Periodontics Treatment

Is local delivery of tetracycline an effective adjunct for the treatment of chronic periodontitis?

• Yes. When used as an adjunct to scaling and root planning, there was 1mm decrease in pocket depth. (Evidence level 1). Read the abstract.
  

Does triclosan-containing toothpaste slow periodontal disease progression?

• Yes. Unsupervised use of a triclosan containing toothpaste slowed progression of periodontal disease.  Additionally, pocket depth was reduced for patients with periodontal disease (Evidence level 1). Read the abstract.

Is a triclosan/copolymer and fluoride dentrifice more effective than a fluoride dentrifice  in improving gingival health?   

• Yes.  Triclosan toothpastes significantly reduce both plaque and gingivitis by more than 15% and 12%, respectively. (Evidence level 1). Read the abstract.

Should anticoagulants be discontinued prior to routine oral health care   

• No. The risk of a stroke is 7 times greater than the risk of a major bleed.  Further, a stroke has a higher morbidity and mortality rate than a major bleed. (Evidence level 1). Read the abstract.

Does increased frequency of scaling and polishing improve periodontal health in adults?   

• Yes. The more frequent the intervals the greater the improvement. E.g., (1) 2 weeks versus 6 or 12 months for plaque, gingivitis, pocket depth and attachment loss and (2) 3 months versus 12 months for plaque, calculus, and gingivitis. (Evidence level 1). Read the abstract.

Does smoking and smoking cessation affect nonsurgical periodontal therapy results in patients with chronic periodontitis?   

• Yes. Non-smokers exhibit 1mm greater pocket depth reduction and attachment gain than smokers.  (Evidence level 1). Read the abstract.

Is nonsurgical therapy effective in treating periodontal disease?   

• Yes. Inflammation and pocket depth decrease while attachment increases. (Evidence level 1). Read the abstract.

For patients who have generalized aggressive periodontitis, will adjunctive use of metronidazole and amoxicillin improve outcomes?    

• Yes.  74% of patients with pocket depths >5 mm. who received antibiotics decreased pocket depths to <4 mm at 6 months compare with 54% for those not receiving antibiotics.  (Evidence level 1). Read the abstract.

Is there value in providing oral hygiene instruction (OHI) in addition to professional mechanical plaque (PMPR)?  

• Yes. PMPR and OHI are more effective than PMPR alone in reducing plaque and gingivitis. (Evidence level 1). Read the abstract.