Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of irrigation of periodontal pockets by using ozonated water and 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gluconate as adjuncts to scaling and root planing in the management of chronic periodontitis.
Materials and methods: For the present study, 20 patients in the age group of 30-60 years, suffering from chronic periodontitis presenting with at least one site with an almost similar pocket depth of 4-6 mm in both the quadrants of maxillary arch was taken. Irrigation was done after 2 weeks of scaling and root planning on the same day with ozonated water and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate for two and half minutes. The clinical parameters like gingival index, probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded for both the groups at the baseline visit.They were subsequently recalled after 4 weeks and 3 months interval from the baseline visit. Data thus collected was compiled and put to statistical analysis.
Results: The present study showed significant results in both the groups with regards to the improvement in the clinical parameters. When comparison was made between the two groups, ozonated water showed slightly better improvement than the chlorhexidine group. However, a statistically significant difference was seen only with Plaque score.
Conclusion: Subgingival irrigation with ozonized water is beneficial than present conventional therapeutic modalities. Ozonated water restricts the formation of dental plaque and reduces the number of subgingival pathogens thereby treating periodontal diseases.
Clinical significance: Ozone therapy is proving to be a new useful treatment modality which offers great benefits to the patients. The strong antimicrobial power of ozone, along with its ability to stimulate the circulatory system and modulate the immune response, makes it a remedial agent of choice in the treatment of various infectious oral diseases. The study was conducted to justify the routine use of ozone as a treatment modality in effective management of periodontal diseases.
Keywords: Chlorhexidine gluconate; Chronic periodontitis; Irrigation Ozone..