Locally Delivered 1% Metformin Gel in the Treatment of Smokers with Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Metformin (MF) (1,1‐dimethylbiguanide HCl) is one of the most commonly used oral antihyperglycemic agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recently, MF has been shown to have bone‐sparing properties. The present study is designed to investigate the effectiveness of MF 1% in an indigenously prepared, biodegradable, controlled‐release gel, as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in treatment of vertical defects in smokers with generalized chronic periodontitis (CP). Methods: Fifty patients were categorized into two treatment groups: SRP plus 1% MF and SRP plus placebo. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and at 3 and 6 months; they included plaque index (PI), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). At baseline and after 6 months, intrabony defect (IBD) fill was radiologically assessed using computer software. Results: Mean PD reduction and mean CAL gain were found to be greater in the MF group than the placebo group at all visits. Furthermore, a significantly greater mean percentage of bone fill was found in the MF group (26.17% ± 6.66%) than the placebo sites (3.75% ± 8.06%) (P <0.001). Conclusion: There was greater decrease in mSBI and PD and more CAL gain with significant IBD fill at vertical defect sites treated with SRP plus locally delivered MF, versus SRP plus placebo, in smokers with generalized CP.     

Efficacy of Locally Delivered 1.2% Rosuvastatin Gel To Non‐Surgical Treatment of Patients With Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized,Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Trial

Background : Chronic periodontitis (CP) is an inflammatory condition affecting tooth‐supporting tissues and alveolar bone that surround the tooth, leading to formation of a deepened gingival sulcus that is highly prone to pathologic changes and, ultimately, bone resorption and tooth loss. In the literature, several pharmacologic agents have been administered via local delivery routes directly into diseased sites, affirming improvement in periodontal status. Therefore, this study aims to determine the clinical effectiveness of subgingivally delivered 1.2% rosuvastatin (RSV) gel incorporated into a methylcellulose vehicle for its controlled release into intrabony defect (IBD) sites as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) for treatment of patients with CP. Methods: Sixty‐five patients were categorized into two treatment groups: group 1, SRP plus 1.2 mg RSV; group 2, SRP plus placebo. Clinical parameters, including modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL), were recorded at baseline (before SRP) and at 1, 3, 4, and 6 months. Radiologic assessment of IBD fill was analyzed at baseline and after 6 months using software. Results: There was significant improvement in both study groups. At 6 months, there was a greater decrease in mSBI scores in group 1 (3.71 ± 0.24) compared to group 2 (1.48 ± 0.33). The mean decrease in PD from baseline to 6 months was 4.04 ± 0.34 and 1.31 ± 0.24 mm in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Mean CAL gain from baseline to 6 months was 4.2 ± 0.17 and 1.4 ± 0.15 mm in groups 1 and 2, respectively. In group 1, there was a greater decrease in mean IBD (2.23 ± 0.32 mm, 48.58%) compared to group 2 (0.46 ± 0.02 mm, 10.02%). All patients tolerated the drug without any adverse reaction. Conclusion: Rosuvastatin in situ gel (1.2%), when delivered locally into IBD/pocket sites, showed a greater reduction than placebo in PD and gingival index, along with increased gain in CAL.     

Efficacy of 1% Metformin Gel in Patients With Moderate and Severe Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate efficacy of metformin (MF) 1% gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of moderate and severe chronic periodontitis (CP). Methods: Seventy patients were categorized into two treatment groups: 1) SRP plus 1% MF and 2) SRP plus placebo. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and 3, 6, and 9 months. They included plaque index (PI), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Radiologic assessment of intrabony defects (IBDs) and percentage defect depth reduction (DDR%) was done at baseline and 6‐ and 9‐month intervals using computer‐aided software. PD, CAL, and DDR% were evaluated in two subgroups in both the placebo and MF group: 1) initial PD of 5 to 7 mm and 2) initial PD of >7 mm. Results: Mean PD reduction and mean CAL gain was found to be greater in the MF group than the placebo group at all visits. Clinical parameters (PD, CAL) in both subgroups, with initial PDs of 5 to 7 and >7 mm, showed significant improvement in the 1% MF group compared with the placebo group. A significantly greater mean DDR% was found in the MF group than the placebo group at 6 and 9 months in both subgroups, 5 to 7 and >7 mm of initial PD. Conclusion: There was a greater decrease in PD and more CAL gain with significant IBD depth reduction at sites treated with SRP plus locally delivered MF in patients with CP in both initial PD = 5 to 7 and >7 mm subgroups compared with placebo.     

