Local drug delivery systems for periodontal diseases - A review

Abstract

Periodontitis is an immuno-inflammatory disease of the tissues surrounding the teeth. Elimination or adequate suppression of putative periodontopathic microorganisms in the subgingival microbiota is essential for periodontal healing. Antimicrobial treatments in periodontics range from mechanical debridement of tooth surfaces and home plaque removal to local and systemic delivery of chemical antimicrobial agents. Recent development of science and technology has revolutionized the basic outlook and approach to the problems of periodontal disease. Introduction of local drug delivery system in the periodontal pocket is a promising therapeutic modality for achieving better clinical outcomes when used as an adjunct to conventional non-surgical periodontal therapy. The local delivery of antimicrobial therapy to periodontal pockets has the benefit of administering more drugs at the target site while minimizing the exposure of complete body to the drug and the sustained release of antimicrobial in the periodontal pockets.