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Objectives: This pilot study aimed to assess dimensional changes following two different alveolar socket sealing techniques., Material and Methods: Twenty-one patients requiring tooth extraction and implant placement were randomly allocated to two different alveolar ridge preservation techniques. In the control group, demineralized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) and a gingival soft tissue punch were used to fill and seal the socket, whereas in the test group, the extraction socket was filled with DBBM and sealed with a hemostatic gelatin sponge. Digitalized impressions were taken before and 6 months after tooth extraction. The comparison was made on horizontal and vertical dimensional changes., Results: The mean vertical loss was 0.8 ± 0.6 mm for the control group and 0.7 ± 0.5 mm for the test one. No statistical difference was found between groups for the vertical shrinkage. The horizontal dimensional narrowing of the alveolar socket was respectively 7.1/4.0/2.5 mm at levels 1, 3, and 5 mm from a coronal reference level for the control group. The test group showed dimensional changes of 4.8/2.3/1.3 mm at the three different levels, respectively. A significant difference was found at levels 3 and 5 mm. Referring to a visual analog pain scale, patients reported more severe pain in the control group (5.7/10) when compared with the test group (2.8/10). The difference was statistically highly significant (P ≤ 0.001)., Conclusions: A significant difference was found between control and test groups regarding the horizontal dimensional changes and the post-operative pain., Clinical Relevance: Regarding this primary result, the socket sealing technique with a hemostatic sponge provides an effective and inexpensive protocol with less post-operative pain.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the 4-year clinical outcomes following regenerative surgery in intrabony defects with either EMD + BCP or EMD. Twenty-four patients with advanced chronic periodontitis, displaying one-, two-, or three-walled intrabony defect with a probing depth of at least 6 mm, were randomly treated with either EMD + BCP (test) or EMD alone (control). The following clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline, at 1 year and at 4 years after regenerative surgery: plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, gingival recession, and clinical attachment level (CAL). The primary outcome variable was CAL. No differences in any of the investigated parameters were observed at baseline between the two groups. The test group demonstrated a mean CAL change from from 10.8 ± 1.6 mm to 7.4 ± 1.6 mm (p < 0.001) and to 7.6 ± 1.7 mm (p < 0.001) at 1 and 4 years, respectively. In the control group, mean CAL changed from 10.4 ± 1.3 at baseline to 6.9 ± 1.0 mm (p < 0.001) at 1 year and 7.2 ± 1.2 mm (p < 0.001) at 4 years. At 4 years, two defects in the test group and three defects in the control group have lost 1 mm of the CAL gained at 1 year. Compared to baseline, at 4 years, a CAL gain of ≥3 mm was measured in 67% of the defects (i.e., in 8 out of 12) in the test group and in 75% of the defects (i.e., in 9 out of 12) in the control group. There were no statistically significant differences in any of the investigated parameters at 1 and at 4 years between the two groups. Within their limits, the present results indicate that: (a) the clinical improvements obtained with both treatments can be maintained over a period of 4 years, and (b) in two- and three-walled intrabony defects, the addition of BCP did not additionally improve the outcomes obtained with EMD alone. In two- and three-walled intrabony defects, the combination of EMD + BCP did not show any advantage over the use of EMD alone.

