Abstract: Background and Objectives: Local drug delivery systems provide targeted therapy within periodontal pockets, enhancing the effectiveness of nonsurgical periodontal treatment. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of locally delivered biodegradable cefixime strips as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the management of generalized chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: A split-mouth, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 40 patients diagnosed with generalized chronic periodontitis. In Group I (test group, 40 sites), biodegradable cefixime strips were inserted into sites with probing pocket depths (PPDs) ≥5 mm following SRP at baseline. In Group II (control group, 40 sites), placebo strips were inserted into sites with similar pocket depths post-SRP. Clinical parameters, including plaque index, gingival index (GI), PPD, and clinical attachment level (CAL), were recorded at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months posttreatment. Results: Both groups demonstrated improvement in all clinical parameters over time. However, the test group (SRP + cefixime strip) showed significantly greater reductions in PPD and GI scores and a higher gain in CAL, compared to the control group (SRP + placebo strip) at 1 and 3 months. Conclusion: Local delivery of biodegradable cefixime strips as an adjunct to SRP is an effective and safe therapeutic approach for the management of generalized chronic periodontitis. This technique enhances local drug concentration within periodontal pockets and exhibits bactericidal activity against major periodontal pathogens.
Vediya et al. (Sat,) studied this question.