Purpose: The aim of this present clinical and microbiological study was to evaluate the efficacy of the association of locally delivered 10% doxycycline hyclate (Atridox®) with scaling and root planing in the periodontal treatment of smokers.
Materials and methods: Forty-five patients with chronic periodontitis having a minimum of two periodontal pockets (>5 mm) and satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. Sites were randomly assigned to scaling and root planing (SRP) or scaling and root planing followed by local application of 10% doxycycline hyclate (SRP-D). Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), periodontal pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and total anaerobic colony count (TACC) were recorded at baseline, one month and three months respectively. Differences between baseline and each period were considered for analysis.
Results: There was a significant reduction in plaque score, gingival score, periodontal pocket depth and total anaerobic colony count from baseline in both groups at all time intervals. Clinical attachment level showed a significant gain in both groups. However, PD reduction (P < 0.001) and CAL gain (P < 0.001) were significant in the test group as compared to control at the end of 3 months. Reduction in total anaerobic colony count from baseline was significant (P = 0.02) in the test group compared to control at the end of 3 months.
Conclusions: The use of locally delivered doxycycline may constitute an important adjunct for the treatment of chronic periodontitis in smokers.