Metformin Versus Chlorhexidine Gel as Adjuncts to Scaling and Root Planing in Stage II Grade B Periodontitis

Summary

This clinical trial is designed to evaluate two locally delivered gels, metformin and chlorhexidine, as adjunctive therapies to scaling and root planing (SRP) in patients with Stage II, Grade B periodontitis. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that damages the supporting tissues of the teeth. Although SRP is the standard non-surgical treatment, it may not fully eliminate harmful bacteria or prevent disease recurrence. Chlorhexidine is a widely used antimicrobial gel, while metformin, a medication commonly prescribed for diabetes, has shown anti-inflammatory and bone-supportive effects when used locally in the gums. This study will directly compare the effectiveness of 1% metformin gel and 0.2% chlorhexidine gel, both applied subgingivally after SRP, against SRP alone. Sixty adult participants diagnosed with Stage II, Grade B periodontitis will be randomly assigned into three groups: SRP only (control), SRP plus metformin gel, and SRP plus chlorhexidine gel. Clinical outcomes (plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level), inflammatory markers (MMP-8 in gingival crevicular fluid), and radiographic bone density will be measured at baseline, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. The goal is to determine whether metformin gel or chlorhexidine gel provides superior improvements in periodontal healing when compared with SRP alone. Findings from this trial may guide evidence-based decisions on optimizing non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Timeline

Start

2025-10-06

Primary completion

2026-04-10

Completion

2026-06-01

Drugs

Indications