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Periodontal Abscess: a Review and the Role of Antimicrobial Therapy

  • Epidemiology (M Laine, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The aim was to summarize current knowledge about periodontal abscesses and describe recent research on antimicrobial treatment.

Recent Findings

For periodontal abscess treatment, antimicrobial therapy is implemented as an adjunct modality to subgingival debridement and/or abscess drainage. Among available systemic antimicrobial agents, amoxicillin (plus clavulanate), metronidazole, and azithromycin are often used with good clinical results. In our studies of patients with acute periodontal lesions, systemic administration of a new fluoroquinolone, sitafloxacin, yielded a significant improvement in clinical parameters, and was effective against subgingival bacteria, with no significant impact on the antimicrobial susceptibility of periodontal bacteria.

Summary

Plaque control during initial periodontal therapy or maintenance care is critical for the prevention and treatment of periodontal abscesses. In the case of acute periodontal abscesses, drainage is considered first. When drainage is not possible or insufficient, antimicrobial therapy should then be considered. Microbiological testing can contribute to the successful treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Periodontology, Tokyo Dental College, 2-9-18 Misaki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-0061, Japan

    Sachiyo Tomita & Atsushi Saito

  2. Oral Health Science Center, Tokyo Dental College, Tokyo, Japan

    Atsushi Saito

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  1. Sachiyo Tomita
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  2. Atsushi Saito
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Correspondence to Atsushi Saito.

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Conflict of Interest

The two studies on antimicrobial susceptibility (Tomita et al. 2014, 2015) were supported in part by Daiichi Sankyo, Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan. Sachiyo Tomita and Atsushi Saito declare that they have no other conflicts of interest to report.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Epidemiology

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Tomita, S., Saito, A. Periodontal Abscess: a Review and the Role of Antimicrobial Therapy. Curr Oral Health Rep 4, 294–300 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40496-017-0157-8

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