Treatment Of Periodontal Pockets Research Articles

Efficacy of Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy for Treating Moderate to Deep Periodontal Pockets in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background/Objectives: Diabetes mellitus and periodontitis share a significant, bidirectional relationship. Diabetes raises the risk of periodontitis and influences its severity, impacting tissue repair and bone metabolism. Conversely, periodontal inflammation can disrupt glycemic control, further complicating this interlinked relationship. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) as an adjunct to subgingival instrumentation (SI) in the treatment of periodontal pockets with a probing pocket depth (PPD) ≥ 5 mm in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) and periodontitis. Methods: Using the PICOS framework, this review addressed the following question: "How does aPDT as an adjunct to SI compare to SI alone in treating periodontal pockets with PPD ≥ 5 mm in individuals with DM2 and periodontitis?" Databases searched included PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science up to December 2024. Randomized clinical trials evaluating periodontal status and HbA1c levels in patients with DM2 undergoing periodontal therapy and experiencing SI were included. Patients who received adjunctive aPDT were compared to a control group that received SI alone. A meta-analysis was conducted illustrating treatment effects across groups. Results: After screening 117 studies based on titles and abstracts, three and four studies met the eligibility criteria for quantitative and qualitative analyses, respectively. The principal periodontal parameters assessed included PPD, clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index (PI), and bleeding on probing (BOP). Forest plots for PD, BOP, PI, and CAL at baseline, three months, and six months revealed no statistically significant differences between the SI+aPDT group and the SI-only group. Glycated hemoglobin across treatment groups was not different. Conclusions: The combination of aPDT with SI provides limited clinical benefits in treating periodontal pockets with a PPD ≥ 5 mm in diabetic patients with periodontitis.

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF METRONIDAZOLE GELS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Introduction : Metronidazole is one of the antimicrobial and antimicrobial that has been widely used as antibacterial and antiprotozoal agent for treatment. Metronidazole is antimicrobial have been used as an adjuvant to mechanical plaque removal. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that develops from dental plaque that affects periodontal supporting tissues. Many chemical agents that have been evaluated to determine their effect on plaque, gingivitis and periodontitis, one of which is metronidazole, has been successfully introduced and studied extensively. This literature review explains effectiveness of metronidazole gels in the management of periodontal disease. Review : Metronidazole (MTZ) is frequently used in the treatment for periodontal diseases since it can be against several Gram-negative anaerobic rods, the pathogenesis of periodontitis. It can be administered via oral and topical routes. However, the systemic adverse effects may in the oral cavity if used peroral. Hence, topical administration is preferable. The bacterial reservoirs not eliminated by conventional periodontal therapy can be further suppressed with the use of chemotherapeutic agents. Localized antimicrobial therapy, in particular, has evoked growing interest because of the site‑specific nature of periodontal infections, the higher concentration of anti‑microbial agent subgingivally and reduced side‑effects of systemic antibiotic use. Among the various locally delivered chemotherapeutic agents metronidazole, a has bactericidal action against anaerobes, such as Prevotela intermedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Fusobacterium species and spirochetes like Treponema denticola, Treponema vincentii, which are generally believed to be the main pathogens associated with periodontitis. Conclusion : Treatment of periodontal pockets with metronidazole gel in addition to scaling and root planning, provides a significant increase in reducing pocket depth and microbial count and effective in the treatment of periodontal disease.

Local Antiseptic used as Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planning in the Treatment of Periodontal Pocket

Local Antiseptic used as Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planning in the Treatment of Periodontal Pocket

Clinical evaluation of the combined efficacy of injectable platelet-rich fibrin along with scaling and root planing in the non-surgical periodontal therapy of stage III and grade C periodontitis patients having type 2 diabetes mellitus: Arandomized controlled trial.

