Evaluation of the relative efficacy of an alloplast used alone and in conjunction with an osteoclast inhibitor in the treatment of human periodontal infrabony defects: a clinical and radiological study.

BACKGROUND: Mucoperiosteal flap surgery stimulates varying amounts of alveolar bone loss due to accelerated osteoclastic activity [Regional Accelerated Phenomenon (RAP)]. Alendronate sodium inhibits osteoclastic activity and is thought to result in a net increase in osteoblastic activity. We undertook a preliminary study evaluating the effect of adjunctive use of topically delivered bisphosphonate alendronate (ALN) along with regenerative bone graft material in the treatment of periodontal infrabony defects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients with two-walled or three-walled infrabony defects were selected. In each patient, the infrabony defect of one side of arch was designated as group A (control site) and received hydroxyapatite (HA) bone graft material, while the infrabony defect on the contralateral side of same arch was designated as group B (test site) and received HA+200 μg drug solution of ALN.

RESULTS: Both the groups exhibited a highly significant reduction in probing depth and gain in clinical attachment level and linear bone fill at the end of 24 weeks. Comparative evaluation between the study groups revealed a statistically nonsignificant reduction in probing depth (P=0.128NS) and mean gain in attachment level (P=0.218NS). However, there was a statistically significant gain in linear bone fill (P=0.040*) in group B as compared to group A.

CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that use of ALN along with graft material led to enhanced linear bone fill at the surgical site. This research provides a clue that bone-targeting properties of bisphosphonates can be harnessed along with regenerative materials to potentiate osseous regeneration.