Doxycycline-loaded beta-tricalcium phosphate release following EDTA root surface etching improved the clinical outcomes in chronic periodontitis: an in vivo study.

BACKGROUND: The main objective of the present study is to quantify doxycycline (DOX) release from beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) after EDTA root surface treatment. METHODS: Thirty systemically healthy patients with >/=1 paired contralateral interproximal intrabony defect >/=4 mm deep along with an interproximal probing depth >/=6 mm and clinical attachment level >/=4 mm were randomized into two groups. Group 1 (G1) consisted of sites treated with open flap debridement followed by placement of DOX blended with beta-TCP (DOX-beta-TCP), whereas group 2 (G2) sites were treated with flap surgery followed by the placement of DOX blended with beta-TCP after EDTA etching of the exposed root surfaces (DOX-beta-TCP + EDTA). Samples of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were obtained 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after surgery. Quantitative measurements of DOX were taken with high-performance liquid chromatography. Clinical evaluation and follow-up for 6 months were performed. RESULTS: At 21 days, the DOX-beta-TCP + EDTA-treated group showed a 194.7 microg/mL value. The DOX-beta-TCP + EDTA-treated group retained more DOX during the periods of 3, 7, 10, 14, and 21 days than the DOX-beta-TCP-treated group. Six months after therapy, DOX-beta-TCP + EDTA-treated sites showed more significant clinical improvements compared to DOX-beta-TCP-treated sites (P </= 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EDTA root surface etching enhances DOX availability in the GCF following its release from beta-TCP as a drug carrier.