This randomized controlled trial was aimed to evaluate the combined efficacy of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) and scaling and root planing (SRP) in type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects having periodontitis. Twenty-six Stage III, grade C periodontitis subjects (HbA1c > 7) were recruited in this split-mouth study. Following SRP, the test sites received subgingival application of i-PRF, while the control sites received saline. Plaque index, bleeding on probing, modified gingival index, probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Twenty-three participants completed the course of research. The Friedman test followed by Dunn's post hoc test, revealed significant improvement in all the clinical parameters from baseline to 3 and 6 months in both the study groups (p ≤ 0.05). The mean PPD and CAL decreased from 6.30 ± 1.25 and 7.48 ± 1.75 at baseline to 3.48 ± 1.34 and 4.39 ± 1.67 at 6 months in control sites and from 6.57 ± 1.56 and 7.61 ± 1.69 to 3.39 ± 1.23 and 4.26 ± 1.81 at 6 months in test sites (p ≤ 0.0001). Intergroup analysis found no statistical significant differences in the evaluated parameters across all time intervals (p > 0.05) CONCLUSION: The results indicated that the adjunctive application of i-PRF to SRP provided similar benefits as saline and SRP in diabetes mellitus subjects. Question: To find the combined efficacy of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) along with scaling and root planing (SRP) in the management of periodontal pockets of Stage III and Grade C periodontitis patients having Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). All of the treated sites showed satisfactory healing. Both the treatment modalities (i-PRF + SRP and Saline + SRP) were effective in the treatment of periodontal pockets. At 3 and 6 months, there were no significant differences in periodontal parameters between groups. Meaning: The application of i-PRF as an adjunct to SRP provided similar benefits as saline and SRP in improving clinical parameters in subjects with stage III and grade C periodontitis patients having T2DM (HbA1C > 7).

Comparative Evaluation of ENAP Vs Gingival Curettage in Pocket Reduction in Periodontitis Patients – A Clinical Study

Scaling and root planning (SRP) is essential for preventing bacterial infection, it is always the first step of periodontal treatment. The treatment of periodontal pockets with excisional new attachment procedure (ENAP) and gingival curettage as an adjunct to SRP in the treatment of periodontitis represents yet another novel causative therapy

Exposure to Hyaluronan and Radon-Containing Water during the Treatment of Periodontal Pockets

Exposure to Hyaluronan and Radon-Containing Water during the Treatment of Periodontal Pockets

Laser and Its Application in Periodontology: A Review of Literature

Introduction: The use of lasers is an emerging therapy in periodontology, however, controversies regarding its use. Despite the vast amount of literature that is currently available, debates regarding the use of lasers in periodontal therapy continue. This review aims to summarize and clarify the myths surrounding the use of lasers in periodontal therapy, which may offer new hope for the treatment’s future. Methods: A comprehensive computer-based search was done using various databases like PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Library. Results: Laser therapy has influenced periodontal treatment in many aspects. The advantages of laser over conventional instruments were reported, which include pain relief, inflammation reduction, tissue repair acceleration, wound healing, reduction of scar formation, removal of granulation tissue and epithelial lining, and treatment of periodontal pockets. Today, the laser starts to get more people’s attention. However, an evidence-based approach to using lasers in periodontal treatment must be developed. The potential risks associated with lasers should also be considered. There must be careful and strict safety precautions implemented. Conclusion: Although laser therapy has shown promising results in the treatment of periodontal disease, further research is needed before the clinical use of lasers in evidence-based practice. Further long-term studies and clinical studies in human models are needed to generalize laser therapy in periodontology.

Clinical evaluation of excisional new attachment procedure versus laser assisted new attachment procedure in the treatment of periodontal pockets

TheLaser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) protocol is a laser based periodontal regenerative procedure and was patterned, conceptually, after the Excisional New Attachment Procedure (ENAP) to separate the diseased epithelium from the underlying connective tissue and to selectively vaporize and disrupt inflamed and necrotic tissue from connective tissue.: The present study was designed to compare and evaluate the clinical efficacy of LANAP versus ENAP in the treatment of chronic periodontitis.: Twenty periodontal pocket sites of ≥5mm in systemically healthy patients were selected and randomly allocated to either (ENAP) Excisional New Attachment Procedure (Group I) or (LANAP) Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (Group II). Patients were evaluated for Plaque Index, Gingival Index, Gingival Bleeding Index, Probing Depth, Loss of attachment, recession and VAS scores. Patients were recalled for follow up at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months at which clinical parameters were recorded.: The results of the present study revealed statistically insignificant difference in both groups however clinically significant reduction in probing depth was seen with ENAP as compared to LANAP but laser procedure had less VAS scores as compared to ENAP.Although probing depth reduction was more for ENAP, patient discomfort with less bleeding was observed with LANAP.

