Periodontics · single question
Adjunct to scaling and root planing for a patient with very deep pockets localized to first molars and incisors (localized aggressive pattern):
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Correct answer: A. Tetracycline
- A. Correct (per recall) – the molar/incisor pattern suggests localized aggressive periodontitis (Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans); tetracyclines/doxycycline have been used (substantivity, anti-collagenase, anti-Aa).
- B. Incorrect. Metronidazole targets anaerobes but is not the classic single adjunct for localized aggressive periodontitis associated with A. actinomycetemcomitans; tetracycline (or amoxicillin + metronidazole) is favored.
- C. Incorrect – deep pockets in this pattern benefit from systemic antimicrobial adjuncts.
- D. Incorrect – CHX is a supragingival adjunct and does not reach deep subgingival Aa.