Nanocrystalline form of calcium sulfate hemihydrate in the treatment of infrabony defects in patients with chronic periodontitis - A clinical study

Calcium sulfate based bone grafting materials (CS) have been used for periodontal reconstructive procedures. However, their degradation profile is a cause of concern in relatively large defects. A new alloplastic nanocomposite bone graft material ‘controlled release calcium sulfate hemihydrate’ (Nanogen; nCS) has been formulated to overcome this shortcoming. nCS is a composite of calcium sulfate and poly-llactic acid (PLLA) polymer. This study evaluates the efficacy of the same both clinically and radiographically in the treatment of intrabony defects in patients with chronic periodontitis.

A total of 11 patients with 15 intrabony defect sites underwent phase I therapy and received oral hygiene instructions. After re-evaluation at 4 weeks from baseline, periodontal surgery was performed with placement of bone graft material. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed at baseline, preoperatively 4 weeks after SRP & post-operatively after 1 month, 3 months & 6 months.

There was significant improvement in all the clinical parameters like plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, gain in relative attachment level and significant percentage of radiographic bone fill occurred over a period of six months.

nCS can be considered a valuable option in the treatment of infrabony periodontal defects. The enhanced gain in defect fill and resolution of osseous defects could be attributed to its slow degradation profile and at a rate desirably matching the rate of bone growth. It is safe to use, without causing any immunologic or antigenic reactions in any of the patients and showed promising results in the treatment of intrabony defects.