REVIEW ON PERIODONTAL DISEASES AND PHARMACEUTICAL NOVEL DEVICES FOR TREATMENT OF PERIODONTAL DISEASES

Periodontal diseases are chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth, primarily caused by microbial plaque. Conventional treatment methods, including scaling, root planning, and systemic antibiotic therapy, often face limitations such as poor drug concentration at the target site, systemic side effects, and reduced patient compliance. In recent years, localized drug delivery systems have gained significant attention, among which periodontal films have emerged as a promising approach. Periodontal films are thin, flexible, and biodegradable drug delivery devices designed to be inserted directly into the periodontal pocket. These films enable site-specific, controlled, and sustained release of therapeutic agents, including antimicrobials, antiinflammatory drugs, and growth factors, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy while minimizing systemic exposure. The review focuses on the various types of polymers used in formulating these films, such as natural (chitosan, gelatin) and synthetic (polyvinyl alcohol, Eudragit) polymers, their drug loading efficiency, mechanical properties, and biocompatibility. Additionally, the review discusses recent advancements in film design, including the incorporation of nano carriers, mucoadhesive agents, and stimuli-responsive materials to further improve therapeutic outcomes. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated significant improvements in clinical parameters such as pocket depth reduction, attachment level gain, and microbial count reduction with the use of periodontal films. Overall, periodontal films represent a significant advancement in targeted periodontal therapy, offering benefits such as reduced dosing frequency, enhanced patient compliance, and effective disease management. Continued research and development are essential to optimize these systems for widespread clinical application and improved oral health outcomes.