Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Two Local Drug Delivery Agents in the Management of Chronic Periodontitis – A Comparative Study

Background: The prime aim of periodontal therapy is the arrest of bacteria/host induced inflammation and to maintain healthy periodontium. Pathogenic organisms which are not mechanically accessible can be eliminated by antibacterial agents. Several local antimicrobial drug delivery agents have been developed with a view to maintain adequate levels of crevicular fluid at the target site and preventing systemic uptake.

Aim: Tetracycline fibers (Periodontal plus AB) and curcumin gel (Curenext) are two such drugs used as adjuncts to scaling and root planing in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Comparative evaluation of the effectiveness of these two agents will be helpful in the selection of a particular type of treatment modality.

Methodology: Eighty sites from 30 patients were selected for the study and were divided into two groups of 40 sites for tetracycline fibers and 40 sites for curcumin gel application as adjuncts to scaling and root planing in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Clinical parameters such as gingival index, plaque index, oral hygiene index, probing pocket depth and gain in clinical attachment level were assessed in all the patients after 30 days and 90 days in both groups.

Results and Discussion: Study revealed that both tetracycline fibers and curcumin gel are effective agents as adjuncts to scaling and root planing in the treatment of chronic periodontitis.

Conclusion: Though both tetracycline fibers and curcumin gel were found to be effective for the treatment of chronic periodontitis, tetracycline was found to be slightly more effective. This may be due to the property of substantivity exhibited by tetracycline.