Periodontal Film: A Potential Treatment Strategy for Periodontitis

Abstract

Periodontitis is a serious gum infection associated with inflammation of the periodontium around the teeth. Based on the etiology and pathogenesis, periodontitis has several conventional treatment strategies. Treatment with antibiotics and antimicrobials is the most common therapy. However, development of drug resistance and the manifestation of side effects make conventional strategies ineffective. In the last decades, local drug delivery in the periodontal pocket has gained significant attention as a novel strategy. Sustained release of drug at the target site (periodontal pocket) for a prolonged period is the main advantage over conventional therapy. Bioadhesive periodontal films are mostly used. They are thin films made up of unique mixtures of bioadhesive polymers, binders, plasticizers, and drug release modifiers. They can be loaded with antibiotics, metal nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, or a combination of them. The dried film is cut into a suitable size and inserted into the periodontal pocket for direct delivery of therapeutic agents. Thus, a smaller dose is required and systemic side effects are avoided. In this manuscript, the pathophysiology of periodontitis, the role of biofilm formation, development of periodontal film loaded with antibiotics and nanoparticles have been reviewed and the future aspects have been discussed.