Platelet-Rich Plasma in Oral and Dental Surgery

Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been employed widely in dental and oral surgery. However, there is considerable debate about its effect on wound healing and inflammatory response. Materials and Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus data base, and manual search were performed to find out articles on the use of PRP in dental and oral surgery using keywords such as PRP , oral surgery, dental surgery, lower wisdom teeth, periodontal pocket, dental implant, tooth socket preservation, dry socket, cystic lesion, and ridge augmentation. These articles discussed the use of PRP (after surgical removal of wisdom teeth, treatment of periodontal pocket, ridge preservation, implant stability, prevention of dry socket, treatment of bony defect after cystic removal, and ridge augmentation). Results: Twenty-seven articles were found on the usage of PRP in dental and oral surgery. Six articles on the use of PRP after surgical removal of lower wisdom teeth, five articles in the treatment of periodontal pocket and implant stability, four article in ridge preservation, three articles in prevention of dry socket and two articles on the use of PRP after cystic removal and ridge augomentation. Conclusion: PRP enhanced bone regeneration and soft-tissue healing aftery lower wisdom tooth surgery. It decreased the depth of periodontal pocket, maintained implant stability, preserved ridge height and prevented dry socket. However, PRP had no effect on pain, swelling, and bleeding. There is no justification for the impact of PRP on bone augmentation and healing of bony defect after cystic removal of the jaws. More studies should be carried out to support the usage of PRP in oral and dental surgery.

Comparative Evaluation to Assess the Effect of SRP With or Without Human Placental Extracts as Local Drug Delivery in Treatment of Localized Periodontal Pocket- A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Periodontal disease is one of the most prevalent global chronic disorder. Pathology affecting the structure surrounding teeth results in inflammation initiated by bacterial aggregation & alteration in their profile. Conventional periodontal therapeutics has focused on the control of etiologic agents, thereby promoting healing & repair of tissues. Delivery of therapeutic agents into the local milieu act as drug reservoirs which could alter pathogenic flora & promote its repair & wound healing. Aim & Objective: In an effort to develop a novel therapy, the present study aims to compare clinical soft tissue parameters around periodontal pockets treated with & without human placental extracts delivered locally. Materials & Method: In 10 patients of chronic periodontitis, bilateral localized periodontal pockets of 4-6 mm depth were included. Each site was randomly allocated to group 1 & group 2,where in group 1, scaling & root planing( SRP) was done while in group 2,Placentrex Gel (Human placental extracts) adsorbed on absorbable gelatin matrix (Abgel) used as a vehicle was delivered as an adjunct to SRP . Clinical parameters were recorded & re- evaluated after one month for both the treatment groups . Statistical analysis was carried out to evaluate the effect of Placentrex gel as an adjunct to SRP in treatment of periodontal pockets, Mann Whitney & Paired t test were done. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in clinical parameters with notable difference in probing depth reduction & gain of clinical attachment level in the treatment group subjected to SRP & Placental extract delivery. Conclusion: Clinical variables showed a greater efficacy of SRP & adjunctive use of placental extracts as compared to conventional treatment by SRP thereby underlying placental extracts usage in the management of periodontal disease condition

Assessment of antibacterial effectiveness of ultrasonic scaling in combination with calcium hydroxyappatite suspension among patients with type-1 diabetes

Relevance. Type-1 diabetes mellitus affects usual oral microbiome for active growth of periodontal pathogenic bacteria concentration in geometric progression, which leads to decrease in function of local immunity of oral cavity, inflammation of periodontal tissues and resorption of alveolar bone – the characteristics of chronic generalized periodontitis. This article provides analysis of qualitative and quantitative composition of microflora of periodontal pocket among type-1 diabetes patients before and after conservative periodontal therapy using ultrasonic treatment technique with a polishing suspension based on calcium hydroxide («Vector Paro», Durr Dental).Purpose. To evaluate the antibacterial effectiveness of professional oral hygiene complex with the additional treatment of periodontal pockets with «Vector Paro» device among patients with type-1 diabetes and chronic generalized mild periodontitis.Materials and methods. 30 patients with chronic generalized mild periodontitis and type-1 diabetes were examined with using analyses of periodontal pockets microflora contents. All patients underwent a standard complex of professional oral hygiene and gentle periodontal therapy with the «Vector Paro» device. Re-examination was in 4 weeks.Results. The performed complex of conservative periodontal therapy improved periodontal status in both groups, but in control group changes were more significant.Conclusion. Dynamic monitoring of qualitative and quantitative composition of periodontal pockets in combination with conservative periodontal therapy using the «Vector Paro» apparatus improves hygienic and periodontal status among patients with type-1 diabetes.

