (+/- 0.11) for data analysis and presentation. Mean reduction in probing depth for the group treated with tetracycline plus scaling was 2.45 mm; for the group which received only scaling, 2.02 mm; for the group that received only tetracycline, 1.98 mm; and for the control group, 0.65 mm. We conclude that analysis of data from the published literature does not demonstrate that the use of systemic tetracycline is more beneficial than conventional treatment in the management of adult periodontal disease. More information is needed in order to perform an extensive meta-analysis of this subject.

Topics: Adult; Chronic Disease; Clinical Protocols; Data Interpretation, Statistical; Dental Scaling; Humans; Meta-Analysis as Topic; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Research Design; Tetracycline; Treatment Outcome

The present communication attempts to summarize some of the features of attachment loss which are of interest to the clinician and the statistician analyzing data from clinical trials. These include the measurements employed to detect changes in attachment level, the nature of the destructive disease process and the effects of therapy on the attachment level measurements. Although there are several difficulties associated with the attachment level measurement, at the present time it appears to be the best estimator of periodontal attachment available. The overall standard deviation of this measurement in greater than 46,000 replicate measurements at periodontal sites in 58 subjects was 0.78 mm (range 0.4 to 1.2 mm). In the periodontally healthy subject, the length of the attachment measured around 28 teeth is approximately 700 mm. Therefore, there are approximately 1400 adjacent points along the periodontal attachment where a measurement could be made using a periodontal probe with a 0.5 mm diameter tip. If 6 measurements were recorded per tooth, then approximately 12% of the possible probable points would be evaluated. Recent data indicate that destructive periodontal diseases progress with acute bursts of activity rather than as slowly progressive, continual processes. Such findings suggest new models of attachment loss progression. In one likely model, destructive periodontal diseases would progress by asynchronous bursts of activity at individual sites which occur with greater frequency during a finite period of time in an individual's life. 3 major patterns of attachment loss could be distinguished when frequency distributions of attachment level measurements were constructed for 61 destructive periodontal disease subjects. Pattern I (30 subjects) exhibited a bimodal distribution with localized destruction occurring at less than 34% of sites. Pattern II (14 subjects) exhibited more widespread disease (greater than 33% of sites affected) with a trimodal frequency distribution. Pattern III (17 subjects) exhibited a unimodal distribution in which virtually all sites were affected. The proportions of Fusobacterium nucleatum, Streptococcus intermedius and Eikenella corrodens in subgingival plaque samples were significantly elevated in sites of subjects with patterns II and III (the widespread disease groups). Bacteroides intermedius, Streptococcus uberis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans were elevated in sampled sites of localized disease subjects

Topics: Adult; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; Dental Cementum; Dental Enamel; Dental Plaque; Epithelial Attachment; Humans; Models, Biological; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontium; Surgical Flaps; Tetracycline; Time Factors

Periodontal diseases are common oral diseases that afflict all humans to some degree. The major aetiological agent is dental plaque--the complex microflora which forms on teeth in the absence of effective oral hygiene. The interaction of the microbial flora and the periodontal tissues produces an inflammatory response and tissue breakdown. Recent information has categorized periodontal diseases on the basis of increased knowledge about the particular microorganisms associated with the different clinical conditions. In addition, the important role of host defences, in particular the phagocytic cellular elements, has allowed for a better understanding of the pathological processes. This knowledge is contributing towards the development of rational and effective therapy for all forms of periodontal diseases. Because of the widespread occurrence of periodontal diseases and their potential relationships to systemic conditions, it is important that medical practitioners should be able to recognize, and be conversant with methods of treatment of, these diseases.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Child; Chronic Disease; Dental Plaque; Gingivitis; Gingivitis, Necrotizing Ulcerative; Humans; Metronidazole; Oral Hygiene; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Periodontium; Stomatitis, Herpetic; Tetracycline

The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of resorbable collagen-based tetracycline fibers (Periodontal Plus AB fibers) given as an adjunct to scaling and root planing, with the clinical effects of scaling and root planning delivered as a monotherapy, in the treatment of chronic periodontitis.. A split-mouth design was used to conduct this study. Forty patients with periodontal pockets ranging from ≥ 5 mm to ≤ 7 mm, with minimum of two sites in two non-adjacent quadrants, were selected for the study. The treatment sites in each patient were randomly divided into the control and experimental groups. All of the selected sites were treated with scaling and root planning, and then collagen-based resorbable tetracycline fibers were placed adjunctively in the experimental sites at the same visit. Baseline and follow-up measurements in both treatment groups included plaque index, sulcus bleeding index, probing pocket depth, and relative attachment level.. Although significant clinical benefits were obtained in both treatment groups, the adjunctive antimicrobial use of tetracycline fibers demonstrated better results compared to the control group over the 3-month observational period.. The delivery of antimicrobial agent tetracycline in a collagen matrix was found to improve the benefits of scaling and root planing by a larger magnitude in patients with moderate-to-deep pockets.

Topics: Absorbable Implants; Administration, Topical; Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chronic Periodontitis; Combined Modality Therapy; Delayed-Action Preparations; Dental Plaque Index; Dental Scaling; Drug Carriers; Female; Fibrillar Collagens; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Root Planing; Tetracycline; Treatment Outcome

This split-mouth clinical study aimed to investigate levels of alpha-2-macroglobulin (a2M) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of chronic periodontitis patients pre- and post-scaling and root planing (SRP) with or without adjunctive use of tetracycline fibers.. In 30 patients of chronic periodontitis, samples of GCF were collected from the gingival sulcus before SRP. Recording of clinical parameters was conducted. This was followed by local drug delivery (LDD) of tetracycline fibers in test sites. In control sites, no LDD was done. Second samples of GCF were taken 90 days after treatment. Samples of crevicular fluid were analyzed to determine the levels of a2m.. A gain of clinical attachment (CAL) of 3.30 mm for SRP and LDD and for SRP alone was 1.62 mm (p < 0.001). The pocket probing depth was significantly decreased by 2.43 mm for SRP and LDD and for SRP alone was 1.61 mm (p < 0.001) after 90 days. Alpha-2-macroglobulin was significantly reduced in GCF by SRP and SRP and LDD after 90 days (p < 0.001).. Clinical and biochemical variables showed a more favorable outcome when SRP was combined with LDD of tetracycline fibers in management of patients suffering from chronic periodontitis.

Topics: Adult; alpha-Macroglobulins; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biomarkers; Chronic Periodontitis; Dental Plaque Index; Dental Scaling; Female; Gingiva; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Root Planing; Tetracycline

To examine the 2-year post-therapy kinetics of change in the composition of subgingival biofilms.. In this study, 178 chronic periodontitis subjects were recruited and clinically monitored at baseline, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after therapy. All subjects received scaling and root planing and 156 one or more of periodontal surgery, systemically administered amoxicillin + metronidazole or local tetracycline at pockets ≥5 mm. Subgingival biofilm samples taken from each subject at each time point were analysed for their content of 40 bacterial species using checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization. The significance of changes in median species counts over time was sought using the Wilcoxon or Friedman tests and adjusted for multiple comparisons.. Mean counts were significantly reduced from baseline to 2 years for 30 of the 40 taxa. Marked reductions were observed for periodontal pathogens including Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola and Eubacterium nodatum. The kinetics of change differed from species to species. When data were subset according to baseline PD, patterns of change in the microbial profiles were generally similar.. Periodontal therapy leads to a rapid reduction in periodontal pathogens, followed by a slower reduction in other taxa that can be sustained for at least 2 years.

Topics: Amoxicillin; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacterial Load; Bacteroides; Biofilms; Capnocytophaga; Chronic Periodontitis; Dental Scaling; Drug Combinations; Eubacterium; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Fusobacterium; Humans; Male; Metronidazole; Middle Aged; Periodontal Pocket; Prevotella; Prospective Studies; Root Planing; Single-Blind Method; Streptococcus; Tetracycline; Treponema denticola

To compare the treatment outcome of scaling and root planing (SRP) in combination with systemic antibiotics, local antibiotic therapy and/or periodontal surgery.. One hundred and eighty-seven patients were assigned to eight groups treated by SRP plus none, one, two or three adjunctive treatments and monitored for 24 months in a randomized controlled clinical trial using a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design. Systemic amoxicillin + metronidazole (SMA), local tetracycline delivery (LTC) and periodontal surgery (SURG) were evaluated as adjuncts. Changes in clinical attachment level (CAL) and probing pocket depth (PPD) were statistically evaluated by ancova of main effects.. Effects of adjunctive therapy to SRP were minimal at 3 months. Between 3 and 6 months PPD reduction occurred particularly in patients receiving periodontal surgery. After 6 months, both CAL gain and PPD reduction reached a plateau that was maintained at 24 months in all groups. The 24-month CAL gain was improved by SMA (0.50 mm) while PPD was reduced by SMA (0.51 mm) and SURG (0.36 mm). Smoking reduced CAL gain and PPD reduction.. Patients receiving adjunctive therapies generally exhibited improved CAL gain and/or PPD reduction when compared with the outcome of SRP alone. Only additive, not synergistic effects of the various adjunctive therapies were observed.

Topics: Amoxicillin; Analysis of Variance; Anti-Infective Agents; Cellulose; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Chlorhexidine; Dental Scaling; Drug Combinations; Drug Delivery Systems; Female; Humans; Male; Metronidazole; Middle Aged; Oral Surgical Procedures; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Smoking; Tetracycline; Treatment Outcome

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.. 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.. 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.. Tetracycline applied with a microbrush may be an alternative treatment for persistent periodontitis that can probably be mediated by reduction of microorganism proliferation

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteroides; Dental Instruments; Dental Plaque Index; Dental Scaling; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Porphyromonas gingivalis; Single-Blind Method; Tetracycline; Treatment Outcome

The treatment of molar furcation defects remains a considerable challenge in clinical practice. The degree of success in the management of furcation involvement is highly variable and inversely related to initial probing depth (PD) measurements in these lesions. The identification of clinical measurements influential to the treatment outcomes is critical to optimize the results of surgical periodontal therapy. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical response of mandibular buccal Class II furcation lesions to a combined regenerative treatment modality.. Sixty patients were divided into two (n = 30) treatment groups. An experimental combined regenerative therapy (ET) was compared to open flap debridement (OFD). The ET was a combination of a composite graft consisting of bioabsorbable hydroxyapatite and tetracycline (3:1), a guided tissue regeneration barrier, and a coronally advanced flap. The clinical variables evaluated were plaque, bleeding on probing, gingival recession, PD, vertical attachment level (VAL), horizontal attachment level (HAL), furcation vertical height, furcation horizontal depth, and the amount of tissue under the barrier membrane at uncovering. Reevaluation was performed 12 months after the surgical procedure.. Both treatments resulted in improvements in all clinical variables evaluated. Postoperative measurements revealed a reduction in PD of 3.65 +/- 0.6 mm and 0.60 +/- 1.0 mm; VAL gains of 3.05 +/- 0.6 mm and 0.65 +/- 0.6 mm and HAL gains of 3.45 +/- 1.3 mm and 0.55 +/- 0.7 mm in the ET and OFD groups, respectively. In the ET group, significant positive correlations were found between baseline PD and PD reduction at 12 months, and the initial VAL correlated positively with PD reduction and HAL gain. The horizontal furcation depth and amount of tissue formed under the membrane at uncovering correlated positively with PD reduction and HAL and VAL gains. For the OFD group, the initial PD correlated positively with PD reduction and VAL and HAL gains and correlated negatively with recession. Initial VAL correlated positively with PD reductions and VAL and HAL gains. The initial HAL correlated negatively with recession at 12 months.. ET exhibited significantly better clinical results, with more PD reduction, HAL and VAL gains, and a higher frequency of furcation closure compared to OFD and showed promise as a regenerative treatment technique. The ability to predict a response to treatment based upon pretreatment parameters was not consistent between groups; thus, prediction of treatment outcomes based on pretreatment measurements should be carefully evaluated for each treatment modality.

Topics: Absorbable Implants; Adult; Alveoloplasty; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bone Regeneration; Bone Substitutes; Debridement; Dental Plaque Index; Durapatite; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Furcation Defects; Gingival Hemorrhage; Gingival Recession; Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal; Humans; Male; Mandibular Diseases; Membranes, Artificial; Middle Aged; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Prospective Studies; Surgical Flaps; Tetracycline; Treatment Outcome

This clinical study evaluated the influence of scaling and root planning (SRP), with and without the use of tetracycline-loaded bovine absorbent membrane, in the reduction of periodontal pockets according to 3 parameters: probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and plaque index (PI). Twenty-four patients were selected totalizing 144 random teeth divided in 2 groups (n=72 teeth) - control (SRP) and experimental (SRP with tetracycline-loaded absorbent membrane). PPD, BOP and PI were determined before and 28 days after the treatment. In all patients, the PPD values at the end of the treatment were always lower than the baseline values. There was a reduction of the PI for both treatments, but it was more evident on the experimental group. In conclusion, the use of tetracycline-loaded absorbent membrane could result in a better prognosis compared to scaling and root planning after only 28 days of evaluation.

Topics: Adult; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cattle; Dental Plaque; Dental Plaque Index; Dental Scaling; Drug Delivery Systems; Female; Humans; Male; Membranes, Artificial; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Tetracycline

To evaluate the influence of tetracycline gel, brushed on tooth surfaces, on periodontal clinical parameters following root debridement.. 20 subjects diagnosed with chronic periodontitis and presenting a minimum of two proximal sites on anterior teeth (maxillary or mandibular) with probing depth +/- 5 mm, were selected. Following oral hygiene instructions and ultrasonic supragingival instrumentation, subjects were assigned to one of the following groups: RDS--root debridement with Gracey curettes and root brushing with saline solution; and RDT--root debridement with Gracey curettes and root brushing with 40% tetracycline gel. Full-thickness flaps were reflected and instrumentation was performed using a clinical microscope to optimize calculus detection. Probing depth (PD), relative gingival margin level (RGML) and relative attachment level (RAL) measures were registered at five visits: baseline and days 30, 60, 90 and 120 postoperative.. Both approaches were able to markedly reduce the PD values from baseline in all periods (P < 0.0001). No differences were found for RAL values in any of the groups. No differences were found between groups. In conclusion, the application of tetracycline gel does not seem to provide any additional improvement on clinical periodontal parameters after root debridement.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Combined Modality Therapy; Dental Scaling; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gels; Gingival Recession; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Oral Hygiene; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Root Planing; Subgingival Curettage; Surgical Flaps; Tetracycline; Tooth Root; Ultrasonic Therapy

The aim of our study was to evaluate the clinical, radiological and microbiological response to the local delivery of tetracycline (TE) of sites with persistent periodontal lesions.. The study was conducted in a split-mouth design. Nineteen patients with at least four bilateral pockets 4-5 mm and bleeding on probing (BOP) were treated with scaling and root planing (SRP) plus TE fibres (test sites) or with SRP alone (control sites). Clinical and radiological measurements were taken at baseline, 6 months and 12 months post-operatively. Subgingival plaque samples were collected at baseline, at fibres removal, 6 and 12 months following treatment and analysed by polymerase chain reaction.. Both treatments yielded a statistically significant (p<0.05) reduction of probing depth (2.05 and 1.21 mm), gain of clinical attachment level (1.71 and 0.53 mm) and reduction of BOP scores (23.68% and 57.89%) for TE and SRP groups, respectively, when comparing 12-month data with baseline. The differences between two groups were significant. The prevalence of Treponema denticola and Bacteroides forsythus decreased after therapy in both groups but only in the test sites Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Prevotella intermedia were not yield detected. The pathogens could be eliminated from five periodontal pockets by SRP alone, while 21 TE sites were not recolonized at 12 months.. SRP plus TE fibres gave the greatest advantage in the treatment of periodontal persistent lesions at least 12 months following treatment.

Topics: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteroides; Cellulose; Dental Plaque; Dental Scaling; Drug Delivery Systems; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gingival Hemorrhage; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Prevotella intermedia; Root Planing; Tetracycline; Treponema

Tetracyclines have been extensively used as adjunctives to conventional periodontal therapy. Emergence of resistant strains, however, has been reported. This study evaluated longitudinally the tetracycline resistance patterns of the subgingival microbiota of periodontitis subjects treated with systemic or local tetracycline therapy+scaling and root planing (SRP).. Thirty chronic periodontitis patients were randomly assigned to three groups: SRP+500 mg of systemic tetracycline twice/day for 14 days; SRP alone and SRP+tetracycline fibers (Actsite) at four selected sites for 10 days. Subgingival plaque samples were obtained from four sites with probing pocket depths (PPD)> or =6 mm in each patient at baseline, 1 week, 3, 6 and 12 months post-therapy. Samples were dispersed and diluted in pre-reduced anaerobically sterilized Ringer's solution, plated on Trypticase Soy Agar (TSA)+5% blood with or without 4 microg/ml of tetracycline and incubated anaerobically for 10 days. The percentage of resistant microorganisms were determined and the isolates identified by DNA probes and the checkerboard method. Significance of differences among and within groups over time was sought using the Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman tests, respectively.. The percentage of resistant microorganisms increased significantly at 1 week in the tetracycline groups, but dropped to baseline levels over time. The SRP+Actsite group presented the lowest proportions of resistant species at 6 and 12 months. No significant changes were observed in the SRP group. The predominant tetracycline-resistant species included Streptococcus spp., Veillonela parvula, Peptostreptococcus micros, Prevotella intermedia, Gemella morbillorum and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa). A high percentage of sites with resistant Aa, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tanerella forsythensis was observed in all groups at baseline. However, T. forsythensis was not detected in any group and P. gingivalis was not present in the SRP+Actsite group at 1 year post-therapy. Aa was still frequently detected in all groups after therapy. However, the greatest reduction was observed in the SRP+Actsite group.. Local or systemically administered tetracycline results in transitory selection of subgingival species intrinsically resistant to this drug. Although the percentage of sites harboring periodontal pathogens resistant to tetracycline were quite elevated in this population, both therapies were effective in reducing their prevalence over time.

Topics: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteroides; Cellulose; Dental Plaque; Dental Scaling; Drug Delivery Systems; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Middle Aged; Peptostreptococcus; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Porphyromonas gingivalis; Prevotella intermedia; Root Planing; Streptococcus; Tetracycline; Tetracycline Resistance; Veillonella

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a composite bone graft (demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft, calcium sulfate, tetracycline, and porous hydroxyapatite) and calcium sulfate barrier to treat non-furcation osseous defects.. One hundred patients were treated with the technique. The preoperative measurements were compared to the postoperative measurements (mean 5.2 months) to determine whether the technique had a statistically significant effect. Various factors were evaluated to determine whether they could be related to improved or diminished results.. The surgical procedure produced a statistically significant change in the clinical measurements. The mean recession increased from 0.8 to 1.8 mm; the mean probing depth decreased from 8.5 to 3.8 mm; and the attachment level improved from 9.3 to 5.5 mm. Non-smokers, defects in the mandibular arch, defects with deeper probing depths, or defects with greater attachment loss had statistically significant changes in one or more of the clinical parameters evaluated.. The technique examined in this study (composite bone graft + calcium sulfate barrier) was an effective method to improve the clinical measurements.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Alveolar Bone Loss; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biocompatible Materials; Bone Substitutes; Bone Transplantation; Calcium Sulfate; Durapatite; Female; Gingival Recession; Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal; Humans; Male; Membranes, Artificial; Middle Aged; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Pocket; Tetracycline

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of tetracycline fibres (TCF) as an adjunct to scaling in the treatment of generalised aggressive periodontitis and to compare the effects with mechanical treatment only. Ten patients, 24-39 years old referred for treatment to the Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Implant Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki took part in the study. A split-mouth experimental design was used. Measurements referring to bleeding on probing (BOP), pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were performed at 12 sites randomly selected. Clinical recordings were made at baseline, 2 and 6 months, after treatment. Subgingival plaque samples were taken for microbiological analysis using the 'checkerboard' DNA-DNA hybridisation technique at baseline, immediately after treatment and at 2 and 6 months. Full-mouth scaling and root planing were performed, with the exception of 2 pre-selected sites, which served as controls. Tetracycline fibres were applied in 5 pockets located in the same half mouth. Analysis of clinical findings showed that mechanical instrumentation in combination with TCF application led to a greater improvement in clinical parameters than scaling and root planing only. Microbial analysis showed a statistically significant greater reduction in the percentages of detection for B. forsythus, P. nigrescens and A. naeslundii genospecies II in pockets where tetracycline fibres were applied. In conclusion, the clinical and microbiological data of the present study suggest that the adjunctive use of TCF improves the clinical response of scaling and root planing in aggressive periodontitis patients.

Topics: Actinomyces; Adult; Analysis of Variance; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteroides; Cellulose; Chi-Square Distribution; Colony Count, Microbial; Dental Scaling; Drug Delivery Systems; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Prevotella; Root Planing; Tetracycline

Several antibacterial agents have been studied as a means to produce bactericidal or bacteriostatic activity as an adjunct to mechanical treatment of periodontal disease. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of tetracycline strips administered singly or in multiples in conjunction with root planing, versus root planing alone, or to an untreated control. Secondary purposes were to compare gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) volume and GCF concentrations of tetracycline in pockets treated with strips; to evaluate strip insertion time; and to compare ease of placement for single or multiple strips.. Using a 4-quadrant design, 4 test teeth in 24 patients were treated with either root planing and single strip application; root planing and multiple strip application; root planing alone; or an untreated control.. Single and multiple strip placement resulted in a significant reduction in probing depth (P = 0.033) compared to root planing and untreated groups. The multiple strip group significantly decreased bleeding on probing (P = 0.05) compared to all other treatment groups. There was no treatment effect on GCF; however, there was a significant reduction in the GCF volume over time (P = 0.001). The time required for placement was, on average, 1.9 minutes for single strips and 3.25 minutes for multiple strips.. Our data suggest that multiple strips are superior to a single strip in reducing bleeding on probing, and that local delivery of tetracycline is superior to root planing alone in reducing probing depth.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Analysis of Variance; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Delayed-Action Preparations; Dental Plaque Index; Dental Scaling; Drug Carriers; Drug Delivery Systems; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingival Hemorrhage; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Polymers; Root Planing; Single-Blind Method; Statistics as Topic; Tetracycline; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

Class II furcations present difficult treatment problems and historically several treatment approaches to obtain furcation fill have been used.. The response of mandibular Class II facial furcations to treatment with either bioactive glass (PG) bone replacement graft material or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) barrier membrane was evaluated in 27 pairs of mandibular molars in 27 patients with moderate to advanced periodontitis. Following initial preparation, full thickness flaps were raised in the area being treated, the bone and furcation defects debrided of granulomatous tissue, and the involved root surfaces mechanically prepared and chemically conditioned. By random allocation, PG or ePTFE was placed into or fitted over the furcations, packed or secured in place, and the host flap replaced or coronally positioned with sutures. Postsurgical deplaquing was performed every 10 days leading up to ePTFE removal at about 6 weeks. Continuing periodontal maintenance therapy was provided until surgical reentry at 6 months for documentation and any further necessary treatment.. Direct clinical measurements demonstrated essentially similar clinical results with both treatments for bone and soft tissue changes. There were no statistically or clinically significant differences (e.g., mean horizontal furcation fill 1.4 mm PG, 1.3 mm ePTFE; mean percent horizontal furcation fill 31.6% PG, 31.1% ePTFE, both P>0.85). Seventeen of the PG treated and 18 of the ePTFE furcations became Class I clinically and 1 furcation completely closed clinically with each treatment. Intrapatient comparisons showed similar horizontal furcation responses with both treatments.. The findings of this study suggest essentially equal clinical results with PG bone replacement graft material and e-PTFE barriers in mandibular molar Class II furcations. PG use was associated with simpler application and required no additional material removal procedures.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Analysis of Variance; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bone Substitutes; Ceramics; Debridement; Dental Plaque; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Furcation Defects; Gingival Recession; Humans; Male; Mandible; Membranes, Artificial; Middle Aged; Molar; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Polytetrafluoroethylene; Statistics, Nonparametric; Surgical Flaps; Tetracycline; Tooth Root; Treatment Outcome

Currently, several local antimicrobial delivery systems are available to periodontists. The aim of this 6-month follow-up parallel study was to evaluate the efficacy of three commercially available local delivery systems as adjuncts to scaling and root planing in the treatment of sites with persistent periodontal lesions.. Seventy-nine patients with 4 pockets > or = 5 mm and bleeding on probing and/or suppuration were randomized into 4 treatment groups which included: scaling and root planing alone (S) (20 patients), or in conjunction with the application of 25% tetracycline fibers (S+Tet) (19 patients), or 2% minocycline gel (S+Min) (21 patients), or 25% metronidazole gel (S+Met) (19 patients). Clinical measurements were taken at baseline, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after antimicrobial application. Treatments were applied using the distributors' recommended protocols.. All 4 therapies resulted in significant improvements from baseline in probing depth, attachment level, bleeding on probing, and the Modified Gingival Index (MGI) scores. The improvements in clinical parameters were greater in all 3 adjunctive treatment groups than scaling and root planing alone. The mean probing depth reductions at 6 months were: scaling + tetracycline = 1.38 mm; scaling + metronidazole = 0.93 mm; scaling + minocycline = 1.10 mm; and scaling alone = 0.71 mm. The probing depth reduction at all time points was significantly greater in the scaling plus tetracycline fiber group than the scaling and root planing alone group (P<0.01). There was also a significant improvement for scaling plus tetracycline fiber application over scaling and metronidazole at both 6 weeks and 3 months, although this did not remain significant at the 6-month visit. While the frequency of sites with suppuration was markedly reduced following all antimicrobial treatments, the most effective reductions were seen in the scaling plus tetracycline fiber group, followed by the minocycline group.. Although all 3 locally applied antimicrobial systems seem to offer some benefit over scaling and root planing alone, a treatment regimen of scaling and root planing plus tetracycline fiber placement gave the greatest reduction in probing depth over the 6 months after treatment.

