Effect of atorvastatin on chronic periodontitis: a randomized pilot study

Abstract

Aim: We studied the effect of atorvastatin (ATV) treatment on bone loss prevention in subjects with chronic periodontitis.

Material and methods: In this controlled double-blind study, 38 subjects with chronic periodontitis were randomized into two groups, paired by age to receive ATV (20 mg) or placebo daily for 3 months. Periodontal mechanical treatment was carried out in both groups at baseline. Clinical and radiographic parameters and bone turnover markers were assessed at baseline and at 3 months.

Results: Periodontal disease conditions improved in both groups. After comparing the figures of change, significant improvements were observed in cholesterol levels (Δ=-58.5 ± 37.6 versusΔ=5.4 ± 41.2 mg/dl, p<0.0002), low-density lipoprotein levels (Δ=-48.1 ± 31.7 versusΔ=1.9 ± 42.8 mg/dl, p<0.002), dental mobility (Δ=-0.17 ± 0.11 versusΔ=-0.06 ± 0.11%, p<0.04), and the distance from the crestal alveolar bone to the cemento-enamel junction (Δ=-0.75 ± 0.7 versusΔ=0.09 ± 0.4 mm, p<0.0006) in the ATV group.

Conclusions: The results suggest that ATV might have beneficial effects on bone alveolar loss and tooth mobility in subjects with periodontal disease.