Background: Treatment with a natural bone mineral (NBM) and a guided tissue regeneration (GTR) has been shown to promote periodontal regeneration. However, until now there are only very limited data on the long-term clinical results following this regenerative technique., Aim: To present the 5-year results of a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study evaluating the treatment of deep intra-bony defects either with open flap debridement (OFD) and a combination of an NBM and GTR (test) or OFD alone (control)., Methods: Nineteen patients diagnosed with advanced chronic periodontitis, and each of whom displayed one intra-bony defect, received randomly the test or the control treatment. Results were evaluated at baseline, at 1 and at 5 years following therapy., Results: No statistically significant differences in any of the investigated parameters were observed at baseline between the two groups. At 1 year after therapy, the test group showed a reduction in mean probing depth (PD) from 9.1+/-1.1 to 3.7+/-0.8 mm (p<0.001) and a change in mean clinical attachment level (CAL) from 10.4+/-1.3 to 6.4+/-1.2 mm (p<0.001). At 5 years, mean PD and CAL measured 4.3+/-0.8 and 6.7+/-1.6 mm, respectively. At 5 years, both PD and CAL were statistically significantly improved compared with baseline (p<0.001) without statistically significant differences between the 1- and 5-year results. In the control group, mean PD was reduced from 8.9+/-1.3 to 4.9+/-1.2 mm (p<0.001) and mean CAL changed from 10.6+/-1.4 to 8.8+/-1.5 mm (p<0.01). At 5 years, mean PD and CAL measured 5.6+/-1.1 and 9.1+/-1.3 mm, respectively, and were still statistically significantly improved compared with baseline (p<0.01). No statistically significant differences were found between the 1- and 5-year results. The test treatment, at both 1 and 5 years, yielded statistically significantly higher CAL gains than the control one (p<0.01). Compared with baseline, at 5 years a CAL gain of > or =3 mm was found in nine defects (90%) of the test group but in none of the defects treated with OFD alone., Conclusions: It was concluded that (i) treatment of intra-bony defects with OFD+NBM+GTR may result in significantly higher CAL gains than treatment with OFD, and (ii) the clinical results obtained after both treatments can be maintained over a period of 5 years.

Regenerative periodontal therapy aims at reconstitution of the lost periodontal structures such as new formation of root cementum, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. Findings from basic research indicate that enamel matrix protein derivative (EMD) has a key role in periodontal wound healing. Histological results from animal and human studies have shown that treatment with EMD promotes periodontal regeneration. Moreover, clinical studies have indicated that treatment with EMD positively influences periodontal wound healing in humans. This review aims to present an overview of evidence-based clinical indications for regenerative therapy with EMD.

Background: Treatments with either an enamel matrix protein derivative (EMD) or guided tissue regeneration (GTR) have been shown to promote periodontal regeneration. However, until recently, only limited data have been available on the long-term clinical results following these regenerative techniques. Therefore, the aim of this study was to present the 8-year results of a prospective, controlled, split-mouth clinical study evaluating the treatment of intrabony defects with EMD or GTR., Methods: Ten patients, each of whom displayed one pair of intrabony defects located contralaterally in the same jaw, were randomly treated with EMD or with GTR by means of bioabsorbable membranes. The following clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline and at 1 and 8 years after treatment: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), and clinical attachment level (CAL). The primary outcome variable was CAL. No statistically significant differences between the groups were found at baseline., Results: The sites treated with EMD demonstrated a mean CAL change from 9.5 +/- 1.2 mm to 6.3 +/- 1.3 mm (P <0.001) and 6.7 +/- 1.6 mm (P <0.001) at 1 and 8 years, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between the 1- and 8-year results. Sites treated with GTR showed a mean CAL change from 9.7 +/- 1.3 mm to 6.7 +/- 0.9 mm (P <0.001) at 1 year and 6.8 +/- 1.2 mm (P <0.001) at 8 years. The CAL change between 1 and 8 years did not present statistically significant differences. Between the treatment groups, no statistically significant differences in any of the investigated parameters were observed at 1 and at 8 years. However, the study does not have the statistical power to rule out the possibility of a difference between the two groups., Conclusions: Within their limits, the present results indicate the following: 1) the clinical improvements obtained following treatment with EMD or GTR can be maintained over a period of 8 years; and 2) further studies of much higher power need to be performed to support equivalence.

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to compare clinically the treatment of deep intra-bony defects with a combination of a composite bovine-derived xenograft (BDX Coll) and a bioresorbable collagen membrane [guided tissue regeneration (GTR)] to access flap surgery only., Methods: Thirty-two patients, each of whom displayed one intra-bony defect, were treated either with BDX Coll+GTR (test) or with access flap surgery (control). The results were evaluated at 1 year following therapy., Results: No differences in any of the investigated parameters were observed at baseline between the two groups. Healing was uneventful in all patients. At 1 year after therapy, the test group showed a reduction in the mean probing depth (PD) from 8.3+/-1.5 to 2.9+/-1.3 mm (p<0.001) and a change in the mean clinical attachment level (CAL) from 9.4+/-1.3 to 5.3+/-1.5 mm (p<0.0001). In the control group, the mean PD was reduced from 8.0+/-1.2 to 4.4+/-1.7 mm (p<0.001) and the mean CAL changed from 9.6+/-1.3 to 7.9+/-1.6 mm (p<0.01). The test treatment resulted in statistically higher PD reductions (p< or =0.05) and CAL gains (p<0.001) than the control one. In the test group, all sites (100%) gained at least 3 mm of CAL. In this group, a CAL gain of 3 or 4 mm was measured at 10 sites (62%), whereas at six sites (38%), the CAL gain was 5 or 6 mm. In the control group, no CAL gain occurred at three sites (19%), whereas at 10 sites (62%), the CAL gain was only 1 or 2 mm. A CAL gain of 3 mm was measured in three defects (19%)., Conclusions: Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that the combination of BDX Coll+GTR resulted in significantly higher CAL gains than treatment with access flap surgery alone, and thus appears to be a suitable alternative for treating intra-bony periodontal defects.

