A tetracycline thread is a thread impregnated with the antibiotic tetracycline for local application in periodontal pockets (gum pockets colonized by bacterial plaque). Tetracycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic produced by streptomyces (Streptomyces aureofaciens) and is used against numerous bacterial infections. The filaments continuously release tetracycline into the diseased periodontal pocket for more than seven days.
Indications (areas of application)
- Treatment of periodontal pockets in adults
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to tetracycline
- Pregnancy and lactation
Tetracycline, when administered orally, causes permanent discoloration of the child’s teeth and passes into breast milk. It is therefore not recommended to use the threads, although it is not certain to what extent this effect also occurs with local application, during pregnancy and lactation.
The procedure
Periodontitis (inflammation of the periodontium and periodontium) not only has consequences for the dentition such as bleeding, pain, bad breath ((halitosis, foetor ex ore) ), tooth loosening and even tooth loss, but the inflammation also has consequences for the entire body. Therefore, it is enormously important to remove the bacteria and germs in the periodontal pockets. In the case of generalized periodontitis with proven periodontopathogenic germs, this is done by taking tablets (systemic antibiosis), but this always affects the whole organism and not only in the periodontal pockets to be treated.
If isolated residual pockets remain after the completion of conventional periodontal treatment, antibiosis is not always necessary. In these cases, local treatment, i.e. the targeted administration of antibiotics into the tooth pocket, has become established. For this purpose, the dentist will carefully fill the entire periodontal pocket with the tetracycline thread. A cyano-acrylic gum adhesive should be used to cover the filament so that it is not lost prematurely.
The tetracycline is effective against the following periodontopathogenic germs, among others:
- Porphorymonas gingivalis
- Fusobacterium nucleatum
- Prevotella intermedia
- Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
In particular, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans can be removed purely mechanically only inadequately.
During the lying period of the thread, only careful oral hygiene must be practiced in this area, so as not to lose the thread prematurely. If the thread is lost, it must be reapplied unless almost the entire lying time has already elapsed.
After about ten days, the thread is removed again.
Benefits
Residual pockets with bacteria remaining there after periodontal therapy can lead to reinfection of the entire periodontium and recurrence of periodontal disease. Timely treatment of these pockets can specifically prevent the bacteria from spreading again. Tooth loss is avoided and you can continue to go through life with your natural teeth.
