Antibiotic Treatments for Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that can lead to severe gum inflammation and tooth loss if not treated. Antibiotics are often used to help reduce harmful bacteria, either as a standalone therapy or in combination with procedures such as scaling and root planing, curettage, or periodontal surgery.

Antibiotic treatments can be delivered in various forms, including oral medications and topical gels or strips applied directly into gum pockets. Studies have shown that antibiotics are particularly effective in cases of acute periodontal infection, refractory periodontal disease, prepubertal periodontal disease, and juvenile periodontal disease. They can be prescribed either as a low-dose, long-term therapy or a short-term regimen to prevent bacteria from re-colonizing.

Oral Antibiotics

Oral antibiotics affect the entire body and are less commonly prescribed than topical treatments. Common types include:

  • Tetracycline antibiotics: This group includes tetracycline hydrochloride, doxycycline, and minocycline. These antibiotics not only fight bacteria but also reduce inflammation and inhibit collagenase, a protein that destroys connective tissue.
  • Macrolide antibiotics: Effective in reducing inflammation and bacterial growth associated with periodontitis.
  • Metronidazole: Often combined with amoxicillin or tetracycline to target severe or chronic periodontal infections.

Topical Gels and Strips

Topical antibiotics are applied directly to the gums, targeting the affected area without impacting the entire body. They are often used after scaling and root planing procedures. Common options include:

  • Atridox®: A doxycycline gel that conforms to the gum surface and gradually releases the antibiotic over several days.
  • PerioChip®: A small chip placed into the gum pocket after root planing. It slowly releases Chlorhexidine, reducing pocket depth in most periodontitis cases.
  • Actisite®: A thin tetracycline hydrochloride strip placed between the tooth and gum to kill bacteria and reduce pocket depth, sometimes used for around 10 days.
  • Elyzol®: A metronidazole gel or strip that targets both oral bacteria and parasites.
  • Arestin®: Minocycline mini-capsules delivered into the gum pockets after scaling and root planing for targeted antibacterial action.

Benefits of Antibiotic Therapy

Systemic and topical antibiotics can significantly improve gum health and reduce periodontal pocket depth. At our practice, we incorporate antibiotic treatments as needed to support healing and enhance the effectiveness of periodontal care.

For questions about periodontal disease or antibiotic therapy, contact our office at your convenience.