1.2% Rosuvastatin Versus 1.2% Atorvastatin Gel Local Drug Delivery and Redelivery in Treatment of Intrabony Defects in Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Statins (3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) are an important group of hypolipidemic drugs that are able to modulate inflammation and alveolar bone loss. Rosuvastatin (RSV) and atorvastatin (ATV) are known to inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption and have been proposed to have osteostimulative properties. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of 1.2% RSV and 1.2% ATV gel local drug delivery (LDD) and redelivery systems, in addition to scaling and root planing (SRP), for the treatment of intrabony defects (IBDs) in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP). Methods: A total of 90 individuals with 90 IBDs was randomly allocated to treatment with SRP followed by LDD of 1.2% RSV, 1.2% ATV, or placebo gel. Clinical and radiographic parameters, including plaque index (PI), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and IBD depth, were recorded at baseline and 6 and 9 months. Results: All three groups showed significant reduction in PI and mSBI at all intervals. Mean mSBI and PD reductions, CAL gain, and IBD depth reduction with statin drugs were significantly greater than with placebo gel LDD. Improvements in these parameters were significantly greater with RSV LDD than ATV or placebo gels at 6 and 9 months. Conclusion: LDD of 1.2% RSV results in significantly greater clinico‐radiographic improvement than 1.2% ATV or placebo gels as adjunct to mechanical periodontal therapy.     

Clinical Efficacy of Subgingivally Delivered 1.2‐mg Simvastatin in the Treatment of Individuals With Class II Furcation Defects: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Simvastatin (SMV) assists in bone regeneration and has an anti‐inflammatory effect when delivered or applied locally. The present clinical trial is designed to investigate the effectiveness of 1.2‐mg SMV as a local drug delivery system as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) for the treatment of Class II furcation defects. Methods: Seventy‐two patients with mandibular buccal Class II furcation defects were randomized and categorized into two treatment groups: SRP plus placebo (group 1) and SRP plus 1.2‐mg SMV (group 2). Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline before SRP and at 3 and 6 months; they included modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), probing depth (PD), and relative vertical (RVAL) and horizontal (RHAL) attachment levels. At baseline and after 6 months, radiologic assessment of bone defect fill was performed. Results: Both therapies resulted in significant improvements. The decrease in mSBI score at 6 months was greater in group 2 (2.02 ± 0.23) compared with group 1 (1.80 ± 0.22). The mean decrease in PD at 6 months was 1.30 ± 1.0 and 4.05 ± 1.31 mm in groups 1 and 2, respectively. A significantly greater gain in mean RVAL and RHAL was found in group 2 than in group 1 (P <0.05). Furthermore, significantly greater mean percentage of bone fill was found in group 2 (25.16%) compared with group 1 (1.54%). Conclusion: Locally delivered SMV provides a comfortable and flexible method to improve clinical parameters and also to enhance bone formation.     

Clinical Efficacy of Subgingivally Delivered 1.2% Atorvastatin in Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Atorvastatin (ATV) is a specific competitive inhibitor of 3‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐glutaryl coenzyme A reductase. Recently, statins have shown pleiotropic effects such as anti‐inflammation and bone stimulation. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of 1.2% ATV as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of intrabony defects (IBDs). Methods: Sixty individuals were randomized into two treatment groups: SRP plus 1.2% ATV and SRP plus placebo gel. At baseline and 3, 6, and 9 months, clinical parameters, which included modified sulcus bleeding index, plaque index, probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL), were recorded at baseline. Radiologic assessment of IBD fill was done using computer‐aided software at baseline and 6 and 9 months. Results: Mean PD reduction and mean CAL gain were greater in the ATV group than the placebo group at 3, 6, and 9 months. A significantly greater mean percentage of radiographic bone fill was found in the ATV group (35.49% ± 5.50%) compared to the placebo group (1.82% ± 1.32%) after 9 months. Conclusion: ATV as an adjunct to SRP can provide a new direction in the management of IBDs.     