Topics: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Chronic Disease; Dental Scaling; Drug Delivery Systems; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gels; Humans; Linear Models; Male; Metronidazole; Middle Aged; Minocycline; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Statistics, Nonparametric; Tetracycline; Treatment Outcome

The purpose of this single-blind, randomized study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of slow-release tetracycline fibers as an adjunct to initial periodontal therapy in moderate to advanced periodontitis patients who had no periodontal treatment before. A group of 17 patients with at least two sites in each quadrant with probing pocket depths > 5 mm that bled on probing were included in the study. After scaling and root planing, each selected site was randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: tetracycline fiber therapy and control group. Plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level were measured at baseline and at 1, 3, and 7 weeks. The change from the baseline of each measurement was studied using analysis of variance with subject and treatment effects and a baseline covariate. Results of this investigation demonstrated that tetracycline fiber treatment as adjunct to scaling and root planing is effective in regard to probing pocket depth reduction and bleeding on probing. On the other hand, fiber application seems to have no beneficial effect on gain of clinical attachment level within limits of this study.

Topics: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chi-Square Distribution; Dental Scaling; Drug Delivery Systems; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Single-Blind Method; Tetracycline; Treatment Outcome

The present study compared the effectiveness of two antimicrobials, tetracycline and metronidazole, in reducing subgingival microorganisms in periodontal pockets using an ethyl cellulose strip as the delivery medium. The study involved 30 patients, with a minimum of 3 periodontal pockets with probing depths > 6 mm throughout the oral cavity. Patients were given supragingival scaling and then divided into 5 groups, depending on the length of time the medication was in place. Sites were marked for tetracycline, metronidazole, and placebo. Sites were wiped and isolated, and baseline microbiology samples were taken for Gram staining and culture methods. After treatment, subgingival microbiological samples were taken again. The ethyl cellulose strips were removed and analyzed for any remaining drug. Results showed that tetracycline and metronidazole can both be applied locally to periodontal sites using ethyl cellulose strips and markedly suppress the subgingival bacteria over a period of several days. The tetracycline showed a faster release; however, the metronidazole required a lesser concentration to achieve complete reduction of the subgingival flora.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Antitrichomonal Agents; Cellulose; Colony Count, Microbial; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Delivery Systems; Female; Hardness; Humans; Male; Metronidazole; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Middle Aged; Periodontal Pocket; Tetracycline; Time Factors

This randomized, examiner masked, split mouth study evaluated a new model to test periodontal therapy involving a novel bioerodible copolymer gel containing tetracycline hydrochloride. Responses to the tetracycline gel and untreated control were compared for product tolerance and 3 different measures of effectiveness (drug retention, changes in microbial levels, and clinical status). The test gel was administered by syringe into the periodontal pockets of 18 systemically healthy adult volunteers, each of whom presented with 3 or more sites with 6 mm probing depths. Gingival crevicular fluid samples were used to monitor daily drug levels over 7 days, while clinical responses were assessed at day 30. Overall, the test gel was well-tolerated by all patients. For the 3 effectiveness measures, tetracycline was released throughout the observation period and mean levels exceeded 100 microg/mL over 6 days, statistically significant reductions in selected periodontal pathogens were evident at day 7 but not at day 30, and mean probing depth reductions at test sites were 1.12 mm at 30 days versus 0.36 mm at untreated control sites (P=0.012). The safety profile, longer-term drug retention, antimicrobial activity, and clinical response in this Phase I study suggest that this tetracycline-containing copolymer gel platform may represent a safe and effective bioerodible therapy for periodontitis. The experimental model also shows merit for early phase clinical testing of novel therapeutic agents.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drug Carriers; Female; Gels; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Humans; Linear Models; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Pocket; Single-Blind Method; Statistics, Nonparametric; Tetracycline

The present study was performed to assess and compare the clinical healing and the microbiological findings following local application of metronidazole or tetracycline to augment subgingival scaling in previously untreated adult periodontitis sites. Eighteen patients with moderate to severe adult periodontitis at single-rooted teeth were selected. In each patient, 3 interproximal sites having comparable root anatomy, probing depth > or =5 mm and bleeding on probing were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: 1) two sessions of subgingival scaling and root planing; 2) similar to 1, with each treatment supplemented with a 25% metronidazole sustained release gel; 3) similar to 1 with each treatment supplemented with a 3% tetracycline ointment. The treatments were performed by 1 operator and the clinical variables probing depth, attachment level, and bleeding on probing were evaluated at baseline, 3 months and 6 months by a second blinded examiner. The microbiological findings were evaluated using a commercial test kit. The average probing depth reduction for the 3 groups at 6 months was 1.5 mm and the average gain of clinical attachment was 0.8 mm. There were no significant differences between the effects following topical application of the metronidazole gel or the tetracycline ointment. Scaling and root planing alone appeared as effective as the drug augmented regimens, although there was a weak but non-significant tendency for better results in sites treated with the antibiotic drugs. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans was generally not detected; Prevotella intermedia was not significantly reduced, while Porphyromonas gingivalis was significantly reduced in all treatment groups. It was concluded that the augmentative effect of the metronidazole gel and the tetracycline ointment was comparable but small compared to scaling and root planing alone. The clinical importance of such small augmentation effects should be further evaluated.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Aged; Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans; Analysis of Variance; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antitrichomonal Agents; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Dental Scaling; Double-Blind Method; Gels; Humans; Metronidazole; Middle Aged; Ointments; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Porphyromonas gingivalis; Prevotella intermedia; Root Planing; Statistics, Nonparametric; Tetracycline

The aim of this randomized single-blind multicenter controlled clinical trial was to clinically evaluate the effectiveness of adjunctive local controlled drug delivery in the control of bleeding on probing in mandibular class II furcations during maintenance care. 127 patients presenting with a class II mandibular furcation with bleeding on probing were included in the study. They had been previously treated for periodontitis and were participating in supportive care programs in periodontal specialty practices. Treatments consisted of scaling and root planing with oral hygiene instructions (control) and scaling and root planing and oral hygiene combined with local controlled drug delivery with tetracycline fibers (test). The following outcomes were evaluated at baseline and 3 and 6 months after therapy at the furcation site: bleeding on controlled force probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment levels (CAL). Levels of oral hygiene and smoking status were also assessed. Both test and controls resulted in significant improvements of BOP and PD at 3 and 6 months. The test treatment, however, resulted in significantly better improvements: BOP decreased by 52% in the control group and by 70% in the test group at 3 months; at 6 months, however, the difference was no longer significant. The test treatment resulted in a 0.5 mm greater reduction of PD than the control at 3 months, the improvement was highly significant but its duration did not extend until the 6 months evaluation. No differences were observed in terms of changes in CAL. These data indicate that addition of tetracycline fibers to mechanical therapy alone resulted in improved control of periodontal parameters during periodontal maintenance of class II mandibular furcations. Short duration of the effect, however, requires further investigations to optimize conservative treatment of these challenging defects.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Combined Modality Therapy; Dental Scaling; Drug Implants; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Furcation Defects; Gingival Hemorrhage; Humans; Male; Mandible; Middle Aged; Oral Hygiene; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Root Planing; Single-Blind Method; Smoking; Tetracycline; Treatment Outcome

15 adults, each providing 4 non-adjacent untreated periodontal pockets with a probing depth (PD) exceeding 6 mm, volunteered for a randomized, split-mouth, double-blind, clinical study evaluating subgingival irrigation with chlorhexidine (CHX) or tetracycline HCl (TTC). The study protocol included oral hygiene instructions followed by scaling and root planing. Experimental and immediately adjacent teeth did not receive instrumentation. The 4 deep periodontal pockets in each patient were assigned to be irrigated with 150 ml CHX (0.12%), TTC (10 or 50 mg/ml; TTC10, TTC50), or sterile saline (control) in a single episode. Post-irrigation mechanical plaque control was supported by 2x daily CHX rinses throughout the 12-week observation interval. Recordings of oral hygiene (P1I), gingival health (GI), bleeding on probing (BoP), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and microbial morphotypes from subgingival paper point samples were performed pre-irrigation, and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks post-irrigation. Mean post-irrigation P1I was low, fluctuating between 0.0 and 0.4, without significant differences between experimental groups. Mean pre-irrigation GI approximated 1.4 and reached 0.8 at the exit of study without significant differences between experimental groups. All experimental sites exhibited BoP pre-irrigation. BoP was significantly reduced in TTC50 compared to TTC10, CHX and control sites from week 8 post-irrigation. PDs were reduced for the experimental groups with TTC50 exhibiting the strongest reduction. CALs remained unaltered from pre-irrigation for TTC10, CHX and control sites over the 12-week observation interval, whereas TTC50 sites consistently improved to significantly differ from all other groups at week 10 and 12 post-irrigation. The distribution of bacterial morphotypes was significantly altered towards one of periodontal health for all experimental groups with a profound effect for TTC50 sites. Our results suggest that subgingival irrigation with TTC solutions at high concentrations may have a role in the management of adult periodontitis.

Topics: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Chlorhexidine; Colony Count, Microbial; Double-Blind Method; Humans; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Statistics, Nonparametric; Tetracycline; Therapeutic Irrigation

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of controlled-release tetracycline-containing fibers in patients with refractory periodontitis versus the preceding classical treatment. One hundred twenty-one sites in 20 patients were followed from baseline to 6 months after fiber insertion. Each selected site was > or = 5 mm deep and bled on probing. All 20 patients had at least one site > or = 7 mm which bled on probing. Those pockets remained after intense and repeated conventional therapy (scaling and root planing and often surgery), often including the use of systemic antibiotics. This treatment period, the so-called control period, preceded the experimental period by at least 3 years, when the fibers were placed. Both treatments (in control and test period) were performed in the Department of Periodontology at the University Hospital in Leuven. At the start of the experimental period, all pockets > or = 5 mm were treated by the placement of fibers impregnated with 25% tetracycline. The fibers were removed after 10 days. Probing depth, clinical attachment level, gingival recession, and bleeding on probing were recorded at baseline, and at 1, 3, and 6 months following treatment. Analysis of data from all sites indicated that a significant decrease in probing depth and gain in attachment were present at all follow-up visits. The mean probing depth reduction for sites > or = 7 mm was 3.2 mm at month 6, with a gain in attachment of 2.7 mm, while this was -1.0 mm and -1.9 mm, respectively, during the preceding control period. The fraction of bleeding pockets was reduced from 77% to 27% and from 80% to 77% during the experimental and control periods, respectively. No significant adverse side-effects were observed, except for a transient redness at fiber removal in 2 sites. Fiber insertion appeared to be time-consuming even when the operator was familiarized with the procedure. The results of this study prove that tetracycline-impregnated fibers can reduce probing depth significantly for a period of 6 months in patients not responding to thorough and repeated classical periodontal treatment.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Delayed-Action Preparations; Dental Scaling; Drug Carriers; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gingival Hemorrhage; Gingival Recession; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Root Planing; Safety; Tetracycline

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of smoking on the outcome of periodontal therapy. The study consisted of 54 patients who participated in a 4-group parallel-arm clinical trial on the efficacy of three locally delivered antimicrobial systems as adjuncts to scaling and root planing in the treatment of sites with persistent pocketing after a course of scaling and root planing. These groups included scaling and root planing either alone (S) (n = 3), or in conjunction with the application of 25% tetracycline fibers (S&T) (n = 13), 2% minocycline gel (S&Mi) (n = 14), or 25% metronidazole gel (S&Me) (n = 14). In each patient four pockets > 5 mm with bleeding on probing (BOP) and/or suppuration were studied. The number of subjects who smoked was: 8 (61.5%) in the S&T group, 8 (57.1%) in the S&Mi group, 6 (42.9%) in the S&Me group, and 6 (46.2%) in the S group. The probing depth, attachment level and other clinical parameters were assessed at baseline and 6 weeks after treatments. The clinical results of this comparative study have been previously reported. Regardless of the type of treatment, the change in the probing depth (delta PD) and attachment gain (delta AL) were greater in non-smoker subjects than smoker subjects. delta PD was 1.14 mm versus 0.76 mm (P = 0.019), and delta AL was 0.52 mm versus 0.50 mm at (P = 0.845) for non-smokers and smokers respectively. The analysis of variance using the general linear model (GLM) was used for delta PD and delta AL and took into account the variations in the treatments, number of smoker subjects per group, and baseline probing depth. There was a significant interaction between the "smoking" and the "baseline PD." Further analysis using linear regression indicated that, while there was a significant relationship between the baseline PD and the delta PD or delta AL among the non-smokers, weak and insignificant relationship existed among the smoker subjects. Thus, smoking may have an important role in determining the prognosis of periodontal treatment, particularly in persistent and deep pockets.

Topics: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Dental Plaque Index; Dental Scaling; Female; Humans; Linear Models; Male; Metronidazole; Middle Aged; Minocycline; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Prognosis; Root Planing; Smoking; Tetracycline

The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical response to local delivery of tetracycline in relation to clinical and microbiological conditions of the other teeth. 4 deep pockets were monitored in 19 subjects with multiple deep periodontal lesions and high counts of P. gingivalis. In 9 patients (LT) only 2 of the selected lesions were treated by placement of tetracycline fibers (Actisite), while the rest of the dentition was left untreated. In the other 10 patients, all teeth were supragingivally scaled and then treated by application of polymeric tetracycline HCl containing fibers, the whole dentition was subject to full mouth scaling and root planing, and the patients rinsed with 0.2% chlorhexidine (FT). A significant reduction in mean PPD was observed in all treated sites after two months. This reduction was maintained over the following 4 months. The magnitude of the effect was significantly greater in the FT group (1.74 mm) than in the LT group (0.88 mm). The mean attachment level changes were similar after 2 months in locally and fully treated subjects. A tendency of relapse was noted for treated sites in LT patients from month 2 to 6. A level of statistical significance was not reached for this effect. Data from measurements recorded at 6 sites around all teeth in the full mouth treated patients were analyzed using multiple linear regression. This analysis showed local changes in PPD and AL were significantly and strongly correlated with the baseline value of the respective parameter at the same site. In addition, more pocket depth reduction was noted if a site was not bleeding on probing at 6 months, if the location of a site was not approximal and if the tooth was not a second molar. Sites located on second molars showed also less AL gain than sites located on other teeth. Smokers showed significantly less reduction in PPD and significantly less AL gain. Furthermore, if subjects had a high % of pockets deeper than 4 mm at baseline they showed significantly less attachment gain.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Analysis of Variance; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Dental Plaque Index; Female; Humans; Linear Models; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Porphyromonas gingivalis; Smoking; Statistics, Nonparametric; Tetracycline

This paper presents 5-year data pertaining to a subgroup of patients from a previous investigation who were treated with scaling and root planing plus tetracycline fibers. The parent study demonstrated that 6 months after therapy, scaling and root planing plus tetracycline fiber therapy was significantly better at reducing probing depth and gaining clinical attachment than scaling and root planing alone. However, the long-term data presented here show a regression from the original gains in clinical attachment levels in the fiber group. Ultimately, the use of fibers provided no significant advantage with regards to probing depth reduction or clinical attachment gain. Within the power of this study, which would have required 1.78 mm of change in clinical attachment to show a difference, there was no significant difference between the treatments at 5 years. This study underscores the need for additional long-term evaluation of this mode of therapy.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Combined Modality Therapy; Dental Scaling; Drug Implants; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Follow-Up Studies; Gingival Hemorrhage; Gingival Recession; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Pocket; Recurrence; Root Planing; Single-Blind Method; Tetracycline; Wound Healing

A biocompatible microporous composite of PMMA (poly-methyl-methacrylate), PHEMA (poly-hydroxy-ethyl-methacrylate) and calcium hydroxide bone replacement graft material (Bioplant HTR Synthetic Bone) was evaluated in 16 maxillary molar and 10 mandibular molar Grade II furcations in 13 patients. Following initial preparation, full thickness flaps were raised to gain access to the furcations; mechanical hand and ultrasonic root and defect debridement and chemical tetracycline root preparation were performed; furcation and adjacent osseous defects in each patient were grafted with HTR Synthetic Bone; and the host flaps replaced or slightly coronally positioned. Weekly, then monthly deplaquing was performed until surgical re-entry at 6-12 months. Patients were then followed on approximate 3-month recalls for > or = 6 yr. Evaluation of the primary clinical outcome of furcation grade change showed that in the maxilla 5/16 furcations were clinically closed, 9/16 were Grade I, and 2/16 remained Grade II; while in the mandible 3/10 were clinically closed, 5/10 were Grade I, and 2/10 remained Grade II. Other significant clinical changes included decrease in mean horizontal furcation probing attachment level from 4.4 mm at surgery to 2.2 mm at re-entry to 2.0 mm at 6 yr, decrease in probing pocket depth from 5.4 mm at surgery to 3.0 mm at re-entry to 3.2 mm at 6 yr, and improvement in vertical clinical probing attachment level from 5.4 mm at surgery to 4.2 mm at re-entry to 4.1 mm at 6 yr (all p < 0.05 from surgery to re-entry and surgery to 6 yr, n.s. from re-entry to 6 yr via ANOVA). These favorable results with HTR polymer are similar to several reports with other graft materials and with GTR barriers, and suggest that HTR polymer may have a beneficial effect in the clinical management of Grade II molar furcations.

Topics: Adult; Alveoloplasty; Analysis of Variance; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biocompatible Materials; Bone Substitutes; Composite Resins; Debridement; Dental Plaque; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Furcation Defects; Humans; Male; Mandible; Maxilla; Methylmethacrylates; Middle Aged; Molar; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Pocket; Polyhydroxyethyl Methacrylate; Reoperation; Root Planing; Surgical Flaps; Tetracycline; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonic Therapy

This clinical study evaluated the reinfection incidence by Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), and Prevotella intermedia (Pi) in periodontal pockets following scaling and root planing (SRP) and intra-pocket irrigation with antimicrobial agents in a patient population who did not receive supportive maintenance therapy. The number of target organisms was determined utilizing DNA probes. Forty-one (41) inflamed pockets > or = 5 mm with attachment loss and containing at least one target species were selected in 6 adult patients. Following a baseline clinical and bacterial examination, all patients received thorough SRP. In addition, 1 to 2 teeth in each patient were randomly assigned to each of the following 4 treatment modalities: 1) control group, no irrigation; 2) saline group, irrigation with 2 cc of 0.85% saline; 3) tetracycline group, irrigation with 2 cc of aqueous tetracycline HCl, 50 mg/ml (5%); and 4) chlorhexidine group, irrigation with 2 cc, respectively. All selected sites were non-adjacent. No additional therapy was rendered during the entire 1-year observation period. Clinical parameters and microbial analyses were recorded again at 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months post-treatment. The effect of antimicrobial irrigation on the reinfection rate of sites by Aa, Pg, and Pi was compared with that of the control groups (1 and 2) by ANOVA. No statistically significant differences were observed among the irrigation treatment groups with regard to any of the clinical or bacterial parameters studied. Therefore, the 4 treatment groups were combined into a single group whereby the rate of bacterial repopulation following extensive scaling and root planing could be ascertained. The infection incidence of sites at baseline (of total sites), 1 week and 12 months (of sites originally infected at baseline) was 14/41, 3/14, and 7/14 for Aa; 33/41, 6/33, and 12/33 for Pg; and 37/41, 3/37, and 12/37 for Pi, respectively. Thus, half or fewer of the originally infected sites became reinfected at 12 months despite lack of maintenance therapy. The results suggest that 1) a single episode of pocket irrigation with antimicrobial agents following thorough scaling and root planing did not affect the rate of repopulation of periodontal pockets by the tested pathogens; 2) thorough scaling and root planing has a lasting suppressive effect on selected periodontal pathogens for the majority of sites in patients with adult periodontiti

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans; Analysis of Variance; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Chlorhexidine; Colony Count, Microbial; Dental Scaling; DNA Probes; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Porphyromonas gingivalis; Prevotella intermedia; Recurrence; Root Planing; Tetracycline; Therapeutic Irrigation

The purpose of this controlled clinical trial was to compare the clinical efficacy of 3 treatment modalities in the treatment of deep interproximal intrabony defects. Thirty-six (36) defects in 36 patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups by blocking to prognostic variables. The test was treated with bioresorbable membranes positioned coronal to the interproximal bone crest; the second group (membrane control) was treated with conventional non-resorbable (ePTFE) barrier membranes applied coronal to the alveolar crest; the third group (flap Control) was treated with an access flap procedure (MWF). No differences were observed in terms of baseline oral hygiene and defect characteristics among the 3 groups, indicating that the blocking approach was effective. A stringent infection control program was enforced for 1 year. The results indicated that: 1) at 1 year all treatment modalities resulted in clinically significant improvements in clinical attachment levels (CAL) and reductions in probing depths; 2) a statistically significant treatment effect (P < 0.0001, ANOVA) was observed comparing the test (4.6 +/- 1.2 mm), the membrane control (5.2 +/- 1.4 mm), and the flap control groups (2.3 +/- 0.8 mm) in terms of CAL gain; 3) differences in terms of CAL gain between the test (bioresorbable) and the membrane control (ePTFE) groups were not statistically significant (P = 0.19, t-test); 4) both the test and the membrane control groups gained significantly more CAL at 1 year than the MWF group (P < 0.0001, t-test). CAL gains > or = 4 mm were observed in 83.3% of cases in both GTR groups, while CAL gains of this magnitude were not detected in the MWF group. We concluded that clinically significant CAL gains can be obtained with GTR procedures using both bioresorbable and non-resorbable membranes. Patients' morbidity, however, was lower in the group treated with bioresorbable membranes.

Topics: Adult; Alveolar Bone Loss; Analysis of Variance; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biocompatible Materials; Equipment Design; Female; Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal; Humans; Male; Membranes, Artificial; Middle Aged; Oral Hygiene; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Pocket; Polytetrafluoroethylene; Surgical Flaps; Surgical Wound Infection; Tetracycline; Treatment Outcome

In a previous study, subjects receiving either adjunctive tetracycline or Augmentin showed, on average, more attachment level gain 10 months post-therapy than subjects receiving either Ibuprofen or a placebo, although some subjects in each treatment group showed loss of attachment post-therapy. Since differences in treatment response might have been due to differences in the subgingival microbiota, the response to different therapies in subjects with different pre-therapy subgingival microbiotas was evaluated. 29 subjects exhibiting loss of attachment > 2.5 mm at 1 or more sites during longitudinal monitoring were treated by modified Widman flap surgery at deep sites, subgingival scaling at all other sites and were randomly assigned one of the following agents: Augmentin, tetracycline, ibuprofen or a placebo. Treatment was completed within 30 days, during which time the subject took the assigned agent. Subgingival plaque samples were taken from the mesial surface of each tooth at each visit and evaluated for their content of 14 subgingival species including P. gingivalis, P. nigrescens, P. intermedia and B. forsythus using DNA probes. 18 subjects with mean counts > 10(5) of 2 or more of these 4 species comprised the high test species group; 11 subjects with mean counts > 10(5) of 0 or 1 of the species, the low test species group. Because this was a post-hoc analysis, the number of subjects in some of the treatment/test species groups was small. However, the 8 high test species subjects who received tetracycline showed the most attachment level gain (0.83 +/- 0.20 mm), while the 3 tetracycline-treated, low test species subjects showed minimal gain (0.05 +/- 0.28 mm) 10 months post-therapy. Low test species subjects receiving Augmentin (n = 2) showed a mean gain in attachment of 0.67 (+/- 0.59) mm. The mean % of sites showing either attachment gain or loss > or = 2 mm was computed for each treatment/test species group. High test species subjects receiving tetracycline exhibited the best ratio of gaining to losing sites (16.2), followed by low test species subjects receiving Augmentin (14.1). Periodontal pockets < 7 mm pre-therapy in low test species subjects treated with Augmentin and high test species subjects treated with tetracycline showed attachment gain more frequently than attachment loss. The greatest proportion of gaining sites was seen at pockets > 6 mm, particularly in subjects receiving adjunctive tetracycline. Overall, the data indicated that a

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans; Amoxicillin; Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Bacteroides; Campylobacter; Clavulanic Acids; Cluster Analysis; Colony Count, Microbial; Double-Blind Method; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Fusobacterium nucleatum; Humans; Ibuprofen; Male; Middle Aged; Peptostreptococcus; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Pocket; Porphyromonas gingivalis; Prevotella; Prevotella intermedia; Statistics, Nonparametric; Streptococcus; Tetracycline; Treatment Outcome

The purpose was to evaluate the use of demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft reconstituted with 50 mg/ml tetracycline hydrochloride in the treatment of intrabony periodontal defects. Fifteen systemically healthy patients (12 females, 3 males; aged 35 to 61) with moderate-advanced periodontitis were treated. Patients had 3 osseous defects with probing depths (PD) > 5 mm after initial therapy. Each site in each subject was randomly assigned to one of the following groups: 1) demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft reconstituted with 50 mg/ml tetracycline (DFDBA + TCN); 2) demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft alone (DFDBA); or 3) debridement only (D). Clinical measurements were taken the day of surgery, 6 months, and 1 year. Standardized radiographs were taken at baseline and 1 year and were evaluated by computer assisted densitometric image analysis (CADIA). Clinical measurements included gingival recession, PD, clinical attachment level, and mobility. Osseous defect measurements were taken at baseline and at the 1 year reentry. No adverse healing responses occurred. The results showed that all patients had a statistically significant improvement in probing depth and attachment level at 1 year. Osseous measurements showed bone fill of 2.27 mm (51.6%) for the DFDBA + TCN group, 2.20 mm (52.4%) for the DFDBA group, and 1.27 mm (32.8%) for the D group. Defect resolution was 77.3% for the DFDBA + TCN group, 77.9% for the DFDBA group, and 63.8% for the D group. The mean CADIA values were 5.04 for the DFDBA + TCN group, 6.79 for the DFDBA group and 2.78 for the D group. The CADIA values did not correlate with the clinical parameters. Although the grafted groups showed greater bone fill and defect resolution, there was no statistically significant difference in any of the clinical parameters between the treatment groups. This study suggests that there is no significant benefit from reconstituting the allograft with 50 mg/ml of tetracycline hydrochloride.

