Methods: 20 surgical candidates from 2 periodontal practices receiving SRP only were enrolled in a single blind, 3 month, open label study. Arestin was administered to 140 pockets (8 Pts) in one office and 245 pockets (12 Pts) in the 2nd office, which were ³5mm at baseline (BL). The primary endpoint was mean pocket depth reduction (PDR).
Results: PDR from BL to 3 months was statistically significantly reduced (1.29mm, p=0.0078 and 1.12mm, p=0.0005 Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test). CAL gain was significant (1.00mm, p=0.0078 and 1.06mm, p=0.0005) and BOP reduction was also significant (51% and 78%, McNemar’s Test, p<0.0001). In addition, at one office 71%, 42%, and 9% of sites experienced PDR of ³1mm, ³2mm, and ³3mm, respectively; at the other office, 73% and 38% of sites experienced PDR of ³1mm and ³2mm, respectively.
Conclusion: These studies indicate that the adjunctive use of Arestin plus SRP is effective in reducing pocket depth in candidates for periodontal surgery, but who must be maintained on a non-surgical course of therapy. Supported by a grant from OraPharma, Inc.