THE EFFECT OF CLINDAMYCIN GEL INSERT IN PERIODONTAL POCKETS, AS OBSERVED ON SMEARS AND CULTURES

This study is aimed at the evaluation of a 1% clindamycin hydrochlorid e containing gel on the microbial flora of periodontal pockets deeper than 5 mm. In order to achieve that purpose, 20 patients with pocketin g in the premolar-molar regions were selected. Active and placebo gel were inserted once during the first 2 weeks of this experimental study . Microbial samplings were performed 1, 2, 4 and 12 weeks after the ex periment started. The samples were submitted to microscopic examinatio n and also to culture. Changes in the microbial content of the periodo ntal pockets treated by subgingival scaling and clindamycin 1% gel wer e significant, compared with those obtained with subgingival scaling a nd placebo gel, particularly with respect to anaerobic black-pigmented bacteria and the motile gram-negative flora. However, after 3 months, most of the treated cases were recolonized by the same initial specie s, though never at pre-clindamycin levels. In the light of this study, it will be concluded that the use of a small amount of clindamycin hy drochloride inserted into a periodontal pocket, once a week for 2 week s as a complement to periodontal subgingival scaling, is beneficial in the treatment of adult periodontitis, by eliminating more effectively the microbial pocket colonization.