Proper Case Selection to Ensure Judicious Use of Antimicrobial Agents in the Treatment of Periodontal Disease

Abstract

It is now well-known that dental plaque exists as a biofilm, and specific plaque bacteria such as A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis are responsible for the initiation and progression of periodontitis. Plaque bacteria within the biofilm are partially protected from antibiotics and host immune reactions. The strategy of periodontal treatment should include a break-up of the biofilm and subsequent elimination of periodontal pathogens. Plaque biofilms cannot be eliminated by daily oral hygiene methods. Thus, mechanical debridement, including scaling and root planing, is required for successful periodontal treatment in the early stage of periodontal disease. It has been observed that supragingival plaque control alone fails to prevent periodontal tissue destruction in subjects with advanced periodontal disease. In such cases, antimicrobial agents may help to further suppress periodontal pathogens. This article reviews the studies carried out on patients suffering from periodontal disease and their response to treatment with emphasis on cases requiring antimicrobial therapy.

Keywords: Periodontal disease, antimicrobial therapy, plaque bacteria

Cite this Article

Rosaiah Kanaparthy, Aruna Kanaparthy. Proper Case Selection to Ensure Judicious Use of Antimicrobial Agents in the Treatment of Periodontal Disease. Research and Reviews: Journal of Dentistry. 2016; 7(1): 41–53p