Comparative evaluation of subgingivally delivered 1% alendronate versus 1.2% atorvastatin gel in treatment of chronic periodontitis: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial.

AIM: Alendronate (ALN) and atorvastatin (ATV) are known to inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption and were proposed to have osteostimulative properties. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of 1% ALN and 1.2% ATV gel as a local drug-delivery system in adjunct to scaling and root planning (SRP) for the treatment of intrabony defects in chronic periodontitis patients.

METHODS

A total of 90 intrabony defects were treated with either 1% ALN, 1.2% ATV, or placebo gel. Clinical parameters (plaque index, modified sulcus bleeding index, probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL)) were recorded at baseline, 3, 6, and 9 months. Intrabony defect depth (IBD) and defect depth reduction (DDR%) was calculated on standardized radiographs at 6 and 9 months.

RESULTS

The mean PD reduction, CAL gain, and DDR% were greater in the ALN and ATV group than in the placebo group at 3, 6, and 9 months. Furthermore, a significantly greater DDR% was found in the ALN group at 6 and 9 months than in the ATV and placebo groups.

CONCLUSION

Local delivery of 1% ALN results in significantly greater improvement in PD, CAL, IBD depth, and DDR% as compared to 1.2% ATV gel.