Assessing the effectiveness of systemic tinidazole as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal therapy in the treatment of chronic periodontitis in smokers: A randomized double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Background: The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of systemic tinidazole as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal therapy in the treatment of chronic periodontitis in smokers. Materials and Methods: Sixty smoker participants with history of moderate to severe generalized chronic periodontitis were selected. Gingival index (GI) Leo and Silness, plaque index (PI) O'Leary, bleeding index (BI) Lenox, pocket depth (PD), recession, and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured at the baseline and 6 weeks after initial periodontal treatment. Thirty participants were randomly assigned to full-mouth scaling and root planning (SRP) + placebo (control group) and 30 participants were assigned to full-mouth SRP + tinidazole (test group). Results: Both test and control groups showed significant improvement in clinical parameters. Comparison of reduction in PI, GI, BI, PD, and CAL, between two groups, was statistically significant 6 weeks after baseline visit (P < 0.001). The improvements in clinical periodontal parameters were significantly more in test group. Conclusion: Smokers with chronic periodontitis benefited from adjunctive therapy, consisted of systemic tinidazole and SRP.