The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of a chitosan brush on the treatment of residual pockets in patients already treated for periodontal disease. Thirty-six patients with chronic periodontitis (Stage ΙΙΙ, ΙV) that had already completed causative therapy and exhibited at least two residual periodontal pockets ≥ 5mm that bled on probing, were randomly assigned to two groups. In the test group debridement of residual pockets was performed with ultrasonic scaler and the chitosan brush, whereas in the control group only ultrasonic scalers were used.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects aged 18 or over
• Subjects diagnosed with chronic periodontitis, Stage III or IV, and had received full mouth scaling and root planning at least three months prior to baseline examination
• Subjects with at least two residual periodontal pockets of at least 5mm depth that bled on probing
• Full mouth plaques scores ≤20%

Exclusion Criteria:

• Subjects that had received antibiotic therapy 6 months prior to initial examination
• Subjects with compromised systemic conditions
• Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• Pregnant or lactating women