Comparison of two desensitizing agents for the treatment of cervical dentine sensitivity.

Numerous desensitizing agents have been utilized in an effort to alleviate the discomfort associated with cervical dentine sensitivity (CDS). Recently several new tubule-occluding and sealant systems have been marketed for treatment. The aim of this study was to compare two desensitizing agents (ALL-BOND 2 and Butler Protect) in a 3-month clinical study. Ten subjects (6F; 4M mean age 45.1 years (SD 8.81) who had provided voluntary written informed consent participated in a single-blind 3-month clinical study. Subjects were evaluated for tactile (Yeaple probe) and air sensitivity (dental air syringe) together with subjective perception of pain (VAS scores) at 0.5 min, 1, 2 and 3 months. There was an overall trend in reduction of CDS over the study period in all group with no significant differences detected between groups. The results suggested that while subjects reported overall reductions in sensitivity levels, this may not necessarily be substantiated when assessed objectively. Furthermore, there appeared to be a strong placebo effect in this study.

Subgingival metronidazole in dialysis tubing and subgingival chlorhexidine irrigation in the control of chronic inflammatory periodontal disease.

The present investigation compared subgingival metronidazole in dialysis tubing and subgingival chlorhexidine irrigation in the control of chronic inflammatory periodontal disease. 10 patients with 4 mm or deeper periodontal pockets were divided into 2 groups. Both received baseline scaling, root planing, subcontact area cleaning and instruction in the Bass technique of tooth brushing, but not in interdental cleaning. One group with 80 pockets received 0.2% chlorhexidine subgingival irrigation for 28 days and the other with 86 pockets received 0.5% metronidazole solution incorporated in subgingivally placed dialysis tubing. The tubings were replaced with freshly filled ones at days 7, 14 and 21. Active treatment ceased at day 28. Plaque Index, Sulcus Bleeding Index, pocket depth and gingival shrinkage were recorded at days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 56 and 84. Subgingival 0.5% metronidazole in dialysis tubing and 0.2% chlorhexidine irrigation were found to be equally effective in reducing chronic periodontitis. Metronidazole reduced Plaque Index less but pocket depth more than chlorhexidine. Improvements were maintained significantly below baseline levels for at least 8 weeks after the end of the 4-week treatment period.

The development and in vitro evaluation of acrylic strips and dialysis tubing for local drug delivery.

This study reports on the development of drug containing acrylic strips for delivering antimicrobial agents and compares the in vitro release pattern with dialysis tubing. Polyethylmethacrylic strips of suitable dimensions containing 10 to 50% chlorhexidine acetate, 40% metronidazole and 40% tetracycline were prepared. Daily release of the incorporated drugs into 1 ml aliquots was measured spectrophotometrically over a 14 day period. Similarly the release of chlorhexidine gluconate from various lengths of patent and heat sealed dialysis tubing was recorded for 4 days. At 30%, 40% and 50% admixtures the acrylic strips released chlorhexidine up to the 14 day period and a parallel bioassay confirmed the maintenance of antibacterial activity to this time. At the same admixture the release of metronidazole was greater than chlorhexidine and tetracycline. All drugs were released at high levels on day 1 followed by a marked fall in release by day 2 and progressive fall thereafter. The release from tubing was almost total within 24 hours and was independent of sealing the ends. The strips appear to have potential for prolonged drug delivery to periodontal pockets. Preliminary clinical use revealed no patient acceptability problems and alterations in subgingival flora were produced.