Topics: Absorptiometry, Photon; Adult; Alveolar Bone Loss; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bone Transplantation; Debridement; Decalcification Technique; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Freeze Drying; Gingival Recession; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Tetracycline; Tooth Mobility; Transplantation, Homologous; Wound Healing

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 3 commercially available periodontal systems for local delivery of antibiotics as adjuncts to scaling and root planing in treatment of sites with persistent periodontal lesions following a course of scaling and root planing. Fifty-four patients with 4 pockets > or = 5 mm and bleeding on probing and/or suppuration were randomized in 4 treatment groups including: scaling and root planing plus application of 25% tetracycline fiber (S + Tet) (13 patients), scaling and root planing plus application of 2% minocycline gel (S + Min) (14 patients), scaling and root planing plus application of 25% metronidazole gel (S + Met) (14 patients), and scaling and root planing alone (S) (13 patients). Clinical measurements were taken at baseline and 6 weeks after the end of treatment periods. All treatments were applied using the distributors' recommended protocols and resulted in significant improvement in probing depth, attachment level, bleeding on probing and the modified gingival index (MGI) scores. The improvements in clinical parameters were greater in all three adjunctive treatment groups than scaling and root planing alone. The mean probing depth reductions were: S + Tet = 1.35 mm, S + Met = 0.95 mm, S + Min = 0.87 mm and S = 0.60 mm. The probing depth reduction was significantly greater in the scaling plus tetracycline fiber group than the scaling and root planing alone group (P = 0.002). The difference between groups in improvement of attachment level or bleeding on probing was not significant Scaling plus tetracycline fiber treatment resulted in the greatest reduction in the MGI scores which was significantly greater than all other groups. While the frequency of sites with suppuration was markedly reduced following all treatments, it reached zero in the scaling plus tetracycline fiber group. No serious adverse effects were observed or reported for any treatment. While all three locally applied antimicrobial systems seem to offer some benefit over scaling and root planing alone, a treatment regimen of scaling and root planing plus tetracycline fiber replacement gave the greatest advantage in the treatment of persistent periodontal lesions at least during the 6-week period following treatment.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Analysis of Variance; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Chi-Square Distribution; Dental Scaling; Humans; Linear Models; Metronidazole; Minocycline; Periodontal Pocket; Single-Blind Method; Statistics, Nonparametric; Tetracycline; Treatment Outcome

Recent investigations imply that a key mechanism in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease may be the ability of oral microorganisms to induce production and/or activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the host tissues. It has been suggested that the pharmacologic inhibition of MMP activity could play an important role in achieving a desirable outcome in periodontal therapy. The efficacy of locally delivered antibiotics on the level of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) stromelysin (SL) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) on sites with a history of a poor response to mechanical treatment was studied. Fifty-two patients with 4 periodontal pockets > or = 5 mm and bleeding on probing were randomized into four groups of 13 patients. One group received scaling and root planing alone and the other three groups received scaling and root planing plus a locally delivered antimicrobial system. These included 25% tetracycline fiber, 2% minocycline gel, and 25% metronidazole gel. The GCF samples taken at baseline and 6 weeks after treatments were analyzed using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). GCF SL levels significantly decreased after adjunctive tetracycline fiber (paired t-test, P = 0.020) and minocycline gel (paired t-test, P = 0.023) treatments whereas it remained almost unchanged in the other two groups. While the GCF TIMP level did not change significantly in the scaling and root planing alone group, it significantly increased for all three adjunctive antimicrobial treatments (for tetracycline fiber P < 0.001, minocycline gel P = 0.005, metronidazole gel P < 0.001). The use of adjunctive locally delivered antimicrobial systems, particularly the tetracycline family, may offer an advantage in changing the metalloproteinase profile of the GCF to one more compatible with periodontal health.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Aged; Analysis of Variance; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Dental Scaling; Female; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Glycoproteins; Humans; Male; Matrix Metalloproteinase 3; Metalloendopeptidases; Metronidazole; Middle Aged; Minocycline; Periodontal Pocket; Protease Inhibitors; Tetracycline; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases

35 patients receiving regular supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) and showing signs of localized persistent or recurrent periodontitis were enrolled in the study. Within 1 week after SPT, each patient had a tetracycline HCl loaded ethylene vinyl acetate co-polymer fiber placed into the periodontal pocket of 1 randomly selected tooth with persistent or recurrent periodontitis (test); the fiber was removed after 9.5+/-2.0 days. A non-adjacent tooth with persistent or recurrent periodontitis in a separate quadrant, which received no further treatment, served as a control. A total of 28 patients completed the 6-month study. Compared to control teeth, in test teeth at 6 months significantly (p<0.01) lower scores were found for gingival index, pocket probing depths, and PMN elastase-alpha1-proteinase inhibitor concentrations in gingival crevicular fluid. With the exception of plaque index scores, test teeth demonstrated significant reductions from baseline to 6 months in all parameters (p<0.05). Conversely, all parameter measurements in control teeth, except bleeding on probing, showed no significant difference between baseline and 6-month values. The results suggest that the use of controlled topical application of tetracycline HCl may improve periodontal health and reduce the risk of disease progression in localized persistent or recurrent periodontitis. Moreover, the effects of this application appear to be sustained for at least 6 months.

Topics: Administration, Topical; alpha 1-Antitrypsin; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Combined Modality Therapy; Dental Implants; Disease Progression; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingival Hemorrhage; Humans; Leukocyte Elastase; Male; Middle Aged; Neutrophils; Pancreatic Elastase; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Polyvinyls; Recurrence; Tetracycline

This study evaluated the 6-month clinical response to sustained-release tetracycline fibers used alone or with scaling and root planing in 25 adult periodontal maintenance patients. All subjects had at least one pocket > or = 4.0 mm that bled on probing and required therapy. Thirty-six teeth were treated with tetracycline fibers for 7 to 12 days; twelve of the 36 teeth also received scaling and root planing. The selection of teeth for scaling and root planing was based on the condition of the teeth. Therapeutic results were evaluated by changes in probing depth and frequency of bleeding on probing. Use of tetracycline fibers and fibers with scaling produced 1.8- and 1.7-mm reductions in probing depth, respectively, 1 month after treatment; reductions declined to 1.3 and 0.8 mm at 3 months, but rebounded to 1.5 and 1.3 mm at 6 months. The percentage of teeth exhibiting bleeding on probing decreased from 100% at baseline to 68% and 50% in the fiber and fiber plus scaling groups, respectively, at 6 months. None of the differences was statistically significant. Tetracycline fibers clearly decreased clinical signs of periodontal inflammation. Addition of scaling and root planing at the time of fiber placement further decreased, although not significantly, the degree of inflammation.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Delayed-Action Preparations; Dental Scaling; Humans; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Polyvinyls; Root Planing; Tetracycline

Clinical healing following guided tissue regeneration (GTR) in deep intrabony pockets was compared to healing following gingival flap surgery alone (GFS). 15 patients received the GTR treatment including an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membrane. 13 other patients received the control treatment GFS. A postsurgery protocol emphasizing wound stability and infection control was used. Treatment effects were evaluated 6 months postsurgery. Mean pre-surgery probing depth for the GTR and control treatments was 7.5 +/- 1.0 and 7.7 +/- 1.5 mm, respectively. Significant probing depth reduction (3.8 +/- 1.2 and 2.9 +/- 1.1 mm), attachment level improvement (2.4 +/- 2.1 and 2.2 +/- 1.2 mm) and bone fill (2.0 +/- 2.0 and 2.4 +/- 0.9 mm) followed the GTR and control protocols, respectively (p < 0.01). Significant differences between GTR and control treatments were observed in probing depth reduction (p < 0.01) and in gingival recession increase (1.7 +/- 1.5 and 0.7 +/- 0.9 mm, respectively; p < 0.05). The results suggest that GTR procedures compared to GFS have similar clinical potential in intrabony pockets, under the present protocol.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Alveolar Bone Loss; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Chlorhexidine; Dental Plaque Index; Dental Scaling; Female; Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal; Humans; Male; Membranes, Artificial; Middle Aged; Mouthwashes; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Polytetrafluoroethylene; Postoperative Care; Surgical Flaps; Tetracycline; Treatment Outcome

Intracrevicular antimicrobial therapy is consistent with the site-specific nature of periodontitis. Considerable research has focused on the use of nonresorbable fibers. However, a bioerodible system is desirable. The purpose of this study was to assess tetracycline release and safety following a single application of a syringable 35% tetracycline hydrochloride in a lactic-glycolic acid gel. 31 generally healthy adult volunteers (mean age = 59 years) were enrolled in and completed this randomized, double-blind eight day study. 2, 6-10 mm non-adjacent interproximal pockets that bled on pocket probing were chosen as experimental sites in each subject. I experimental site and the surrounding gingival crevice received small particle size tetracycline in gel while the other site received larger particle size tetracycline in gel. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected prior to treatment and 15 min, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8 days post-treatment. GCF tetracyline concentrations were determined by agar diffusion bioassay and GCF volume measurements. 61% and 71% of sites had > or = 100 micrograms/ml tetracycline 3 days following application of large (mean concentration = 430 +/- 92 micrograms/ml) and small particle gels (mean concentration = 418 +/- 70 micrograms/ml), respectively. 37% and 55% of sites had measurable tetracycline 8 days after placement of large (mean concentration = 86 +/- 31 micrograms/ml) and small particle gels (mean concentration = 293 +/- 79 micrograms/ml), respectively. The most common adverse event was "bitter taste" (10% of subjects). Based upon the reduction in probing depths and % of sites bleeding on probing at 8 days relative to pretreatment, and the absence of any serious adverse events, it is concluded that these bioerodible gels are safe, and since the bacteriostatic range for most putative periodontopathogens is in the 2-10 micrograms/ml range, the tetracycline levels observed at days 3 and 8 likely represent significant antimicrobial efficacy.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biodegradation, Environmental; Delayed-Action Preparations; Double-Blind Method; Female; Gels; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Glycolates; Humans; Lactic Acid; Male; Middle Aged; Particle Size; Periodontal Pocket; Tetracycline

A controlled clinical trial was carried out to compare the clinical effect of combined antimicrobial-mechanical treatment modalities on moderate-to-deep periodontal pockets in patients with adult periodontitis. Twelve patients having at least three nonadjacent sites of periodontitis were included in the split-mouth study. Gingival Index, Plaque Record, bleeding on probing, probing depth, attachment level, and recession depth were recorded immediately before treatment. In the control site, supragingival and subgingival scaling was performed with an ultrasonic scaler. One experimental site received supplemental irrigation with 15 mL of a 100-mg/mL tetracycline solution, while the other received a tetracycline-loaded fiber after mechanical instrumentation. Fibers were left in place for 10 days. Reevaluation 30 and 60 days after treatment showed that all three treatment modalities were effective in improving clinical parameters. No adjunctive effect on the healing response was obtained by augmenting mechanical debridement with tetracycline.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Analysis of Variance; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chi-Square Distribution; Dental Plaque Index; Dental Scaling; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Oral Hygiene; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Polyvinyls; Tetracycline; Therapeutic Irrigation; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonics

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of controlled-release tetracycline fiber therapy in adult periodontitis patients. One hundred-twenty-two (122) adult patients from 3 dental centers were enrolled at baseline for this study. each patient provided at least one site in each of four quadrants that was > or = 5 mm and bled on probing. One or two such sites were selected as test sites and were randomly assigned to receive one of four treatments: scaling and root planing (S), scaling and root planing plus tetracycline fiber for 10 days (SF), fiber therapy alone for 10 days (F), or two 10-day serial fiber applications (FF). After treatment, no periodontal maintenance or supportive care was provided until the end of this 12-month study. Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque, and bleeding on probing (BOP) were measured at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months following treatment. Repeated PD and CAL measurements were taken at three locations within each site and averaged for each site. One hundred-sixteen (116) subjects completed the study. All treatments resulted in similar improvements in clinical parameters compared to baseline and were equally effective in the treatment of periodontitis as measured by probing depth reduction, clinical attachment level gain, and reduction of bleeding on probing. The clinical response, established primarily by 3 months following therapy, was generally sustained in all treatment groups for 12 months without the benefit of supportive maintenance therapy.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Combined Modality Therapy; Delayed-Action Preparations; Dental Plaque; Dental Scaling; Drug Implants; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gingival Hemorrhage; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Reproducibility of Results; Root Planing; Single-Blind Method; Tetracycline

The purpose of this investigation was to examine periodontal disease recurrence from 3 to 12 months following various treatments with scaling and root planing and controlled-release tetracycline fibers. One-hundred-twenty-two (122) adult volunteers with at least one bleeding pocket > or = 5 mm in each of four quadrants were enrolled in this study. One or two such sites in each quadrant were selected as test sites. Quadrants were randomly assigned to receive one of four treatments: scaling and root planing (S); scaling and root planing plus tetracycline fiber for 10 days (SF); fiber therapy alone for 10 days (F); or fiber therapy alone for 20 days (FF). After treatment, no supportive care was provided during the 12-month study period. Probing depth (PD), attachment loss (AL), plaque, and bleeding on probing were measured at baseline, and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after treatment. PD and AL measures were taken at three locations within each site and averaged for each site. Disease recurrence was defined as > or = 1 mm mean attachment loss at a site during the 3- to 12-month period. One-hundred-sixteen (116) subjects completed the study. Sites treated with SF experienced significantly (P < 0.05) less disease recurrence (4%) than S, F, or FF (9%, 10%, and 12%, respectively). Results of this study suggest that, compared to S, F, or FF, scaling and root planing in conjunction with tetracycline fiber therapy for 10 days can significantly reduce disease recurrence 3 to 12 months following treatment in the absence of supportive care.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Combined Modality Therapy; Delayed-Action Preparations; Dental Plaque; Dental Scaling; Drug Implants; Follow-Up Studies; Gingival Hemorrhage; Humans; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Recurrence; Root Planing; Single-Blind Method; Tetracycline

Controlled local delivery of antibiotics has been shown to reduce periodontopathic micro-organisms with minimal side-effects. Clinical studies in our laboratory have shown that 25% tetracycline HCl delivered from poly(D,L-lactide/glycolide) film strips (25 TTC-PLGA) released therapeutic concentrations of tetracycline for 10 days. The present pilot study compared the intracrevicular delivery of 25% tetracycline HCl incorporated in these biodegradable film strips to scaling and root planing (SRP) in 10 adult periodontitis patients, who in spite of therapy and regular supportive periodontal treatment (SPT), continued to possess 5 bleeding periodontal pockets at least 5 mm deep. Sites were randomly selected to receive the following treatments: (1) 25 TTC-PLGA, (2) control strips without TTC (PLGA), (3) SRP, and (4) untreated control. Film-strip retention was augmented with a suture/cement technique, followed by strip removal after 2 weeks. Clinical parameters and subgingival bacterial morphotypes (darkfield analysis) were evaluated over time (0, 2.4, 8, 12, 26 weeks). Results indicated that, compared to baseline, 25 TTC-PLGA film strips caused significant (p < or = 0.01): (1) probing depth reduction for 26 weeks, (2) a clinical attachment level gain for 12 weeks, (3) lower %s of spirochetes for 4 weeks and motile rods for 8 weeks (p < or = 0.05), and (4) an accompanying increase in cocci for 4 weeks. In the scaled and root planed sites, probing depth was the only finding that demonstrated a significant change from baseline (p < or = 0.01). Controls and PLGA showed isolated reductions in probing depth and % of motile organisms. From these findings, applications of intracrevicular 25 TTC-PLGA, when compared to scaling and root planing, appears to have an enhanced antibacterial effect and a similar clinical effect in SPT patients. The results of this study indicate further investigation of 25 TTC-PLGA film strips should be undertaken using more subjects and sophisticated microbiological and clinical measurements.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria; Biocompatible Materials; Colony Count, Microbial; Delayed-Action Preparations; Dental Scaling; Drug Carriers; Drug Delivery Systems; Female; Gingiva; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingival Hemorrhage; Humans; Lactic Acid; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Pilot Projects; Polyglycolic Acid; Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; Polymers; Root Planing; Spirochaetales; Tetracycline

The purpose of the present investigation was to assess the effects of periodontal surgery and 4 systemically administered agents, Augmentin, tetracycline, ibuprofen or a placebo on clinical and microbiological parameters of periodontal disease. 98 subjects were monitored at 2-month intervals at 6 sites per tooth for clinical parameters. Subgingival plaque samples were taken from the mesial surface of each tooth at each visit and evaluated for their content of 14 subgingival species using DNA probes and a colony lift method. 40 subjects who exhibited loss of attachment > 2.5 mm at 1 or more sites during longitudinal monitoring were treated using modified Widman flap surgery at sites with probing pocket depth > 4 mm, subgingival scaling at all other sites and were randomly assigned 1 of the 4 agents. Treatment was completed within 30 days during which time the subject took the assigned agent. Overall, subjects exhibited a mean attachment level "gain" of 0.34 +/- 0.10 mm (SEM) and a mean pocket depth reduction of 0.62 +/- 0.09 mm 10 +/- 4 months post-therapy. However, certain subjects in each treatment group showed a poor response. Subjects receiving antibiotics exhibited significantly more attachment level "gain" (0.57 +/- 0.15 mm, SEM) than subjects receiving either ibuprofen or a placebo (0.02 +/- 0.10). The differences between Augmentin and tetracycline groups were not significant, nor were the differences between ibuprofen and placebo. 10 months post-therapy, there was a reduction in the number of sites colonized in any subject group by detectable levels (10(3)) of P. gingivalis. Species showing similar reductions were B. forsythus, P. intermedia and P. micros. Subjects receiving systemically administered antibiotics had a significant increase in the proportion of sites colonized by C. ochracea coupled with a greater decrease in the number of sites colonized by P. gingivalis, B. forsythus, P. intermedia and P. micros post-therapy than subjects not receiving antibiotics. The results of this investigation indicate that adjunctive systemic antibiotics increase periodontal attachment "gain" and decrease the levels of some suspected periodontal pathogens in subjects with evidence of current disease progression.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Amoxicillin; Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Bacterial Infections; Bacteroidaceae; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Clavulanic Acids; Dental Plaque; Dental Scaling; Disease Progression; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Ibuprofen; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Pocket; Placebos; Subgingival Curettage; Surgical Flaps; Tetracycline

In a study of the efficacy of modified Widman flap surgery and scaling and root planning accompanied by 1 of 4 systemic adjunctive agents, Augmentin, tetracycline, ibuprofen or placebo, it was observed that subjects differed in their response to therapy. The difference was only partially accounted for by the adjunctive agent employed. The purpose of the present investigation was to examine clinical and microbiological features in subjects who showed different levels of attachment change post-therapy. 40 subjects were subset into 3 groups based on mean attachment level change post-therapy. 10 poor response subjects showed mean attachment loss; 19 moderate response subjects showed mean attachment gain between 0.02-0.5 mm and 11 good response subjects showed a mean gain of attachment > 0.5 mm. Clinical parameters were measured at 6 sites per tooth both pre- and post-therapy. Microbiological samples were taken from the mesial aspect of each tooth and evaluated individually for their content of 14 subgingival taxa using a colony lift method and DNA probes. % of sites colonized by each species was computed for each subject both pre- and post-therapy. Significant differences were observed among treatment response groups for mean probing pocket depth, attachment level and % of sites with plaque pre-therapy. The poor response subjects had the lowest mean probing pocket depth and attachment level, but the highest plaque levels. Post-therapy, the poor response group exhibited the greatest degree of gingival inflammation as assessed by gingival redness and bleeding on probing.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Amoxicillin; Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Bacteria; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Clavulanic Acids; Combined Modality Therapy; Dental Plaque; Dental Scaling; Drug Therapy, Combination; Gingival Hemorrhage; Gingivitis; Humans; Ibuprofen; Middle Aged; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Pocket; Placebos; Root Planing; Surgical Flaps; Tetracycline

Twenty patients suffering from abscess of periodontal origin were treated and followed clinically and microbiologically for 6 months. Microbiological examination was performed by culture technique. One deep and one shallow periodontal pocket in the same patient were examined concomitantly. Serum was collected and analyzed for specific antibody level using ELISA methodology. Treatment included supragingival scaling, drainage, and irrigation of the periodontal pocket with 0.85% sodium chloride and systemic tetracycline administration, 1 g per day for 2 weeks. At baseline, 90% of the abscesses harbored Porphyromonas gingivalis and/or Prevotella intermedia. After 6 months, abscess sites demonstrated a reduced probing depth, less bleeding on probing, and gain of attachment. Abscess sites showed no P. gingivalis and the proportion of P. intermedia was significantly reduced 6 months after treatment. In deep periodontal pockets a similar pattern was seen. Shallow pockets demonstrated few clinical signs of inflammation and the number of bacteria was generally low. Campylobacter rectus, Capnocytophaga spp, and Fusobacterium nucleatum were frequently seen in low numbers in most sites during the study period, while Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans was detected only in a few sites. The IgG levels in patient sera against antigens of homologous bacterial strains remained fairly constant for 6 months. The result of the present study indicates that P. gingivalis and P. intermedia are involved in periodontal abscess formation. Also, treatment where drainage is combined with tetracycline administration promotes healing and reattachment.

