Efficacy of Isolated and Combined Application of Topical Metronidazole and Chlorhexidine in the Treatment of Periodontal Inflammation a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of Metronidazole (MTZ) and Chlorhexidine (CHX) gels if used alone or in combination in the treatment of periodontal inflammation

Materials and Methods: A Randomized clinical trial, was conducted at the Department of Periodontology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, in which patient having moderate to severe periodontitis, assessed by using CPTIN community periodontal index, and bleeding index. Participants were randomly allocated to one of the three groups, Group A -CHX gel Group B – MTZ gel Group C - MTZ gel, and CHX gel both (MTZ –CHX). Furthermore, these indexes were assessed at the 4^th, 8^th and 12^th weeks, and questions were recorded for any adverse effects. Data was analyzed using (SPSS) ANOVA– test used for comparison within groups and finally Repeated measure ANOVA-test was used for intergroup evaluation.

Results: A significant improvement in the periodontal status and bleeding index was observed in all treatment groups from the treatment groups when compare baseline scores to all follow-up weeks, mean periodontal status of CHX (baseline:2.7776, 4^th week:1.2463, 8^th week:2.230, 12^th week 0.848) MTZ (baseline: 2.548, 4^th week:1.7120, 8^th week:1.988, 12^th week:1.109) CHX+MTZ (baseline: 2.333, 4^th week 1.2432, 8^th week 1.482, 12^th week:0.524 with p-value 0.0001, However bleeding index showed significant results at the 12^th week (CHX:0.825, MTZ:0.125, CHX+MTZ:0.124) with the p-value 0.005

Conclusion: Adjunctive use of topical gels showed significant improvements in clinical and numerical parameters in periodontitis.

Keywords: Localized; Metronidazole, Chlorhexidine, Periodontium; inflammation.