THERAPEUTIC STRATEGIES FOR THE TREATMENT OF PERIODONTITIS

Abstract

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. This review highlights the use of mucoadhesive polymers in buccal drug delivery. Advantages associated with buccal drug delivery have rendered this route of administration useful for a variety of drugs. Characterization of critical properties such as the mucoadhesive strength, drug content uniformity, and permeation rate represent the major research areas in the design of buccal films. The present review describe approaches for local prevention of bacterial infections based on antibiotic-eluting medical devices.