Topics: Antibodies, Bacterial; Colony Count, Microbial; Drainage; Humans; Immunoglobulin G; Longitudinal Studies; Periodontal Abscess; Periodontal Pocket; Porphyromonas gingivalis; Prevotella intermedia; Statistics, Nonparametric; Tetracycline

Fiber placed in periodontal pockets to deliver tetracycline continuously for 10 days was effective in reducing pocket depth and bleeding on probing when used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing. In this study, the combined therapy was valuable in treating adult patients who had refractory disease sites.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Delayed-Action Preparations; Dental Scaling; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Tetracycline; Treatment Outcome

The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical and microbiological effects of a newly developed root conditioning gel system containing tetracycline or a mixture of tetracycline and citric acid on non-surgical periodontal therapy. Sixty-four (64) single-rooted teeth with a probing depth of 4 to 6 mm were randomly subjected to one of the following four treatments; 1) root planing alone (RP group); 2) tetracycline-containing gel alone (TCG group); 3) root planing plus tetracycline-containing gel (RP + TCG group); or 4) root planing plus a mixture of tetracycline and citric acid-containing gel (RP + TC-CAG group). Probing depth, attachment level, and tooth mobility were measured and the presence of dental plaque and gingival inflammation was recorded at baseline and after 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Subgingival plaque samples from each site were collected at the same visits and examined with phase contrast microscopy for proportions of motile rods and spirochetes. Plaque index, gingival sulcus bleeding index (SBI), probing depth, and attachment level decreased significantly in all groups compared to the baseline values (P < 0.05). A significant decrease in probing pocket depth was noted after 12 weeks in RP + TC-CAG group compared to the other groups (P < 0.05). Significantly more gain in attachment was detected in the RP + TC-CAG group compared to the TCG group (P < 0.05). Tooth mobility scores also decreased later in the study. A significant decrease in the proportion of motile rods was found primarily in the RP + TC-CAG group.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Adult; Bacteria; Citrates; Citric Acid; Colony Count, Microbial; Combined Modality Therapy; Dental Plaque; Dental Plaque Index; Drug Combinations; Female; Gels; Gingival Hemorrhage; Gingivitis; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Root Planing; Spirochaetales; Tetracycline; Tooth Mobility

The clinical effects of subgingivally placed 1% chlorhexidine gel (w/w) and 40% tetracycline (w/w) paste in periodontal pockets of 22 adult periodontitis patients were studied. The 2 agents were applied following scaling and root planing in pockets exceeding 4 mm. The patients were randomly divided into 3 groups: (a) scaling and root planing (SCRP) only, the control group; (b) corsodyl gel+SCRP; (c) Tetracycline paste+SCRP. Gel or paste were gently applied using a syringe with a blunt needle until the selected pocket was overfilled. Evaluations were made of clinical parameters including the plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding index (GI-S), probing pocket depths, probing attachment levels and position of the gingival margin. The results suggested that all the treatment modalities were effective in producing statistically significant improvements in clinical parameters. It was concluded that the conventional treatment modalities were essential in the treatment of periodontal diseases, but in view of the structure of the periodontal pocket and adjacent complex root surface, subgingival drug application in certain cases, might also provide adjunctive improvement.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Analysis of Variance; Chlorhexidine; Dental Plaque Index; Dental Scaling; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Root Planing; Tetracycline

This clinical study evaluated the survival rates of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Prevotella intermedia in periodontal pockets following scaling and root planing and intra-pocket irrigation with antimicrobial agents in patients with moderate and severe periodontitis. The number of target organisms was determined utilizing DNA probes. Adult periodontitis patients were selected on the basis that the subgingival flora contained at least one of the target organisms. Forty-eight (48) inflamed pockets > or = 5 mm in depth with probing attachment loss and containing at least one of the target species were then selected in 7 adult patients who harbored these bacteria. Following baseline clinical and bacterial examination, all patients received thorough scaling and root planing. In addition, 1 or 2 teeth in each patient which harbored the target flora at baseline were randomly assigned to each of the following 4 treatment modalities: 1) control group, no irrigation; 2) saline group, irrigation with 2 cc of physiologic saline; 3) tetracycline group, irrigation with 2 cc of aqueous tetracycline hydrochloride, 50 mg/ml (5%); and 4) chlorhexidine group, irrigation with 2 cc 0.12% chlorhexidine. All selected sites (5 to 8 per patient) were nonadjacent teeth. Clinical parameters and microbial analysis were recorded again at one week, and one month post-irrigation. The survival rate of the target microorganisms was determined and the effect of irrigation with antimicrobial agents on this microflora was compared with the control groups (1 and 2).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans; Bacteroides; Chlorhexidine; Colony Count, Microbial; Dental Plaque Index; Dental Scaling; DNA Probes; DNA, Bacterial; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Porphyromonas gingivalis; Root Planing; Tetracycline; Therapeutic Irrigation

Thirty-one patients with chronic adult periodontitis participated in this long-term private practice study. Sixty-one sites with moderate (4-6 mm, n = 21) or deep (> or = 7 mm, n = 40) periodontal pockets and bleeding on probing were treated with an antibiotic-releasing fiber, Actisite (Periodontal Therapeutic System) (tetracycline hydrochloride). Scaling/root planing (SRP) was performed on all teeth 3 weeks before start of the study, and on most teeth immediately before fiber insertion. Monolithic fibers loaded with 25% tetracycline hydrochloride were inserted in periodontal pockets, where they were retained for a mean of 6.7 days, at which point they were removed. Patients were evaluated at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment; subgroups were also evaluated at normalized 12-month (10 patients, 20 sites) and 24-month (13 patients, 20 sites) time points. Sites showed a mean probing depth reduction of 2.5 mm at 6 months, and 2.2 mm at 24 months, with the deepest sites showing the greatest reduction. Bleeding on probing was 100% at baseline, 34% at 3 months, and 50% at 6 months. Attachment gains in 18 patients (25 sites) were 2.4 mm at 1 month, 3.0 mm at 3 months, and 2.5 mm at 6 months. Fibers were well tolerated; no adverse effects from treatment were noted. These results indicate that use of tetracycline fiber plus SRP clearly reduced the clinical signs of periodontal disease and maintained or improved attachment for up to 24 months in sites previously refractory to treatment.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drug Delivery Systems; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Tetracycline; Treatment Outcome

The current study assessed the clinical and microbiological effects of systemic antimicrobial therapy alone in Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans-infected adolescents with periodontal disease. The study involved 6 localized juvenile periodontitis patients 13-18 years of age, who harbored high numbers of A. actinomycetemcomitans in subgingival plaque samples. The periodontal lesions were microbiologically monitored by selective culture, and clinically assessed for probing pocket depth and periodontal attachment level 3 months prior to baseline, and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months posttreatment. Tetracycline-HCl (250 mg/QID) was prescribed until 1 week after subgingival A. actinomycetemcomitans was no longer detectable or for a maximum of 8 weeks. During 3 months prior to treatment, pocket depth was unchanged, and was then significantly reduced from an average of 7.1 mm to 5.1 mm 12 months after treatment (p = 0.02). The mean change in clinical attachment level was a gain of 1.4 mm between baseline and 12 months (p = 0.02). 3 of the 6 patients were still infected with A. actinomycetemcomitans after 8 weeks of antibiotic therapy and 4 subjects were infected at 12 months. Numbers of A. actinomycetemcomitans were still suppressed in most lesions. There was a strong association between mean numbers of A. actinomycetemcomitans in periodontal pockets and mean change in probing attachment level at any given time point. For 22 available comparisons, derived from all time points, there was a strong association (r = 0.68) between subgingival A. actinomycetemcomitans and change in probing attachment level.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Actinobacillus Infections; Adolescent; Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans; Aggressive Periodontitis; Chi-Square Distribution; Colony Count, Microbial; Female; Humans; Male; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Tetracycline

This study examines and characterizes the soft tissue wall of periodontal pockets after a 10-day in vivo exposure to monolithic tetracycline-impregnated fibers, with and without root planing. Four teeth from each of eight patients were randomly assigned to (1) nontreatment (controls), (2) treatment by root planing only, (3) treatment by tetracycline fiber only, or (4) treatment by scaling and root planing and tetracycline fibers. Ten days after initial therapy, all teeth were extracted with associated soft tissue pocket walls intact. Three specimens were obtained from each tooth for examination by scanning microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and light microscopy. Results indicated that use of tetracycline-impregnated fibers over a 10-day period did not adversely affect the epithelial lining and had no significant effect on the density or character of the inflammatory response present in adjacent soft tissue and confirmed the antimicrobial effects of the fibers.

Topics: Analysis of Variance; Delayed-Action Preparations; Electron Probe Microanalysis; Epithelium; Female; Gingiva; Humans; Male; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Observer Variation; Periodontal Pocket; Tetracycline

Systemic metronidazole and tetracycline were compared as adjunctive agents in the treatment of localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP). 27 patients with Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans-positive (Aa) LJP were treated with scaling and rootplaning, control of oral hygiene and periodontal surgery if indicated. The patients were randomly divided into 3 equal groups: the 1st group had metronidazole 200 mg x 3 x 10 days, the 2nd tetracycline 250 mg x 4 x 12 days, the 3rd group received no medication and served as a control. 6 patients had periodontal surgery. 4 sites with the most advanced bone loss as determined on radiographs were selected in each subject for test sites. Gingival index, gingival bleeding after probing (GB), probing depth (PD), suppuration, and radiographic bone loss were registered, and subgingival Aa was selectively cultured. GB and PD > or = 4 mm were registered in the whole dentition as well. All parameters were monitored at baseline and at 6 and 18 months after treatment. By the end of the study, Aa was suppressed to below detection level at all test sites only in the metronidazole group, at 17/26 sites (4 patients) in the tetracycline group and at 19/26 sites (6 patients) in the control group. Clinically, all groups showed improvement. In conclusion, metronidazole was more effective than tetracycline in the suppression of Aa and the suppression of Aa appeared to produce better clinical results.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans; Aggressive Periodontitis; Alveolar Bone Loss; Dental Plaque; Female; Gingival Hemorrhage; Humans; Male; Metronidazole; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Radiography; Tetracycline

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the concentration and location of tetracycline hydrochloride in tissue adjacent to periodontal pockets treated with a tetracycline impregnated fiber. A secondary objective was to determine if the presurgical placement of fibers had any adverse effects on healing following periodontal surgery. The study population consisted of 10 patients with at least 2 pockets in both maxillary quadrants of > or = 5 mm in depth and exhibiting bleeding on probing. After an initial scaling and root planing, placebo or tetracycline fibers were randomly assigned by quadrant to 2 non-adjacent pockets. Fibers were removed at the time of surgery; i.e., day 8, and periodontal surgery was performed utilizing a flap incision that allowed biopsy of 1 interdental papilla from each of the 2 test sites in each quadrant. One biopsy was analyzed for tetracycline concentrations by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The second biopsy was examined by both light and ultraviolet fluorescence microscopy to determine the location of residual tetracycline and the intensity of inflammatory cell infiltrates. Results showed that the tissue concentration of the antibiotic in tetracycline treated sites was 64.4 +/- 7.01 ng/mg (ng of tetracycline/mg tissue weight) which corresponds to 43 micrograms of tetracycline and was below levels of accurate measurement in placebo treated sites. Tetracycline tissue concentrations corresponded to the ultraviolet fluorescence microscopy with a Pearson correlation coefficient of r = 0.92. Tetracycline fluorescence was noted in the soft tissue wall ranging from 1 to 20 microns.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Adult; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Drug Implants; Epithelium; Gingiva; Gingival Hemorrhage; Humans; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontium; Placebos; Surgical Flaps; Tetracycline; Time Factors; Tissue Distribution; Wound Healing

The study design and baseline characteristics of a multicenter trial to test the effectiveness and safety of locally delivered tetracycline for treatment of adult periodontitis are described. Local delivery was provided by 0.5 mm diameter ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer fibers loaded 25% with tetracycline hydrochloride which were placed into periodontal pockets and maintained by an adhesive for 10 (+/- 2) days. A total of 113 subjects (56 male and 57 female; mean age 49.3 yr) at five centers participated in the study. Subjects were selected who had 4 nonadjacent teeth with 6-10 mm pockets that bled on probing. The selected sites in each subject were randomly assigned to 4 test groups: tetracycline fiber, control fiber, scaling with root planing, or untreated. A balanced experimental design was thereby established in which each subject contributed equally by providing 4 clinically comparable sites for evaluation. To provide a more specific model for testing periodontitis therapy, gingivitis was treated prior to the initiation of the study by prophylaxis with supragingival calculus removal and home care instruction. Clinical response variables measured were pocket depth reduction, attachment level gain and bleeding on controlled-force probing measured at baseline, 30 d, and 60 d. Levels of 6 bacterial species selected as probable periodontal pathogens were measured by DNA probe analysis of plaque samples. The design of this study provided several unique analytical opportunities. Controls included a comparison with conventional treatment, analysis of vehicle effects, and effects at untreated sites. Comparison of the test group with controls permitted evaluation of the principal variables that could effect interpretation of results.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Adult; Boston; Dental Plaque Index; Female; Georgia; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Missouri; Multicenter Studies as Topic; New York City; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Pocket; Polyvinyls; Random Allocation; Research Design; San Francisco; Tetracycline

The safety and efficacy of periodontal disease treatment by intrapocket placement of tetracycline (TC) fibers was investigated in a 60-day multicenter study conducted by selecting 4 sites in each subject with 6-10 mm pockets that bled on probing. Sites were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 test groups: TC fiber therapy, scaling, control fiber (fibers without drug), or untreated. TC fibers and control fibers were placed to fill the pocket and were maintained with a cyanoacrylate adhesive for 10(+/- 2) d. Scaling was performed for a minimum of 5 min under local anesthesia. Following initial tooth cleaning procedures, pocket depth, attachment level and bleeding on controlled-force probing were measured at baseline and at 30 d, and 60 d following therapy. Analysis of data from 107 subjects who had complete clinical data sets indicated that TC fiber therapy significantly decreased pocket depth, increased attachment level, and decreased bleeding on controlled-force probing to a greater extent than observed in all other test groups including scaling. These effects were greater than, and in addition to, effects that occurred due to prophylaxis and improved home care. No serious adverse side-effects attributed to TC fiber therapy were observed. No TC fiber-treated sites abscessed and superinfection was not noted. A transient redness at fiber removal was seen at 21% of the sites. Although fibers were placed without anesthesia, mild pain on initial placement was infrequent (19%) and abated rapidly. The results indicate that TC fiber placement provides a safe and effective means for treatment of periodontal infections.

Topics: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Chi-Square Distribution; Epithelial Attachment; Female; Humans; Least-Squares Analysis; Linear Models; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Random Allocation; Tetracycline

The present study describes results on selected clinical and microbiological parameters obtained by periodontal treatment with ethylene vinyl acetate fibers containing 25% by weight tetracycline hydrochloride placed into the periodontal pocket alone or in combination with scaling. Supragingival plaque control was maintained throughout the study by weekly professional cleaning and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinses. Controls included untreated sites and sites treated by conventional scaling alone in a 4-quadrant split-mouth design. The experiment was conducted on 95 teeth from 10 subjects with periodontal pockets greater than or equal to 6 mm which initially bled on probing. All treatments resulted in changes indicative of effective therapy. Pocket depth was reduced, bleeding on probing decreased and gingival index scores decreased. Parallel to the clinical changes, all treatments reduced total bacterial numbers, % black-pigmented Bacteroides, motile bacteria, non-motile rods, and produced a proportionate increase in cocci. Fiber therapy with or without scaling reduced bacterial counts by approximately 2 orders of magnitude when evaluated at 62 days post-therapy. The combination of fiber therapy with scaling was particularly effective, suggesting a possible synergy between these forms of therapy. The combined therapy eliminated bleeding on probing, and black-pigmented Bacteroides, and produced the greatest mean reduction in pocket depth.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Bacteria; Colony Count, Microbial; Delayed-Action Preparations; Dental Scaling; Drug Implants; Female; Gingival Hemorrhage; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Oral Hygiene; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Pocket; Polyvinyls; Tetracycline

46 upper and lower molars with furcation grade II involvement were selected from 16 patients with periodontal disease. The teeth were randomly allocated to the following groups according to treatment; (1) 4 consecutive administrations of tetracycline-immobilized cross-linked collagen film (TC film) at intervals of 1 week (TC group); (2) 1 root planing treatment (RP group); (3) combination treatment (TC + RP group); (4) no treatment (control group). The therapeutic effects of each treatment were compared both clinically and microbiologically. Records of plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, probing attachment level and microscopic counts were obtained at 0, 4, 6 and 8 weeks. The results showed marked decreases in probing depth and density of micro-organisms in both the RP and TC + RP groups. In particular, the TC + RP group was characterized by a decreased rate of bleeding on pocket probing and an increased probing attachment gain. The above findings demonstrated that root planning is effective in the treatment of furcation involvement and that the effects are enhanced by the local administration of TC films.

Topics: Collagen; Colony Count, Microbial; Combined Modality Therapy; Delayed-Action Preparations; Dental Plaque Index; Dental Scaling; Epithelial Attachment; Female; Humans; Male; Mandible; Middle Aged; Molar; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Prostheses and Implants; Random Allocation; Spirochaetales; Tetracycline; Tooth Root

In vitro tests in our laboratory have shown that 40% tetracycline HCl in a white petrolatum carrier (TTC-WP) has potential as a sustained release, autodissipating system. The present study tested subgingival placement of TTC-WP via syringe in vivo. Quadrants (2 diseased sites in each) in 9 patients with moderate/severe periodontitis were randomly assigned to receive the following treatments: (1) TTC-WP; (2) WP only; (3) scaling and root planing; (4) untreated control. TTC release into gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) over time (baseline, 1, 8, 24, 72 and 168 h) was measured using an agar diffusion bioassay. Clinical parameters and subgingival bacterial morphotypes (darkfield analysis) were also evaluated over time (baseline, 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks). Results indicated that TTC-WP was easily placed into periodontal pockets and biologically effective TTC was released into GCF for at least 3 days (mean concentration = 115.8 +/- 43.1 micrograms/ml at 3 days). TTC-WP reduced probing pocket depths and bleeding on probing relative to baseline measurements for 8-12 weeks post-treatment, and reduced %s of motile rods and spirochetes, with an accompanying increase in cocci, for 2-8 weeks. Similar effects were noted in the scaled and root-planed sites, but for a longer duration. TTC-WP and WP were clinically dissipated after 2 weeks and no adverse tissue reactions were observed. From these findings, subgingival TTC-WP cannot replace scaling and root planing therapy, but has characteristics useful in subgingival plaque control.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Aged; Bacteria; Delayed-Action Preparations; Dental Plaque; Drug Carriers; Gingiva; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingival Hemorrhage; Humans; Middle Aged; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Petrolatum; Tetracycline

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical application of strips containing 10% Tetracycline (TC) in periodontal disease. In this double blind study, placebo strips, which did not contain TC, were also prepared. Ninety-two sites in 46 cases with greater than a 4 mm periodontal pocket were randomly assigned to experimental and control study groups. The following clinical parameters at each site were recorded at Weeks 0, 1, 2 and 3 after insertion of the LSD or placebo strip: plaque and calculus score, probing depth, gingival inflammation (redness, swelling, bleeding on probing, pus discharge), mobility of the tooth, pain on insertion of strip and pain after the procedure. The residual quantity of TC in the periodontal pocket was also determined at 1, 2 and 7 days after inserting the LSD. All clinical data was evaluated using 3 types of statistical test (X2 test, Mann-Whitney's U test and Wilcoxon's test). Thus, the following results were obtained: 1. The LSD group showed much improvement in clinical condition compared with the placebo group. 2. The conditions of bleeding, redness or swelling of gingival tissue were much improved in the LSD group, even after data evaluation with all 3 types of statistical test. 3. The residual quantity of TC was decreased day by day until finally it was not recognized in the 7 day samples. 4. This study suggested that the application of LSD in the periodontal pocket could be effective in periodontal treatment.

Topics: Humans; Periodontal Pocket; Tetracycline

Ten patients with bilateral, posterior osseous defects associated with localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP) completed the study. Following the initial therapy, osseous defects were surgically debrided and grafted with a 4:1 volume ratio combination of either Synthograft/tetracycline (b-TCP/TTC), Periograf/tetracycline (HA/TTC) or freeze-dried bone allograft/tetracycline (FDBA/TTC). Graft materials were selected randomly for each half mouth following defect debridement, with a different material used on the opposite side for that patient. Immediately following each surgery, patients were placed on doxycycline 100 mg/day for 10 days. Direct re-entry evaluation of 51 osseous defects demonstrated no significant differences among the graft materials regarding hard tissue or soft tissue changes, except for greater percent defect fill for HA/TTC compared to b-TCP/TTC. Significant decreases in defect depth and pocket depth were achieved with each graft material. No adverse reactions to the use of any of the graft materials in combination with local and systemic tetracycline were found. The results indicate all three graft materials used in conjunction with TTC are acceptable and beneficial for the treatment and repair of osseous defects associated with localized juvenile periodontitis.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aggressive Periodontitis; Alveolar Process; Alveoloplasty; Biocompatible Materials; Bone Transplantation; Calcium Phosphates; Ceramics; Durapatite; Female; Gingiva; Humans; Hydroxyapatites; Male; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Pocket; Prostheses and Implants; Surgical Flaps; Tetracycline

Tetracycline-containing cross-linked collagen film (TC film), or tetracycline-free placebo film, were locally applied 4 times, at 1-week intervals, to 33 teeth with periodontal pockets larger than 4 mm, in 11 patients with periodontal disease. The clinical and microbiological effects are summarized, as follows. In the group treated with the TC film, (1) the clinical indices were significantly decreased at the 4th and 7th weeks in comparison with those at the beginning of treatment. In particular, this group showed a significant decrease in the incidence of bleeding as compared with the placebo group at the 4th week. (2) Total counts of bacteria in the periodontal pockets showed an obvious tendency to decrease with time. The proportion of black-pigmented bacteroides was significantly decreased at the 4th and 7th weeks when compared with the pretreatment value. The extent of decrease in the proportion of spirochetes at both the 4th and 7th weeks was significant compared with the placebo group and the pretreatment value.

Topics: Bacteroides; Chronic Disease; Collagen; Drug Carriers; Female; Gingival Hemorrhage; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Spirochaetales; Tetracycline

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the duration of therapeutic effect after administration of the collagen film immobilized tetracycline (TC film). TC film or tetracycline non-immobilized placebo film was applied one time to the periodontal pocket (greater than or equal to 4 mm) of five periodontitis patients (20 teeth). The clinical and microbiological effects are summarized as follows: The group that received TC film continued to show significantly low values for bleeding upon probing the pocket depth for 3 and 4 weeks, respectively, after administration, but there was no significant difference in the plaque index or gingival index when compared with the group that received a placebo film. In the TC film group, the density of microorganisms and the proportion of motile rods and spirochetes were also significantly decreased 3 weeks after administration. These findings suggest that topically administered TC film remains both clinically and bacteriologically effective for 2 to 3 weeks.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Bacteria; Collagen; Delayed-Action Preparations; Dental Plaque; Dental Plaque Index; Female; Gingiva; Humans; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Placebos; Tetracycline

Local antimicrobial therapy has been considered for use in the treatment of chronic periodontal disease. This study evaluated chlorhexidine, metronidazole, and tetracycline delivered into periodontal pockets in an acrylic resin vehicle and compared the results with root planed and untreated sites over a three-month follow-up period. One site per patient where pocketing greater than or equal to 6 mm associated with a single rooted tooth was randomly allocated to one of the five possible regimens. Baseline and follow-up measurements included probing depth, loss of attachment, bleeding on probing, crevicular fluid flow, and dark-field microscopy of a subgingival plaque sample. Intratreatment evaluations revealed no significant changes in any parameter for untreated sites. Significant improvements in many parameters occurred with all four therapies although the magnitude and duration were greater in metronidazole and root planing groups. The more important intertreatment comparisons indicated that most treatments produced significant benefits compared with the control group; however, again these were greater with metronidazole and root planing. Furthermore, significantly greater effects were noted for metronidazole and root planing compared with tetracycline and more particularly chlorhexidine. It is concluded that some locally delivered antimicrobials alone may be useful in the treatment of chronic periodontal disease. However, at this time local antimicrobial therapy should be considered as adjunctive to conventional debridement techniques.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Chlorhexidine; Chronic Disease; Dental Scaling; Drug Implants; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Methylmethacrylates; Metronidazole; Middle Aged; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Pocket; Tetracycline; Tooth Root

This investigation was conducted on seven individuals referred for treatment of moderate adult periodontitis. Twenty-eight sites with an average probing depth of 5.6 +/- 0.9 mm were evaluated. One tooth per jaw quadrant was randomly assigned to receive one of the following treatments: (I) no treatment, i.e., control; (II) saline irrigation; (III) tetracycline irrigation and (IV) scaling and root planing (SC/RP). A plaque control program was instituted one week prior to the experimental period and reinforced throughout the eight-week study. Irrigation was performed every 48 hours during the first two weeks of the experiment for Groups II and III, and the single treatment of SC/RP was carried out immediately following the baseline examination for Group IV. Clinical and microbiologic changes were monitored every two weeks using plaque and gingival indices, gingival fluid flow, probing depths, bleeding on probing and dark-field microscopic examination of the subgingival microbial flora. The tetracycline and SC/RP treatment modalities resulted in statistically significant clinical and microbiological improvements when compared with the control. Tetracycline irrigation alone and SC/RP alone had a similar effect in changing the subgingival microflora from one associated with disease to one associated with health. Thus, these treatment modalities are effective methods of producing statistically significant alterations in the subgingival microflora. The property of substantivity may contribute to the sustained duration of the effect of locally delivered tetracycline.