Complex treatment of periodontitis in patients with fractures of the lower jaw

Relevance. Tooth splints used to immobilize lower jaw fragments lead to the progression of periodontitis.Purpose. To study changes in periodontal tissues in patients with fractures of the lower jaw during immobilization with dentitional double jaw splints.Materials and methods. Patients with periodontitis during the treatment of fractures of the lower jaw were examined.Results. In patients with periodontitis who have a fracture of the lower jaw, inflammatory and destructive processes in periodontal tissues progress during the immobilization of fragments by the orthopedic method (tooth splints).Conclusion. Comprehensive treatment of periodontitis in fractures of the lower jaw, including dynamic magnetotherapy (DMT) and the treatment of periodontal pockets with liniment of cycloferon, reduces the severity of inflammatory and destructive processes in periodontal tissues.

Comparative evaluation of 2% turmeric extract with nanocarrier and 1% chlorhexidine gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in patients with chronic periodontitis: A pilot randomized controlled clinical trial.

Context:Nanoparticles, owing to their smaller size, penetrate regions inaccessible to other delivery systems, such as periodontal pockets. Thus, the present study aimed to comparatively evaluate efficacy of 2% curcumin with nanocarrier and 1% chlorhexidine gel as a local drug delivery (LDD) in the treatment of periodontal pockets.Materials and Methods:Forty-five chronic periodontitis patients with pocket depth 5–7 mm in two or more teeth were selected. Full-mouth scaling and root planing (SRP) was done for all patients followed by random allocation to the three treatment groups, namely SRP group (Group 1), 2% curcumin with nanogel (Group 2), and 1% chlorhexidine gel (Group 3). Clinical parameter assessment and microbiological analysis of subgingival plaque samples for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), and Tannerella forsythia (Tf) was done at baseline, 21st day, and 45th day.Results:The results showed that when the two LDD agents were used as an adjunct to SRP in chronic periodontitis, there was an improvement in all clinical parameters. Evaluation of microbiological parameters also showed a significant reduction in Aa, Pg, and Tf levels. Comparison of 2% turmeric extract with a nanocarrier system with 1% chlorhexidine gel showed that both the agents had a comparable antibacterial effect on the three selected periodontopathic bacteria.Conclusion:The present study showed that both the LDD agents showed an effective improvement of clinical and microbiologic parameters. 2% curcumin delivered with a nanocarrier system showed results comparable to chlorhexidine gel and hence shows promising future as an LDD agent in the treatment of periodontal pockets.

Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) in non-surgical periodontal therapy: a randomized clinical trial.

The aim of this split mouth, double blinded, randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of use of Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of periodontal pockets. Twenty six patients (15 males, 11 females) diagnosed with generalized periodontitis with Pocket Depth > 5mm and plaque index score < 1.5, were randomly allocated by using computer generated random sequence, into two groups, one treated with intra-pocket application of PRGF adjunct to SRP and other with SRP alone. The clinical outcomes like pocket depth (PD), relative attachment level (RAL) and sulcus bleeding index (SBI) were assessed at baseline, 3 months and 6 months. Twenty two patients (44 sites) were analyzed at the end of 6 month follow-up, using SPSS 20.0v software. There was a significant statistical difference observed between both the groups favouring SRP +PRGF group in terms of PD (p = 0.007) and RAL (p = 0.021) at the end of 6 month follow-up. Also there was a statistical significant difference (< 0.001) at all time points compared to baseline, for all parameters in intra-group comparison. Moreover, the sites with PD>4mm necessitating further treatment after 6-month follow-up were significantly lesser for SRP+PRGF group. The use of PRGF technology in non-surgical periodontal therapy, by single intra-pocket application in to periodontal pockets as an adjunct to SRP, in chronic periodontitis patients, was found to be effective in reduction of pocket depth and gain in clinical attachment level.