Background: Treatment with enamel matrix proteins (EMD) or guided tissue regeneration (GTR) has been shown to enhance periodontal regeneration. However, until now there are limited data on the long-term results following these treatment modalities., Aim: The aim of the present clinical study was to present the 5-year results following treatment of intrabony defects with EMD, GTR, combination of EMD and GTR, and open flap debridement (OFD)., Material and Methods: Forty-two patients, each of whom displayed one intrabony defect of a probing depth of at least 6 mm, were randomly treated with one of the four treatment modalities. The following parameters were evaluated prior to surgery, at 1 year and at 5 years after: plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival recession, and clinical attachment level (CAL). No statistically significant differences in any of the parameters were observed at baseline between the four groups., Results: The sites treated with EMD demonstrated a mean CAL gain of 3.4+/-1.1 mm (p<0.001) and of 2.9+/-1.6 mm (p<0.001) at 1 and 5 years, respectively. The sites treated with GTR showed a mean CAL gain of 3.2+/-0.8 (p<0.001) at 1 year and of 2.7+/-0.9 mm (p<0.001) at 5 years. The mean CAL gain at sites treated with EMD+GTR was 3.0+/-1.0 mm (p<0.001) and 2.6+/-0.7 mm (p<0.001) at 1 and 5 years, respectively. The sites treated with OFD demonstrated a mean CAL gain of 1.6+/-1.0 mm (p<0.001) at 1 year and 1.3+/-1.2 mm (p<0.001) at 5 years. At 1 year, the only statistically significant difference between the four different treatments was found in terms of PPD reduction and CAL gain between EMD and OFD (p<0.05). However, at 5 years there were no statistically significant differences in any of the investigated parameters between the four different treatments., Conclusion: Within the limits of the present study, it may be concluded that the short-term clinical results following treatment with EMD, GTR, EMD+GTR, and OFD can be maintained over a period of 5 years.

Application of enamel matrix protein derivative (EMD) onto a debrided and conditioned root surface has been shown to promote periodontal regeneration in animals and humans. However, until now there is virtually no information from humans describing the expression of different matrix molecules in the newly formed periodontal tissues following treatment with EMD. This study investigated immunohistochemically in humans the expression of matrix molecules associated with periodontal tissues reformed after treatment with EMD. Eight patients with intrabony defects were treated with EMD. Six months after surgery teeth together with some of their surrounding soft and hard tissues were removed, fixed in buffered formalin, decalcified in EDTA, and embedded in paraffin. Serial sections of 6 micro m were cut in mesiodistal direction. Sections were evaluated immunohistochemically by means of polyclonal antibodies against osteopontin, collagen I and collagen III. The original (non-treated) parts of the periodontium served as controls. In all specimens the healing resulted to a varying extent in formation of cementum, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. In all specimens the expression of the investigated matrix molecules was stronger at the reformed than at the original sites. Osteopontin expression was most intense at the border near the newly formed cementum and bone. In the regenerated periodontal ligament, collagen I and III were localized throughout the entire periodontal ligament connective tissue. Within the newly formed PDL connective tissue the immunohistochemical staining appeared stronger for collagen III than for collagen I. The present findings suggest that (a) treatment of human intrabony defects with EMD creates an environment favourable for periodontal regeneration and, (b) in humans the healing and/or remodelling process of the reformed tissues may be followed immunohistochemically for a period of 6 months.