Topics: Adult; Bacteria; Dental Scaling; Humans; Middle Aged; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Tetracycline; Tooth Root

Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition that results in pocket formation, gingival recession, and tooth loss by gradually destroying the periodontium. An alternate therapeutic approach that can address these problems is required due to the prohibitive cost of periodontal therapy, unfavorable antibiotic side effects, the advent of novel bacterial strains, and the resistance of those strains. The primary goal of our study was to assess Nigella sativa's (N. sativa) antibacterial effectiveness against Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) utilizing seed extract.. Six individuals with periodontitis, both male and female, between the ages of 30 and 50, were enrolled in the study. Each patient's medical and dental histories were documented. Then, anaerobic procedures were conducted in the microbiology lab to find P. gingivalis development. The specimens were all then cultured.. At 12.5 mg/ml concentration, P. gingivalis did not show any zone of inhibition (ZOI). However, N. sativa, at a concentration of 25 mg/ml, demonstrated a ZOI of 6.2 mm against P. gingivalis. Similarly, at 50 mg/ml, it showed a ZOI of 8.4 mm. Tetracycline as a positive control demonstrated a ZOI of 14.1 mm against P. gingivalis. Although N. sativa samples had somewhat less antibacterial activity than tetracycline samples, it was discovered that N. sativa had noticeable antibacterial activity against P. gingivalis.. This study's findings suggest that N. sativa can be utilized against periodontitis as an adjunct to scaling since it has high antibacterial action against P. gingivalis.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nigella sativa; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Porphyromonas gingivalis; Tetracycline

The novel solvent-free process to formulate long-acting microparticles of tetracycline hydrochloride (TH) using hot melt extrusion granulation process coupled with size reduction using comil for the treatment of periodontitis was investigated using hydrogenated castor oil (HCO) as hydrophobic matrix former. The microparticles were characterized for micromeritics, drug diffusion, SEM studies, and stability analysis by DSC, FTIR, and proton NMR. Xanthan gum gel was used as delivery vehicles to administer microparticles inside periodontal pockets. The microparticles were sterilized using gamma radiation; delivery vehicle was sterilized using gamma radiation and autoclave process. Microparticles were evaluated for microbial load as per compendial guidelines. Optimized composition was evaluated for clinical parameters such as plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level. Based on the statistical analysis of the data, the micromeritic properties and drug diffusion profiles vary based on the concentration of HCO in the formulation. SEM images reflect the surface properties prior and post drug diffusion studies, which indicates that release takes place predominantly by diffusion of TH through HCO matrix. DSC studies indicate no change in the respective spectra of initial and stability samples. FTIR studies indicate possibility of hydrogen bonding. Proton NMR data suggests characteristic peaks of TH being retained in the stability samples, indicating stable composition. Gamma radiation has led to significant reduction in viscosity of xanthan gum solution over autoclave. Clinical studies indicated statistical improvements in the formulation compared to baseline results, indicating the efficacy of the formulation in the treatment of periodontitis.

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drug Compounding; Excipients; Humans; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; Lipids; Particle Size; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Tetracycline; Viscosity

Chronic periodontitis is a multifactorial infectious disease associated with Gram-negative strict anaerobes which are immersed in the subgingival biofilm. Porphyromonas gingivalis, an important periodontal pathogen, is frequently detected in patients with chronic periodontitis. Although isolates of P. gingivalis tend to be susceptible to most antimicrobial agents, relatively little information is available on its in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of P. gingivalis in patients with chronic periodontitis and to assess antimicrobial susceptibility in terms of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of clinical isolates to metronidazole and tetracycline. A descriptive, observational study was performed including 87 patients with chronic periodontitis. Samples were taken from the periodontal pocket using paper points, which were placed in thioglycollate broth. Samples were incubated for 4 hours at 37°C in anaerobic conditions and finally replated on Wilkins-Chalgren anaerobic agar (Oxoid). Bacteria were identified using the RapIDTMANAII system (Remel) and antimicrobial susceptibility was determined with the M.I.C. Evaluator test (MICE, Oxoid). P. gingivalis was identified in 30 of the 87 patients with chronic periodontitis, which represents a frequency of 34.5%. All 30 isolates (100%) were sensitive to metronidazole, with MIC values ranging from 0015-4ug/ml. Regarding tetracycline, 27 isolates (90%) were sensitive, with MIC values ranging from <0.015 to 4 ug /ml, the remaining three isolates (10%) were resistant to tetracycline with MIC values of 8ug/ ml. There was no statistically significant difference in age, gender, pocket depth, clinical attachment level and severity of periodontitis between the group of patients with chronic periodontitis and P. gingivalis and the group of patients with chronic periodontitis without P. gingivalis. In conclusion, P. gingivalis was found at a frequency of 34.5% in patients with chronic periodontitis and clinical isolates were highly sensitive to metronidazole and tetracycline.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacterial Load; Bacteriological Techniques; Chronic Periodontitis; Female; Humans; Male; Metronidazole; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Middle Aged; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Porphyromonas gingivalis; Tetracycline; Young Adult

The purpose of this study was to investigate the periodontal healing pattern of dehiscence-type defects following different chemical root conditioning modalities.. Buccal osseous dehiscence defects were created on six teeth of seven dogs. After dental plaque accumulation, defects were treated with sterile saline solution (control group) or one chemical conditioning modality: citric acid (CA group), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA group), tetracycline (TTC group), citric acid + tetracycline (CA + TTC group), or tetracycline + citric acid (TTC + CA group). After 3 months of healing, clinical parameters were evaluated, and the animals were killed. Histological sections were processed, and a computer-assisted histometric analysis was used to evaluate the formation of new cementum, new bone, and epithelial apical migration.. All treatments yielded significant improvements in terms of probing depth decrease and clinical attachment level gain compared to baseline values; however, without significant differences among the groups (p > 0.05; one-way ANOVA). The highest amount of new cementum was noted in the EDTA group (3.72 ± 0.83 mm, 77.6 %), while the lowest amount of new bone was observed in the TTC group (0.7 ± 0.94 mm, 14.3 %). However, no statistically significant differences could be observed among the groups regarding epithelial apical migration, new cementum, and alveolar bone formation (p > 0.05).. Chemical root surface conditioning did not promote any significant improvement in periodontal healing pattern of dehiscence-type defects in dogs.. Chemical root surface conditioning after surgical debridement did not promote positive or negative effects on periodontal healing pattern of dehiscence-type defects.

Topics: Alveolar Bone Loss; Animals; Cementogenesis; Citric Acid; Dental Disinfectants; Dogs; Drug Combinations; Edetic Acid; Epithelial Attachment; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Osteogenesis; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Pocket; Subgingival Curettage; Surgical Flaps; Tetracycline; Tooth Root; Wound Healing

Treatment with antibiotics within the periodontal pocket against bacterial infections represents a useful and adjunctive tool to conventional therapy for healing and teeth preservation. With this function in view, an implantable, tetracycline delivery device for the treatment of periodontal disease was developed. The aim of this study was to develop biodegradable, tetracycline-loaded microparticles made of two polymers: PLGA and zein which were compressed into monolithic devices. In this polymer delivery system, the encapsulation efficiency, release characteristics, drug-polymer interaction, and antibacterial activity of loaded drug were investigated. The interaction of tetracycline with the corn protein zein was studied by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transform infrared, and X-ray diffraction. The hydrophobic interaction of tetracycline with zein in the formulations was deduced from the NMR studies, whereas X-ray diffraction studies showed a new crystalline state of the drug in the presence of the protein. Zein was not denatured by preparation of inserts. Sustained release of tetracycline was obtained, and the proportion of zein in the inserts had a great impact on the drug release. Finally, an effective tetracycline release from inserts against Staphylococcus aureus was achieved over 30 days. In conclusion, the PLGA:zein delivery system described in this study was found to be effective in controlled delivery of tetracycline, and hence may be suitable for intra-pocket delivery of antimicrobial agents in the treatment of periodontitis.

Topics: Absorbable Implants; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drug Delivery Systems; Humans; Lactic Acid; Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular; Periodontal Pocket; Polyglycolic Acid; Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; Staphylococcal Infections; Staphylococcus aureus; Tetracycline; X-Ray Diffraction; Zea mays; Zein

Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are susceptible to severe periodontal disease, due to immune alterations related to functional defects of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and monocytes. The adjunctive use of locally delivered antimicrobials has been proven to be beneficial, especially in areas where mechanical therapy might fail. This article describes the management of a patient with DS who had aggressive periodontitis. The treatment used a local drug delivery system with tetracycline fibers as an adjunct to scaling and root planing.

Topics: Adult; Aggressive Periodontitis; Alveolar Bone Loss; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Collagen; Combined Modality Therapy; Dental Plaque Index; Dental Scaling; Down Syndrome; Drug Carriers; Drug Delivery Systems; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Furcation Defects; Humans; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Root Planing; Tetracycline; Tooth Mobility

  Local drug delivery is a non-surgical method in the treatment of periodontitis. Different chemotherapeutic agents are used for local drug delivery; one such agent is tetracycline, a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Recent studies have also shown that the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and acts as host modulator. Thus, an attempt was made to compare and evaluate the efficacy of tetracycline alone and in combination with diclofenac sodium as a local drug delivery..   A total of 36 sites with chronic periodontitis were divided into three groups with 12 sites each (i.e. group A, antibiotics alone; group B, antibiotics in combination with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; and group C, control group). For all the groups, the following parameters (plaque index, papillary bleeding index, probing pocket depth, and microbial analysis) were assessed and statistically analyzed..   The antibiotic and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug combination group showed a statistically-significant improvement in clinical parameters and a shift in microbial flora when compared to the group with antibiotics alone. However, the control group failed to show any statistically-significant improvement..   Antibiotics in combination with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are more efficient than using antibiotics alone as local drug delivery for the treatment of periodontal pockets.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; Chitosan; Chronic Periodontitis; Combined Modality Therapy; Delayed-Action Preparations; Dental Plaque Index; Dental Scaling; Diclofenac; Drug Combinations; Drug Delivery Systems; Follow-Up Studies; Gram-Negative Bacteria; Gram-Positive Bacteria; Humans; Middle Aged; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Placebos; Root Planing; Tetracycline; Treatment Outcome

Although in vitro studies have shown encouraging results for root surface conditioning with demineralizing agents, in vivo studies have failed to show its benefits in periodontal healing. This can be attributed to several factors, among which, the hypermineralization of dental surface. Therefore, this in vitro study compared, using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the effect of root surface conditioning with different conditioners (1% and 25% citric acid, 24% EDTA and 50 mg/mL tetracycline hydrochloride) in impacted teeth and in teeth that had their roots exposed to the oral environment. One trained examiner assessed the SEM micrographs using a root surface modification index. There was a tendency of more root surface modification in the group of impacted teeth, suggesting that the degree of root mineralization influences its chemical demineralization.

Topics: Adult; Chelating Agents; Citric Acid; Collagen; Dental Calculus; Dental Cementum; Dentin; Edetic Acid; Gingival Hemorrhage; Humans; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Middle Aged; Periodontal Pocket; Root Planing; Smear Layer; Tetracycline; Tooth Root; Tooth, Impacted

The aim of this study was to assess if the probing pocket depth is a reliable clinical parameter in the evaluation of the depth of the peri-implant sulci. In case of chronic inflamed peri-implant tissues, this evaluation is useful for understanding the level of bone resorption.. The study enrolled 22 patients. All of them were diagnosed for a peri-implantitis and were scheduled for a resective surgery with implantoplasty. During the surgery, a full thickness flap was raised and resective surgery was performed as well as an implantoplasty procedure. Peri-implant probing values before the surgery (PAL) were recorded, as were values of bone resorption after flap elevation (DIB), at all four sites around each implant (88 sites).. The mean value of PAL calculated for all 88 sites was 5.67 mm (+/-1.46); the correspondent value of DIB was 6.37 mm (+/-1.81). In 52 sites out of 88 (59.1%) the values of PAL and DIB were exactly the same (maximum difference 0.5 mm). In only 10 cases (11.3%) the difference between PAL and DIB was >2 mm. The mean values for PAL and DIB were not statistically different.. Authors have concluded that in case of chronic inflammation of peri-implant tissues, the probe reaches the bone pick, allowing the clinician to have reliable information on the actual bone resorption.

Topics: Alveolar Bone Loss; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chronic Periodontitis; Combined Modality Therapy; Debridement; Dental Implants; Device Removal; Gels; Gingival Hemorrhage; Humans; Metronidazole; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontics; Tetracycline

This study histologically evaluated recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rhPDGF-BB) in combination with beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) for the treatment of human intraosseous periodontal defects. Eight patients, each with two teeth treatment planned for extraction, were enrolled. Presurgical measurements included probing depth, clinical attachment level, and recession. Initial surgery consisted of flap reflection, debridement, placement of a root notch through the base of calculus, scaling and root planing, root biomodification with 50 mg/mL tetracycline, grafting with rhPDGF-BB + beta-TCP, and complete wound closure. One tooth in each patient was treated with 0.3 mg/mL of rhPDGF-BB + beta-TCP, and the other tooth was treated with 1.0 mg/mL of rhPDGF-BB + beta-TCP. After a minimum of 6 months of healing, postsurgical clinical measurements were made, and teeth were removed en bloc. Soft tissue healing was uneventful. Histologic evaluation demonstrated new bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament coronal to the reference notch in 13 of the 16 teeth. Six of the eight 0.3-mg/mL sites and seven of the eight 1.0-mg/mL sites demonstrated periodontal regeneration. This study provides proof of principle that 0.3 mg/mL and 1.0 mg/mL of rhPDGF-BB and beta-TCP can promote periodontal regeneration in human intraosseous periodontal defects.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Alveolar Bone Loss; Alveolar Process; Angiogenesis Inducing Agents; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Becaplermin; Biocompatible Materials; Bone Substitutes; Calcium Phosphates; Debridement; Dental Cementum; Dental Scaling; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gingival Recession; Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Ligament; Periodontal Pocket; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis; Recombinant Proteins; Root Planing; Surgical Flaps; Tetracycline

A novel drug delivery system for the treatment of periodontitis was developed using two components. The first was tetracycline base loaded into the microtubular excipient halloysite, which was coated with chitosan to further retard drug release. Encapsulation efficiencies of 32.5% were achieved with the loading procedure, with tetracycline base showing in vitro release for up to 50 days in simulated gingival crevicular fluid. The second component developed was a vehicle for the drug loaded coated halloysite, which was primarily based on the thermoresponsive polymer, poloxamer 407. A concentration of 20% was chosen with the thermoresponsivity of the system modified using PEG 20,000 so that the mobile product at room temperature would gel by temperature rise following syringing into a periodontal pocket. Retention of the overall system in the pocket was further improved by the addition of octyl cyanoacrylate (OCA). The thermoresponsivity of the poloxamer 407 system proved to be sensitive to the presence of added excipients with the levels of PEG 20,000 and OCA requiring modification in the presence of the halloysite component. A final formulation was developed which consisted of 200 mg of halloysite double loaded with tetracycline base and coated with chitosan, suspended in 1 ml of poloxamer 407 20% (w/w), PEG 20,000 0.5% (w/w), OCA 1.0% (w/w), water to 100%, adjusted to pH 4. The syringeability of this formulation at various temperatures was evaluated to ensure ease of delivery to the periodontal pocket. A stability study was performed to examine the change in thermoresponsivity over time, with the final formulation found to be stable for at least 9 months when stored at room temperature (approximately 20 degrees C). This formulation offered ease of delivery to the periodontal pocket and sustained release of the antibiotic for up to 6 weeks. The formulation had preliminary in vivo testing performed in dogs to determine levels of drug release, antimicrobial activity and retentive ability of the product. A wound pocket creation model was developed for the purposes of the trial. The product was easy to deliver to the pockets with application times of less than 1 min. Results showed the product was retained in the pocket for up to 6 weeks with effective tetracycline levels released locally over this time period, which achieved good antibacterial activity.

Topics: Aluminum Silicates; Animals; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Clay; Dogs; Drug Delivery Systems; Male; Mouth; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Poloxamer; Tetracycline

The effects of alginate coated on tetracycline (Tc) loaded poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres fabricated by double emulsion solvent evaporation technique for local delivery to periodontal pocket were investigated. Alginate coated PLGA microspheres showed smoother surface but enlarged their particle sizes compared with those of uncoated ones. In addition, alginate coated microspheres enhanced Tc encapsulation efficiency (E.E.) from 11.5 +/- 0.5% of uncoated ones to 17.9 +/- 0.5%. Moreover, all of the coated PLGA microspheres even fabricated at different conditions could prolong Tc release from 9-12 days with 50% or higher in cumulative release of Tc compared with those of uncoated ones. The swelling ratios of PLGA microspheres for alginate coated or uncoated ones, one of the possible mechanisms for enhancing Tc release for the coated ones, were measured. The results showed that 20% or higher in swelling ratio for the coated microspheres at the earlier stage of hydration (e.g. < or = 24 h) could be an important factor to result in high Tc release compared to the uncoated ones. In conclusion, alginate coated Tc loaded PLGA microspheres could enhance Tc delivery to periodontal pocket by enhancing drug encapsulated efficiency, released quantities and sustained release period compared with uncoated ones.

Topics: Alginates; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biocompatible Materials; Chitosan; Drug Carriers; Drug Compounding; Glucuronic Acid; Hexuronic Acids; Humans; Lactic Acid; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Microspheres; Particle Size; Periodontal Pocket; Polyglycolic Acid; Polylactic Acid-Polyglycolic Acid Copolymer; Polymers; Surface Properties; Tetracycline

The purpose of this study was to histologically evaluate furcation defects in humans treated with an allograft-alloplast-tetracycline composite graft combined with an absorbable membrane for guided tissue regeneration (GTR). Three teeth with Class II furcation involvement on the buccal aspects were included in this study. A notch was placed in calculus during the procedure to serve as a reference point for histologic evaluation. The defects were then treated with an allograft-alloplast-tetracycline composite graft combined with an absorbable membrane for GTR. At 6 months postoperative, the teeth were extracted with conservative block sections and processed for histologic evaluation. Regeneration (new bone, cementum, and connective tissue attachment) coronal to a notch could be seen in one of the three defects treated. In the other two defects, a new connective tissue attachment was demonstrated (new connective tissue attachment into new cementum) in the notch placed in calculus. In this study, regeneration of a furcation defect in a human was documented with histology.

Topics: Absorbable Implants; Alveolar Process; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biocompatible Materials; Bone Regeneration; Bone Substitutes; Bone Transplantation; Connective Tissue; Dental Cementum; Durapatite; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Furcation Defects; Gingival Recession; Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal; Humans; Membranes, Artificial; Middle Aged; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Ligament; Periodontal Pocket; Regeneration; Tetracycline; Transplantation, Homologous

The management of periodontal diseases has included both non-surgical and surgical treatment options. Non-surgical treatment traditionally has referred to the role of mechanical instrumentation of the root surface with either scalers or curettes. However, the introduction of locally delivered anti-microbial medications, which can be placed directly into a periodontal pocket, has provided the practitioner with another treatment option. This article looks at the different locally delivered anti-microbial medications being used in the non-surgical management of periodontal diseases.

Topics: Absorbable Implants; Administration, Topical; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Cellulose; Chlorhexidine; Contraindications; Delayed-Action Preparations; Dental Scaling; Doxycycline; Drug Delivery Systems; Drug Implants; Humans; Minocycline; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Pocket; Root Planing; Subgingival Curettage; Tetracycline

The semisolid consistency of poly(ortho esters) (POEs) containing tetracycline free base allows direct injection in the periodontal pocket and shows sustained and almost constant in vitro release in phosphate buffer, pH 7.4 at 37 degrees C, for up to 14 days. Total polymer degradation concomitant with drug release was obtained. Formulations containing 10% or 20% (wt/wt) tetracycline were evaluated in a panel of 12 patients suffering from severe and recurrent periodontitis. In the first trial including 6 patients, single-rooted teeth and molar teeth with furcations were treated immediately after scaling and root planing. Patients tolerated both formulations well, experienced no pain during application, and showed no signs of irritation or discomfort during the observation period. However, retention of the formulation was minimal in this first study. An improved clinical protocol followed in the second study (stopping bleeding after scaling and root planning) prolonged the retention of the formulations in the inflamed periodontal pockets. For up to 11 days, tetracycline concentrations in the gingival crevicular fluid were higher than the minimum inhibitory concentration of tetracycline against most periodontal pathogens.

Topics: Adult; Biodegradation, Environmental; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Carriers; Drug Delivery Systems; Humans; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Polymers; Tetracycline

This prospective study was designed to investigate amoxicillin-resistant oral anaerobes, and to identify their beta-lactamase-encoding genes. Three subgingival bacterial samples were collected from 12 patients suffering from periodontitis. One to seven beta-lactamase-producing strains were obtained from each patient, mostly belonging to the Prevotella genus (Bacteroides eggerthii, 2/35 strains; Prevotella sp., 33/35 strains). PCR assays were used to detect cfxA and cepA/cblA, the genes encoding class A/group2e beta-lactamases previously described in the Bacteroides fragilis group. The present investigation confirmed the role of Prevotella species as beta-lactamase producers in periodontal pockets. Additionally, this PCR screening showed (1): the high prevalence of CfxA beta-lactamase production by aminopenicillin-resistant Prevotella (32/33: 97.0% positive strains) vs. cepA/cblA (1/33: 3.0% positive strains), and (2) the presence of cfxA in the periodontal reservoir in the absence of antimicrobial therapy during the previous 6 months.

Topics: Amoxicillin; Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination; Anti-Bacterial Agents; beta-Lactamases; Drug Resistance, Bacterial; Drug Therapy, Combination; Erythromycin; Fimbriae Proteins; Genes, Bacterial; Humans; Membrane Proteins; Penicillin Resistance; Penicillins; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Phenotype; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Prevotella; Prospective Studies; Tetracycline; Tetracycline Resistance

In the present study both the short- and the long-term effects were evaluated of a treatment that, during the phase of basic therapy, included administration of systemic tetracycline and non-surgical intervention.. 35 adult human subjects with advanced periodontitis, 19 females and 16 males, aged between 24 and 60 years, were included in a test group. 80 age- and sex-matched adult periodontitis subjects were recruited for a control group (42 females and 38 males). A baseline examination included assessment of the following parameters: number of teeth, plaque, bleeding on probing, probing attachment level, probing pocket depth. In radiographs, the distance between the cemento-enamel junction and the alveolar bone crest was determined at all interproximal sites. The subjects were given oral hygiene instruction. The members of the test group were provided with tablets with 250 mg of tetracycline hydrochloride and were instructed to take 1 tablet 4x per day for a period of 3 weeks. No antibiotic was given to the subjects in the control group. During the 3-week interval, all participants received 4-6 sessions of non-surgical periodontal therapy. All subjects were subsequently enrolled in a maintenance care program and were provided with supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) 3-4x per year. Clinical re-examinations were performed after 1, 3, 5 and 13 years.. The present investigation demonstrated that tetracycline administered during a 3-week period concomitant with non-surgical treatment enhanced the outcome of mechanical therapy. At the re-examination 1 year after active therapy, there was in the test group an average gain in probing attachment that was almost 3x higher than the gain that occurred in an age and sex matched Control group. Re-examinations after 3, 5, and 13 years of SPT disclosed that this short-term benefit was not maintained in the longer perspective.. The beneficial effect of systemically administered tetracycline on probing attachment level occurred in the first year post-therapy. Annual rates of probing attachment level change from 1 to 13 years did not differ between groups.

Topics: Adult; Alveolar Bone Loss; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Case-Control Studies; Combined Modality Therapy; Dental Plaque Index; Dental Scaling; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gingival Hemorrhage; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Middle Aged; Oral Hygiene; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Root Planing; Statistics as Topic; Tablets; Tetracycline; Treatment Outcome

Local delivery of antimicrobial agents in inflamed periodontal pocket has been shown to be effective in reducing periodontopathic microorganisms. This research focuses on developing and characterizing bioerodible formulations based on auto-catalyzed poly(ortho esters) (POExLAy) for modulated release of tetracycline over 2 weeks. POExLAy are a new versatile family of POE-containing lactoyl lactyl dimers in the polymer backbone. By modifying the proportion of lactic acid in the polymer, viscous or solid materials having different degradation rate can be produced. The formulations can be either injected or placed as a solid device directly into the periodontal pocket. Tetracycline-free base incorporated into these materials was released within 10-14 days depending on polymer structure. Increase in lactic acid content in the polymer tended to increase the drug release rate and to reduce the initial lag time. Tetracycline release from such bioerodible delivery system occurs predominantly by surface erosion of the polymeric matrix, leading to kinetics which can be zero order. This periodontal drug delivery system is designed to be used as an adjunct in the treatment of periodontal diseases. Clinical studies are currently in progress.

Topics: Biocompatible Materials; Catalysis; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Carriers; Drug Stability; Humans; Lactic Acid; Molecular Structure; Periodontal Pocket; Polymers; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization; Structure-Activity Relationship; Tetracycline

The current data suggest that local delivery of antimicrobials into the periodontal pocket can improve periodontal health. However, they do not provide a superior result to scaling and root planing. In conjunction with scaling and root planing, the adjunctive use of local drug delivery devices may enhance the results in sites which do not respond to conventional therapy.

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Chlorhexidine; Doxycycline; Drug Hypersensitivity; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Humans; Minocycline; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Tetracycline

There are many possible goals and outcomes of periodontal surgical therapy, but the ultimate goal is regeneration. Since the definition of periodontal regeneration is histologic, it is difficult to document. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a technique that combined a bone graft and guided tissue regeneration (GTR) to see if regeneration occurred. Four teeth with dehiscence-type osseous defects that were scheduled for extraction were treated with bone grafts and GTR. During the surgical procedure, a notch was placed into the root at the apical extent of the calculus. The teeth were extracted with conservative block sections 7 months after the treatment. They were processed, sectioned, stained, and evaluated histologically. The results revealed that regeneration did not occur in any of the teeth treated. In 2 of the teeth new connective tissue attachment was formed. In these 2 teeth cementum could be seen in the notch with connective tissue fibers inserting into the cementum. In one of the teeth the junctional epithelium extended apical to the notch, while in 3 cases the epithelium stopped at or coronal to the notch. In this case report, no regeneration could be documented, but new attachment could be seen in 2 of the 4 teeth treated.