Evaluation of Different Local Drug Delivery Systems in the Management of Chronic Periodontitis: A Comparative Study

The present study aimed to assess the use of various local drug delivery systems in the management of chronic periodontitis. A total of 60 patients aged around 30-55 years were included. The subjects who were enrolled under took a phase I therapy that included scaling and root planing (SRP). Patients who satisfied the conditions for selection to enter the trial were assigned randomly to three groups, with each group consisting of 20 participants as follows: group I: controlled-release drugs-chlorhexidine gel, group II: metronidazole gel, group III: tetracycline fibers. The plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and periodontal pocket depth (PPD) were recorded after 1st week as the baseline data and were recorded again after 15 days and 30 days post-baseline. The mean GI scores were 1.32 ± 0.10, 0.88 ± 0.16, and 0.76 ± 0.12, at baseline, 15 days, and 30 days, respectively, in group I. In group II, the mean GI score reduced to 1.09 ± 0.83 at 30 days from 1.48 ± 0.27 at baseline. Likewise, in group III the mean GI score reduced to 0.90 ± 0.62 at 30 days from 1.38 ± 0.06 at baseline. All the groups demonstrated a statistically significant difference at various intervals. The mean PI score decreased to 0.90 ± 0.78 at 15 days from 1.46 ± 0.22 at baseline in group III. A statistically significant difference at different intervals was seen in group III only. In all groups, the intergroup comparison of PPD was found to be statistically significant. This study demonstrated that although thorough SRP is an effective treatment method for elimination of chronic periodontal pockets, improved results can be obtained by adjunctive use of locally administered chlorhexidine gel, metronidazole gel, and tetracycline fibers. The use of the adjunctive local drug delivery system along with mechanical cleansing in the treatment of periodontal pockets in chronic periodontitis is therapeutically beneficial.

Treatment of periodontal pockets at the distal aspect of mandibular second molar after surgical removal of impacted third molar and application of L-PRF: a split-mouth randomized clinical trial.

Presence of clinical attachment loss on the distal aspect to the second molar may be associated with malposition of the third molar. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reduction of clinical attachment loss at the distal aspect of the second molar after third molar extraction and application of leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF). Eighteen subjects with a clinical attachment loss on the distal site to the second molar associated with impacted third molar in both sides of the jaw were recruited for the study. For each subject the teeth were randomly allocated in test and control groups. After surgical removal of the impacted third molar, the L-PRF was inserted in the fresh alveolar socket of test sites; in the control sites no graft was inserted after extraction. Full-mouth plaque score, full-mouth bleeding score, clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth, and gingival recession were assessed at baseline and 6 months later. After 6 months, mean CAL change was 1.99 ± 1.18 mm in the test group and 1.15 ± 1.01 mm in the control group; probing depth change was 1.33 ± 0.87 mm in the test group and 0.50 ± 0.63 mm in the control group. Statistically significant differences (P < .05) were observed between groups in terms of CAL and probing depth changes. No differences were found in gingival recession changes. Within the limits of the present study, the sites treated by means of application of L-PRF after impacted third molar extraction showed better results in terms of CAL gain and probing depth reduction when compared with control sites.

Peran Irigasi Klorheksidin Pada Perawatan Penyakit Periodontal

Background: Chlorhexidine gluconate is a bactericidal agent that is effective in dental practice as an antiplaque agent that is very good in oral hygiene. Plaque microorganisms are the primary etiological factors associated with periodontal disease which must be eliminated consistently as a preventive measure. Many chemical agents that have been evaluated to determine their effect on plaque, gingivitis and periodontitis, one of which is chlorhexidine, has been successfully introduced and studied extensively. Chlorhexidine has been used to supplement, not replace mechanical therapy. This study aims to describe the role of chlorhexidine supragingivally and subgingival irrigation in periodontal disease. Treatment of periodontal pockets with chlorhexidine irrigation in addition to scaling and root smoothing, provides a significant increase in reducing pocket depth and microbial count. Irrigation of chlorhexidine solution is effective in the treatment of periodontitis. This is probably due to its ability to maintain a chlorhexidine concentration that is biologically significant for sufficient time in the periodontal pocket. Conclusions: Chlorhexidine is an antiplaque agent and has excellent antimicrobial properties. Local applications with irrigation or mouthwash depend on high initial concentrations and repeated applications to provide sustained effectiveness. Modification of microflora in the periodontal pocket can be treated with irrigation of chlorhexidine.

