Chemotherapeutic agents as adjuncts in the treatment of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is a broad term designating a number of infectious disease entities involving the supportive tooth structures. It has become clear that the various forms of periodontal disease are associated with specific groups of microorganisms. This evidence has led to treatment strategies that are primarily aimed at the suppression or elimination of specific periodontal pathogens. Until recently, surgical and mechanical intervention remained the principal methods for control of the multifactorial disease process. Recent advances in the development of chemotherapeutic agents have led to the increasing use of antimicrobials to suppress pathogenic flora. The use of antimetabolic agents to modulate host inflammatory response to the accumulation of bacterial plaque has also increased. Both types of chemotherapeutic agents can be used alone or in conjunction with traditional periodontal therapy to provide effective and predictable clinical improvement.