Periodontal disease is a progressive condition which leads to severe inflammation and tooth loss if left untreated.  Antibiotic treatments can be used in combination with scaling and root planning, curettage, surgery or as a stand-alone treatment to help reduce bacteria before and/or after many common periodontal procedures.

Antibiotic treatments come in several different types, including oral forms and topical gels which are applied directly into the gum pockets.  Research has shown that in the case of acute periodontal infection, refractory periodontal disease, prepubertal periodontal disease and juvenile periodontal disease, antibiotic treatments have been incredibly effective.

Antibiotics can be prescribed at a low dose for longer term use, or as a short term medication to deter bacteria from re-colonizing.

Oral Antibiotics

Oral antibiotics tend to affect the whole body and are less commonly prescribed than topical gel.  Here are some specific details about several different types of oral antibiotics:

• Tetracycline antibiotics – Antibiotics which include tetracycline hydrochloride, doxycycline, and minocycline are the primary drugs used in periodontal treatment.  They have antibacterial properties, reduce inflammation and block collagenase (a protein which destroys the connective tissue).
  
  
• Macrolide antibiotics – This group of antibiotics has proven effective at reducing inflammation, and can also reduce bacterial growth associated with periodontitis.
  
  
• Metronidazole – This antibiotic is generally used in combination with amoxicillin or tetracycline to combat inflammation and bacterial growth in severe or chronic periodontitis.

Noticeable periodontal improvements are usually seen after systemic or oral antibiotic treatment. Your Periodontist or dentist will incorporate and recommend the necessary antibiotic treatments as necessary for the healing of your periodontal condition.

Microbiology in Diagnostic Periodontics

Effective management of periodontal disease requires early diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic intervention. Unfortunately, actively destructive periodontitis and periodontitis in remission can be difficult to distinguish on purely clinical grounds. Therefore, some periodontitis patients may not receive the most optimal treatment. Systemic antibiotics helps control the Periodontal infection.

If you have any questions about periodontal disease or antibiotic treatments, please ask your dentist.