Subgingival controlled release of antimicrobial agents in the treatment of periodontal disease

Local drug delivery of antimicrobics by sustained release delivery systems can be used to treat periodontal disease. Advantages of these systems may include biodegradation of the system, maintaining high levels of antibiotic in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) for a sustained period of time and ease of use with high patient acceptance. This review will identify human in vivo clinical and microbiological studies. Sustained release formulations, application methods, clinical results and microbiological effects are discussed.