Treatment of intrabony periodontal defects with an enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has been shown to predictably enhance periodontal regeneration. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the 4-year results following treatment of intrabony defects with EMD. Thirty-three patients with a total of 46 intrabony defects were treated. Each patient exhibited at least one intrabony defect with a probing depth > or = 6 mm as identified by probing and on radiographs. The following clinical parameters were evaluated prior to and 1 and 4 years after treatment: probing depth, recession of the gingival margin, and clinical attachment level. The primary outcome variable was clinical attachment. Mean probing depth was reduced from 8.1 +/- 1.8 mm to 3.8 - +/-.2 mm at 1 year and to 4.0 +/- 1.2 mm at 4 years. No statistically significant differences were found between the mean probing depth 1 and 4 years postoperative. At 1 year, the mean recession increased from 1.9 +/- 1.5 mm to 3.2 +/- 1.8 mm; at 4 years, it was 2.8 +/- 1.2 mm, a statistically significant improvement compared to the 1-year results, but still significantly increased compared to the baseline. The mean attachment level changed from 10.0 +/- 2.4 mm to 7.0 +/- 2.1 mm at 1 year and 6.8 +/- 1.9 mm at 4 years (no statistically significant difference). The clinical improvements obtained following treatment with EMD can be maintained over a 4-year period.

Aim: : The purpose of the present study was to compare clinically the treatment of deep intrabony defects with a combination of a bovine-derived xenograft (BDX) and a bioresorbable collagen membrane to access flap surgery., Methods: : Twenty-eight patients suffering from chronic periodontitis, and each of whom displayed one intrabony defect, were randomly treated with BDX + collagen membrane (test) or with access flap surgery (control). Soft tissue measurements were made at baseline and at 1 year following therapy., Results: : No differences in any of the investigated parameters were observed at baseline between the two groups. Healing was uneventful in all patients. At 1 year after therapy, the test group showed a reduction in mean probing depth (PD) from 9.2+/-1.3 to 3.9+/-0.7 mm (p<0.001) and a change in mean clinical attachment level (CAL) from 10.2+/-1.5 to 6.2+/-0.5 mm (p<0.0001). In the control group, the mean PD was reduced from 9.0+/-1.2 to 5.2+/-1.8 mm (p<0.001) and the mean CAL changed from 10.5+/-1.5 to 8.4+/-2.1 mm (p<0.01). The test treatment resulted in statistically higher PD reductions (p

Background: The purpose of the present study was to compare the treatment of deep intrabony defects with a combination of an enamel matrix protein derivative (EMD) and a bioactive glass (BG) to BG alone., Methods: Twenty-eight patients with chronic periodontitis, each of whom displayed 1 intrabony defect, were randomly treated with a combination of EMD and BG or with BG alone. Soft tissue measurements were made at baseline and at 1 year following therapy., Results: No differences in any of the investigated parameters were observed at baseline between the 2 groups. Healing was uneventful in all patients. At 1 year after therapy, the sites treated with EMD and BG showed a reduction in mean probing depth (PD) from 8.07 +/- 1.14 mm to 3.92 +/- 0.73 mm and a change in mean clinical attachment level (CAL) from 9.64 +/- 1.59 mm to 6.42 +/- 1.08 mm (P < 0.0001). In the group treated with BG, the mean PD was reduced from 8.07 +/- 1.32 mm to 3.85 +/- 0.66 mm and the mean CAL changed from 9.78 +/- 1.71 mm to 6.71 +/- 1.89 mm (P < 0.0001). No statistically significant differences in any of the investigated parameters were observed between the test and control group., Conclusions: Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that both therapies led to significant improvements of the investigated clinical parameters, and the combination of enamel matrix derivative and bioactive glass does not seem to additionally improve the clinical outcome of the therapy.