Adjunctive Local Delivery of Aloe Vera Gel in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized,Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Herbal agents such as Aloe vera (AV) have been used in medical and dental therapy for thousands of years. AV has anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, healing‐promoting, and immune‐boosting properties. This study aims to investigate the clinical effectiveness of locally delivered AV gel used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic periodontitis (CP). Methods: Sixty patients with probing depth (PD) ≥5 mm and clinical attachment level (CAL) ≥3 mm were randomly divided into two groups. All patients underwent SRP. Placebo gel was locally delivered to group 1 and AV gel to group 2. Full‐mouth plaque index (PI), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), PD, and CAL were recorded at baseline and 3 and 6 months. Results: Patients in group 2 showed significantly greater mean reductions in PI, mSBI, and PD and mean gain in CAL compared with those in group 1 from baseline to 3 months. Gain in CAL was significantly greater in group 2 at all time intervals versus group 1. Conclusion: Adjunctive use of locally delivered AV gel, in comparison to locally delivered placebo gel, is associated with greater reduction in PI, mSBI, and PD as well as more gain in CAL in patients with T2DM and CP.     

Efficacy of Subgingivally Delivered 1.2% Atorvastatin in the Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: The present study was designed to evaluate effectiveness of 1.2% atorvastatin (ATV) gel, as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of intrabony defects in chronic periodontitis (CP) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (t2DM). Methods: Seventy‐five patients were categorized into two treatment groups: 1) SRP plus 1.2% ATV and 2) SRP plus placebo. Clinical parameters including modified sulcus bleeding index, probing depth (PD), and relative attachment level (RAL) were recorded at baseline and 3, 6, and 9 months. Percentage radiographic defect depth reduction was evaluated using computer‐aided software at baseline and 6 and 9 months. Results: Mean PD reduction and mean RAL gain was greater in the ATV group than the placebo group at 3, 6, and 9 months. Furthermore, ATV group sites presented with a significantly greater percentage of radiographic defect depth reduction at 6 and 9 months. Conclusion: Locally delivered ATV was found to be effective in treatment of intrabony defects in CP in patients with t2DM.     

Locally Delivered 0.5% Azithromycin as an Adjunct to Non‐Surgical Treatment in Patients With Chronic Periodontitis With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Several epidemiologic studies have identified a greater incidence of periodontitis in patients with type 2 diabetes. Recent developments suggest that local delivery of antimicrobials into periodontal pockets improve periodontal health. The present study is designed to investigate the adjunctive effects of subgingivally delivered azithromycin (AZM; 0.5% concentration) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) for treating chronic periodontitis in patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: A total of 63 patients were categorized into two treatment groups: 1) group 1: SRP + placebo gel and 2) group 2: SRP + 0.5% AZM. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and 3, 6, and 9 months; they included modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), plaque index (PI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Results: Both therapies resulted in significant improvements. Using a patient‐based analysis, patients in group 2 treated with SRP + 0.5% AZM showed enhanced reductions in PI, GI, mSBI, and PD and gains in CAL (P <0.05) over 9 months compared with group 1. Conclusion: Although both treatment strategies seem to benefit the patients, the adjunctive use of 0.5% AZM as a controlled drug delivery system enhances the clinical outcome.     

Platelet‐Rich Fibrin With 1.2% Rosuvastatin for Treatment of Intrabony Defects in Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Regenerative periodontal therapy encompasses use of various bioactive agents that are not only inflammomodulatory but also osteoclast‐inhibitory or, rather, osteostimulative. Hypolipidemic statin drugs, particularly rosuvastatin (RSV), are known to be associated with alveolar bone formation and periodontal improvements. Platelet analogs such as platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF), being rich sources of growth factors, have also come into widespread periodontal regenerative use. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare efficacy of open flap debridement (OFD) with or without PRF or PRF + 1.2% RSV gel in treatment of intrabony defects (IBDs) in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP). Methods: Ninety individuals with a total of 90 IBDs were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: 1) OFD alone; 2) OFD + PRF; and 3) OFD + PRF + 1.2% RSV gel placement. Measurements recorded at baseline and 9 months after surgery were: 1) plaque index (PI); 2) modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI); 3) probing depth (PD); 4) clinical attachment level (CAL); and 5) IBD depth. Results: Significant PI and mSBI reductions were observed in all three groups. PRF placement significantly enhanced improvements in periodontal parameters compared with OFD alone. Addition of 1.2% RSV gel to PRF resulted in significantly greater CAL gain and PD and IBD depth reductions over 9 months compared with other groups. Conclusion: OFD with RSV (1.2%) and PRF results in significantly greater periodontal benefits compared with OFD alone or with PRF.     

