Different methods for subgingival application of chlorhexidine in the treatment of patients with chronic periodontitis

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical efficacy of different chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) preparations applied subgingivally as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP).

Material and methods: A total of 120 periodontal pockets was included in this randomized, controlled, split mouth designed study. According to protocols used in treatment, periodontal pockets were assigned to experimental and control groups as follows: CHX solution as an addition to SRP versus control SRP group; CHX gel as an addition to SRP versus control SRP; CHX chip as an addition to SRP versus control SRP group. Following clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, one and three months after the baseline: plaque index (PI), probing pocket depth (PPD), bleeding index (BI) and clinical attachment level (CAL).

Results: The most significant improvements were found concerning PI in CHX solution with SRP and CHX gel with SRP groups over controls at one month recall, as well as concerning BI and PPD in CHX chip with SRP group over SRP alone at three-month recall.

Conclusion: Results of this study favour combination therapy using CHX chip as an adjunct to SRP due to greater improvements in BI and PPD compared to those obtained by SRP alone in the treatment of chronic periodontitis.

Keywords:

• Periodontitis
• antimicrobials
• chlorhexidine gluconate
• local drug delivery
• scaling and root planing

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Notes on contributors

Jelena Lecic, Born in 1977. Worked as Language Assistant for United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina between 1999 and 2002. Graduated from School of dental medicine in Foca, University of East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2006. Obtained specialist degree in Periodontology and oral medicine in 2015, Master degree in 2014 from Faculty of Medicine, University of East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Employed as an Assistant for Periodontology and oral medicine, Dentistry Program, Faculty of Medicine Foca, University of East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Sasa Cakic, Born in 1958. Graduated from School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia in 1984. Obtained specialist degree in Periodontology and oral medicine in 1992, Master degree in 1994, PhD in 1998, all from School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia. Full time professor with School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia since 1998. Author of 5 lecture books and 20 scientific works listed in Web of science.

Ognjenka Janjic Pavlovic, Born in1976. Graduated from School of dental medicine in Foca, University of East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2005. Obtained specialist degree in Prosthodontic in 2011 and Master degree in 2014 from Faculty of Medicine, University of East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Employed as an Assistant for Prosthodontic, Dentistry Program, Faculty of Medicine Foca, University of East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Ana Cicmil, Born in 1978. Graduated from School of dental medicine in Foca, University of East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2005. Obtained specialist degree in Periodontology and oral medicine in 2014, Master degree in 2014 from Faculty of Medicine, University of East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Employed as an Assistant for Periodontology and oral medicine, Dentistry Program, Faculty of Medicine Foca, University of East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Olivera Vukotic, Born in 1979. Graduated from School of dental medicine in Foca, University of East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2005. Obtained specialist degree in Periodontology and oral medicine in 2012, Master degree in 2014 from Faculty of Medicine, University of East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Employed as an Assistant for Periodontology and oral medicine, Dentistry Program, Faculty of Medicine Foca, University of East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Vanja Petrovic, Born in 1964. Graduated from School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia in 1992. Obtained specialist degree in Preventive and pediatric dentistry in 2000, Master degree in 1998, PhD in 2007, all from School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia. Professor with School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia since 2009. Accredited lecturer; mentor of one PhD thesis, coauthor in 4 textbooks, author in 7 SCI and SSCI listed articles and more than 30 national or international participations on congresses.

Smiljka Cicmil, Born in 1975. Graduated in 1999 and obtained specialist degree in Periodontology and oral medicine in 2005 from School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, Serbia. Obtained Master degree in 2007 and PhD in 2012 from Faculty of Medicine Foca, University of East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Assistant Professor for Periodontology and oral medicine, Dentistry Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2012. Involved in 4 research projects.