Empiric or individually targeted antimicrobial therapy. Historical perspective and current state.

Abstract

BACKGROUND Current periodontal treatment strategies are primarily informed by population-level data, emphasizing average patient outcomes. Adjunctive antibiotic use-typically amoxicillin combined with metronidazole-is guided by clinical markers of disease severity and progression risk. However, such broad-spectrum regimens may disrupt the oral and gut microbiota, contributing to antimicrobial resistance. AIM This chapter evaluates the rationale for empirical versus individualized use of antimicrobial agents in periodontal therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS A critical review of existing literature was conducted to assess the clinical efficacy and risks of empirical protocols and to explore the potential of personalized antimicrobial strategies. RESULTS Evidence from clinical trials does not consistently support superior outcomes with microbiologically or biologically guided antimicrobial therapy. The cost-effectiveness and patient benefit of such testing remain unclear. Nonetheless, variability in pathogenic profiles, microbiome dynamics, individual host responses, and pharmacological factors supports a move toward personalized therapeutic approaches. Advances in personalized medicine-utilizing genetic testing, biomarkers, and machine learning-enable integration of genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic data to inform targeted interventions, potentially improving efficacy and minimizing adverse effects. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The future of periodontal therapy is likely to integrate population-based evidence with individualized treatment planning. This hybrid model aims to enhance clinical outcomes by combining broad evidence-based guidelines with patient-specific data, reflecting a shift toward precision medicine in clinical practice.