Inhibition of plaque accumulation under periodontal dressing by sustained-release varnish of chlorhexidine.

Slow-release varnish containing chlorhexidine was applied prior to the application of a periodontal dressing. The ability of the slow-release varnish to inhibit accumulation of dental plaque under the dressing was compared to a placebo varnish. Seven volunteers were fitted with periodontal dressing on the lower and upper jaws. One jaw was pre-coated with slow-release varnish containing chlorhexidine, while the other was coated with a placebo. A week later the dressings were removed and the plaque under the dressing was scored. Significantly less plaque was found on teeth pre-coated with the slow-release varnish containing chlorhexidine as compared to the control. An increase in the amount of gingival fluid was observed in both the control and experimental groups after removing the periodontal dressing.