A prospective, split-mouth, randomized controlled study unveiled the potential of Sterify Gel (an innovative polyvinyl hydrogel) as an effective adjunct therapy for chronic periodontal disease. Led by a team of researchers, the investigation focused on evaluating the safety and effectiveness of Sterify Gel, a novel medical device, as an adjunctive treatment to scaling and root planing (SRP), the current standard therapy.

The study involved 34 patients affected with moderate to advanced (Grades III and IV) chronic periodontitis. Patients were randomly allocated to undergo SRP alone (control group) at one site and SRP with Sterify Gel application (treatment group) at another site. Key periodontal parameters were assessed at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 months post-treatment. Additionally, bacterial contamination levels were examined utilizing quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) at baseline and three months post-treatment.

For assessing data, statistical analyses, including ANOVA and Wilcoxon test, were employed. Results from the study revealed remarkable improvements in various periodontal parameters, encompassing clinical attachment level, gingival recession, and pocket depth, among patients who received Sterify Gel in combination with SRP as opposed to those who underwent SRP alone. Figure 1 shows  changes in pocket depth, gingival recess, and clinical attachment level (in millimeters) at 1, 2, and 3 months vs. pretreatment conditions.

Notably, bleeding and plaque indexes, perception of pain, tooth mobility, and furcations did not exhibit considerable differences between the two groups. Moreover, the treatment group demonstrated a notable reduction in bacterial contamination levels at the 3-month mark. The lack of reported adverse events during the utilization of Sterify Gel throughout the study underscored its safety profile.

Hence, Sterify Gel, when used adjunctively with SRP, shows tremendous potential in enhancing periodontal care by facilitating healing and reducing periodontal pocket depths. Furthermore, its ability to mitigate bacterial recolonization signifies a potential avenue for minimizing reliance on antibiotics, thereby addressing concerns related to antibiotic resistance.