BLOCKING PERIODONTAL-DISEASE PROGRESSION WITH ANTIINFLAMMATORY AGENTS

RECENT ADVANCES IN THE IDENTIFICATION of specific immuno-inflammatory pathways of periodontal disease have encouraged investigators to attem pt to modulate some of these host responses in an attempt to slow the periodontal disease process. Some of the best known mediators of these immuno-inflammatory pathways are prostaglandins. The action of prosta glandins can be inhibited through the use of non-steroidal anti-inflam matory drugs (NSAIDs). This review examines research over the last two decades during which the effect of several NSAIDs on the progression of gingival inflammation and alveolar bone loss was explored.