Rationale for the use of antimicrobial agents in periodontal disease.

The traditional approach to treating dental decay and periodontal disease has often focused on caries, neglecting periodontal infection. The past 15 years have seen significant advances in the treatment of periodontal disease with antimicrobial therapy, both with and without more traditional debridement or surgery. This article presents an overview of the use of antimicrobials, including an examination of treatment philosophies and the diagnosis of periodontal infection.