Objective: Antiseptics and antibiotics delivered either locally or systemically have been used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing procedures in order to control the subgingival biofilm and thereby enhancing the treatment outcome. The results presented in the literature are, however, inconclusive. Povidone-iodine (PVP-iodine) has a bactericidal effect and is effective against most bacteria, including putative periodontal pathogens. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical effect of PVP-iodine as an adjunct to ultrasonic scaling in the treatment of severe chronic periodontitis.
Material and methods: Twenty patients were recruited to the study. Each test site and the related quadrant were randomly assigned to one of four different treatment modalities: ultrasonic scaling + subgingival irrigation with 0.5% PVP-iodine for 5 min/tooth, ultrasonic scaling + subgingival irrigation with sterile saline solution for 5 min/tooth, subgingival irrigation with sterile saline solution for 5 min/tooth, and subgingival irrigation with 0.5% PVP-iodine for 5 min/tooth. The individuals were followed longitudinally for 6 months.
Results: The present study showed that non-surgical periodontal therapy by means of an ultrasonic device was effective in attaining a healthy periodontal status in patients with severe periodontal lesions. No additive effect was found when PVP-iodine was included.
Conclusions: Ultrasonic debridement using Odontogain is effective in controlling infection in patients with severe chronic periodontitis. PVP-iodine does not add any clinical benefit to the ultrasonic debridement alone under these circumstances.