1. Introduction
periodontitis, calculus, PD, LDD
ADVERSE EFFECTS, PERIODONTITIS, PERIODONTAL DISEASE, PLAQUE
Naturally sourced products like propolis are commonly employed for the non-surgical treatment of periodontal pockets. The use of nanoparticle formulations of these natural remedies has the potential to improve treatment outcomes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of sub-gingivally delivered propolis nanoparticles in the non-surgical management of periodontal pockets. Forty patients diagnosed with periodontitis presenting at least one periodontal pocket with a probing pocket depth between 4 and 6 mm were selected. Patients were randomly assigned into the control group (Periodontal disease [PD] is an immuno-inflammatory destructive disease of periodontal tissues characterized by the loss of soft tissue attachment and alveolar bone loss caused by pathogenic microorganisms resulting in pocket formation and/or gingival recession [The periodontal pocket is a pathologically deepened gingival sulcus caused by the apical migration of junctional epithelium. The coronal movement of the gingival margin without the destruction of underlying periodontal tissues creates a pseudo pocket or gingival pocket, whereas the apical migration of the junctional epithelium with the destruction of supporting periodontal tissues is responsible for developing a true pocket or periodontal pocket [Non-surgical periodontal therapy is considered as a “golden standard” treatment protocol for periodontal pockets because it involves scaling and root planing (SRP) to remove supra and subgingival biofilms, plaque, and calculus from diseased root surfaces [Periodontal regeneration involves the use of various biomaterials like autogenous bone grafts [Periodontal pockets present an ideal site for treatment using localized drug delivery systems. Within the field of periodontics, there are established approaches for delivering drugs directly to subgingival sites or periodontal pockets. These systems release antimicrobial agents either instantly or in a controlled and sustained manner, effectively countering microbial threats while minimizing potential adverse effects on non-oral parts of the body. Currently, a range of local drug delivery systems are available, including fibers, gels, strips, films, irrigating systems, and microparticles [Propolis is a natural, non-toxic, resinous, yellow–brown to dark brown substance collected through honey bees from trees, buds, sap flow, shrubs, and other plant sources [This study aimed and was designed to explore the direct subgingival delivery of propolis nanoparticles into the periodontal pocket, serving as a local drug delivery (LDD) agent for the non-surgical management of periodontal pockets.