Access to Subgingival Plaque by Direct Drug Delivery

Abstract

A new method using slow release material for the access to subgingival plaque was developed. The advantages of this method are as follows:
1. The material itself which is inserted in the pocket has a capacity to be dissolved.
2. Any antibacterial or antiinflammatory drugs can be mixed in the material.
3. The material has enough viscosity to attach tooth surface and soft tissue.
4. It is possible to gain any form from this material.
5. This material has no side effects.
The purpose of this study was to introduce this method. The slow release material is made of Hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC). HPC is white powder. It is dissolved in water, methanol and ethanol, and changes into solid form in about 24 hours. Chlorhexidine gluconate (CH) and tetracycline (TC) were added to the HPC solution. The solid form of HPC is cut into strips (10mm length, 1mm width and about 0.3mm thickness) and inserted in periodontal pockets.
Release of drugs from the strips was measured both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, both CH and TC were almost released from the strips into the water by 5 hours. Release of TC from the strips which was inserted in the pocket was measured. Even 24 hours after the insertion of the strips, the presence of TC in the pocket was ensured.
From these results, this method seems to be effective for the access to subgingival plaque.