Antibiotic Treatment for Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that leads to severe inflammation and tooth loss if left untreated. Antibiotic treatments can be used in combination with scaling and root planing, curettage, or surgery, or as a stand-alone treatment to help reduce harmful bacteria before and/or after many common periodontal procedures.

At Delray Beach Laser Periodontics & Implants, we evaluated our patient's condition to determine if antibiotic treatment is right for them.

Antibiotic treatments come in several different forms, including oral medications and topical gels that are applied directly into the gum pockets. Research has shown that antibiotic treatments have been incredibly effective for treating acute periodontal infection, refractory periodontal disease, prepubertal periodontal disease, and juvenile periodontal disease.

Antibiotics can be prescribed at a low dose for longer-term use or as a short-term medication to prevent bacteria from re-colonizing treated areas.

Oral Antibiotics

Oral antibiotics affect the whole body and are less commonly prescribed than topical treatments. Here are specific details about several different types of oral antibiotics used in periodontal therapy:

Tetracycline Antibiotics – This group includes tetracycline hydrochloride, doxycycline, and minocycline, which are the primary drugs used in periodontal treatment. They possess antibacterial properties, reduce inflammation, and block collagenase (a protein that destroys connective tissue).

Macrolide Antibiotics – This group of antibiotics has proven effective at reducing inflammation and can also reduce bacterial growth associated with periodontitis.

Metronidazole – This antibiotic is generally used in combination with amoxicillin or tetracycline to combat inflammation and bacterial growth in severe or chronic periodontitis cases.

Topical Gels and Strips

The biggest advantage of direct antibiotic delivery to the gum surfaces is that the whole body is not affected. Topical gels and direct delivery methods tend to be preferred over oral medications and are extremely effective when used after scaling and root planing procedures. Here are some of the most commonly used direct delivery antibiotics:

Atridox® – This doxycycline gel conforms to the contours of your gum surfaces and solidifies over them. Over several days, this gel gradually releases antibiotic medication directly where it's needed most.

PerioChip® – This small chip is placed directly into the gum pocket after root planing procedures. PerioChip® slowly releases Chlorhexidine, a powerful antibacterial antiseptic that reduces pocket depth in most periodontitis cases.

Actisite® – This thin strip, similar to dental floss, contains tetracycline hydrochloride. The thread is placed temporarily between the tooth and gum to kill bacteria and reduce the depth of gum pockets. Multiple threads are sometimes placed for approximately 10 days to enhance the antibiotic effect.

Elyzol® – This metronidazole antibiotic comes in both gel and strip forms. It's unique because it can destroy parasites as well as harmful oral bacteria.

Arestin® – This minocycline antibiotic comes in tiny capsules that are delivered directly into the gums after scaling and root planing procedures.

Expected Results

Noticeable periodontal improvements are usually seen after systemic or topical antibiotic treatment. Your periodontist will recommend and incorporate the most appropriate antibiotic treatments based on your specific condition to promote optimal healing of your periodontal tissues.