Topics: Alveolar Bone Loss; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bone Regeneration; Bone Substitutes; Bone Transplantation; Coloring Agents; Connective Tissue; Dental Cementum; Durapatite; Epithelial Attachment; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gingival Recession; Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal; Humans; Membranes, Artificial; Middle Aged; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Pocket; Regeneration; Tetracycline; Tooth Root

This report describes the clinical application of an in situ formed barrier of poly(DL-lactide) used in combination with a composite graft of demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) mixed with calcium sulfate and tetracycline in a ratio of 7:2:1 and citric acid root conditioning for the treatment of intrabony and furcation defects. The clinical outcome was assessed by changes in clinical attachment level (CAL) and probing depth (PD) in 18 consecutively treated patients with 17 intrabony and 5 furcation lesions. After patients demonstrated acceptable oral hygiene, the lesions were surgically treated with combination therapy using an in situ formed barrier over a DFDBA composite graft. Patients followed a stringent postoperative protocol and were evaluated at 6 months postsurgery. CAL improved for all sites from a presurgical average of 8.8+/-2.3 mm to 4.4+/-1.6 mm at 6 months postsurgery (4.4+/-1.5 mm gain), while PD was reduced from an average of 8.3+/-2.1 mm presurgery to 3.3+/-1.1 mm at 6 months postsurgery (5.0+/-1.8 mm reduction). Five furcations were treated, of which 4 were Class II and 1 was Class III. Of these furcation lesions, 3 had complete clinical closure, while 1 improved by 1 grade. The Class III furcation remained the same. Results suggest that DFDBA composite graft covered by an in situ formed barrier on root surfaces treated with citric acid can enhance the prognoses of teeth with periodontal lesions as measured by CAL gains and PD reductions. Further studies are warranted to compare this treatment to other more traditional forms of regenerative therapy to determine its comparative efficacy.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Alveolar Bone Loss; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biocompatible Materials; Bone Substitutes; Bone Transplantation; Calcium Sulfate; Chelating Agents; Citric Acid; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Furcation Defects; Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal; Humans; Male; Membranes, Artificial; Middle Aged; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Pocket; Polyesters; Prognosis; Tetracycline; Tooth Root; Transplantation, Homologous; Treatment Outcome

Antibiotic resistance has been increasingly described among bacterial species colonizing periodontal pockets, particularly in Prevotella and Porphyromonas spp. strains producing beta-lactamases, and frequently associated with resistance to tetracycline and erythromycin. These resistance genes may be carried on motile genetic elements, or transposons, capable of interspecies and intergeneric transmission among bacterial strains colonizing a same ecological niche. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the resistance profile of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and the prevalence of A. actinomycetemcomitans strains producing beta-lactamases in periodontal pockets.. Fifty strains of A. actinomycetemcomitans were isolated from 42 patients with adult periodontitis. No patient had periodontal or antibiotic therapy in the previous 6 months. Bacterial samples were collected from periodontal pockets > or =5 mm, appropriately diluted, inoculated onto selective medium (chocolate blood agar with bacitracin 75 microg/ml and vancomycin 5 microm/ml) and incubated for 5 days at 37 degrees C in air with 5% CO2. After conventional identification, susceptibility testing to 11 antibiotics was performed by the broth dilution method, in trypticase soy broth supplemented with yeast extract, hemin, and 0.1% NaHCO3 to maintain microaerophilic conditions in the microtitration plate wells by CO2 formation.. No strain demonstrated resistance to amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid combination, pristinamycin, or ciprofloxacin at the breakpoint, but 40% of the strains were slightly resistant to penicillin G, and 4% were resistant to erythromycin, 90% to spiramycin, 18% to clarythromycin, 4% to tetracycline, 72% to metronidazole, and 12% to ornidazole. Amoxicillin, followed by tetracycline and erythromycin, was the most effective antibiotic on A. actinomycetemcomitans. The phenotypic research of a beta-lactamase was negative for all the strains tested.. In this work, most A. actinomycetemcomitans strains were resistant to metronidazole, but the amoxicillin-metronidazole association may be of interest against subgingival anaerobic and capnophilic mixed flora. Pristinamycin and ciprofloxacin appeared as effective alternative monotherapies against A. actinomycetemcomitans. The threat of beta-lactam antibiotic resistance related to beta-lactamase production is currently not a problem with A. actinomycetemcomitans as it has been reported in oral anaerobes.

Topics: Adult; Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans; Amoxicillin; Amoxicillin-Potassium Clavulanate Combination; Anti-Bacterial Agents; beta-Lactamases; Ciprofloxacin; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Erythromycin; Humans; Metronidazole; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Ornidazole; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Species Specificity; Spiramycin; Tetracycline; Virginiamycin

Periodontal pathogens are detrimental to periodontal healing in barrier membrane-assisted periodontal therapy. Tetracycline-coating of barrier membranes may reduce levels of infecting pathogens. This study evaluated the clinical and microbiological effects of tetracycline-coated expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (T-ePTFE) barrier membranes in the treatment of 2- to 3-wall intraosseous periodontal lesions around mandibular molars.. Eleven patients received non-coated barrier membranes (ePTFE) and 11 patients received T-ePTFE barrier membranes. Tetracycline coating was performed by placing ePTFE membranes first in a 5% tridodecylmethylammonium chloride solution and then in a basic 3% tetracycline solution. Microbiological examination included conventional culture and DNA probe analyses. Barrier membranes were removed 6 weeks after insertion.. At baseline, the periodontal lesion depth averaged 8.0 mm in the ePTFE treated group and 7.4 mm in the T-ePTFE group. At 1 year post-treatment, the mean gain of probing attachment was 1.9 mm in the ePTFE group and 3.3 mm in the T-ePTFE group (P = 0.02). At 3 minutes after membrane placement, suspected periodontal pathogens were detected in several ePTFE membranes but only in one T-ePTFE membrane. At 6 weeks, all membranes showed periodontal pathogens, including Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium species, Peptostreptococcus micros, Bacteroides forsythus, and motile rods.. This study suggests that the use of tetracycline-coated ePTFE barrier membranes can result in additional gain of clinical periodontal attachment, most likely due to the antimicrobial properties of tetracycline during initial healing.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Alveolar Bone Loss; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteroides; Coated Materials, Biocompatible; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Fusobacterium; Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal; Humans; Male; Mandible; Membranes, Artificial; Middle Aged; Molar; Peptostreptococcus; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Pocket; Polytetrafluoroethylene; Porphyromonas gingivalis; Tetracycline

All drugs and controlled local delivery systems must be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prior to being marketed and used in clinical practice. These systems can only be used in the clinical office setting by the dentist or under his/her supervision. One controlled local antimicrobial delivery system, tetracycline fiber, has been on the market for several years. A second system, chlorhexidine chip, was approved by the FDA in May 1998, and a third system, doxycycline polymer, was approved in September 1998. Local delivery of antimicrobials will significantly change the way periodontitis is treated. Dental hygienists may be key therapists in providing this therapy. This article discusses the science and techniques of the three systems: tetracycline fiber, doxycycline polymer, and chlorhexidine chip. The dental hygienist's role in providing local delivery treatment is stressed. Factors important in selecting the most suitable delivery system are also discussed. This article represents a large portion of the presentation, "The Local Delivery of Antimicrobials in the Treatment of Periodontitis," made at the annual session of the American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA) June 27 and 28, 1998.

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Chlorhexidine; Dental Hygienists; Doxycycline; Drug Delivery Systems; Humans; Periodontal Pocket; Tetracycline

The purpose of this investigation was to compare the levels of serum IgG antibody to 85 subgingival species in 32 refractory periodontitis, 56 successfully treated, and 33 periodontally healthy subjects. Refractory subjects showed mean full mouth attachment loss and/or >3 sites showing attachment loss >2.5 mm within 1 year after 2 treatment modalities, scaling and root planing and surgery plus systemically administered tetracycline. Successfully-treated subjects showed mean attachment level gain and no sites with attachment loss >2.5 mm, 1 year post-therapy. Periodontally healthy subjects exhibited no pocket or attachment level >3 mm, and no evidence of progressing attachment loss during 1 year of monitoring. Baseline serum was obtained from each subject and tested against 85 subgingival species, including reference strains and strains isolated from refractory subjects, using checkerboard immunoblotting. Significance of differences in levels of serum antibody among groups were sought using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Refractory subjects constituted a heterogeneous group based on their serum antibody response to subgingival species. Some individuals had antibody reactions to many subgingival species, while other subjects showed fewer or low numbers of responses. On average, refractory subjects exhibited higher numbers and levels of serum antibody reactions to a wide range of subgingival species than successfully treated or periodontally healthy subjects. Differences in serum antibody among clinical groups were more striking at higher threshold levels of antibody (>50 microg/ml and > 100 microg/ml). The data showed that a subject was 10.1 x more likely to be refractory if the subject exhibited antibody reactions with >9 subgingival species at >50 microg/ml (p<0.001, after adjusting for multiple comparisons). Serum antibody to a subset of the test species differed among the clinical groups. Porphyromonas gingivalis, Bacteroidesforsythus, and some strains isolated from refractory subjects (a novel Neisseria sp., Enterococcus faecalis, Prevotella loescheii and Prevotella oulora) elicited high serum antibody in the successfully treated and refractory subjects. High levels of serum antibody to a Microbacterium lacticum-like organism, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus constellatus, Actinobacillus actinonmycetemcomitans serotype c and Haemophilus aphrophilus significantly increased the likelihood of a subject being refractory to conventional periodontal therapy.

Topics: Adult; Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antibodies, Bacterial; Bacteroides; Combined Modality Therapy; Dental Scaling; Disease Progression; Enterococcus faecalis; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gingiva; Haemophilus; Humans; Immunoblotting; Immunoglobulin G; Male; Middle Aged; Neisseria; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Porphyromonas gingivalis; Prevotella; Root Planing; Streptococcus; Streptococcus oralis; Tetracycline

The aims of the present study were to assess radiographically the effects of scaling/root planing combined with antibiotic therapy using tetracycline fibers (TCF): (I) on alveolar bone density and linear descriptors and (II) on supracrestal soft tissue density. 19 subjects with generalized adult periodontitis (with at least 20 teeth present, at least 4 teeth with pockets >4 mm and bleeding upon controlled force probing) and high cultural counts of Porphyromonas gingivalis were recruited from a pool of 57 patients. The full mouth treatment group (FT) consisted of 10 patients, who underwent a full mouth supra-gingival scaling and prophylaxis treatment and were instructed to rinse 2x daily with a 0.1% chlorhexidine solution. 1 week later, tetracycline-hydrochloride-containing fibers (Actisite periodontal fiber) were applied around all teeth. After 7-12 days, the fibers were removed and all teeth were scaled and root planed under local anaesthesia. The chlorhexidine rinsing continued for another 2 months. In 9 subjects (local treatment group LT), 2 teeth with periodontal lesions with pocket probing pepth (PPD) > or =5 mm were treated by placement of tetracycline fibers, which remained in place for 7 to 12 days. Upon removal of the fibers, scaling and root planing was performed on these 2 teeth, while the rest of the dentition remained untreated, and no chlorhexidine rinse was applied. 2 of the untreated teeth revealing similar periodontal lesions were chosen to represent sites affected by untreated periodontitis (NT). In this group, a limited local treatment was performed (2 teeth) with the inherent potential for recolonization from the untreated pocket sites. Standardized periapical radiographs were obtained from the 4 monitored sites within each patient at baseline (before treatment) and 2 and 6 months thereafter. One radiograph was exposed in a standard way for bone assessment. The second radiograph was underexposed, at about a 1/5 of the original exposure time to allow the evaluation of soft tissue. Mean changes in the linear parameters and changes in density (CADIA) observed at multiple sites within each patient and treatment group were used as the best estimate of treatment outcome. Over the observation period of 6 months, a significant difference in bone height changes was found between the untreated sites (median loss -0.29 mm) and the sites from full-mouth treated patients (median gain 0.24 mm, p=0.008). When comparing the baseline to the 6 months ra

Topics: Adult; Alveolar Bone Loss; Alveolar Process; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Bone Density; Chlorhexidine; Colony Count, Microbial; Combined Modality Therapy; Dental Scaling; Drug Implants; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Follow-Up Studies; Gingival Hemorrhage; Humans; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; Mouthwashes; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Periodontium; Porphyromonas gingivalis; Radiography; Root Planing; Tetracycline

A clinical and microscopical (SEM) investigation has been carried out on the biocompatibility of cellulose acetate fiber tetracycline with 25% of tetracycline hydrochloride (Actisite R). A subject with advanced periodontal disease was selected and a pocket of 8 mm of PD was chosen. A segment of fiber was inserted into the pocket for 8 days. After removal, PD and GI clinical parameters were detected and the fiber removed was analyzed at the scanning electronic microscope. The results showed clinical signs of inflammation after removal of fiber. SEM analysis showed macrophagic reaction, a typical sign of inflammatory response to material. The study suggests the need of more biocompatible materials, easier to use as delivery system of antibiotics in the treatment of periodontal disease.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biocompatible Materials; Cellulose; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Combinations; Drug Delivery Systems; Drug Evaluation; Humans; Male; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Periodontal Pocket; Tetracycline

The study analyses the possibility of using polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate as a material for the slow release of antibiotic in periodontal pockets. The antibiotics examined were tetracycline and metronidazole. The aim of the study was to evaluate the biocompatibility of the material with periodontal tissue and the efficacy of the 2 prepared systems. Two sites were selected in 2 periodontopathic patients who after non-surgical treatment presented pockets measuring 8 and 7 mm. A sheet of pHEMA containing tetracycline was inserted in one and in the other a sheet containing metronidazole: both were left for 8 days in the chosen pockets. At the start and end of treatment PD and GI clinical indices were measured and the DMDx microbiological test was performed to identify Aa of Pg and Pi. The tissue reaction to pHEMA was evaluated using SEM analysis of two samples collected after 8 days of treatment. The microscopic results showed the optimal biocompatibility of both samples. Differences were noted with regard to clinical and microbiological efficacy. It was observed that the sheet of pHEMA containing tetracycline resulted in the disappearance of bleeding and a reduced depth of survey. Moreover, microbiological results showed a significant reduction in Porphyromonas gingivalis. The sheet of pHEMA containing metronidazole showed a lower level of therapeutic efficacy. Although reduced depth was noted, gingival bleeding was persistent and the reduction of bacteria analysed was not significant. In conclusion, the authors confirm the optimal biocompatibility of the material and its easy application, although further research, especially for pHEMA with metronidazole, must be carried out to improve drug kinetics, trying to maintain an effective local concentration throughout treatment.

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biocompatible Materials; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Combinations; Drug Delivery Systems; Drug Evaluation; Humans; Metronidazole; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Periodontal Pocket; Polyhydroxyethyl Methacrylate; Tetracycline

Controlled-release, tetracycline-impregnated periodontal fibers offer a promising treatment for recurrent adult periodontitis when they are used as an adjunct to scaling, root planing and surgery. In the conventional placement technique, the surface tissue topography is changed by the layer of set adhesive holding the fiber in place, and patients often explore this area with their tongues, resulting in premature loss of the fiber. This article offers an alternative fiber-placement technique that minimizes changes to the surface tissue and results in improved fiber retention.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Delayed-Action Preparations; Female; Humans; Periodontal Pocket; Tetracycline

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Delayed-Action Preparations; Dental Implants; Doxycycline; Drug Carriers; Drug Delivery Systems; Equipment Design; Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal; Humans; Lactic Acid; Membranes, Artificial; Osseointegration; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Pocket; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor; Polyesters; Polymers; Polytetrafluoroethylene; Somatomedins; Tetracycline

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Clinical Competence; Dental Hygienists; Drug Implants; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Patient Selection; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontics; Pilot Projects; Surveys and Questionnaires; Teaching; Tetracycline; United States

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Combined Modality Therapy; Drug Implants; Fees, Dental; Humans; Patient Selection; Periodontal Pocket; Root Planing; Tetracycline; Treatment Outcome

This study was undertaken to assess the antiplaque and anticollagenase properties of bianticollagen membrane (BACM) for use in the guided tissue regeneration (GTR). First, preparing cross-linked collagen membrane (GLCM) from bone collagen by glutaraldehyde and ultraviolet irradiation. Then, the GLCM was coated with tetracycline (TC) delivery device, which is BACM. BACM's properties are as follows: under scan electron microscope (SEM), it is a three dimensional structure with small pores; the modulus of elasticity in low strain regions and swelling ratio are 20.4 g/mm2 and 0.141 respectively; immediate type and delayed type hypersensitivity are negative; BACM with TC 150 micrograms placed into pockets, the average intrasulcular TC concentration measured at the end of the 7-days is 46.76 +/- 5.69 micromol/L, which is 2 times higher than MIC of TC; the period against collagenase (100 u) digestion is over 30 days in vitro; 1 mg GLCM and BACM implanted in mice may maintain about 4 weeks and 7 weeks respectively, and BACM and GLCM placed onto patient's root surface in flap operation and taken at 7th day the bacteria on BACM are significantly less than that on GLCM under SEM. These results indicate that BACM has antiplaque and stronger antidegradation effects than GLCM.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Collagen; Collagenases; Delayed-Action Preparations; Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal; Humans; Membranes, Artificial; Mice; Periodontal Pocket; Tetracycline

The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical effect of treatment aimed to suppress Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis below detection level and Prevotella intermedia below 5% of the cultivable periodontal pocket flora. Sixteen patients and a total of 111 periodontal pockets with probing depth > or = 6 mm were included in the study. Twelve patients and a total of 77 sites completed the 5-year study. The results demonstrated clinical improvement of probing depth and gain of clinical attachment level of 3.4 mm and 1.2 mm, respectively. Treatment to eliminate indicator bacteria continued for 3 years before the aim was fulfilled. In order to eliminate A. actinomycetemcomitans from a majority of the sites, a combination of surgery and generalized tetracycline treatment was performed. A recolonization or regrowth of the indicator bacteria exceeding detection levels took place in several sites. The presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans. P. gingivalis, and P. intermedia, alone or in combination, correlated with attachment level change on the individual level. No such correlation was obtained by using presence of plaque, bleeding on probing, or three other bacteria (Campylobacter rectus, Eikenella corrodens, and Fusobacterium nucleatum) not used as treatment goal markers.

Topics: Adult; Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Colony Count, Microbial; Decision Making; Dental Plaque Index; Dental Scaling; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Middle Aged; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Porphyromonas gingivalis; Prevotella intermedia; Regression Analysis; Tetracycline; Treatment Outcome

Treatment with the tetracycline HCL-containing (Actisite infinity) fiber has been shown to improve clinical measures of periodontitis, as well as reduce the number of sites infected with putative periodontal pathogens. In this study, we examined the effect of the tetracycline fiber on biochemical mediators of the host's inflammatory response in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). The total amount of the lysosomal enzyme beta-glucuronidase (beta G), considered a marker of primary granule release from polymorphonuclear leukocytes and interleukin-1 beta, a cytokine with important proinflammatory effects, were examined in GCF. Patients with localized recurrent periodontitis were followed over a 16 week period. Treated teeth (Tx), teeth adjacent to treated teeth (ADJ) and control teeth (Cx) were studied. Following fiber therapy, the Tx teeth displayed statistically significant reductions in mean probing depth, depth of the deepest site and bleeding on probing over the 16 weeks of the trial. Significant reduction in the depth of the deepest site was also seen for the ADJ teeth over 16 weeks. Total beta G in GCF was reduced for the Tx teeth comparing baseline to 16 weeks, but no significant changes were observed for the ADJ or Cx teeth. Prior to treatment, total beta G for the Tx teeth was 211 +/- 49 U (mean +/- standard error), versus 146 +/- 174 U for the ADJ teeth and 121 +/- 33 U for the Cx teeth. 16 weeks treatment, the mean values for these 3 categories of teeth were comparable (Tx = 95 +/- 20 U, ADJ = 93 +/- 42 U and Cx = 103 +/- 29 U). For the Tx teeth, the maximum reduction in total beta G following therapy occurred at 6 weeks (65%). Total IL-1 beta was significantly reduced for the Tx teeth at 3 and 6 weeks, but rebounded at 16 weeks. In contrast to what was seen for beta G, the maximum reduction in total IL-1 beta for the Tx teeth was observed at 3 weeks (68%). These data suggest that host mediators associated with increased risk for active disease are reduced following tetracycline fiber therapy. Future studies will determine the relative importance of a reduced microbial challenge versus a tetracycline-mediated direct modification of the host response to account for the reduction in the host inflammatory response in GCF following tetracycline fiber therapy.

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cytoplasmic Granules; Drug Implants; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingival Hemorrhage; Glucuronidase; Humans; Inflammation Mediators; Interleukin-1; Lysosomes; Male; Middle Aged; Neutrophils; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Recurrence; Risk Factors; Tetracycline; Time Factors

The purpose of this study was to determine the distribution of black-pigmenting Gram-negative bacteria in the dentition of 10 adult periodontitis patients before and after treatment by local delivery of tetracycline. The subjects were selected based on a screening for high counts of Porphyromonas gingivalis and multiple deep pockets. Subgingival microbial samples were taken from the mesial and distal aspect of every tooth (44 to 56 sites per patient) before treatment, and after one and two months. Therapy included full mouth scaling and root planing, chlorhexidine mouth rinsing and placement of tetracycline HCl fibers (Actisite) on all teeth. 63.4% of 524 baseline samples yielded total anaerobic viable counts > or = 10(6) CFU/ml; P. gingivalis was found in 59.2% and Prevotella intermedia in 56.9%. One month after treatment, the % of samples with > or = 10(6) CFU/ml was reduced to 9.4%, 5.3% were P. gingivalis- and 5.1% P. intermedia- positive. After 2 months, 9.6% samples yielded > or = 10(6) CFU/ml, 5.2% were P. gingivalis- and 9.4% P. intermedia- positive. 20 of the 39 sites with a persistence of P. gingivalis were located on second molars. Logistic regression models were utilized to explain the persistence of P. gingivalis, using site location and other clinical parameters as independent variables. These analyses indicated a strong association of site location, pocket depth and bleeding on sampling with persistence of P. gingivalis. The study shows that local delivery of tetracycline is highly effective in reducing the prevalence and proportions of black-pigmenting anaerobes within a dentition. Bleeding deep pockets of second molars have an increased risk for persistence of these anaerobes.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Chlorhexidine; Colony Count, Microbial; Dental Scaling; Drug Implants; Gingival Hemorrhage; Gram-Negative Anaerobic Bacteria; Humans; Logistic Models; Middle Aged; Molar; Mouthwashes; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Pigmentation; Porphyromonas gingivalis; Prevotella intermedia; Root Planing; Tetracycline

This study examined the mechanical characteristics and release of tetracycline from bioadhesive, semi-solid systems which were designed for the treatment of periodontal diseases.. Tetracycline release into phosphate buffered saline (pH 6.8, 0.03 M) was examined using a Caleva 7ST dissolution apparatus at 37 degrees C. The mechanical properties of each formulation (hardness, compressibility, adhesiveness, elasticity and cohesiveness) were determined using texture profile analysis. Syringeability was measured using the texture analyser in compression mode as the work of syringeability i.e. the force required to express the product from a periodontal syringe over a defined distance.. Tetracycline release from all formulations was zero-order for 24-54 h and ranged from 1.59 +/- 0.20 to 15.80 +/- 0.50 mg h-1. Increased concentrations of hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) decreased the rate of release of tetracycline, due to the concomitant increase in product viscosity and the subsequent decreased rate of penetration of dissolution fluid into the formulation. Conversely, an increased polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) concentration increased tetracycline release rates, due to an increased formulation porosity following dissolution of this polymer. Increased concentrations of HEC and PVP increased the hardness, compressibility and work of syringeability of the semi-solid formulations, due to increased product viscosity. An increase in formulation adhesiveness, a parameter related to bioadhesion, was observed as the concentrations of HEC and PVP were increased, illustrating the adhesive nature of these polymers. Increased concentrations of HEC and PVP enhanced the semi-solid nature of the product, resulting in decreased product elasticity and cohesiveness. Several statistically significant interactions between polymeric formulation components were observed within the factorial design, with respect to rate of release and all mechanical properties. These interactions arose because of variations in the physical states (dissolved or dispersed) of polymeric formulation components.. The optimal choice of bioadhesive formulation for use in periodontal disease will involve a compromise between achieving the necessary release rate of tetracycline and the mechanical characteristics of the formulation, as these factors will affect clinical efficacy and the ease of product application into the periodontal pocket.