Background: Treatment with enamel matrix proteins (EMD) and guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with bioabsorbable membranes has been shown to promote periodontal regeneration; however, until now, there were only limited data on the long-term clinical results following these regenerative techniques. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to present the 4-year results following treatment of intrabony defects with EMD or guided tissue regeneration (GTR)., Methods: Twelve patients, each displaying one pair of intrabony defects located contralaterally in the same jaw, were randomly treated with EMD or with GTR by means of bioabsorbable membranes. The following clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline, at 1 year, and at 4 years after treatment: plaque index (P1), gingival index (G1), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), and clinical attachment level (CAL). The primary outcome variable was CAL. No statistically significant differences between the groups were found at baseline. Power analysis to determine superiority of EMD treatment showed that the available sample size would yield 70% power to detect a 1 mm difference., Results: The sites treated with EMD demonstrated mean CAL change from 9.8 +/- 2.0 mm to 6.4 +/- 1.6 mm (P<0.001) and to 6.8 +/- 1.8 mm (P<0.001) at 1 and 4 years, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between the CAL mean at 1 and 4 years postoperatively. The sites treated with GTR showed a mean CAL change from 9.8 +/- 2.3 mm to 6.6 +/- 1.7 mm (P<0.001) at 1 year and to 6.9 +/- 1.8 mm (P<0.001) at 4 years. The CAL change between I and 4 years did not present statistically significant differences. No statistically significant differences in any of the investigated parameters were observed at 1 and 4 years between the treatment groups., Conclusions: It was concluded that the CAL gain obtained following treatment with EMD or GTR can be maintained over a 4-year period.

Background: Utilisation of enamel matrix proteins (EMD) and application of the guided tissue regeneration principle (GTR) are treatment modalities which both have been shown to result in periodontal regeneration. However, it is yet unknown whether the combination of EMD and GTR may additionally favor the regeneration process., Aim: The aim of the present controlled study was to evaluate clinically the treatment effect of EMD, GTR, combination of EMD and GTR, and flap surgery (control) on intrabony defects., Material and Methods: 56 patients each of whom displaying one intrabony defect of a depth of at least 6 mm were randomly treated with one of the treatment modalities. Prior to surgery and at one year after, the following parameters were evaluated by a blinded examiner: Plaque index (PlI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), gingival recession (GR) and clinical attachment level (CAL). No statistical significant differences between the four groups were observed at baseline for any of the investigated parameters., Results: At 1 year after therapy, the sites treated with EMD demonstrated a mean PPD reduction of 4.1 +/- 1.7 mm and a mean CAL gain of 3.4 +/- 1.5 mm (p<0.001). The sites treated with GTR showed a mean PPD reduction of 4.2 +/- 1.9 mm and a mean CAL gain of 3.1 +/- 1.5 mm (p<0.001). The sites treated with the combined treatment showed a mean PPD reduction of 4.3 +/- 1.4 mm and a mean CAL gain of 3.4 +/- 1.1 mm (p<0.001). In the control group, the mean PPD reduction was 3.7 +/- 1.4 mm (p<0.001) and the mean CAL gain measured 1.7 +/- 1.5 mm (p<0.01). All 4 treatments led to statistically significant PPD reduction and CAL gain. All three regenerative treatments led to higher CAL gain than the control treatment (p<0.05). No statistical significant differences in PPD reduction and CAL gain were observed between the three regenerative treatments., Conclusion: It may be concluded that (a) all 3 regenerative treatment modalities may lead to higher CAL gain than the control one, and (b) the combined treatment does not seem to improve the outcome of the regenerative procedure.

Background: Regenerative treatment with enamel matrix proteins has been shown to promote healing in intrabony defects. However, up to now various postoperative antibiotic regimens have been used in combination with enamel matrix proteins and therefore it cannot be excluded that the results may also be attributable to the effect of the antibiotic treatment. The aim of this randomized, controlled, blinded, clinical investigation was to determine the effect of postsurgical administration of antibiotics on the healing of intrabony periodontal defects treated with enamel matrix proteins., Methods: Thirty-four patients each of whom exhibited one deep intrabony defect were randomly treated with either enamel matrix proteins plus antibiotics (test: EMD + AB) or with enamel matrix proteins alone (control: EMD). The antibiotic regimen consisted of a combination of 3 x 375 mg amoxicillin and 3 x 250 mg metronidazole daily for 7 days. The following parameters were recorded at baseline and at 1 year by the same calibrated and blinded investigator: plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Power analysis to determine superiority of antibiotic treatment showed that the available sample size would yield 85% power to detect a 1 mm difference., Results: No statistically significant differences in any of the investigated parameters between the 2 groups were observed at baseline. No serious adverse events such as allergic reactions or abscesses after any of the treatments were observed during the entire study period. The results have shown that in the EMD + AB group the PD decreased from 9.1 +/- 1.5 mm to 4.5 +/- 1.1 mm (P<0.0001) and the CAL changed from 11.0 +/- 1.6 mm to 7.5 +/- 1.4 mm (P<0.0001). In the EMD group the PD decreased from 9.0 +/- 1.7 mm to 4.3 +/- 1.7 mm (P <0.0001) and the CAL changed from 10.6 +/- 1.6 mm to 7.3 +/- 1.5 mm (P <0.0001). There were no significant differences in any of the investigated parameters between the 2 groups., Conclusions: It can be concluded that the systemic administration of amoxicillin and metronidazole adjacent to the use of EMD for the surgical treatment of intrabony periodontal defects does not produce statistically superior PD reduction and CAL gain when compared to treatment with EMD alone. Hence, the present results do not support the routine administration of amoxicillin and metronidazole following regenerative treatment with EMD.

