Unveiling The Power of Boric Acid: A Pocket-Sized Solution for Enhanced Periodontal Health

This blog highlights a pioneering project led by Department of Periodontology, FDS SGT University.

Periodontal health is essential for maintaining overall oral well-being. However, periodontal disease remains a common challenge, affecting millions worldwide and leading to significant oral health issues if left untreated. Traditional periodontal therapies often involve scaling, root planing, and surgical procedures, which may not be suitable for everyone. For those who prefer non-invasive options or have systemic health conditions that limit surgical choices, this groundbreaking project led by Dr. Shilpa Kamra, along with Dr. Anurag Bhatnagar and Dr. Shagun Malik, presents a promising dental solution: boric acid chips for non-surgical periodontal therapy.

Boric Acid Chips: A New Era in Dental Solutions

The project, titled "Unveiling The Power of Boric Acid: A Pocket-Sized Solution for Enhanced Periodontal Therapy," aims to assess the effectiveness of boric acid chips as a local drug delivery system for treating periodontal pockets of 5mm in depth. These biodegradable chips are inserted directly into periodontal pockets, releasing boric acid precisely at the infection site. This innovative method minimizes invasiveness while maximizing therapeutic impact, making it a compelling dental solution for managing periodontal health.

The Role of Boric Acid in Periodontal Health

Boric acid is a well-known antimicrobial agent with anti-inflammatory properties, making it a valuable component in periodontal therapy. By targeting harmful bacteria and reducing inflammation within the gum pockets, boric acid chips work to stop periodontal disease from progressing. This localized approach offers a unique advantage by focusing the treatment where it’s needed most, effectively reducing symptoms without requiring surgery.

Cost-Effective and Accessible Dental Solution

One of the key benefits of using boric acid chips is their cost-effectiveness. Surgical procedures can be expensive and may not be feasible for all patients, especially those without insurance coverage or those with systemic health conditions that limit their surgical options. This dental solution provides a minimally invasive, affordable alternative that enables more patients to access effective periodontal therapy.

Cost-Effective and Accessible Dental Solution

The expected results of this study are promising and align with improving periodontal health. Key anticipated outcomes include:

• Reduction in periodontal pocket depth.
• Decrease in bleeding on probing.
• Reduced inflammation.
• Improved clinical attachment levels.

These results would highlight the effectiveness of boric acid chips as a non-surgical treatment option, showing that boric acid can play a pivotal role in maintaining periodontal health.

A Positive Shift in Periodontal Therapy

If proven successful, this project could transform how dental professionals approach periodontal therapy. By offering an effective, non-invasive, and affordable option, boric acid chips have the potential to improve patient outcomes and overall periodontal health significantly. This innovative dental solution not only addresses the limitations of traditional treatments but also exemplifies how research-driven approaches can lead to impactful advancements in dental care.

Conclusion:

Led by PI: Dr. Shilpa Kamra, with support from Co PI: Dr. Anurag Bhatnagar and Dr. Shagun Malik, this project aims to pave the way for a new era in periodontal therapy. With the goal of improving accessibility, reducing treatment costs, and enhancing periodontal health, the development of boric acid chips represents an important breakthrough. This study showcases the potential of local drug delivery systems to offer practical and cost-effective dental solutions for patients, making a positive difference in periodontal care worldwide.

Project Team:

• PI: Dr. Shilpa Kamra
• Co-PIs: Dr. Anurag Bhatnagar, Dr. Shagun Malik
• Students: Ayushee, Himani, Payal, Nupur