oral compositions for the local administration of a therapeutic agent to a periodontal pocket of a patient for alleviating dental disease comprise a plurality of dry , discrete microparticles each of which comprise an effective amount of at least one therapeutic agent dispersed in a matrix comprising a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer . apparatus and methods are also provided for the dispensing of the dry microparticles to the periodontal pocket whereby they become tacky and adhere to the involved tissue so as to induce long term therapeutic benefits .