Abstract
BACKGROUND: Because of the intricate interactions between the root canal system and periodontal tissues, endodontic-periodontal lesions (EPLs) provide a diagnostic and treatment challenge. Locally administered antibiotics (LDAs) have drawn interest as an adjuvant to improve treatment results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients with EPL diagnoses were split into two groups at random: Group A received standard endodontic and periodontal care, whereas Group B had standard therapy with the application of an LDA. After extensive debridement, LDAs containing minocycline hydrochloride were injected into periodontal pockets. At baseline, one month, and three months after treatment, clinical measures such as radiographic bone fill, clinical attachment level (CAL), and probing depth (PD) were measured. RESULTS: At the three-month follow-up, Group B showed a greater reduction in PD (3.8 ± 0.6 mm vs. 2.5 ± 0.7 mm in Group A, P < 0.05) and a significant gain in CAL (2.9 ± 0.5 mm vs. 1.8 ± 0.6 mm, P < 0.05). Radiographic analysis revealed enhanced bone fill in Group B compared to Group A (P < 0.05). No adverse reactions to the antibiotic application were reported. CONCLUSION: When compared to conventional therapy alone, the use of LDAs as an adjuvant in the treatment of EPLs greatly enhances clinical and radiological results. By encouraging attachment growth and decreasing PD, LDAs improve periodontal repair. Additional long-term research is required to validate these results.