Local delivery of antimicrobial agents for the treatment of periodontal diseases.

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth caused by groups of specific microorganisms. Aggressive forms of periodontitis can be localized or generalized. The concept that localized problem sites may be treated by local drug delivery appears attractive as the antimicrobial agent is delivered within periodontal pockets and the therapy is targeted on specific pathogenic microorganisms. 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. This article reviews various types of delivery systems evaluated in practical periodontal therapy. Despite the large number of studies showing an enhanced effectiveness of local antibiotherapy, there are insufficient comparative data to support any of the local delivery system.