Local Drug Delivery Systems in the Management of Periodontitis: A Scientific Review

Abstract

A microbial disease of the tissues supporting teeth, periodontitis (PD) causes the surrounding soft and hard tissues to gradually deteriorate, eventually leading to tooth movement and exfoliation. Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease induced by complex interactions between the host immune system and pathogens that affect the integrity of teeth supporting tissues. To prevent disease progression and thus preserve the alveolar bone structure, simultaneous anti-inflammatory and osteogenic intervention is essential. Selection of a right antimicrobial agent with appropriate route of drug administration is the key to successful periodontal therapy. Irrigating systems, fibers, gels, strips, films, micro particles, nanoparticles and and low dose antimicrobial agents are some of the local drug delivery systems (LDDS) available in the field, which aims to deliver antimicrobial agents to sub-gingival diseased sites with minimal or no side-effects on other body sites. The present review aim to summarize the current state-of-the-art technology on LDDS in periodontal therapy ensuring the practitioners are able to choose LDD agents which are custom made for a specific clinical condition.