Abstract :
Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth caused by infection
of a periodontal pocket arising from the accumulation of subgingival plaque. Periodontal disease has been
considered as a possible risk factor for other systemic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and preterm
low birth weight infants. Aggressive forms of periodontitis can be localized or generalized. Local delivery
of antimicrobial agents using controlled release systems should be considered as adjunctive to mechanical
debridement for the treatment of localized forms of periodontal destruction. Systemic administration of drugs
leads to therapeutic concentrations at the site of infection, but for short periods of time, forcing repeated dosing
for longer periods. Local delivery of antimicrobials has been investigated for the possibility of overcoming the
limitations of conventional therapy. The use of sustained release formulations to deliver anti-bacterial to the
site of infection (periodontal pocket) has recently gained interest. These products provide a long-term, effective
treatment at the site of infection at much smaller doses. This article reviews various types of delivery systems
evaluated in practical periodontal therapy and identifies areas where further research may lead to a clinically
effective intra-pocket delivery system.
Keyword :
periodontal diseases, periodontal pockets, local drug delivery system, controlled drug delivery.