Clinical effects of professional antimicrobial subgingival pulsated jet irrigation [WaterPik®] in patients with chronic periodontitis: A comparative study

Abstract

Background and Objectives : Gingivitis and periodontitis are primarily bacterial infections caused by diverse groups of microorganisms. The prevalence and severity of these diseases can be reduced by mechanical plaque removal or a variety of systemic and topically applied antimicrobial agents, aimed at selectively removing or inhibiting pathogenic bacteria. Hence, the present study is designed to evaluate the role of professional subgingival irrigation in chronic generalized periodontitis patients. Materials and Methods: Eight subjects were randomly selected between age groups 25 and 55 years, with a total of 160 active sites with chronic periodontitis. Each quadrant was required to have at least one site with a probing depth of ≥5 mm to ≤9 mm, with radiographic evidence of bone loss. For every patient, the first quadrant received no treatment, the second quadrant received scaling and root planning (SRP) only, the third quadrant received SRP plus professional subgingival 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate irrigation with WaterPik; device, and the fourth quadrant received treatment with WaterPik; device only. Treatment sites were irrigated on 0, 7 th , and 15 th days. Plaque index, bleeding index, gingival index, and clinical attachment levels were measured and recorded at 0, 15 th , 30 th , and 45 th days. Results: With subgingival irrigation with 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate, there was significant reduction in all clinical parameters: plaque index, bleeding index, and gingival index in all the groups. Interpretation and Conclusion: Subgingival irrigation with 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate along with scaling and root planing appeared to be effective in gaining clinical attachment levels and other parameters than scaling and root planing alone or subgingival irrigation with 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate alone in the treatment of chronic adult periodontitis.