Subgingival metronidazole in dialysis tubing and subgingival chlorhexidine irrigation in the control of chronic inflammatory periodontal disease
Wan Yusof, W.Z.; Newman, H.N.; Strahan, J.D.; Coventry, J.F.
Journal of Clinical Periodontology 11(3): 166-175
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0303-6979 PMID: 6584445 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-051x.1984.tb01320.x
Accession: 006534458
Subgingival metronidazole in dialysis tubing and subgingival chlorhexidine irrigation in the control of chronic inflammatory periodontal disease were compared. Ten patients with 4 mm or deeper periodontal pockets were divided into 2 groups. Both received baseline scaling, root planing, subcontact area cleaning and instruction in the Bass technique of toothbrushing, but not in interdental cleaning. One group with 80 pockets received 0.2% chlorhexidine subgingival irrigation for 28 days and the other with 86 pockets received 0.5% metronidazole solution incorporated in subgingivally placed dialysis tubing. The tubings were replaced with freshly filled ones at days 7, 14 and 21. Active treatment ceased at day 28. Plaque index [PI], sulcus bleeding index, pocket depth and gingival shrinkage were recorded at days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 56 and 84. Subgingival 0.5% metronidazole in dialysis tubing and 0.2% chlorhexidine irrigation were equally effective in reducing chronic periodontitis. Metronidazole reduced PI less but pocket depth more than chlorhexidine. Improvements were maintained significantly below baseline levels for at least 8 wk after the end of the 4-wk treatment period.