Local drug delivery of alendronate gel for the treatment of patients with chronic periodontitis with diabetes mellitus: a double-masked controlled clinical trial

Background: Alendronate (ALN) increases alveolar bone density with systemic use and, has been found to increase bone formation on local delivery into the periodontal pocket. The purpose of the present study is to explore the efficacy of 1% ALN gel as a local drug delivery system in adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) for the treatment of intrabony defects in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) with type 2 diabetes (DM) compared to a placebo gel. Methods: Seventy intrabony defects were treated with either 1% ALN or placebo gel. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, 2 months, and 6 months. Radiographic parameters were recorded at baseline and 6 months. Defect fill at baseline and 6 months was calculated on standardized radiographs using image analysis software. Results: Mean probing depth (PD) reduction and mean clinical attachment level (CAL) gain was greater in the ALN group than the placebo group at both 2 and 6 months. Furthermore, significantly greater mean percentage of bone fill was found in the ALN group (44.2% ± 11.78%) compared to the placebo group (2.8% ± 1.61%). Conclusions: In patients with type 2 DM and CP, local delivery of 1% ALN into periodontal pockets resulted in a significant increase in the PD reduction, CAL gain, and improved bone fill compared to placebo gel as an adjunct to SRP. Thus, ALN can be used as an adjunct to SRP to provide a new dimension in the periodontal therapy in the near future.     

Efficacy of Varying Concentrations of Subgingivally Delivered Metformin in the Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Metformin (MF), a second‐generation biguanide, is a commonly used oral antidiabetic drug that has been shown recently to stimulate osteoblasts and reduce alveolar bone loss. The present study aims to explore the efficacy of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% MF gel as a local drug delivery system in adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) for treatment of intrabony defects (IBDs) in patients with chronic periodontitis. Methods: A total of 118 IBDs were treated with 0.5%, 1%, or 1.5% MF gel or placebo gel. Clinical parameters (modified sulcus bleeding index, plaque index, probing depth [PD], and clinical attachment level [CAL]) were recorded at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, whereas radiographic parameters were recorded at baseline and 6 months. IBD depth at baseline and 6 months was calculated on standardized radiographs by using the image analysis software. The mean concentration of MF in gingival crevicular fluid was estimated by reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. Results: Mean PD reduction and mean CAL gain was found to be greater in MF groups than the placebo group at both 3 and 6 months. Furthermore, significantly greater reduction of IBD depth was found in the MF groups compared to the placebo group, with greatest reduction in 1% MF. Conclusions: The results of the present study show that local delivery of MF into the periodontal pocket stimulated significant increase in the PD reduction, CAL gain, and improved IBD depth reduction compared to placebo in adjunct to SRP. This can provide a new direction in the field of periodontal healing.     

Clinical efficacy of 1% alendronate gel as a local drug delivery system in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: a randomized, controlled clinical trial

Background: Alendronate (ALN), an aminobisphosphonate, is known to inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption and was proposed to have osteostimulative properties in vivo and in vitro as shown by an increase in matrix formation. The present study aims to explore the efficacy of a 1% ALN gel compared to a placebo gel as a local drug delivery system in adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) for the treatment of intrabony defects in patients with chronic periodontitis. Methods: A total of 66 intrabony defects were treated with a 1% ALN or placebo gel. The ALN gel was prepared by adding ALN to a polyacrylic acid–distilled water mixture. Clinical parameters (modified sulcus bleeding index, plaque index, probing depth [PD], and clinical attachment level [CAL]) were recorded at baseline and 2 and 6 months, and radiographic parameters at baseline and 6 months. The defect fill at baseline and 6 months was calculated on standardized radiographs by using image‐analysis software. Results: The mean PD reduction and CAL gain were greater in the ALN group than in the placebo group at 2 and 6 months. Furthermore, a significantly greater mean percentage of bone fill was found in the ALN group (40.4% ± 11.71%) than in the placebo group (2.5% ± 1.02%). Conclusions: Results of the present study shows that the local delivery of 1% ALN into the periodontal pocket stimulated a significant increase in PD reduction, CAL gain, and improved bone fill compared to a placebo gel as an adjunct to SRP. These results can provide a new direction in the field of periodontal healing.     