Background: Enamel matrix proteins (EMD) have recently been introduced in regenerative periodontal treatment. However, no histological data are yet available concerning the effect of treating intrabony periodontal defects with EMD, and no histological comparisons have been made comparing the result of treatment of intrabony defects with EMD with that of the treatment with guided tissue regeneration (GTR)., Aim: Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate histologically in monkeys the effect of treating intrabony defects with EMD, GTR or combined EMD and GTR., Method: Intrabony periodontal defects were produced surgically at the distal aspect of teeth 14, 11, 21, 24, 34, 31, 41 and 44 in 3 monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). In order to prevent spontaneous healing and to enhance plaque accumulation metal strips were placed into the defects. After 6 weeks the defects were exposed using a full-thickness flap procedure. The granulation tissue was removed and the root surfaces were debrided by means of hand instruments. Subsequently, the defects were treated using one of the following therapies: (i) GTR, (ii) EMD, or (iii) combination of EMD and GTR. The control defects were treated with coronally repositioned flaps. After 5 months, the animals were sacrificed and perfused with 10% buffered formalin for fixation. Specimens containing the defects and surrounding tissues were dissected free, decalcified in EDTA and embedded in paraffin. 8 microm thick histological sections were cut and stained and subsequently examined under the light microscope., Results: In the control specimens, the healing was characterized by a long junctional epithelium and limited periodontal regeneration (i.e., new periodontal ligament, new cementum with inserting connective tissue fibers and new bone) in the bottom of the defect. The GTR-treated defects consistently presented periodontal regeneration when the membranes were not exposed whereas the sites treated only with EMD presented regeneration to a varying extent. The combined therapy did not seem to improve the results., Conclusion: It can be concluded that all 3 treatment modalities favor periodontal regeneration.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate histologically in monkeys the healing in acute fenestration-type defects following treatment with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) or enamel matrix proteins (EMD). Standardized "critical size" fenestration-type defects were produced surgically at the vestibular aspect of teeth 13, 23, 33, 43 in three monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). The vestibular bone plates were removed and the root surfaces were debrided by means of hand instruments in order to completely remove the root cementum. Following root conditioning with ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), the defects were treated using one of the following therapies: (1) GTR, (2) EMD, or (3) control (coronally repositioned flaps). After 5 months the animals were killed and perfused with 10% buffered formalin for fixation. Specimens containing the defects and surrounding tissues were dissected free, decalcified in EDTA, and embedded in paraffin. Eight-micrometer-thick step serial histological sections were cut in a vestibulo-oral direction, stained with hematoxylin and eosin or oxone-aldehyde-fuchsin-Halmi, and subsequently examined under the light microscope. The results showed that, in the defects treated with GTR, a new connective tissue attachment (i.e., new cementum with inserting collagen fibers) and new bone formation had consistently occurred, whereas, in the defects treated with EMD or with coronally repositioned flaps, new attachment and new bone reformed to a varying extent. The quality of the cementum did not differ after EMD, GTR, or flap surgery. It was concluded that GTR treatment with bioresorbable membranes seems to predictably promote new attachment and new bone formation, whereas the application of EDTA or EMD may also enhance periodontal healing to a certain extent. Further studies with higher numbers of animals and defects are needed in order to definitely clarify the effect of root surface conditioning with EDTA and EMD on periodontal healing.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinically and histologically the treatment of intrabony periodontal defects with a bioresorbable membrane barrier. Fifty-two intrabony periodontal defects were treated according to the principles of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with a bioresorbable membrane. Results were evaluated by assessing probing pocket depth, recession of the gingival margin, and clinical attachment level at baseline and at 1 and 2 years after therapy. Bone level changes were evaluated radiographically. The postoperative phase was uneventful in all cases. There was a mean probing pocket depth reduction from 8.4 to 3.6 mm, a mean increase of gingival margin recession from 1.5 to 3.0 mm, and a mean clinical attachment level change from 9.9 to 6.5 mm. Mean attachment gain was 3.4 mm. Two teeth scheduled for extraction were also treated with the same bioresorbable membrane. The histologic analysis 6 months after treatment revealed the formation of new connective tissue attachment and new alveolar bone in both cases. Based on the histologic findings it can be concluded that the clinical improvements following GTR with this type of bioresorbable membrane may represent, at least in part, true periodontal regeneration.

