Aim: To estimate the levels of N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTx) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in periodontally healthy, gingivitis, generalized chronic periodontitis subjects and after nonsurgical periodontal therapy for periodontitis patients along with its association with the clinical parameters. Materials and Methods: A total of 72 subjects were selected from the out-patient department of Periodontology, Meenakshi Ammal Dental College and Hospital. The subjects were categorized as: (Group I) Healthy, (Group II) gingivitis, and (Group IIIA) generalized chronic periodontitis, Group IIIA subjects after scaling and root planing, constituted Group IIIB. GCF samples were analyzed by competitive- Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for NTx. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in PPD and gain in CAL in Group IIIB when compared to Group IIIA. Mean NTx levels were higher in group IIIA (23.42±11.41 nm BCE/L) compared to group IIIB (11.74±5.43 nm BCE/L) which was statistically significant. Positive correlation was seen between the clinical parameters and the NTx levels in Group IIIB. Conclusion: Cross linked NTx can be used as a bone specific “resorption marker” in periodontal diagnosis.
