Comparative evaluation of regenerative potential of infrabony periodontal defects by using xenograft in combination with 1% alendronate and 1% metformin gels

Abstract

Background: Deficiency of the alveolar bone is one of the trademarks of periodontitis. Thus, agents that have osteogenic potential play a meritorious role in disease prevention. There is evidence, that pharmacological agents such as Alendronate (ALN) and Metformin (MF) have such potential in bone regeneration. Objectives: The main aim of this study was to assess the competency of Xenograft (XG) alone and in combination with 1% ALN and 1% MF in the regeneration of periodontal bone defects. Materials and Methods: In this randomized interventional study, total of 36 infrabony defects were randomly assigned to three groups, each group comprised of 12 infrabony defects: Group I with 1% ALN gel + XG (test), II with 1% MF gel + XG (test) and III with only XG (active control). This was a split-mouth study. Clinical criteria such as pocket depth (PD), relative vertical clinical attachment level (RVCAL) were assessed. A radiographic parameter like linear bone growth (LBG) was measured with the help of a grid. The microbial count (MC) was estimated with the plaque sample. All the specifications were calculated before the beginning of the study and at 6 months. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square and paired t-test. Results: The mean reduction of PD, gain in RVCAL, LBG and MC was statistically significant within the groups (P < 0.05) from baseline to 6 months. However, MC was insignificant in Group III (P = 0.294) within the group but was significant on the intergroup comparison. Conclusions: Overall, significant results were found in all three groups. Using XG alone as well as in combination with 1% ALN and 1% MF has given appreciable results.