Adjunctive Treatment of Periodontal Disease with Self-Adhesive Hydrogel Wound Dressing: Case Series.

UNLABELLED Periodontal disease (periodontitis) is a common inflammatory condition affecting the deep, supporting tissues around teeth. While specific bacteria in plaque biofilm initiate the disease process, host immuno-inflammatory responses are responsible for the majority of tissue destruction. Conventional methods for controlling periodontitis include mechanical removal of the biofilm-with or without surgical access-and the adjunctive use of chemotherapeutics (antimicrobials or host modulators). PerioPatch™ is an approved device product that has been developed as an oral adhesive barrier for promoting healing in inflamed oral/gingival tissues and reducing pain, irritation, and the symptoms of inflammation. In this case series, which documented the adjunctive benefits of PerioPatch therapy in patients with chronic periodontitis, 9 patients who presented with generalized moderate to severe chronic periodontitis were treated with scaling and root planing plus adjunctive PerioPatch devices. Patients applied the devices to identified areas with periodontal pocketing (≥ 6 mm at baseline) twice daily at Day 1, then once daily for Days 2 to 7. Three of the patients additionally applied devices to the treatment sites on Days 15 to 21. Patients were evaluated for changes in probing parameters at 4 to 6 weeks. RESULTS Clinical examinations performed at baseline and post-treatment indicated consistent pocket depth reductions (mean 2.8 mm) and resolution of bleeding on probing (94%). Patients complied with the application schedule and reported no adverse effects. The authors conclude that within the confines of this case series, the PerioPatch is a novel but simple device that can be used adjunctively with scaling and root planing for the management of chronic periodontitis.