Subantimicrobial dose doxycycline enhances the efficacy of scaling and root planing in chronic periodontitis: a multicenter trial

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that subantimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD) is of clinical benefit in the treatment of chronic periodontitis (CP). The aim of this study was to further assess the role of SDD as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of CP. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical study was conducted to test the efficacy of SDD (20 mg doxycycline B.I.D.) in combination with SRP in subjects with moderate to severe CP. Two-hundred ten subjects were treated with a standardized episode of SRP and randomized to receive either adjunctive SDD or placebo for 9 months. Efficacy parameters included per-subject mean changes in clinical attachment level (CAL) and probing depth (PD) from baseline, and the total number of sites with attachment gains and probing depth reductions > or = 2 mm and > or = 3 mm from baseline. RESULTS: In periodontal sites with PD 4 to 6 mm and > or = 7 mm (N = 209, intent-to-treat population), mean improvements in CAL and PD were greater following SRP with adjunctive SDD than SRP with placebo, achieving statistical significance in all baseline disease categories at month 9 (P < 0.05). At month 9, 42.3% of sites in the SDD group demonstrated CAL gain > or = 2 mm compared to 32.0% of sites in the placebo group (P < 0.01). CAL gain > or = 3 mm was seen in 15.4% of sites in the SDD group compared to 10.6% of sites in the placebo group (P < 0.05). When considering the same thresholds of change in PD, 42.9% of sites in the SDD group compared to 31.1% of sites in the placebo group demonstrated PD reduction > or = 2 mm (P < 0.01), and 15.4% of sites in the SDD group compared to 9.1% of sites in the placebo group demonstrated PD reduction > or = 3 mm (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Adjunctive subantimicrobial dose doxycycline enhances scaling and root planing. It results in statistically significant attachment gains and probing depth reductions over and above those achieved by scaling and root planing with placebo.     

1.2% Rosuvastatin and 1.2% Atorvastatin Gel Local Drug Delivery and Redelivery in the Treatment of Class II Furcation Defects: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Statins are one of the lipid‐lowering drugs that help in reducing cholesterol levels in the body by specifically inhibiting 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, which is a rate‐limiting enzyme for cholesterol synthesis. Rosuvastatin (RSV) and atorvastatin (ATV) have shown bone stimulatory and anti‐inflammatory effects. The present study aims to explore efficacy of 1.2% RSV and 1.2% ATV gels as a local drug delivery and redelivery system adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) for treatment of Class II furcation defects. Methods: Ninety patients with mandibular buccal Class II furcation defects were randomly allocated to three treatment groups: 1) SRP with placebo gel (group 1); 2) SRP with 1.2% RSV gel (group 2); and 3) SRP with 1.2% ATV gel (group 3). Clinical and radiographic parameters were recorded at baseline and after 6 months. Gels were redelivered at the respective sites at a 6‐month recall appointment. All clinical and radiographic parameters were recorded again after 3 months (i.e., 9 months from baseline). Results: Greater mean probing depth (PD) reduction and greater mean gain in relative vertical clinical attachment level (CAL) and relative horizontal CAL were seen in the RSV group than in the ATV group at 6 and 9 months. Significantly greater mean percentage of defect depth reduction (DDR) was found in the RSV group (30.80% ± 8.35%, 41.86% ± 6.76%) than in the ATV group (25.54% ± 8.89%, 34.31% ± 8.04%) at 6 and 9 months, respectively. Conclusion: The RSV group shows significant improvement in all clinical parameters and significantly greater DDR compared with the ATV group in treatment of mandibular Class II furcation defects as an adjunct to SRP.     

Combining host modulation and topical antimicrobial therapy in the management of moderate to severe periodontitis: a randomized multicenter trial

