Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as adjuncts in the management of periodontal diseases and peri-implantitis.

: For the past three decades, prostaglandin E2 and other arachidonic acid metabolites have been recognized as important proinflammatory mediators in bone resorption and various forms of periodontal disease. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are chemical compounds that selectively inhibit the synthesis of metabolites of the cyclooxygenase pathway, thereby blocking the production of prostaglandins, thromboxane, and prostacyclin. Inhibiting prostaglandin E2 synthesis with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has been unequivocally shown in both animal and human studies to be of primary therapeutic efficacy. Recent lines of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs research have focused on the development of daily topical administration forms such as gels, toothpastes, and rinses. Furthermore, new studies have implicated prostaglandin E2 in the peri-implantitis process, opening the possibility to manage failing implants with topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug delivery systems.