Enamel matrix proteins, including Emdogain, have been proposed as a new modality for regenerative periodontal treatment. However, limited information is available concerning the clinical applicability and therapeutic results with Emdogain. The aim of the present study was therefore to evaluate the clinical outcome following the application of Emdogain in the treatment of intrabony periodontal defects. Twenty-eight patients with marginal periodontitis (thirty-two 2- and 3-walled intrabony defects) were included in this study. The following parameters were evaluated prior to treatment and 8 months after treatment: probing pocket depth, recession of the gingival margin, and clinical attachment level. The postoperative healing phase was uneventful in all cases. There were no complications such as allergic reactions, abscess formation, or infections throughout the entire study period. The mean probing pocket depth was reduced from 8.7 +/- 1.5 mm at baseline to 4.3 +/- 1.6 mm after 8 months (P < 0.001), the mean gingival recession increased from 1.8 +/- 1.2 mm to 3.3 +/- 0.9 mm, and the mean clinical attachment level changed from 10.6 +/- 1.9 mm to 7.6 +/- 1.8 mm (P < 0.001). New hard tissue formation was radiographically observed in 26 of the 32 defects. The present results suggest that the treatment of intrabony periodontal defects with Emdogain may lead to significant improvements of all of the investigated clinical parameters. However, controlled histologic and clinical trials are needed to compare this treatment modality with other conventional and regenerative periodontal surgical methods.

Background: Enamel matrix proteins (EMP) have recently been introduced as a new modality for regenerative periodontal treatment. However, limited information is available concerning the comparison of the treatment of intrabony periodontal defects with enamel matrix proteins and other regenerative treatment alternatives., Methods: The aim of the present controlled clinical trial was to compare the treatment of deep intrabony periodontal defects with EMP to that with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with bioabsorbable membranes. Sixteen patients, each of whom displayed one pair of intrabony defects located contralaterally in the same jaw, were randomly treated with EMP or with a bioabsorbable membrane. Prior to surgery and 8 months later the following parameters were evaluated by a blinded examiner: Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), gingival recession (GR), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Antibiotics (amoxicillin and metronidazole) were given during the first 10 days after surgery. No statistical significant differences in any of the investigated parameters between the 2 groups were observed at baseline., Results: No serious adverse events (e.g., allergic reactions or abscesses) after any of the treatments were noted during the entire observation period. Membrane exposure occurred in 7 out of the 16 GTR treated sites. Clinical examination was performed again 8 months postoperatively. Sites treated with EMP demonstrated a reduction of PD from 8.1+/-1.7 mm to 4.3+/-1.2 mm (P <0.001) and a change in CAL from 10.3+/-1.8 mm to 7.2+/-1.2 mm (P <0.001). The sites treated with GTR showed a reduction of PD from 8.3+/-1.7 mm to 4.3+/-0.7 mm (P <0.001) and a change of CAL from 10.1+/-1.9 mm to 7.1+/-1.7 mm (P <0.001). Both treatment procedures led to significant improvements of PD and CAL. However, no statistically significant differences in any of the investigated parameters were observed between the test and control group., Conclusions: It may be concluded that both therapies led to shortterm improvements of the investigated clinical parameters. Further studies of much higher power are needed to support equivalence.