Assessment of role of tetracycline fibres in chronic periodontitis patients

Abstract

Background: Tetracycline has been used to treat periodontal disease due to its unique ability to reduce degeneration of collagenous matrix. The present study was conducted to assess role of tetracycline fibres in adjunct to scaling and root planning. Materials & Methods: 40 patients of chronic periodontitis were divided into 2 groups pf 40 each. Group I underwent scaling and root planning whereas group II patients underwent scaling and root planning followed by local application of tetracycline gel. Patients were recalled regularly at 1 month, 3 months and 6 months to assess plaque index, gingival index and Probing pocket depth. Results: The mean plaque index 1 month was 0.54 and 0.42, at 3 months was 0.72 and 0.54 and at 6 months was 0.76 and 0.60 in group I and II respectively. Gingival index was 0.44 and 0.28 at 1 month, 0.52 and 0.40 at 3 months and 0.68 and 0.56 at 9 months in group I and II respectively. Probing pocket depth at 1 month was 1.50 and 1.20, at 3 months was 1.46 and 1.38 and at 6 months was 1.40 and 1.24 in group I and II respectively.