BACKGROUND: Previous studies showed that host modulation therapy (HMT) or topical antimicrobial therapy (TAT) provided significant adjunctive benefits to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis (CP). The purpose of this study was to evaluate a combination therapy involving SRP, HMT, and TAT in the treatment of moderate to severe CP. METHODS: A 6-month, randomized, multicenter, placebo-controlled, examiner-masked study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical usefulness of a combination treatment of systemically delivered doxycycline hyclate (HMT; 20 mg, twice a day) plus locally delivered doxycycline hyclate gel (TAT; 10%, in pockets > or =5 mm) in combination with SRP versus SRP plus placebo. Clinical outcomes included mean changes in probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and gingival index (GI) at baseline and at 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: In 171 subjects, combination therapy provided significantly greater clinical benefits than control therapy for all clinical measures at 3 and 6 months. In moderate CP (PD of 4 to 6 mm), combination therapy provided significant benefits over control for PD (3 and 6 months: P <0.01), CAL (3 months: P <0.01; 6 months: P <0.03), BOP (3 months: P <0.02; 6 months: P <0.05), and GI (3 months: P <0.01; 6 months: P <0.03). In severe CP (PD > or =7 mm), combination therapy provided significant benefits over control for PD (3 and 6 months: P <0.01), CAL (3 months: P <0.01; 6 months: P <0.02), BOP (3 months: P <0.01; 6 months: P >0.05), and GI (3 months: P <0.01; 6 months: P <0.01). CONCLUSION: Combination therapy, including SRP, HMT, and TAT, provided significantly greater clinical benefits than SRP alone in the treatment of moderate to severe CP.     

Platelet‐Rich Fibrin With 1% Metformin for the Treatment of Intrabony Defects in Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) is a second‐generation platelet concentrate that releases various growth factors that promote tissue regeneration. Metformin (MF), a member of the biguanide group, has been shown to facilitate osteoblast differentiation and thus may exhibit a favorable effect on alveolar bone. The current study is designed to evaluate the efficacy of open‐flap debridement (OFD) combined with PRF, 1% MF gel, and PRF + 1% MF gel in the treatment of intrabony defects (IBDs) in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP). Methods: One hundred twenty patients with single defects were categorized into four treatment groups: OFD alone, OFD with PRF, OFD with 1% MF, and OFD with PRF plus 1% MF. Clinical parameters such as site‐specific plaque index (PI), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), probing depth (PD), relative attachment level (RAL), and gingival marginal level (GML) were recorded at baseline (before surgery) and 9 months postoperatively. Percentage radiographic IBD depth reduction was evaluated using computer‐aided software at baseline and 9 months. Results: PRF, 1% MF, and PRF + 1% MF groups showed significantly more PD reduction and RAL gain than the OFD‐only group. Mean PD reduction and mean RAL gain were found to be greater in the PRF + 1% MF group compared to just PRF or MF at 9 months. Furthermore, PRF + 1% MF group sites showed a significantly greater percentage of radiographic defect depth reduction (52.65% ± 0.031%) compared to MF (48.69% ± 0.026%), PRF (48% ± 0.029%), and OFD alone (9.14% ± 0.04%) at 9 months. Conclusion: The PRF + 1% MF group showed greater improvements in clinical parameters, with greater percentage radiographic defect depth reduction compared to MF, PRF, or OFD alone in treatment of IBDs in patients with CP.     

The effect of a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor (celecoxib) on chronic periodontitis

BACKGROUND: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents inhibit the production of cyclooxygenase (COX) products and can attenuate bone loss. In this double-masked, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial, the efficacy of celecoxib (COX-2 inhibitor) was evaluated in conjunction with scaling and root planing (SRP) in subjects with chronic periodontitis (CP). METHODS: A total of 131 subjects were randomized to receive SRP and either celecoxib (200 mg) or placebo every day for 6 months. Clinical outcomes were assessed every 3 months for 12 months as mean changes from baseline. Primary efficacy parameters included clinical attachment level (CAL) and probing depth (PD). Secondary outcomes included percentages of tooth sites with CAL loss or gain > or =2 mm, changes in bleeding on probing (BOP), plaque index, and mobility. Prior to analysis, tooth sites were grouped based on baseline PD as shallow (1 to 3 mm), moderate (4 to 6 mm), or deep (> or =7 mm). RESULTS: Mean PD reduction and CAL gain were greater in the celecoxib group, primarily in moderate and deep sites, throughout the study (PD: 3.84 mm versus 2.06 mm, P <0.001; CAL: 3.74 mm versus 1.43 mm, P <0.0001 for deep sites at 12 months). The celecoxib group also exhibited a greater percentage of sites with > or =2 mm CAL gain and fewer sites with > or =2 mm CAL loss. Both groups showed improved plaque control and BOP scores. Demographic, social, and behavioral factors did not affect treatment outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Celecoxib can be an effective adjunctive treatment to SRP to reduce progressive attachment loss in subjects with CP. Its beneficiary effect persisted even at 6 months postadministration. However, given the increased cardiovascular risks associated with the use of this drug, close patient supervision and strict adherence to dosage and administration guidelines established by the Unites States Food and Drug Administration are of paramount importance.     

