The Application of Microencapsulation Techniques in the Treatment of Endodontic and Periodontal Diseases

Abstract

In the treatment of intracanal and periodontal infections, the local application of antibiotics and other therapeutic agents in the root canal or in periodontal pockets may be a promising approach to achieve sustained drug release, high antimicrobial activity and low systemic side effects. Microparticles made from biodegradable polymers have been reported to be an effective means of delivering antibacterial drugs in endodontic and periodontal therapy. The aim of this review article is to assess recent therapeutic strategies in which biocompatible microparticles are used for effective management of periodontal and endodontic diseases. In vitro and in vivo studies that have investigated the biocompatibility or efficacy of certain microparticle formulations and devices are presented. Future directions in the application of microencapsulation techniques in endodontic and periodontal therapies are discussed.

Figure 1.

Representation of the structure of a healthy tooth and how it is typically affected by periodontal disease (picture source: American Academy of Periodontology; http://www.perio.org).

Figure 2.

Inflammation and infection of pulp tissue (a) and example of completed root canal treatment. The temporary filling is placed into the empty pulp chamber; (b) Adapted from http://www.aae.org/Patients/Endodontic_Treatments/Root_Canals.aspx

Figure 3.

Tetracycline release profiles obtained from microparticles elaborated with DL and L- PLA and DL-PLG using a release buffer of pH 7.5 (right) and from DL-PLG microparticles in tree buffers with different pH. Modified with permission from Informa Healthcare [82].

Figure 4.

Alendronate release profiles obtained from alendronate sodium powder and alendronate loaded chitosan and PLGA microspheres. Modified with permission from Informa Healthcare [96].