To assess the effectiveness of a chlorhexidine chip in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: A clinical and radiographic study

CONTEXT: Controlled local delivery of disinfecting agents has been demonstrated to be efficient in improving the outcome of periodontal therapy. AIMS: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a controlled-release biodegradable chlorhexidine chip (Periocol CG) when used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of periodontitis. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study was carried out as randomized controlled two-group parallel clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients in the age group of 30-65 years suffering from mild to moderate chronic periodontitis, having pocket depth ranging between 5 and 8 mm, were selected for the study. At the screening visit, complete history taking, periodontal examination and full-mouth supragingival scaling was carried out for each patient. At the baseline visit (on the 7(th) day), all clinical parameters and radiographic parameters were recorded at selected sites and patients were randomly assigned to either the control group (group A) or the treatment group (group B). All patients in both the groups received complete subgingival scaling and root planing. Then, in group B, chlorhexidine chip (Periocol CG) was inserted at the selected site. Patients were recalled at 1 month, 2 months and 3 months from the baseline for recording clinical observations, and radiographic parameters were recorded at the end of the study. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Mean, standard deviation, Chi-square test, “t” test for equality of means and paired samples correlations were used. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant clinical attachment gain, reduction in bleeding index scores, probing pocket depth reduction and bone gain in both the groups, but group B showed better results than group A, and these differences were statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that chlorhexidine chip (PerioCol-CG) is an effective adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planing in the treatment of chronic periodontitis.