Abstract
Statement of the problem: Subgingival irrigation with an antimicrobial agent after scaling and root planing (SRP) is assumed to be able to kill the bacteria left behind after mechanical debridement. 3% H2O2 is used in the treatment of periodontal disease and it has been shown effective in killing anaerobic pathogens.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effects of subgingival irrigation of periodontal pockets with 3% H2O2.
Materials and methods: Thirty-five patients with probing depths of 3‒5 mm were selected for the study. All the oral cavity sites were scored at baseline and on days 21 and 35 for these periodontal indices: gingival bleeding on probing, probing depth, and attachment level. The pockets in various quadrants were randomly assigned to professionally performed subgingival irrigation with 3% H2O2 or saline or to non-irrigation groups on baseline and days 7 and 14 after the first step of therapy with SRP and oral hygiene instruction.
Results: The results showed that subgingival irrigation with 3% H2O2 produced a significant reduction in gingival bleeding index compared to the control while there were no significant differences between the 3 groups in probing depth reduction. Irrigation with H2O2 also resulted in a significant reduction of attachment levels between the 3 groups on day 21.
Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that subgingival irrigation with 3% H2O2 plays a potential role in inflammation control and reduction of gingival bleeding.