Systemic Antibiotics

Question 1

periodontal disease develops in the presence of ___ in a susceptible host. systemic chemotherapeutics has the potential to modify both the ___ of the microbial plaque and in some cases, ___.

Answer 1

• microbial plaque
• composition
• host susceptibility

Question 2

describe chemotherapeutic agents

Answer 2

• general term for a chemical substance that provides clinical therapeutic benefit

Question 3

what are the clinical benefits of chemotherapeutic agents?

Answer 3

• antimicrobial actions
• ability to increase the host’s resistance

Question 4

what are 3 chemotherapeutics used in periodontal treatment management?

Answer 4

• systemic antibiotics
• controlled drug delivery systems
• drugs that modulate host response

Question 5

T or F:

there is no evidence that antibiotics alone can arrest periodontal disease

Answer 5

true

Question 6

systemic antibiotics have the greatest benefit in what 4 areas?

Answer 6

• the presence of systemic disease
• immunocompromised patients
• aggressive forms of periodontal disease
• patients who are not good candidates for more complex and invasive treatment

Question 7

describe the guidelines for the use of antibiotics in periodontal therapy

Answer 7

• the clinical diagnosis and situation dictate the need for possible antibiotic therapy as an adjunct in controlling active periodontal disease
• chronic periodontitis can and should be treated initially without systemic antibiotics
• antibiotics are selected based on the microbial composition of the plaque, patient’s medical status, and current medications
• the use of culture sensitivity testing provides valuable information regarding the appropriate selection of antibiotics
• antibiotic therapy should not be used as a monotherapy. it should be a part of a comprehensive periodontal treatment plan