Efficacy of Subgingivally Delivered Simvastatin in the Treatment of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Double‐Masked Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Simvastatin (SMV) is a specific competitive inhibitor of 3‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐glutaryl coenzyme A reductase. Recently, it has been reported that statins promote bone formation. The present study is designed to investigate the effectiveness of 1.2% SMV in an indigenously prepared, biodegradable, controlled‐release gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic periodontitis (CP). Methods: Thirty‐eight patients were categorized into two treatment groups: SRP plus 1.2% SMV and SRP plus placebo. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline before SRP and at 3, 6, and 9 months; they included modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). At baseline and after 6 and 9 months, radiologic assessment of intrabony defect (IBD) fill was done using computer‐aided software. Results: Mean PD reduction and mean CAL gain were found to be greater in the SMV group than the placebo group at 3, 6, and 9 months. Furthermore, significantly greater mean percentage of bone fill was found in the SMV group (32.64% ± 12.90%) compared to the placebo group (4.22% ± 9.75%) after 9 months. Conclusion: There was a greater decrease in mSBI and PD and more CAL gain with significant IBD fill at sites treated with SRP plus locally delivered SMV in patients with type 2 diabetes and CP.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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 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.     

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.     

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

Background: Platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF), a second‐generation platelet concentrate, and atorvastatin (ATV), a potent member of the statin group, are known to promote tissue regeneration. The current study is designed to evaluate combined efficacy of PRF and 1.2% ATV gel with open flap debridement (OFD) in treatment of intrabony defects (IBDs) in individuals with chronic periodontitis (CP). Methods: Ninety‐six individuals with single defects were categorized into three groups: 1) OFD with PRF; 2) OFD with PRF + 1.2% ATV; and 3) OFD alone. Clinical parameters: 1) site‐specific plaque index; 2) modified sulcus bleeding index; 3) probing depth (PD); 4) relative clinical attachment level (rCAL); and 5) gingival marginal level were recorded at baseline before surgery and 9 months postoperatively. Percentage radiographic IBD depth reduction was evaluated at baseline and 9 months. Results: PRF + 1.2% ATV and PRF alone showed significantly greater PD reduction and rCAL gain compared with OFD alone at 9 months. Furthermore, PRF + 1.2% ATV showed a similar percentage radiographic defect depth reduction (50.96% ± 4.88%) compared with PRF alone (47.91% ± 4.79%), and a greater reduction compared with OFD alone (5.54% ± 1.71%) at 9 months. Conclusions: PRF + 1.2% ATV showed similar improvements in clinical parameters with a greater percentage radiographic defect depth reduction compared with PRF alone in treatment of IBDs in individuals with CP. Thus, 1.2% ATV failed to augment the regenerative potential of PRF alone in periodontal IBDs.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

1% Alendronate Gel as Local Drug Delivery in the Treatment of Class II Furcation Defects: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Alendronate (ALN), an aminobisphosphonate, is known to stimulate the formation of osteoblast precursors to promote osteoblastogenesis. The present study aims 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 Class II furcation defects in comparison with placebo gel. Methods: A total of 69 mandibular Class II furcation defects were randomized and treated with either 1% ALN gel or placebo gel. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months, and radiographic parameters were recorded at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Defect fill at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months was calculated on standardized radiographs using image analysis software. Results: Mean probing depth (PD) reduction and mean relative vertical (RVCAL) and horizontal (RHCAL) clinical attachment level gain were shown to be greater in the ALN group than the placebo group at 3, 6, and 12 months. Furthermore, a significantly greater mean percentage of bone fill was found in the ALN group (32.11% ± 6.18%, 32.66% ± 5.86%), compared with the placebo group (2.71% ± 0.61%, 1.83% ± 1.51%), at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Conclusions: The results of the present study show that local delivery of 1% ALN into a Class II furcation defect stimulates a significant PD reduction, RVCAL and RHCAL gains, and improved bone fill compared with placebo gel as an adjunct to SRP. ALN can provide a new direction in management of furcation defects.     

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 Combined With a Porous Hydroxyapatite Graft for the Treatment of 3‐Wall Intrabony Defects in Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Porous hydroxyapatite (HA) bone grafting material has been used to fill periodontal intrabony defects (IBDs), resulting in clinically acceptable responses. Platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) is a leukocyte and platelet preparation that concentrates various polypeptide growth factors and, therefore, has the potential for use as regenerative treatment for periodontal defects. The present study aims to explore the clinical and radiographic effectiveness of autologous PRF versus PRF + HA in treatment of IBDs in patients with chronic periodontitis. Methods: Ninety IBDs were treated with autologous PRF with open‐flap debridement (OFD), PRF + HA with OFD, or OFD (controls) alone. Clinical and radiologic parameters, including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), IBD depth, and percentage defect fill were recorded at baseline and 9 months postoperatively. Results: Mean PD reduction was greater in PRF (3.90 ± 1.09 mm) and PRF + HA (4.27 ± 0.98 mm) groups than the control group (2.97 ± 0.93 mm), and mean CAL gain was greater in PRF (3.03 ± 1.16 mm) and PRF + HA (3.67 ± 1.03 mm) compared to controls (2.67 ± 1.09 mm). Furthermore, significantly greater percentage of mean bone fill was found in the PRF (56.46% ± 9.26%) and PRF + HA (63.39% ± 16.52%) groups compared to controls (15.96% ± 13.91%). Conclusions: Treatment of IBD with PRF results in significant improvements of clinical parameters compared to baseline. When added to PRF, HA increases the regenerative effects observed with PRF in the treatment of 3‐wall 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.     

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.     

Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Demineralized Freeze‐Dried Bone Allograft Versus Platelet‐Rich Fibrin for the Treatment of Periodontal Intrabony Defects in Humans

Background: A wide variety of materials have been proposed for treatment of periodontal intrabony defects (IBDs); recently, platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) has been suggested as a grafting material. The aim of this study is to report changes in clinical attachment level (CAL) and bone fill of periodontal IBDs treated with demineralized freeze‐dried bone allograft (DFDBA) compared with PRF in humans. Methods: Thirty‐six patients completed the study protocol. Each patient contributed a single IBD, which was randomized to receive either DFDBA or PRF. Clinical and standardized radiographic data were collected at baseline and 6 months after treatment. Primary outcome measures included: 1) radiographic bone fill as measured from the cemento‐enamel junction to base of bony defect and 2) change in CAL. Results: Both treatment groups had significant gains in CAL as well as bone fill, with no significant differences in outcomes between groups. DFDBA had a mean CAL gain of 1.16 ± 1.33 mm, mean clinical bone fill of 1.53 ± 1.64 mm, and mean radiographic bone fill of 1.14 ± 0.88 mm. PRF had a mean CAL gain of 1.03 ± 0.86 mm, mean clinical bone fill of 1.35 ± 1.60 mm, and mean radiographic bone fill of 1.10 ± 1.01 mm. Conclusion: Treatment of IBDs with either DFDBA or PRF resulted in a significant gain in CAL as well as bone fill after 6 months of healing, with no significant difference between materials.