Radiographic osseous regeneration after initial therapy with systemic doxycycline.

Early-onset periodontal diseases are often diagnosed in the military as a result of the requirements for annual dental examinations and the youthful population served. A young soldier diagnosed with rapidly progressive periodontitis completed initial therapy of root planing with the systemic antibiotic doxycycline but was poorly compliant with additional treatment. During a subsequent mandatory dental examination, new radiographs demonstrated a significant improvement in the quantity and quality of alveolar bone, illustrating the regeneration potential of the young patient with early-onset periodontal disease.