To assess the local effect of the antimicrobial therapy using clarithromycin association with photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP).

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the local effect of the antimicrobial therapy using clarithromycin (CLM) association with photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP). Sixty periodontal pockets were select and randomly assigned into four groups: Periodontal Debridement (PD) (n=15): periodontal pockets that received periodontal debridement (PD) with placebo; PD+CLM (n=15): periodontal pockets that received periodontal debridement associated with clarithromycin; PD+PDT (n=15): periodontal pockets that received periodontal debridement associated with photodynamic therapy; PD+CLM+PDT (n=15): periodontal pockets that received periodontal debridement associated with clarithromycin and photodynamic therapy. Probing depth (PD),gain in clinical attachment level (CAL) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were evaluated at baseline, 3 and 6 months post- operatively.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of GagP
• presence of ≥20 teeth
• <35 years of age
• periodontal pockets with probing depth (PD) and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) ≥ 5mm with concomitant bleeding on probing (BOP) in single-rooted teeth from different quadrants - agree to participate in the study and sign a written consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnant or lactating
• suffering from any other systemic disease (e.g. cardiovascular, diabetes, blood dyscrasias, immunodeficiency, etc) which could alter the course of periodontal disease
• received antimicrobials in the previous 6 months
• taking long-term anti-inflammatory drugs
• received a course of periodontal treatment within the last 12 months
• smoked