Comparative evaluation of efficacy of 10% povidone iodine gel with 2% metronidazole and 1% ornidazole with 0.25% chlorhexidine gel as local drug delivery system in adjunt to nonsurgical periodontal therapy in chronic periodontitis: A randomized, single blind, split-mouth study

Background: Periodontitis is a multi-factorial chronic inflammatory disease of attachment apparatus of teeth with microorganisms playing a major role. To address periodontal disease various strategies have been adopted to target these periodonto-pathogens. Various antimicrobial drugs (systemic as well as local) are effectively used to control the disease. However due to various side effects ofsystemic administration of the drugs like gastro intestinal disturbances, development of resistant organisms, high dosage of the drug required, local delivery of the drug is a better option as the drug is directly delivered at the site of infection with minimum dosage and maximum response achieved thus eliminating all the undesired effects of the drug. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of 10% povidone iodine with 2% metronidazole and 1% ornidazole with 0.25% chlorhexidine gel as local delivery systems for the reduction in the pocket depth, changes in CAL, gingival inflammation. Materials and methods: A total of 20 patients diagnosed with mild- moderate chronic periodontitis were divided into two groups in a split-mouth study design - Group I and Group II with each group containing 20 sites with probing depth of >5 mm, CAL ?3 mm. In Group I, 10% povidine-iodine gel with 2% metronidazole was delivered inside the pocket and Group II, 1% ornidazole with 0.25% chlorhexidine was used as a local delivery system in adjunct to scaling and root planning. In both groups, medications were delivered at weekly interval for a period of 4 weeks. Baseline and 4 weeks measurements were done and compared for probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment levels (CAL) and gingival inflammation. Results: The results obtained were statistically analyzed. Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in terms of clinical parameters. However, there was statistically insignificant difference when compared between the two groups. The results clearly demonstrate that both povidone iodine with metronidazole and ornidazole with chlorhexidine are also useful in controlling the acute phase of the periodontal disease in adjunct to scaling and root planning (SRP). Conclusion: Both drugs when used as an adjunct to scaling and root planning enhances probing pocket depth reduction, change in clinical attachment levels and gingival inflammation in mild- moderate chronic periodontitis cases.