Impact of periodontal treatment on the RANKL/OPG ratio in crevicular fluid

Aim Alveolar resorption is one of the most important events in periodontitis. Osteoclast activity is regulated by the ratio between receptor activator of NF-kappa B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG). The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the RANKL/OPG ratio in crevicular fluid after periodontal treatment. Material and methods A total of 15 patients with periodontitis were included in the study group. Samples were collected from an area with active periodontitis and a healthy area. The RANKL and OPG levels were measured before and after periodontal scaling and root planing (SRP) treatment. The study group was compared to the control group, which included 10 patients without periodontitis. ID Clinicaltrial.gov: NCT03787875. Results A decrease in the RANKL level was found in areas with active periodontitis after periodontal treatment, but no change in the OPG level was observed. Therefore, the treatment induced a decrease in the RANKL/OPG ratio in sites with destructive periodontal activity. Conclusions Periodontal treatment acts on the RANKL/OPG ratio by decreasing osteoclastogenesis. These results encourage the use of these molecules for periodontal diagnosis, monitoring and treatment.