Use of Strips Containing Tetracycline Hydrochloride or Metronidazole for the Treatment of Advanced Periodontal Disease

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Abstract
Strips containing tetracycline hydrochloride or metronidazole 25% in polyhydroxybutyric acid as a biodegradable polymer matrix, showed sustained release in simulated gingival fluid pH 6·6 at 37°C. When evaluated in patients suffering from advanced periodontal disease, the greatest response to therapy was observed with tetracycline hydrochloride strips inserted into periodontal pockets at four-day intervals for 16 days, compared with an untreated control group. A reduction in plaque index, gingival index and pocket depth was observed. A favourable alteration occurred in the microbial flora of treated pockets with an increase in the proportion of cocci and decrease in gram-negative rods, fusiforms and spirochetes. Metronidazole strips or root-planing tended not to be as effective. The clinical improvement produced by each treatment was not maintained when treatment was terminated.