Effect of Achromycin ointment on healing following periodontal surgery

This study evaluated the effect of applying 3% Achromycin on healing following periodontal surgery. Twelve patients participated, and 15 contralateral sides with similar disease were compared. The parameters assessed included amounts of gingival crevice fluid quantitated with the Periotron, gingival bleeding tendencies, mobility scores and attachment levels. No significant differences in bleeding tendency, mobility or attachment levels were found. Significant changes were noted on amounts of gingival crevicular fluid, however. The amounts of gingival crevicular fluid collected were significantly lower on the side not treated with Achromycin throughout the observation period. Applying 3% Achromycin did not have a beneficial effect on the healing of periodontal wounds. Whether the application of an antibiotic on sutured flaps limited the bacterial contamination of the gingival tissues through a "wicking effect" of the silk suture material, or if this bacterial contamination had any consequence on gingival healing or reattachment of the periodontal tissues adjacent to the tooth, cannot be determined from this study.