Generally, scaling and root planing (SRP) can produce success in reducing pockets surrounding the teeth but has a decreased successful outcome when all bacteria and accumulations are not removed. Since chlorhexidine has been proven successful in eliminating the bacteria S. mutans, it was tested in a varnish state following SRP in 26 patients being treated for chronic periodontitis. They were divided into 2 groups. The control group was treated with SRP and oral hygiene instructions. The test group was treated with SRP, oral care instructions, and pocket disinfection with highly concentrated chlorhexidine varnish. The groups were evaluated at the beginning of treatment and at 1, 3, 6, and 9 months. Probing depths and plaque and gingival scores significantly declined after therapy; the greatest improvements in probing depths occurred in the first month for both groups. However, the test group showed greater improvements at each testing point. The control group pocket depth reduction was at 2.71 mm and the test group pocket depth reduction was at 3.54 mm. At the 9-month test period, the number of pocket depths improving 2 mm or more on a percentage basis was 32% for the control group and 51% for the test group. Attachment levels improved for both groups at 9 months, and after 9 months no additional gains were noted.
(Source: Dental Abstracts, 2006 Vol. 51, Issue 6 [J Periodontology, 2006;77:406-415]).