Topics: Acrylic Resins; Adhesives; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cellulose; Chemical Phenomena; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Chemistry, Physical; Drug Administration Routes; Humans; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Pocket; Pharmaceutic Aids; Polymers; Povidone; Tetracycline

Actisite (tetracycline hydrochloride) periodontal fiber is a 23 cm monofilament containing 12.7 mg tetracycline HCl homogeneously dispersed in a polymer. This product is indicated as an adjunct to scaling and root planing to reduce pocket depth and bleeding on probing in patients with adult periodontitis. The sustained-release system, placed in the periodontal pocket for 10 d, releases the antibiotic through mechanisms of diffusion and osmosis. A study was conducted in 13 patients with moderate to severe adult periodontitis to evaluate the amount of tetracycline HCl released during therapy (based on residual drug content). Fibers placed in the pocket remained in place for an average of 9 d. Each patient had 1-4 teeth treated with fiber therapy. At the termination of therapy samples from 29 teeth were retrieved and analyzed. The amount of matrix polymer was used as an internal standard for the quantitation of tetracycline, eliminating any uncertainties with respect to recovery or contamination. An average of 31% (SD 9%) of the tetracycline HCl content was released from the fiber during the treatment period. No single fiber had less than 50% of the original drug remaining. The study demonstrated that a substantial amount of the tetracycline remains in the Actisite fiber at removal (about 70%), which indicates that substantial drug concentrations are maintained in the pocket for the duration of treatment.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Combined Modality Therapy; Delayed-Action Preparations; Dental Scaling; Diffusion; Drug Carriers; Female; Gingival Hemorrhage; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Osmosis; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Polyvinyls; Root Planing; Tetracycline

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Child; Drug Delivery Systems; Fees, Dental; Female; Health Care Costs; Humans; Middle Aged; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Practice Management, Dental; Pregnancy; Tetracycline

Bacterial flora has resisted the conventional treatment in a segment of patients with adult periodontitis, creating an interest in adjunctive chemotherapeutic treatment modalities. Tetracycline hydrochloride periodontal fiber, a locally delivered antibiotic therapy, is indicated as an adjunct to scaling and root planing. This form of treatment has demonstrated a reduction in bleeding on probing and periodontal pocket depths. Clinicians have found the fiber placement technique challenging, and a considerable percentage of fibers become dislodged during the course of the 10-day treatment period. This article clarifies the treatment protocol and presents an alternative placement technique for tetracycline fiber. It simplifies the procedure for the clinician and aids in fiber retention. The learning objective of this article is to familiarize the reader with the technique and the materials utilized for site-specific tetracycline hydrochloride fiber therapy. A clinical case is used to illustrate the procedure.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chronic Disease; Drug Delivery Systems; Humans; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Polyvinyls; Tetracycline

Two separate investigations were undertaken to assess the clinical characteristics and the safety, and to determine whether an absorbable type 1 bovine collagen barrier membrane would result in the improvement of clinical parameters during guided tissue regeneration in humans. The collagen membrane barrier was placed over a total of 21 interdental intrabony periodontal defects in 18 patients. The surgical procedures and postsurgical regimen were similar in both components of the investigation. Sulcular incisions were used and the sites were surgically exposed by reflection of full thickness mucoperiosteal flaps. The intrabony defects were debrided and the root surfaces prepared with automatic scalers and curets. Four 1-minute applications of tetracycline HCl 50 mg/ml were applied to the root surface. The collagen membrane barrier was hydrated in sterile saline until pliable, then trimmed so it covered the osseous defect and extended 2 to 3 mm beyond the defect. In both investigations, the collagen barrier membrane was not sutured, but retained by "pouching" or undermining the flap. Healing occurred without complications. There were no untoward or adverse reactions to the material in either phase of the study. In the initial investigation, 13 intrabony defects with probing depths of > or = 5 mm were treated in 9 patients having a mean age of 50.6 years. No controls defects were treated. Soft and hard tissue measurements were taken at the time of initial surgery and at 2, 4, and 6 months. In the second phase, 9 patients were enrolled with a mean age of 49.7 years. They had similar bilateral interdental intrabony defects with probing depths > or = 6 mm. One defect received the collagen membrane barrier, while the other was treated by flap debridement alone. The collagen membrane had undergone modification since the initial investigation, and was more highly cross-linked to retard absorption. After initial therapy, and prior to the surgical procedure, a series of 3 dermal patch tests were used to determine whether the patient would elicit a reaction to the collagen. Venous blood was drawn at baseline, 7 to 10 days, 18 to 21 days and at 8 weeks for analysis by ELISA for comparison of test and control sites relative to baseline. There were no allergic response to the dermal tests, and the ELISA tests indicated no significant differences between test and control sites. An automated probe was used to record soft and hard tissue measurements. These included the pr

Topics: Adult; Aged; Allergens; Animals; Cattle; Collagen; Dental Scaling; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Furcation Defects; Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal; Humans; Male; Membranes, Artificial; Middle Aged; Periodontal Pocket; Pilot Projects; Protein Synthesis Inhibitors; Skin Tests; Surgical Flaps; Tetracycline; Tooth Root; Wound Healing

Tetracycline in combination with scaling and root planing is frequently used to treat refractory periodontal disease. This study examined tetracycline resistance in bacteria recovered from periodontal pockets of patients with refractory periodontitis. Bacterial isolates resistant to 10 micrograms/ml of tetracycline were isolated from plaque samples of 17 patients, of whom 6 had received tetracycline within 8 weeks prior to sampling. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of tetracycline and minocycline were determined by agar dilution. In the 6 patients who had received tetracycline, a mean of 22.9% (+/- 38.2) of the total cultivable subgingival flora were resistant to tetracycline, compared with a mean of 7.2% (+/- 8.5) in the untreated group. Although various organisms were isolated, in most patients, the tetracycline-resistant organisms were dominated by Streptococcus spp. Overgrowth of Candida was found in one patient, and of Enterobacteriaceae in another patient, while small numbers of yeast or Staphylococcus spp. were isolated from the plaque samples of 9 others. 3 out of 4 patients who did not respond to tetracycline treatment had a variety of tetracycline-resistant anaerobic Gram-negative rods present. No correlation was found between increased proportions of tetracycline resistance in the whole bacterial sample and the presence of resistant periodontal pathogens.

Topics: Adult; Chronic Disease; Colony Count, Microbial; Dental Plaque; Enterobacteriaceae; Gram-Negative Anaerobic Bacteria; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Middle Aged; Minocycline; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Streptococcus; Tetracycline; Tetracycline Resistance

The occurrence of Mitsuokella dentalis in periodontitis was determined by culture and DNA probe detection. Subgingival paper-point samples from 480 periodontitis patients were transported in VMGA III, plated onto brucella agar with 5% sheep blood and incubated anaerobically for 7 days. Presumptive identification was based on a colony morphology resembling a water drop and biochemical characteristics. DNA probe detection was performed on paper-point samples using a digoxigenin-labeled cellular M. dentalis DNA probe in a dot-blot assay. Culture and DNA probe identified M. dentalis in 18.1% and in 80.7% of the study patients, respectively. M. dentalis isolates produced phosphatases, galactosidase, glucosidase and acetylglucosaminidase and showed high in vitro sensitivity to metronidazole. This study revealed that M. dentalis is a constituent of the pathogenic microbiota in human periodontitis. The periodontopathic potential of the organism is unknown.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Distribution; Aged; Amoxicillin; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteroides; Ciprofloxacin; Cross-Sectional Studies; DNA Probes; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Female; Humans; Male; Metronidazole; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Middle Aged; Penicillins; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Sex Factors; Tetracycline; Tetracycline Resistance

Controlled drug delivery of antibiotics in the periodontal pocket is a scientifically tested clinical reality. Application of pharmacokinetic principles allows effective suppression of the pathogenic microflora, which, in turn, results in resolution of inflammatory signs. In the cases presented, tetracycline fibers were employed as a supplement to mechanical therapy and oral hygiene in a variety of clinical situations. Outcomes included depression of periodontal pathogens, reduction of bleeding on probing, decrease in probing pocket depths, and increase in probing attachment levels. A novel therapeutic approach based on root planing for debridement, local drug delivery for control of the pathogens, and oral hygiene for preventing recolonization is discussed.

Topics: Adult; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Delivery Systems; Female; Furcation Defects; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Attachment Loss; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Tetracycline

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Delayed-Action Preparations; Humans; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Pocket; Tetracycline

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cellulose; Dental Plaque; Drug Carriers; Drug Implants; Humans; Periodontal Pocket; Polyvinyls; Tetracycline

Campylobacter rectus (formerly Wolinella recta) in periodontitis lesions was studied relative to age and sex distribution, relationship to disease-active periodontitis, response to periodontal debridement and in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility. Subgingival C. rectus was collected with paper points, transported in VMGA III and plated onto nonselective enriched brucella blood agar and Hammond's selective medium for C. rectus, both incubated anaerobically. C. rectus was recovered from 80% of 1654 periodontitis patients. Although the organism showed similar age and sex occurrence, its proportional recovery in culture-positive adults was inversely related to increasing age (r = 0.999, P < 0.001). The organism was positively associated (summary odds ratio = 2.95) with disease activity in a 24-month longitudinal study of 93 adult periodontitis patients on maintenance therapy. C. rectus decreased from 8.2% to 0.7% following local periodontal debridement of 20 culture-positive adult periodontitis patients. The organism exhibited high in vitro susceptibility to therapeutic levels of tetracycline hydrochloride, metronidazole, penicillin G and ciprofloxacin. These findings further delineate the epidemiology and potential pathogenic role of C. rectus in human periodontitis.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Distribution; Aged; Campylobacter; Chi-Square Distribution; Ciprofloxacin; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Metronidazole; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Middle Aged; Odds Ratio; Penicillin G; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sex Distribution; Subgingival Curettage; Tetracycline; Time Factors

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of anti-infective therapy on the success of periodontal regeneration in mandibular Class II furcation defects. Eighteen patients with mandibular bilateral Class II furcation defects were enrolled. Following an initial hygienic phase, guided tissue regeneration (GTR) was performed using an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) membrane barrier. The area was surgically exposed, thoroughly root planed, and irrigated with either tetracycline (100 mg/ml) or 0.9% saline. Post-operative care included systemic tetracycline (250 mg q.i.d.) and chlorhexidine 0.12% mouthwash twice daily. Patients were maintained on a prophylaxis schedule of every 2 weeks for the first 3 months, and monthly thereafter. Clinical parameters of probing depth (PD), probing attachment level - vertical (PAL-v), probing attachment level - horizontal (PAL-h), and target periodontal pathogens were monitored at baseline and quarterly for one year. An overall improvement in all clinical parameters was observed in both groups: probing reduction (3.1 mm), PAL-h gain (2.3 mm), and PAL-v gain (1.2 mm) were all statistically significant compared to baseline measurements. Vertical measurements were performed parallel to the long axis of the tooth with no attempt to angulate the probe into the furcation. There was no significant difference in sites receiving tetracycline. A strong positive correlation was noted between initial PD and pocket reduction (r = 0.77, P < 0.0001) and between initial PD and PAL-h gain (r = 0.54) and PAL-v gain (r = 0.45) suggesting that initial probing depth might be used to assess the regenerative potential of a given site.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Adult; Aged; Case-Control Studies; Chlorhexidine; Female; Furcation Defects; Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal; Humans; Male; Mandible; Middle Aged; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Polytetrafluoroethylene; Tetracycline

Previous in vitro studies have suggested that tetracycline-HCl (TTC-HCl) is adsorbed and actively released from root dentin. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the binding to and release of TTC-HCl from human root dentin surfaces in vivo, and to evaluate the clinical utility of TTC-HCl irrigation as an adjunct to scaling and root planing. Experiment I utilized two contralateral mandibular single-rooted teeth which were examined in four adults with severe generalized periodontitis. One tooth in each patient was carefully scaled and root planed, under local anesthesia, and the other used as an unscaled control. Each subgingival root surface was irrigated for 5 min with an aqueous TTC-HCl solution at a concentration of 100 mg/ml. Gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected on paper strips for the next three weeks. The TTC-HCl concentrations in each sample were determined by the inhibition zone of B. cereus cultured on agar plates. The TTC-HCl concentrations in gingival crevicular fluid collected 15 min after irrigation were 3100 +/- 670 micrograms/ml from the scaled lesions and 4700 +/- 1300 micrograms/ml from the unscaled root surfaces. The antibiotic concentrations decreased logarithmically over the next 7 days; 1500 +/- 270 micrograms/ml and 1100 +/- 330 micrograms/ml at 2 h, 880 +/- 350 micrograms/ml and 1300 +/- 360 micrograms/ml at 6 h and 19 +/- 5 micrograms/ml and 31 +/- 26 micrograms/ml at 1 week for scaled and unscaled root surfaces, respectively. Results for week two and three indicated an average of over 8 micrograms/ml.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Combined Modality Therapy; Dental Plaque; Dental Plaque Index; Dental Scaling; Dentin; Epithelial Attachment; Female; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingivitis; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Root Planing; Tetracycline; Therapeutic Irrigation; Tooth Root

Topics: Aggressive Periodontitis; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Male; Metronidazole; Middle Aged; Periodontal Pocket; Tetracycline

Four adult patients with at least 8 teeth that had attachment loss of 5 to 10 mm which bled on probing were included in this study. Polymeric tetracycline (TCN) containing fibers were placed and left in the pockets for a period of 10 days. Plasma samples were collected at baseline, 1 hour, 3 hours, 3 days, and 10 days after fiber placement. The mean length of fiber used averaged 187 cm with a range of 160 to 222 cm. The maximum TCN dose per patient averaged 105 mg with a range of 91 to 126 mg producing no detectable serum level greater than 0.1 micrograms/ml. This level was found in 3 of the 4 subjects at 3 hours after fiber placement and in 1 subject at 3 days after fiber placement. Transient and insignificant levels of TCN became available systemically shortly after the placement of multiple fibers. The dose of TCN in each patient was well tolerated and was not associated with any serious adverse effects.

Topics: Adult; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Drug Carriers; Female; Gingival Hemorrhage; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Pocket; Tetracycline; Time Factors

The antibiotic resistance of the subgingival microbiota was studied by 3 approaches. First, we assessed the ability of subgingival isolates taken following therapy to grow on media containing tetracycline (TC). Higher percentages of TC-resistant organisms appeared at TC fiber-treated periodontal sites and within the saliva 1 week after treatment as compared with pre-treatment levels. By 1 month, the percentage of TC-resistant organisms had returned to levels comparable to those seen before treatment. In the second approach, subgingival isolates taken following therapy were grown on media without antibiotics, and isolates were selected for Gram-stain and cell morphology determination. This study indicated that subgingival sites became colonized with gram-positive cocci in the same time period that an increase of TC-resistant isolates was observed in the first study. This may account for the transient increase in TC resistance, because many gram-positive cocci are intrinsically resistant to TC. In the third approach, the antibiotic resistance of subgingival gram-negative species was determined. The predominant cultivable microbiota of 9 sites from 3 subjects were isolated immediately before and 6 months after TC fiber treatment. Gram-negative rods were characterized and tested for sensitivity to TC (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] 1-128 micrograms/ml), penicillin at 80 micrograms/ml, and erythromycin at 8 micrograms/ml. None of the gram-negative rods were resistant to TC (MIC greater than or equal to 16 micrograms/ml), either before or after treatment. Before treatment 98% of the gram-negative rods were susceptible to TC at 1-2 micrograms/ml and after therapy 88% were susceptible.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Adult; Bacteria, Anaerobic; Drug Implants; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Saliva; Tetracycline; Tetracycline Resistance

This study investigated the effects of root planing and/or the placement of acrylic strips containing chlorhexidine, metronidazole or tetracycline on the composition and antimicrobial susceptibility of the subgingival flora in chronic periodontitis. 101 periodontal pockets from 73 patients were entered into 6 treatment groups which were, chlorhexidine, metronidazole or tetracycline strips, root planing, root planing followed by metronidazole strips and a control, no treatment group. Total anaerobic counts and anaerobe/aerobe ratios were estimated from samples taken before treatment and 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after treatment. In addition, a more detailed analysis of the effects of the treatments on the subgingival flora was carried out on 12 pockets in 12 patients. Tetracycline strips, metronidazole strips and root planing and metronidazole strips were more effective than chlorhexidine strips in causing reductions in total anaerobic count and anaerobe/aerobe ratio. However, the changes in microbial parameters rebounded to approach baseline levels 4 weeks after treatment. Chlorhexidine caused no detectable changes in the composition of the subgingival microflora, while metronidazole had a variable effect. Tetracycline appeared to effect major shifts in the composition of the microflora of treated pockets but caused a marked selection of tetracycline-resistant organisms.

Topics: Acrylic Resins; Adult; Bacteria; Bacteria, Aerobic; Bacteria, Anaerobic; Chlorhexidine; Chronic Disease; Colony Count, Microbial; Combined Modality Therapy; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Implants; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Humans; Metronidazole; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Root Planing; Tetracycline

Topics: Adult; Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans; Dental Plaque; Dental Plaque Index; Female; Humans; Minocycline; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Porphyromonas gingivalis; Tetracycline

Our previous studies have demonstrated that early-identified lesions of localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP) can be treated by the use of systemically administered tetracycline alone (1 gm/day for 6 weeks). This therapy results in arrest of disease progression, decreased pocket depths, gains in clinical attachment, and significant repair of alveolar defects. This paper reports on the long-term clinical and radiographic improvement in 4 subjects followed for 1 to 4 years after the completion of tetracycline therapy. Four patients (mean age 14 years) were examined 1 to 4 years following the completion of a single 6 week course of tetracycline. Mean pocket depth was reduced from the initial level of 7.1 mm to 3.6 mm. Mean attachment loss was reduced from 3.8 mm to 0.9 mm and angular bone defects had filled by an average of 72%. Pocket depths and attachment loss continued to decrease during the entire study period, while alveolar bone repair continued to increase. The findings support those of our previous investigation and confirm that: 1) early identified lesions of LJP can be effectively treated with 6 weeks of tetracycline therapy alone; 2) decreases in pocket depth, gains in clinical attachment, and repair of alveolar defects remain stable up to 4 years following antibiotic therapy; 3) clinical and radiographic improvement continues over time and may lead to complete resolution of some lesions; and 4) the reparative/regenerative potential of the periodontium in early onset disease in young individuals may exceed that observed in chronic adult periodontitis.

Topics: Adolescent; Aggressive Periodontitis; Alveolar Bone Loss; Alveolar Process; Dental Prophylaxis; Epithelial Attachment; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Periodontal Pocket; Tetracycline; Time Factors; Wound Healing

Following long-term periodontal treatment with tetracycline a superinfection with Candida may arise. The reduced environment and the serum transudate of the periodontal pocket may promote such infection. The present in vitro study was performed to ascertain whether yeast-mycelium transformation in a fresh periodontal isolate was promoted under anaerobic conditions and in the presence of serum. C. albicans, isolated from a patient with tetracycline-treated refractory periodontitis, was cultured anaerobically or aerobically on TSBV or Sabouraud's dextrose agar at 29 degrees C or 37 degrees C for 72 h, with the pH of the medium being 5.6 or 7.2. TSBV medium was also tested with its horse serum or yeast extract removed. Mycelial growth was recorded visually and by stereo and scanning electron microscopy. Anaerobic culture at 29 degrees C or 37 degrees C on TSBV provided abundant mycelium at both pHs. After aerobic culture the mycelial phase was less pronounced and more abundant at pH 7.2 than at 5.6. TSBV without serum or yeast extract yielded more mycelium after anaerobic than after aerobic culture, although less than when both components were included. Sabouraud's medium provided sparse mycelium after anaerobic culture irrespective of the pH, and no mycelium after aerobic culture.

Topics: Aerobiosis; Agar; Anaerobiosis; Candida albicans; Colony Count, Microbial; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Periodontal Pocket; Spores, Fungal; Superinfection; Temperature; Tetracycline

The assessment of new attachment after periodontal treatment has been the focus of continuous research. An approach to longitudinally examine the deposition of cementum was devised by using fluorescence microscopy (FL), contact microradiography (CMR), and toluidine blue staining (TBS) after the injection of three labeling agents known to be incorporated within newly mineralized tissues with different tones: tetracycline, calcein, and alizarin complexion. Three adult Japanese monkeys (male, 6.0 to 8.3 Kg weight) were used for this experiment. Bone defects were surgically created in 24 mandibular sites and a copper plate was inserted for a period of 4 weeks to promote microbial colonization to form periodontal pockets. Scaling and root planing (baseline) were then performed, and the fluorescent agents were administered twice weekly leaving a 1 week interval between the different agents. The mandibular specimens were fixed in neutralized formalin and embedded in polyester resin. Undecalcified sections were prepared 3, 6, and 9 weeks after baseline. Cementum regeneration was confirmed in 18 out of 24 sites; in 6 samples only epithelial proliferation was observed. Regeneration could be seen as early as 2 weeks after debridement. Cementum was identified by observation under FL of a labeled structure, discrimination in the degree of mineralization of dentin by CMR, and by the presence of functional collagen fibers and location of the epithelial border by TBS. In this study the use of three different labeling agents using the three observation techniques was shown to be effective for the longitudinal assessment of cementum regeneration.

Topics: Alveolar Bone Loss; Animals; Anthraquinones; Dental Cementum; Dental Scaling; Fluoresceins; Fluorescent Dyes; Indicators and Reagents; Longitudinal Studies; Macaca; Male; Microradiography; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Pocket; Regeneration; Tetracycline; Tolonium Chloride; Tooth Root

The in vitro release of amoxycillin with clavulanic acid from acrylic strips at initial concentrations of 30, 40 and 50 per cent w/w was monitored using a double-beam ultraviolet spectrophotometer and compared with release of tetracycline hydrochloride. Highest levels of the antibacterial agents were released during the first 24 h period. Therapeutic levels of the drugs continued to be released during the subsequent 9 day period and were shown to be biologically active. Furthermore, for amoxycillin with clavulanic acid, an initial concentration of 40 per cent gave the highest level of release on day 10; while, for tetracycline, 50 per cent provided the highest level of release. Local application of 40 per cent amoxycillin with clavulanic acid incorporated into acrylic strips placed in periodontal pockets in patients with established periodontitis produced a marked change in the subgingival microflora as monitored by dark-field microscopy and cultural techniques. These changes in the subgingival flora were concomitant with elimination of bleeding on probing at the treated sites and were still evident 3 weeks after removal of the acrylic strips. The sensitivity of Bacteroides gingivalis (syn. Porphyromonas gingivalis) and Bacteroides intermedius (syn. Prevotella intermedia) isolated before and after treatment to amoxycillin with clavulanic acid remained unchanged.

Topics: Acrylic Resins; Amoxicillin; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteroides; beta-Lactamase Inhibitors; Clavulanic Acid; Clavulanic Acids; Delayed-Action Preparations; Diffusion; Drug Implants; Enzyme Inhibitors; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Humans; Multivariate Analysis; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Tetracycline

Evidence to date has demonstrated the potential value of acrylic strips to deliver antimicrobial compounds into periodontal pockets. The present study was designed to evaluate further the therapeutic effect of antimicrobial acrylic strips in the management of chronic periodontitis. A total of 101 pockets in 69 patients were randomly treated with (1) chlorhexidine strips, (2) metronidazole strips, (3) tetracycline strips, (4) root planing, and (5) combined root planing and metronidazole strips. Immediately before and after treatment clinical measurements of disease were recorded over a three-month period. For all treatment groups significant improvements in clinical parameters were seen compared to control untreated sites but the most effective treatment was combined root planing and metronidazole and the least effective chlorhexidine. Although not significant, combined root planing and metronidazole also appeared to produce some adjunctive effects on clinical parameters compared to root planing alone. Antimicrobial acrylic strips appear useful treatments for chronic periodontitis, but should be used primarily as an adjunct to conventional root planing.

Topics: Acrylic Resins; Adult; Bacterial Infections; Chlorhexidine; Chronic Disease; Drug Delivery Systems; Female; Humans; Male; Metronidazole; Middle Aged; Periodontal Pocket; Root Planing; Tetracycline

The concentration of tetracycline in the gingival fluid was measured in the periodontal pocket following placement of controlled drug delivery monolithic fibers and subgingival irrigation. Following subgingival irrigation with 1% and 10% tetracycline HCl solution, concentrations decayed exponentially with half times of 4.2 and 12.2 h, respectively. Tetracycline fibers maintained a constant average concentration of 1590 micrograms/ml in periodontal pockets over a 10-day period. The observed concentrations were in agreement with those expected from a steady-state model based on release rate characteristic of the fibers and gingival fluid flow rate. After removal of the delivery system, tetracycline concentrations decreased exponentially with half time of 4.5 h. These data describe the delivery characteristics of tetracycline-loaded ethylene vinyl acetate fibers as zero-order for 10 d; following removal, an exponential washout was observed.

