Chlorhexidine controlled-release profile after EDTA root surface etching: an in vivo study.

Area of Science:

• Periodontology
• Antimicrobial Therapy
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Chronic periodontitis management requires effective local antimicrobial delivery.
• Chlorhexidine (CHX) is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent.
• Root surface conditioning may enhance local drug retention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify chlorhexidine (CHX) release from a CHX-EDTA root surface treatment.
• To evaluate CHX substantivity as a local-delivery antimicrobial vehicle.

Main Methods:

• Twenty patients with moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis were enrolled.
• CHX gel 2% was applied to defect sites, with or without prior 24% EDTA gel etching.
• Gingival crevicular fluid samples were collected at 1, 3, 7, and 14 days post-treatment.

Main Results:

• The CHX-EDTA group exhibited significantly higher CHX levels at 1, 3, and 7 days compared to the control.
• Sustained CHX levels of 0.8 mg/mL were observed in the CHX-EDTA group at 14 days.

Conclusions:

• CHX-EDTA root surface treatment enhances the substantivity of chlorhexidine.
• This approach improves local antimicrobial delivery for periodontitis therapy.