What adjunctive therapy might be used in periodontal treatment?

Adjunctive therapy in periodontal treatment refers to additional measures that can enhance the effectiveness of primary periodontal therapies, such as scaling and root planing. Topical antimicrobial agents play a significant role in this context as they can target specific areas of bacterial infection directly within the periodontal pocket.

Using topical antimicrobials can reduce the microbial load and inflammation associated with periodontal disease, which is particularly useful in managing localized infections that may not respond adequately to scaling alone. This targeted approach allows for enhanced healing and can lead to better clinical outcomes by addressing the biofilm that forms around the teeth and in periodontal pockets.

The other options, while related to periodontal care, do not function in the same adjunctive capacity. Systemic antibiotics can be used in certain cases, but they are not strictly considered adjunctive therapy. Oral surgery techniques are invasive and generally represent more definitive treatment rather than adjunctive support. Extrinsic fluoride treatments are primarily preventive and do not directly aid in the treatment of existing periodontal disease.