Do Statin Medications Improve Periodontal Health and/or Outcomes? A Systematic Review

Focused Clinical Question: For adult patients (aged >= 30 years) with chronic periodontitis, does the use of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) improve periodontal health? Clinical Scenario: A 59-year-old female with a history of hyperlipidemia presents for periodontal maintenance care. She has been taking a statin medication for 4 years, during which time she received comprehensive periodontal therapy, including regenerative surgery in two quadrants. Post-surgical evaluation revealed substantial gains in clinical attachment and probing depth reduction. Radiographically, significant fill of the intrabony defect was observed. Before treatment, she was very anxious about losing more teeth and is now curious about the stability of her periodontal treatment. For clinical and radiographic presentation of the patient, see Figures 1 and 2.