Periodontal drug delivery: advances and challenges

Abstract

Periodontitis is a chronic infectious and inflammatory disease that affects; worldwide, more than 70% of the adult population over the age of 35. Periodontitis must be addressed by treating the infection and inflammation of the tissues employing mechanical and pharmacological strategies. Scaling and root planing belong to the first type of strategy. The second strategy is based on the application, in the target place, of drugs and disinfectants through devices. This fact improves the therapeutic activity and reduces the adverse effects. Therefore, in this work, we reviewed the different active molecules used for treating periodontitis and excipients for developing formulations for their local delivery. Additionally, ceramics and polymers used for restoring the health of the tissue are shown. Finally, we focus on formulations to carry out this aim, such as gels, fibers, membranes, microparticles, nanoparticles, and scaffolds.