Does an alternative to 'antibiotic string' exist for periodontal problems?

Yes: There are other ways that antibiotics can be used to treat periodontal disease. They can be placed in the form of "microspheres" (arestin) or a gel (atridox). Of course, the periodontal problems also have to be addressed by the dentist to fully debride the areas either with or without surgical procedures depending upon the severity of the disease.

Yes...: There are gels and disk-like carriers for placement of antibiotics as well. I would discuss this with your dentist or periodontist. We all have our favorites.

Good question: Others have mentioned alternatives: a powder that time releases and does not have to be removed is best (arestin) keep in mind though - these treatments are only for small, localized problems. Any periodontal issue that involves several teeth or is recurrent should be dealt with via a different treatment modality such as laser, gingivectomy, scaling and root planing or conventional surgery.