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.