Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare between 25% metronidazole gel and 25% metronidazole loaded nanoparticle gel formulation on healing of experimentally induced periodontal defects in dogs.
Materials and Methods: Periodontal defects were induced by ligatures placement in 10 beagle dogs in both lower sites. The defects were randomly and equally allocated in a split-mouth design to either Metronidazole gel nanoparticles gel (25%) (Experimental site group I) or Metronidazole gel (25 %) (Control site group II) The animals were sacrificed with an overdose of anesthesia at 8 weeks and block sections of the defects were collected for histological and histometric analysis.
Results: The results showed improved outcomes in terms of bone as well as new cementum and functionally oriented periodontal ligament formation. However, sites treated with metronidazole loaded nanoparticles (25%) gel formula (experimental group I) showed significantly greater regenerative potential of the attachment apparatus in terms of newly formed cementum and bone compared to conventional metronidazole gel treated group.
Conclusion: This, in turn, proves that 25% metronidazole loaded nanoparticle gel is more efficient compared to conventional metronidazole gel in treatment of periodontal defects. Clinical Relevance:
Scientific Rationale for Study: Evaluating the effect of metronidazole loaded nanoparticles on the treatment of induced periodontal defects in dogs. Principal Findings: Findings from this animal study of 10 beagle dogs supported the potential of metronidazole loaded nanoparticles gel, as compared to 25% metronidazole gel, for providing a safe, inexpensive, and effective therapy for induced periodontitis by regenerating new bone as well as new cementum and forming functionally oriented periodontal ligaments. Practical Implications: Metronidazole loaded nanoparticles gel can be used as adjunctive treatment of periodontitis.