Title: Conf. Univ. dr. Ioana Veja – Causal Therapy of Periodontitis: The Adjuvant Role of Local Antibiotics in Optimizing Treatment

Dr. Ioana Veja is a certified specialist in Periodontology and an Associate Professor at the Department of Periodontology within the Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Vasile Goldiș” Western University of Arad.

Her professional path is closely intertwined with both clinical activity and academic research. She has contributed to numerous scientific publications focused on periodontal and peri-implant therapies, dental biomaterials, and strategies aimed at improving long-term oral health. Her main areas of interest include non-surgical treatment approaches for peri-implant mucositis and periodontitis, as well as the integration of modern materials—such as zirconium oxide—into prosthetic restorations.

She is committed to promoting evidence-based periodontal care and sharing knowledge with students, colleagues, and the broader medical community. Her goal is to support the advancement of periodontal and implant dentistry that is both scientifically rigorous and profoundly patient-centered.

The primary goal of causal therapy in periodontitis is the mechanical removal of subgingival biofilm. In certain clinical scenarios—such as deep periodontal pockets, anatomically challenging areas, or the presence of systemic risk factors—treatment outcomes may be enhanced through the adjunctive use of locally delivered antibiotics, which offer targeted antimicrobial effects with minimal systemic impact.
Objective.To evaluate the clinical benefits of slow-release local antibiotics as an adjunct in periodontal therapy.
Materials and Methods.This paper reviews current literature and recent clinical studies on the effectiveness of locally delivered antibiotics in:

• (i) non-surgical treatment of untreated periodontitis,
• (ii) re-instrumentation of persistent pockets during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT),
• (iii) as an alternative to mechanical instrumentation when only subgingival biofilm control is required.

Results. Local antibiotics administration has been associated with significant reductions in probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), and local inflammation. Results are especially favorable in deep pockets and areas difficult to access mechanically. However, a recent controlled trial highlights the importance of case-by-case clinical justification.

Conclusions. Slow-release local antibiotics can effectively complement causal periodontal therapy in selected cases, representing a valuable tool within a personalized, evidence-based treatment plan.

Keywords: periodontitis, causal therapy, local antibiotics, subgingival biofilm, adjunctive treatment