An Assessment of knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Lasers among periodontists in India

In the history of science, the invention of laser has attracted the attention of a lot of people. Maiman, in the year 1960, introduced “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation” (LASER) making use of Einstein’s theory on stimulated emission. Laser helps to remove the microorganisms and diseased soft tissue and it also stimulates wound healing. However, the clinical value and awareness of the advantages of their use is limited. Food and drug administration have granted their approval. There are different types of lasers that are used in dentistry. Some of them being Diode, Er: YAG (Erbium: Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnet), Argon, Carbon dioxide, Nd: YAG (Neodium: Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnet). Lasers can be used in the field of periodontics for soft tissue crown lengthening procedure, depigmentation, curettage, frenectomy, operculectomy, soft tissue ablation, mechanical debridement of subgingival root surface and treatment of periodontal pockets. Lasers are also used in other fields of dentistry such as restorative and for acquiring biopsies. The present study was a questionnaire based study assessing the knowledge, attitude and practice of lasers among periodontists in India. A cross sectional study was carried out using a research based questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 24 questions. It was filled by 45 periodontists in India. The questions were based on assessment of knowledge, attitude and practice. The percentage of knowledge was 65.6%, attitude was 82.1% and practice was 54.5%.

Moxifloxacin in situ gel as an adjunct in the treatment of periodontal pocket: A clinico-microbiological study

Context: Periodontal diseases considered as the infectious condition of the periodontium. The prevalence of these diseases can be reduced by mechanical plaque removal along with systemic and locally delivered antimicrobial agents. Moxifloxacin in situ gel was evaluated as an adjunct to scaling and root planing as local drug delivery (LDD) for its efficacy in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of moxifloxacin as LDD in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. Settings and Design: Study design was randomized control trial. Subjects and Methods: Sixty-seven sites from chronic periodontitis patients of age 25–65 years with a pocket depth of >5 mm, showing radiographic evidence of bone loss were included in the study. The scaling and root planing (SRP) was performed for all the patients and randomly divided into three groups: Group A: SRP + moxifloxacin in situ gel, Group B: SRP + chlorhexidine in situ gel, and Group C: Control group received SRP as monotherapy. The clinical and microbiological parameters were recorded at baseline, 6th week, and 3 months. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were subjected to statistical analysis with repeated analysis of varience and paired t-test using SPSS (V.22) IBM Corporation, Washington, DC, United States) software. Results: All the three groups showed improvement in both clinical and microbial parameters, but at the end of the 3rd month, Group A showed highly significant results in comparison with Group B and Group C. Conclusions: Moxifloxacin showed more gain in clinical attachment level, and reduction in probing depth and in situ gel can be used as a safe vehicle to deliver the drug locally.

Evaluation of Clinical Effects of a 940nm Diode Laser as Adjunctive Therapy in the Treatment of Periodontal Pockets

Background : Periodontal diseases are multifactorial, inflammatory diseases that, when left without treatment may results in the destruction of tooth-supporting structures and finally may cause tooth loss. Diode laser therapy as an adjunct to non-surgical peri- odontal treatment of periodontal pockets has been increasingly encouraged by some researches but experimental proves have not yet supported the use of laser therapy. Aim: The objective of this single controlled clinical study was to assess the effect of a 940-nm diode laser as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) therapy in the treatment of periodontal pockets. Methods : Fifteen patients in need of periodontal treatment with periodontal pocket ≥ 4 were selected for this split-mouth clinical study. Quadrants were enrolled into either control group treated by conventional scaling and root planning or test group treated by diode laser 940nm as an adjunct with SRP in contralateral quadrants. Baseline data, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD) were recorded before the treatment and 3 months post treatment. Results: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD) were significantly reduced after 3 months in both groups. No significant differences were found in reduction mean of PI, GI, PPD. Conclusion : The use of the diode laser as an adjunct to scaling and root planing did not offer any superior clinical benefits over conventional scaling and root planning.