An effective treatment for chronic periodontal abscesses
The purpose of the article was to describe a technique to treat chronic periodontal abscesses. The technique consists of flap reflection and root conditioning with doxycycline (DC). An incision is made in the sulcus related to the lesion, then pressure is applied to drain any pus. A full-thickness flap is elevated to provide access. Thorough curettage of the periodontal lesion, ensuring removal of the lining of the pocket and all inflammatory granulation tissue, is performed. Scaling and root planing is completed. The wound is irrigated with normal saline. A suspension of DC prepared by mixing 100 mg of DC with 2 ml of distilled water is prepared. A cotton pellet soaked in this solution is applied to the exposed root surface for five minutes. The soft tissues are carefully replaced and sutured in place. The patient is instructed not to rinse the mouth until the next day, after which chlorhexidine rinses are used three to four times a day for one week. After 48 hours the area should be cleansed with a soft toothbrush. Sutures are removed in one week. The author had treated more than 50 patients using this technique with good results, with no recurrence noted in any of the treated patients. [c.c.]
QuteishTaani D.S., Quint Int, 27:697, 1996