Comparative evaluation of two subgingival irrigating solutions in the management of periodontal disease: A clinicomicrobial study

CONTEXT: Local administration of antimicrobial agents offer a “site-specific” approach to the periodontal therapy and it has several benefits. AIM: The present study was aimed to assess the clinical and microbial changes by subgingival irrigation using different subgingival irrigants in periodontitis patients and also to assess the mechanical effect of different local irrigation devices; if any. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Split-mouth design was employed on ten individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of 10 individuals in whom full-mouth scaling and root planing was performed and subgingival irrigation therapy was instituted for an experimental period of 30 days. The clinical as well as microbiological parameters were evaluated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: To calculate baseline data with day thirty data, paired t-test was used. Intergroup comparison was carried out using one-way ANOVA. Multiple comparisons among groups were carried out using post hoc Tamhane's T2 test. RESULTS: Among the different subgingival irrigants used, 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate is most effective followed by ozonated water, whereas saline was found to be ineffective when compared to the other two subgingival irrigants. Subgingival irrigation using pulsated device may not have any additive effect in alteration of the subgingival microflora. CONCLUSION: Within the limits and scope of the study, it can be safely concluded that 0.2% chlorhexidine may be used as an adjunct to mechanical therapy for achieving a significant reduction in inflammatory periodontal changes and also reduction in periodontopathogenic microflora.