Use of Systemic Doxycycline as An Adjunct to Initial Periodontal Therapy in Mild to Moderate Generalized Periodontitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Antibiotics like doxycycline can show an anti-bacterial effect which can reduce the bacterial load and promote healing in patients with chronic periodontitis. Aim: To evaluate the use of doxycycline as an adjunct to initial periodontal therapy in mild to moderate periodontitis. Materials and Methods: Randomized controlled clinical trial was done on 24 patients. Plaque index score, bleeding on probing, periodontal pocket depth and attachment loss was evaluated at six-week and twelve-week intervals after treatment with systemic doxycycline along with deep scaling and placebo medication with deep scaling. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS software version 22. T-test was used to compare results between the two groups. Results: Independent T-test shows statistically significant reduction in plaque index score, bleeding on probing, periodontal pocket depth at six-week interval in doxycycline group as compared to the control group with deep scaling alone. There was a statistically significant gain in the attachment level at six-week interval in doxycycline group than initial periodontal therapy alone. This result was not statistically significant at the twelve-week interval.  Conclusion: The study shows doxycycline as a good adjunct to initial periodontal therapy; however, more studies are required to obtain strong evidence.