Local Drug Delivery in Periodontics: Current Concepts and Trends

Background: Periodontal disease is a chronic infection of the periodontium affecting the soft and mineralized tissues surrounding the teeth. Numerous therapeutic strategies have been aimed at eradication of the pathogens responsible for periodontal disease, including antimicrobial therapy both systemic and local. Objectives: 1. To compare local and systemic delivery of antimicrobial agents 2. To illustrate the rationale, benefits and drawbacks of various antimicrobial agents used as local delivery in periodontal therapy. Conclusion: Most research has focussed on the use of locally delivered antimicrobial agents as monotherapy and as adjuncts to scaling and root planing. Further research is required to determine the use of local delivery antimicrobial agents in specific situations as well as the long term benefits.