Clinical effect of etidronate on alveolar pyorrhoea associated with chronic marginal periodontitis: Report of four cases

Etidronate 200 mg daily was administered to four female patients with perio dontitis and resultant alveolar pyorrhoea for periods of 2 weeks, followed by off-periods of 10 weeks or more, for 2 - 3 years. The macroscopic appear ance of gingival mobility of the teeth, depth of periodontal pockets, and X -ray findings of alveolar bones improved markedly during this time. The eff ects were first observed after 6 - 12 months of treatment. These findings i ndicate that bisphosphonates may be effective in the treatment of periodont itis and resultant alveolar pyorrhoea. The effect may be mediated by the in hibitory action on bone resorption and the anti-inflammatory action of etid ronate. Concomitant conventional dental management is also required.