Efficacy of 1.5% Metformin Gel as an Adjuvant to Scaling, Root Planing, and Curettage for the Treatment of Infrabony Defects in Chronic Periodontitis Patients

CONTEXT: To compare and evaluate clinically and radiographically the efficacy of 1.5% metformin (MF) gel and placebo gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) and Curettage for the treatment of infrabony defects (IBDs) in chronic periodontitis patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study was conducted randomly on 15 patients of both the genders. Each patient contributed two sites (total 30 sites - Split mouth design) which was randomly assigned to one of the two treatments: (i) Site A (Control Site) in which SRP was done along with curettage and intrapocket application of Placebo Gel and (ii) Site B (Test Site) in which SRP was done along with curettage and intrapocket application of 1.5% MF Gel. The Periodontal status {which included plaque index (PI), sulcus bleeding index (SBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), IBD Depth} was assessed both clinically and radiographically at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: It was found that there was statistically significant difference in the periodontal status (PI, SBI, PPD, CAL, IBD depth) of the two sites when compared from baseline to 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Local delivery of 1.5% MF improves the clinical outcomes of traditional treatment (SRP) and curettage and should be considered particularly as an adjunct to it.