Effect of inorganic polyphosphate in periodontitis in the elderly.

AIM

Inorganic polyphosphate exists as chains of phosphate molecules and is distributed in osteoblasts, and regulates osteoblastic cell differentiation and bone matrix calcification. The purpose of this study was to clarify the effects of inorganic polyphosphate on periodontitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Subgingival local irrigation with inorganic polyphosphate was studied in a randomised double-blind study of 33 patients with periodontitis. Scaling and root planing were performed 1 week after the initial examination.

RESULTS

No significant differences between the inorganic polyphosphate group and control were detected in each item except IL-1beta. Patients in whom both the bleeding on probing and gingival index at 1 week had improved were significantly older in the inorganic polyphosphate group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Bone regeneration was seen in one case of the inorganic polyphosphate group.

CONCLUSIONS

Inorganic polyphosphate was useful in the treatment of periodontitis in the elderly, indicating a probable effect of anti-ageing, with similar bone regenerations occurring in both groups.