Antibiotic Treatment

Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that can lead to severe inflammation and tooth loss if left untreated. Antibiotic treatments are often used in combination with other periodontal procedures, such as scaling and root planing, curettage, or surgery, to help reduce bacteria and promote healing. They can also be used as a standalone treatment in certain cases.

There are different types of antibiotic treatments available, including oral antibiotics and topical gels that are applied directly into the gum pockets. Research has shown that antibiotics have been highly effective in treating acute periodontal infection, refractory periodontal disease, prepubertal periodontal disease, and juvenile periodontal disease.

Oral antibiotics, such as tetracycline antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline hydrochloride, doxycycline, minocycline) and macrolide antibiotics, have systemic effects on the whole body and are less commonly prescribed than topical gels. They have antibacterial properties, reduce inflammation, and inhibit collagenase, an enzyme that destroys connective tissue.

Topical gels and strips offer the advantage of delivering antibiotics directly to the gum surfaces without affecting the entire body. They are preferred over oral antibiotics in many cases, especially after scaling and root planing procedures. Some commonly used topical antibiotics include:

1. Atridox®: This doxycycline gel conforms to the gum surfaces and gradually releases the antibiotic medication over several days.

2. PerioChip®: This chip is placed into the gum pocket after root planing. It slowly releases Chlorhexidine, a powerful antibacterial antiseptic, and helps reduce pocket depth in most cases of periodontitis.

3. Actisite®: This thin strip, similar to dental floss, contains tetracycline hydrochloride. It is temporarily placed between the tooth and gum to kill bacteria and reduce gum pocket depth. Multiple threads may be used for around 10 days to enhance the antibiotic effect.

4. Elyzol®: Available in gel and strip form, this metronidazole antibiotic can destroy parasites as well as oral bacteria.

5. Arestin®: These minocycline mini capsules are delivered into the gums after scaling and root planing.

Systemic or oral antibiotic treatment can lead to noticeable improvements in periodontal health. Your periodontist or dentist will assess your specific condition and recommend the necessary antibiotic treatments to support the healing of your periodontal disease.