Evaluation of Local Drug Delivery System Containing 1% (W/V) Chitosan Gel Used as an Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planning in Chronic Periodontitis– A Split Mouth Study

Abstract

Introduction: Periodontitis is defined as an inflammatory disease of supporting tissues of teeth,In the treatment of periodontitis systemic antibiotics has potential side effect such as the development of resistant bacteria. These limitations can be avoided by application of the antimicrobials in local drug delivery (LDD) systems directly into the periodontal pocket. Natural polymer chitosan which is found in abundance in nature has antibacterial, antiinflammatory properties and is biodegradable and biocompatible. Materials and Method: A randomized controlled split-mouth study was designed. 30 patients were randomly selected.A resorbable chitosan gel of 1% (w/v) was placed in the selected test sites one week after scaling and root planing (SRP). Gel was injected into the periodontal pockets using a blunt cannula till the pocket was completely filled. Periodontal dressing was applied after placement of the gel. The ancillary parameters were assessed. Results: Statistically significant difference was present in mean plaque index scores and modified gingival index scores at 1 month and 3 months from baseline in both the groups as chitosan shows a strong activity in reducing dental plaque against various periodontal pathogens. Statistically significant difference was present in pocket depth between group I and group II at 1 month and 3 month. Statistically, significant difference was present in Relative Attachment Level between group I and group II at 1 months and 3 months. Discussion: In this study Chitosan biopolymer, used in a gel form, (1% w/v) demonstrated the effectiveness for treatment of localized pockets in patients with chronic periodontitis.the results suggest chitosan has its own properties which causes reduction of pocket depth. Conclusion: Chitosan is an effective local drug delivery agent for chronic periodontitis patients.