Topics: Adult; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Carriers; Drug Implants; Female; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingivitis; Humans; Male; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Middle Aged; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Polyvinyls; Tetracycline; Therapeutic Irrigation

An aggressive form of localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP) in a 12-year old West African female is reported. The case was treated with scaling, root planing, debridement, and tetracycline therapy, which resulted in complete resolution of the disease, including elimination of periodontal inflammation, regeneration of lost periodontal structures, and spontaneous repositioning of teeth that had pathologically migrated. A hopelessly involved mandibular right first molar was successfully replaced by an incompletely developed maxillary third molar tooth bud whose roots and pulp structure continued to develop after autotransplantation. It is suggested, that LJP can be successfully treated without periodontal surgery and that the potential for repair in LJP cases is apparently greater than what one can anticipate in adult forms of periodontitis.

Topics: Aggressive Periodontitis; Child; Dental Scaling; Female; Gingivitis; Humans; Molar, Third; Periodontal Pocket; Tetracycline; Tooth Germ; Tooth Loss; Wound Healing

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of subgingival irrigations with tetracycline as a supplement to mechanical plaque control and root debridement on clinical conditions of periodontal furcation pockets. 20 subjects with molar teeth having furcation pockets of varying depths and different grades of furcation involvement served for the study. Following oral hygiene instruction and root debridement at baseline, test teeth were irrigated subgingivally by a professional with a solution of 50 mg/ml of tetracycline, and control teeth with saline every 2nd week for 3 months. Records of dental plaque, bleeding on probing, probing depth and probing attachment level were obtained at 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. The results failed to demonstrate any significant differences between test and control teeth for any of the subgroups of furcation sites at any observation interval. It is suggested that future studies may need to be performed over longer periods of time, and that the antimicrobial agents may need to be administered in vehicles, which provide prolonged periods of active subgingival concentrations.

Topics: Debridement; Dental Plaque; Humans; Molar; Oral Hygiene; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Tetracycline; Therapeutic Irrigation; Tooth Root

The purpose of this study was to determine how the treatment of human tooth roots with tetracycline-HCl and fibronectin during periodontal surgery influences the attachment of the gingiva to the root surface. Mucoperiosteal flap surgery was performed on 22 teeth with periodontal disease. Teeth were assigned to three groups. Group one received surgery with degranulation and root planing. Group two received surgery with treatment of roots with tetracycline-HCl. Group three received surgery with treatment of roots with tetracycline-HCl and fibronectin. At 90 days, block sections were taken and teeth, gingiva, alveolar bone, and periodontal ligament were evaluated histologically. Controls healed with a long junctional epithelial attachment. Tetracycline and tetracycline with fibronectin groups demonstrated some reattachment, but only within the notches placed in the root at the original level of the bone. There was a trend for greater connective tissue attachment following tetracycline-HCl treatment of roots. The additional application of fibronectin to tetracycline treated roots appeared to partially negate the enhanced connective tissue attachment observed with tetracycline treatment alone.

Topics: Acid Etching, Dental; Adult; Bone Resorption; Connective Tissue; Fibronectins; Gingiva; Humans; Middle Aged; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontium; Surgical Flaps; Tetracycline; Tooth Root; Wound Healing

For the purpose of applying a local drug delivery system to periodontal therapy, atelocollagen preparations with immobilized tetracycline (TC) were prepared by modifying the form of the collagen, the concentration of the immobilized TC, and the time of the cross-link process with glutaraldehyde. The course of the TC release from the collagen preparations into an aqueous solution was determined in relation to time. The preparations were also inserted into periodontal pockets, and the amount of TC remaining in the pocket was determined daily. The results obtained were as follows: 1) The degree of drug release could be controlled to some extent by adjusting the TC concentration and the time of the cross-link process; and 2) an amount of TC exceeding the effective dose in the gingival crevicular fluid was present in the periodontal pocket even 10 days after the insertion of TC fixed in the cross-linked processed collagen film in the periodontal pockets.

Topics: Bacteria; Collagen; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Carriers; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Humans; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Tetracycline

Refractory chronic periodontitis of 16 patients was treated by root planing and adjunctive tetracycline hydrochloride therapy. The antibiotic was taken orally one hour before root planing and continued for six days at a dosage of 250 mg six hourly. The clinical data for each patient were recorded as the number of probing depths in each of the 1-3 mm, 4-6 mm and 7-10 mm ranges. The Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) procedure for repeated measurements was used to analyse the data. The results demonstrated that the number of sites with probing depths of 4-6 mm and 7-10 mm associated with incisors, canines, premolars and molars decreased with a corresponding increase in the number of sites in the 1-3 mm range. Incisor and canine teeth showed a better response to treatment than premolars, which responded better than molars. The cases were followed for varying periods of time from six months to two years following antibiotic therapy. The probing depth reduction achieved following root planing and tetracycline hydrochloride therapy was maintained during this review period.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Adult; Chronic Disease; Female; Gingival Recession; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Subgingival Curettage; Tetracycline; Tooth Root

Tetracycline therapy, when used in conjunction with surgery or root planing, has been shown to be effective in controlling the progression of juvenile periodontitis. However, the ability of tetracycline alone to control the disease has not been assessed. The present study evaluated the effects of tetracycline therapy, with supragingival plaque control, on clinical attachment levels and radiographic bone height in patients with clinical and radiographic evidence of juvenile periodontitis. The four patients (mean age 15.2 +/- 0.3 yrs) each demonstrated loss of attachment of greater than or equal to 2 mm at one or more probing sites and had accompanying radiographic evidence of early localized bone loss. Following an initial clinical evaluation consisting of pocket depths, attachment levels and standardized radiographs, the patients received systemic tetracycline therapy (1 gm/day for three to six weeks) and oral hygiene instruction. At the completion of antibiotic therapy, patients received a supragingival professional prophylaxis every two weeks for three months, whereupon the initial evaluation was repeated. On comparing the initial and three-month clinical and radiographic data, there were significant decreases in clinical and radiographic measurements. For a total of 85 affected probing sites around 26 teeth, 79% decreased in pocket depth by greater than or equal to 2 mm (with no sites increasing in pocket depth) and 69% gained clinical attachment (with only one site losing attachment of 1 mm). Radiographic measurements revealed an increase in both the height and area of coronal alveolar bone. The findings indicated that six weeks of systemic tetracycline therapy combined with supragingival plaque control was effective in the initial control of early juvenile periodontitis.

Topics: Adolescent; Aggressive Periodontitis; Alveolar Process; Bone Resorption; Dental Prophylaxis; Humans; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Pocket; Radiography; Tetracycline

Tetracycline-resistant organisms isolated from six patients with periodontal disease included Bacteroides spp., Eubacterium spp., Fusobacterium nucleatum, Neisseria perflava-N. sicca, Peptostreptococcus anaerobius, Veillonella parvula, and facultative streptococci. All but the Bacteroides spp. and Eubacterium spp. hybridized with the TetM determinant. An additional 417 bacterial strains were screened, and 4% of both the oral streptococci and the Fusobacterium spp. hybridized with the TetM probe.

Topics: Adult; Bacteria, Anaerobic; Blotting, Southern; DNA, Bacterial; Genes, Bacterial; Humans; Neisseria; Nucleic Acid Hybridization; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Tetracycline; Tetracycline Resistance

Cost-effectiveness analysis was used to evaluate alternative methods of periodontal disease control. The alternatives considered included non-surgical and surgical procedures as well as the use of antimicrobial agents. Data on costs were obtained from American Dental Association publications of average charges for periodontal services. The concept of quality-adjusted tooth-years (QATYs) was developed to provide an outcome measure which could be compared across treatments. The conclusions of this analysis are as follows: (1) Conservative non-surgical treatments for periodontal disease control not only have costs lower than surgical alternatives, as would be expected, but also maximize expected quality-adjusted tooth-years over a wide range of estimates; (2) antimicrobial therapy used as an adjunct to non-surgical treatment is likely to be both effective and cost-effective; and (3) quality of tooth-years is a critical consideration in the determination of outcome of periodontal treatment. For example, when tooth-years are not adjusted for quality, differences between treatments are diminished, and surgical treatment becomes as good as or better than more conservative treatments for some levels of disease severity.

Topics: Alveoloplasty; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Decision Support Techniques; Dental Prophylaxis; Dental Scaling; Health Care Costs; Humans; Metronidazole; Middle Aged; Outcome Assessment, Health Care; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Pocket; Quality-Adjusted Life Years; Relative Value Scales; Root Planing; Sensitivity and Specificity; Subgingival Curettage; Surgical Flaps; Tetracycline

Niridazole, metronidazole and tetracycline were compared for their activity against subgingival bacteria from patients with chronic periodontitis. Niridazole was consistently more effective than the other drugs against obligate anaerobes and exhibited some activity against facultative organisms. It was concluded that niridazole has potential for topical use in chronic periodontitis.

Topics: Bacteria, Anaerobic; Dental Plaque; Humans; Metronidazole; Niridazole; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Tetracycline

The present study in the beagle dog was performed to analyze whether micro-organisms from a subgingival microbiota could be translocated into or had the potential to invade the pocket epithelium and the gingival connective tissue during a phase of rapid breakdown of the attachment apparatus. An attempt was also made to assess whether tetracycline therapy suppressed the subgingival microbiota and changed the size and quality of the lesions in the gingival tissue. 5 inbred beagle dogs were used. Throughout the period of experimentation, the animals were fed a soft diet permitting gross accumulation of plaque and calculus. No mechanical plaque control measures were performed during the course of the study. On day 0, a 120-day period of periodontal tissue breakdown was initiated at the right mandibular 3rd and 4th premolars by tying cotton floss ligatures around the neck of these teeth. The process of tissue breakdown at the mandibular left 3rd and 4th premolars was started 30 days later. The ligatures were replaced once every 2 weeks during the subsequent 4-month period. On experimental day 120, the first biopsy was performed and gingival tissue sections prepared for light and electron microscopic assessment of a series of histometric characteristics. On day 120, a 30-day period of tetracycline (per os) administration was initiated. Each dog was given a dose of 500 mg tetracycline twice daily. On day 150, the biopsy procedure was repeated in the mandibular left premolar regions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Animals; Bacteria; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; Connective Tissue; Dogs; Epithelial Attachment; Gingiva; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Tetracycline

Three treatment regimens including local tetracycline delivery, systemic doxycycline and surgery plus systemic doxycycline were investigated in a localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP) population. Of the investigated treatments only surgery plus systemic doxycycline for 14 days was effective in eliminating or suppressing Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, an organism strongly associated with LJP lesions. While surgery plus antibiotics was the superior treatment, it appears that the possibility of reinfection or incomplete elimination of the organism exists. Careful long-term follow-up, including clinical and microbiological monitoring, is highly recommended in this periodontal population.

Topics: Actinobacillus; Administration, Topical; Adolescent; Aggressive Periodontitis; Doxycycline; Female; Humans; Male; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Pocket; Staining and Labeling; Surgical Flaps; Tetracycline

Topics: Bacteria; Chlorhexidine; Delayed-Action Preparations; Humans; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Tetracycline

Topics: Adult; Female; Humans; Incisor; Periapical Abscess; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Root Canal Therapy; Surgical Flaps; Tetracycline; Tooth Root

Topics: Adult; Animals; Collagen; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Doxycycline; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Gingivitis; Humans; Male; Microbial Collagenase; Minocycline; Periodontal Pocket; Rabbits; Rats; Tetracycline; Tetracyclines

Topics: Adult; Aged; Bacteria; Bicarbonates; Dental Plaque; Dental Scaling; Female; Humans; Hydrogen Peroxide; Long-Term Care; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Sodium; Sodium Bicarbonate; Sodium Chloride; Tetracycline; Tooth Root

In a series of experiments, Golub et al. demonstrated that tetracyclines, but not other antibiotics, can inhibit mammalian collagenases and proposed that this property could be useful in treating diseases, such as periodontal disease (but also included certain medical conditions, e.g., corneal ulcers) characterized by excessive collagen degradation (J Periodont Res 1983, 1984 and 1985; Experientia 1984; Cornea 1984). One effect was the dramatic reduction of tissue collagenase activity within the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of periodontal pockets after administering a standard regimen of a tetracycline (e.g., 200 mg minocycline or 1000 mg tetracycline/day). The preliminary studies described below determined the effect of (1) low-dose (LD; 40-80 mg/day) orally administered minocycline on GCF collagenase activity and on the subgingival microflora (Exp. I), and (2) tetracycline-loaded monolithic fibers (TF) on collagenase activity in vitro (Exp. II). In Exp. I, GCF collagenase activity was reduced by 45 to 80% 2 weeks after initiating LD minocycline therapy, an effect that lasted for at least several weeks after stopping drug treatment. No consistent change in the relative proportions of G(+), G(-) and motile subgingival microorganisms was detected as a result of LD treatment suggesting that the reduction in GCF collagenase activity was a direct inhibition of the enzyme by the drug. In Exp. II, 3- and 6-mm lengths of TF in vitro established tetracycline concentrations in 250 microliters of 132 micrograms/ml, from 3-mm lengths, and 265 micrograms/ml, from 6-mm lengths, after an 18-hour incubation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Adult; Delayed-Action Preparations; Female; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Microbial Collagenase; Middle Aged; Minocycline; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Pocket; Tetracycline; Tetracyclines

Several methods have been used to deliver antimicrobial drugs into periodontal pockets. This study was concerned with the development of acrylic in strip form for such an application. Initially the release of chlorhexidine acetate from cold cured acrylic strips into water, was measured spectrophotometrically over a 15 day period. The release of chlorhexidine was highest on day 1, was reduced considerably by day 2 and then fell progressively to day 15. With the exception of the release on day 1 there was little difference in daily release from drug admixtures between 40 to 80 per cent. Comparison of the release of chlorhexidine, metronidazole and tetracycline demonstrated a similar release pattern for metronidazole and chlorhexidine but the daily release of tetracycline was considerably less. A bioassay indicated that all drugs were released in active form. In a clinical study chlorhexidine, tetracycline and metronidazole rods were placed in periodontal pockets for 2-3 days and the effects monitored by dark field microscopy. All drugs produced a proportional increase in cocci and marked reductions in other organisms, notably the curved and motile rods and spirochaetes. The effects of metronidazole and tetracycline were greater than those of chlorhexidine. A second clinical study compared the effects of metronidazole and tetracycline strips placed for 2 weeks. Clinically, both treatment methods had immediate effects upon pocketing, bleeding on probing and crevicular flow, which for metronidazole were maintained to the 3-month follow-up period. For tetracycline, the bleeding and crevicular flow were significantly reduced and maintained to the 3-month period but the initial pocket reduction returned to baseline levels by 3 months.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Acrylic Resins; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria; Bacterial Physiological Phenomena; Bacteroides; Chlorhexidine; Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Implants; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Metronidazole; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Random Allocation; Tetracycline

A 4-quadrant, single-blind study was designed to test the efficacy of periodontal disease therapy by local drug delivery. A delivery system made of extruded ethylene vinyl acetate fibers loaded with 25% USP tetracycline hydrochloride was placed and maintained in periodontal pockets for 10 days. The clinical effects of this form of therapy were compared with treatment by periodontal scaling. In addition, the effect of treatment by combined local delivery and scaling was investigated. Untreated quadrants were included as control. Placement of tetracycline-loaded ethylene vinyl acetate fibers into periodontal pockets established a drug concentration of approximately 0.06%. By covering the delivery system with a periodontal dressing, this concentration level was maintained throughout the 10-day therapeutic period. The average tetracycline dose used was 2.4 mg/tooth treated. Following fiber therapy, treated sites improved clinically, as evidenced by a gain in periodontal attachment and a decrease in periodontal pocket depth. The rate of new lesion formation at fiber-treated sites decreased from a pretreatment rate of 26.5% of sites/year to a posttreatment rate of 4.8% of sites/year. Periodontal scaling also produced clinical improvement, as indicated by significant attachment gain, pocket depth reduction and a decreased rate of new lesion formation. However, in no case were clinical results by scaling superior to results by local drug delivery, and by several measures local drug delivery was found to provide a better clinical response. Principal measures by which the clinical response using local drug delivery exceeded that by scaling were in early (3-6 months) attachment gain and in the degree of reduction of new lesion formation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Topics: Adult; Combined Modality Therapy; Delayed-Action Preparations; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Pocket; Tetracycline; Time Factors

The subgingival microbiologic composition of diseased periodontal sites was evaluated by darkfield microscopy before and after scaling or local delivery of tetracycline. A standardized sampling and counting method using a crevicular washing technique was developed to determine both numbers and proportions of morphotypes using darkfield microscopy. Tetracycline-loaded hollow fibers established an initial intrasulcular concentration of 200,000 micrograms/ml, which decreased exponentially to 15 micrograms/ml in 24 hours. Repetitive intrasulcular placement of these fibers at periodontitis sites produced an incremental reduction in bacterial counts over a 10-day period. Monolithic fibers made of ethylene vinyl acetate loaded with 25% tetracycline hydrochloride provided sustained release for 10 days under in vitro test conditions. Ten patients were treated in a study comparing the effects of these fibers with scaling. Fibers were placed subgingivally to fill pockets to their probable depth and covered with a periodontal dressing which was maintained for 10 days. The average intrasulcular tetracycline concentration measured at the end of the 10-day period was 643 micrograms/ml. At these sites, total counts, spirochetes, motile rods and nonmotile rods were significantly reduced immediately following treatment. Total counts were depressed to levels near the detection limit of darkfield microscopy. In comparison, scaling produced much smaller alterations of darkfield counts which were not statistically significant.

Topics: Adult; Bacteria; Dental Scaling; Drug Implants; Equipment Design; Humans; Microscopy; Middle Aged; Periodontal Diseases; Periodontal Pocket; Pilot Projects; Tetracycline; Time Factors

64 sites with probing pocket depth greater than or equal to 6 mm from 11 patients were treated with plaque control instruction and one episode of root planning. Subsequently, selected sites in each patient were irrigated with either chlorhexidine, tetracycline, saline or served as non-irrigated control sites. Irrigation immediately followed instrumentation, and was repeated every 2 weeks for 24 weeks. Healing was monitored at 8, 16, and 24 weeks clinically and at 7, 15, and 23 weeks with subgingival washings for determination of % as well as total number of spirochetes. The following changes were apparent from comparing pooled site means at 24 weeks with pretreatment data: (1) bleeding sites decreased from 62 of 64 sites initially to 22 of 64 at 24 weeks; (2) spirochetes decreased from 34% to 2%; (3) probing pocket depths decreased from 7.6 to 4.7 mm; (4) probing attachment levels showed a gain of 1.2 mm. The improvement of the chlorhexidine and tetracycline irrigated sites was similar to that of the saline irrigated and non-irrigated control sites. Thus, biweekly chlorhexidine, tetracycline or saline irrigation of deep pockets did not appear to augment the effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Chlorhexidine; Debridement; Dental Scaling; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Oral Hygiene; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Spirochaetales; Subgingival Curettage; Tetracycline; Therapeutic Irrigation; Tooth Root

In the management of chronic periodontitis, there has been a renewed interest in the local delivery of antimicrobial drugs into periodontal pockets. This study assessed the effects of the acrylic strip delivery system containing chlorhexidine, metronidazole or tetracycline on subgingival microflora assessed by dark field microscopy. Strips containing 40% chlorhexidine, metronidazole or tetracycline were placed for 2 to 3 days into pockets greater than 6 mm which bled on probing. Plaque samples were obtained before and after treatment and counts of morphological and motile groups of organisms were made by dark field microscopy. Prior to treatment, the dark field microscopic counts were similar to those previously reported for diseased sites with motile bacteria, in particular spirochaetes, present in high numbers. Following treatment, all 3 antimicrobial drugs produced a significant increase in the proportion of cocci and significant decreases in all other types of organisms. Motile organisms, in particular, were markedly reduced and spirochaetes could not be recovered from some sites treated with metronidazole and tetracycline. Metronidazole was significantly more effective than tetracycline or chlorhexidine on spirochaetes. The results indicate that acrylic strips may be useful in the management of chronic periodontitis as an adjunct to routine mechanical methods.

Topics: Acrylic Resins; Administration, Topical; Bacteria; Chlorhexidine; Dental Plaque; Humans; Metronidazole; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Tetracycline

For the purpose of developing controlled delivery devices for periodontal therapy which would release over several days, six fiber types made of tetracycline-loaded biocompatible polymers were manufactured and tested. Polyethylene, polypropylene, polycaprolactone, polyurethane and cellulose acetate propionate all released their drug load within 1 day. Ethylene vinyl acetate fibers, however, provided in vitro sustained release for periods up to 9 days. A bioassay was designed to measure levels of tetracycline achieved by local delivery which used growth inhibition of Bacillus cereus as a measure of the amount of tetracycline in measured volumes of gingival sulcus fluid on filter paper strips. By this assay, fibers made from 25% loaded ethylene vinyl acetate established initial concentrations of approximately 500 micrograms/ml. The measurement of tetracycline concentration resulting from the placement of these fibers into deep periodontal pockets as a packing material provided indication that concentrations of greater than 50 micrograms/ml could be maintained for months by weekly to monthly replacement. These studies indicate that monolithic fibers made of tetracycline-loaded ethylene vinyl acetate have characteristics which could prove useful as the basis of a tetracycline delivery system for the treatment of periodontal disease.

Topics: Delayed-Action Preparations; In Vitro Techniques; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Pharmaceutical Vehicles; Polymers; Polyvinyls; Tetracycline; Time Factors

This study reports on the development of drug containing acrylic strips for delivering antimicrobial agents and compares the in vitro release pattern with dialysis tubing. Polyethylmethacrylic strips of suitable dimensions containing 10 to 50% chlorhexidine acetate, 40% metronidazole and 40% tetracycline were prepared. Daily release of the incorporated drugs into 1 ml aliquots was measured spectrophotometrically over a 14 day period. Similarly the release of chlorhexidine gluconate from various lengths of patent and heat sealed dialysis tubing was recorded for 4 days. At 30%, 40% and 50% admixtures the acrylic strips released chlorhexidine up to the 14 day period and a parallel bioassay confirmed the maintenance of antibacterial activity to this time. At the same admixture the release of metronidazole was greater than chlorhexidine and tetracycline. All drugs were released at high levels on day 1 followed by a marked fall in release by day 2 and progressive fall thereafter. The release from tubing was almost total within 24 hours and was independent of sealing the ends. The strips appear to have potential for prolonged drug delivery to periodontal pockets. Preliminary clinical use revealed no patient acceptability problems and alterations in subgingival flora were produced.

Topics: Chlorhexidine; Delayed-Action Preparations; Dialysis; Dosage Forms; Humans; Intubation; Methylmethacrylates; Metronidazole; Periodontal Pocket; Spectrophotometry; Tetracycline

The effects of tetracycline on the subgingival streptococcal flora of periodontal patients were examined. Before antibiotic treatment, tetracycline-resistant isolates were obtained from 24 to 25 patients. In most patients, the proportion of the subgingival flora resistant to tetracycline increased after 2 weeks of therapy (1,000 mg of tetracycline/day) and then decreased after the cessation of treatment. Cultural conditions used for primary isolation were designed to favor the growth of facultative streptococci. Consequently, the majority (99%) of resistant isolates were identified as streptococci. Among 407 tetracycline-resistant Streptococcus isolates chosen for further classification, 9 species were identified, with S. sanguis (63%) and S. mitis (19%) predominating. There were no significant differences in the distribution of species isolated before and after treatment and after the cessation of tetracycline treatment. Plasmids were isolated from only 23 of 121 resistant streptococcal strains examined, suggesting that tetracycline resistance is not plasmid mediated in the majority of these oral streptococci.

Topics: DNA, Bacterial; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Humans; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; R Factors; Species Specificity; Streptococcus; Tetracycline

Topics: Adult; Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Dental Plaque; Diabetes Mellitus; Erythromycin; Female; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Insulin; Male; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Middle Aged; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Staphylococcus; Tetracycline

The present investigation assessed the feasibility of treating periodontal disease by controlled delivery of antibacterial agents from within periodontal pockets. Tetracycline-filled hollow fibers placed in the gingival sulcus were shown to have a dramatic effect both on the periodontal microflora and clinical manifestations of disease. Furthermore, it was found that drug-filled cellulose acetate hollow fibers are biologically compatible with the environment and can be manipulated by dental personnel to provide drug therapy with less than 1/1000 the amount of tetracycline that would have been used for systemic therapy. Of theoretical importance is the observation that virtual elimination of spirochetes from the gingival sulcus is possible by a single placement of tetracycline-filled hollow fibers, and spirochetes, once eliminated from a site, do not rapidly recolonize despite the persistence of viable organisms elsewhere in the mouth.

Topics: Delayed-Action Preparations; Drug Evaluation; Drug Implants; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Humans; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Spirochaetales; Tetracycline

Topics: Administration, Topical; Bacteria; Dental Plaque; Dental Scaling; Dosage Forms; Gingiva; Humans; Oral Hygiene; Periodontal Index; Periodontal Pocket; Periodontitis; Subgingival Curettage; Tetracycline