National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

Tetracycline is often used for site-specific therapy because of its ability to bind to calcium ions and its effective antibacterial properties. When used in an implanted delivery system, such as an intrabony implant, tetracycline can be released directly at the site of infection. This localized treatment minimizes systemic exposure and allows for higher concentrations of the drug to be present at the target area, improving the chances of controlling bacterial infections associated with periodontal disease.

This method is particularly advantageous because tetracycline is effective against a range of periodontal pathogens, making it suitable for treating specific infections in periodontal pockets. Removal of the implant after 7-10 days helps to prevent prolonged exposure, which could lead to side effects or resistance, thus optimizing the therapeutic effects while minimizing risks.

In contrast, while amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and metronidazole are also antibiotics that can be used for various infections, they do not typically employ a site-specific delivery system requiring removal after such a short duration in the context of periodontal therapy.