Efficacy of OFD with EMD for treatment of periodontal defects: A systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Objectives: In order to enhance clinical improvement of periodontal defects, the addition of enamel matrix derivatives (EMD) to open flap debridement (OFD) has been investigated. The aim of this systematic review is to figure out whether such a combination, in comparison to the treatment with OFD alone has some effects on the following outcomes: clinical attachment level gain, probing depth reduction, and gingival recessions increase. Methods: Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane) were searched for randomized controlled trials in humans addressing the use of a combination of OFD and EMD versus a control group with OFD alone for the treatment of periodontal defects, with a minimum of 6 months of follow‐up; meta‐analysis and trial sequential analysis were then performed. Results: From a total of 204 records screened by title and abstract, 13 studies were read full‐text and eight out of them included in the meta‐analysis. Some significant differences have been demonstrated both for clinical attachment level gain and probing depth reduction between test and control groups. Conclusions: In the treatment of periodontal defects, the addition of EMD to OFD seems to be beneficial in terms of clinical attachment level gain, probing depth reduction, promoting periodontal regeneration. However, such results should be considered with caution because of the small number of studies included in the meta‐analysis and their heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]