Clinical efficacy of 1% alendronate gel in adjunct to mechanotherapy in the treatment of aggressive periodontitis: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Background: Bisphosphonates represent a class of pharmacologic agents that have a potentially important role in the treatment of periodontitis and bone disorders. The present study aims to explore the clinical efficacy of 1% alendronate (ALN) gel as a local drug delivery system in adjunct to scaling and root planing for the treatment of patients with aggressive periodontitis (AgP) compared to placebo gel. Methods: Fifty‐two intrabony defects from 17 patients with AgP were treated either with 1% ALN gel or placebo gel. ALN gel was prepared by adding ALN to a polyacrylic acid–distilled water mixture. Clinical parameters (modified sulcus bleeding index, plaque index, probing depth [PD], and clinical attachment level [CAL]) were recorded at baseline, 2 months, and 6 months, and radiographic parameters were recorded at baseline and 6 months. Defect fill at baseline and at 6 months was calculated on standardized radiographs by using image analysis software. Results: Mean PD reduction was greater in the ALN group (3.88 ± 1.39 mm) compared to placebo (1.65 ± 1.35 mm) at 6 months. Similarly, mean CAL gain was greater in the ALN group (3.27 ± 1.11 mm) than the placebo group (1.42 ± 1.70 mm) at 6 months. Furthermore, significantly greater mean percentage of bone fill was found in the ALN group (46.1% ± 9.48%) compared to the placebo group (2% ± 1.02%). Conclusions: The results of the present study show local delivery of 1% ALN stimulates a significant increase in PD reduction, CAL gain, and improved bone fill compared to placebo gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in patients with AgP. However, long‐term, multicentered, randomized, controlled clinical trials are required to know the clinical, histologic, and radiographic effect on bone regeneration in patients with AgP.     

Modified-release subantimicrobial dose doxycycline enhances scaling and root planing in subjects with periodontal disease

BACKGROUND: Previous studies showed that adjunctive subantimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD; 20 mg, twice daily) provides significant clinical benefits to scaling and root planing (SRP). A modified-release SDD formulation containing 40 mg doxycycline (SDD-40) to be taken once daily has been developed. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of SDD-40 when used as an adjunct to SRP for the treatment of periodontitis. METHODS: A 9-month, double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter study was conducted to test the efficacy of adjunctive SDD-40 in 266 subjects with periodontitis. Subjects were treated by SRP and randomized to receive SDD-40 or placebo for 9 months with evaluations at 3, 6, and 9 months. RESULTS: Adjunctive SDD-40 provided significantly greater clinical benefits than placebo at all time points. At month 9, at sites with baseline probing depths (PD) > or =6 mm, 72% to 76% of sites in the SDD-40 group demonstrated clinically significant PD reductions and clinical attachment level (CAL) gains > or =2 mm compared to 56% to 58% of sites in the placebo group (P <0.0001); 48% to 52% of sites in the SDD-40 group demonstrated PD reductions and CAL gains > or =3 mm compared to 32% of sites in the placebo group (P <0.0001). In moderate sites (baseline PD 4 to 6 mm), adjunctive SDD-40 provided significant clinical benefits compared to placebo for mean CAL (all time points: P <0.05), PD (3 months: P = 0.002; 6 and 9 months: P = 0.001), and bleeding on probing (BOP) (3 months: P <0.01; 6 months: P <0.02; 9 months: P <0.05). In deep sites (baseline PD > or =7 mm), SDD-40 provided significant benefits over control for mean CAL (3 months: P <0.05; 6 and 9 months: P <0.01), PD (all time points: P <0.001), and BOP (3 months: P <0.05; 6 months: not statistically significant; 9 months: P <0.05). Compliance with study medication was high (>92%) with no significant differences in adverse events between groups and no evidence of microbiologically significant changes or development of antibiotic resistance in the subgingival flora in either group. CONCLUSION: SDD-40 used as an adjunct to SRP resulted in significantly greater clinical benefits than SRP alone in the treatment of periodontitis.