BANGALORE, India/CHICAGO, Ill, USA: Certain kinds of bisphosphonates may have potential in treating severe forms of gum disease, a clinical study conducted by Indian researchers has revealed. Clincial specialists from the Government Dental College and Research Institute in Bangalore are reporting that a solution containing Alendronate acid was found to stimulate an increase of probing depth reduction as well as bone fill in patients suffering from aggressive periodontitis.

During a six-month clinical trial, the researchers treated over 50 intrabony defects with a solution made of 1% Alendronate and a polyacrylic acid-distilled water mixture. Other patients with the same conditions were treated with a placebo gel. The results showed an improvement of clinical parameters such as probing depth reduction, clinical attachment level and bone fill in patients treated with the Alendronate solution.

Preparations based on Alendronate are available on the market since 1995. They are used to treat common bone diseases like osteoporosis. Data derived from clinical studies with these drugs has demonstrated a reduction of fracture risks and normalisation of bone turnover rate in post-menopausal women, amongst other benefits.