Systemic antibiotics in periodontics

This position paper addresses the role of systemic antibiotics in the treatment of periodontal disease. The document consists of three sections: 1) concept of antibiotic periodontal therapy; 2) efficacy of antibiotic periodontal therapy; and 3) practical aspects of antibiotic periodontal therapy. The conclusions drawn in this paper represent the position of The American Academy of Periodontology and are intended for the information of the dental profession.