Treatment of periodontal diseases by the local drug delivery system using 1% chlorhexidine gel: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

The idea of the local drug delivery system is getting popular nowadays to treat gingivitis and periodontitis. The method of delivering the drug locally is quite easy and requires minimal intervention. This delivery system not only treats the periodontal diseases effectively but also prevents the side effects linked with the use of the drugs which are used orally for longer periods to cure these diseases. Chlorhexidine (CHX) is being widely used to treat these conditions because of its broad spectrum anti-bacterial effect and is found to be more effective in lowering plaque formation. The aim of this study was to appraise the effect of the local drug delivery system by using 1% CHX gel in patients with periodontal diseases. 1% CHX gel was prepared and its physicochemical characteristics were then assessed. Clinical parameters and inflammatory salivary biomarkers were evaluated in two groups of patients. Group I: standard treatment group. Group II: gel treatment group. These parameters were evaluated before treatment and after 4 weeks of treatment. 1% CHX gel was highly effective in reducing gingivitis and periodontitis by using the local drug delivery system which allowed the drug to retain into the periodontal pocket for prolong period of time.