Repair of an extensive periodontal defect after tetracycline administration. A case report

A pathologically migrated maxillary central incisor tooth with a poor periodontal prognosis was treated successfully with conventional periodontal therapy. After almost 4 years, an extensive periodontal lesion developed on the same tooth and extraction was recommended. The patient did not comply and the acute symptoms disappeared after the administration of 1 gm of Tetracycline a day for 2 weeks. Although no definitive periodontal therapy was done, complete resolution of the lesion occurred with the healing of the structures of the periodontium and a dramatic reduction in mobility of the tooth. Antibacterial therapy could be an effective means of treating some periodontal lesions once a more exact and direct association is established between the various clinical forms of periodontitis and specific periodontal or groups of pathogens.