Laterally closed tunnel technique with and without adjunctive photobiomodulation therapy for the management of isolated gingival recession-a randomized controlled assessor-blinded clinical trial.

The objective of this prospective randomized controlled single-center clinical trial was to prove the efficacy of adjunctive photobiomodulation in improving selected outcomes following the use of laterally closed tunnel technique for the management of isolated gingival recession. Nineteen participants (with isolated gingival recession) each treated by laterally closed tunnel technique were randomized to either add on treatment with control (sham laser application) or test group (photobiomodulation with 660 nm diode, 3.5 J/cm2 per point of application). The primary outcome variable was change in recession depth and secondary variables included recession width, width of keratinized gingiva, periodontal biotype, and VAS score for pain assessment and EHS index for early wound healing assessment. Analysis was performed using a linear mixed effects model. There were no significant differences in the gingival recession depth (p = 0.8324) and recession width (p-0.969) at 3-month follow-up. The VAS scores were significantly lower for the test (laterally closed tunnel technique + photobiomodulation) group as compared to control (laterally closed tunnel technique + sham laser) over time (p = < 0.0001) as well as per site (p = 0.0006) The Early Wound Healing Index scores were significantly higher in the test (laterally closed tunnel technique + photobiomodulation) group as compared to control (laterally closed tunnel technique + sham laser) group (p < 0.0001). The adjunctive use of photobiomodulation did not show a better outcome concerning recession depth but appears to provide faster healing of the surgical wounds and better patient comfort. The result needs further evaluation in particular with respect to long-term effect and due to limitation in sample size. Clinical Trial Registry of India: CTRI/2019/11/022012.

Endodontic and Periodontal Treatment of Complete Buccal Root and Apex Exposition: A Challenging Case Report With 17 Months Follow-Up.

INTRODUCTION: This case report demonstrated a challenging clinical case addressed within a multidisciplinary approach to achieve its maintenance, even though had a poor prognosis. It was associated with the endodontic treatment with mucogingival techniques, including periodontal microsurgery and connective tissue graft. CASE PRESENTATION: A patient presented a deep gingival recession with the apex-exposed non-vital tooth with interproximal bone loss (RT2) and without mobility. The treatment involved an initial endodontic approach and periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing), microsurgical techniques with coronally advanced flap, root preparation with PrefGel (24% EDTA), enamel matrix derivatives (Emdogain), and connective tissue graft. As a clinical result, it was verified an increase of keratinized tissue width and gingival thickness, and root coverage (RC), reaching good esthetics and a stable result after 17 months. CONCLUSION: The correct diagnosis and technique selection may affect directly the outcome, especially in challenging cases. Even though there was a poor prognosis, an adequate treatment plan, patient cooperation, and technique mastery help to achieve a high level of RC, esthetic recovering, and successful outcome.

Effect of 24% EDTA root conditioning on the outcome of modified coronally advanced tunnel technique with subepithelial connective tissue graft for the treatment of multiple gingival recessions: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate effects of root conditioning with 24% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on the 12-month outcomes after treatment of multiple gingival recessions (GR) with modified coronally advanced tunnel (MCAT) and subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with 142 GR were treated (72 test sites: SCTG + EDTA and 70 control sites: SCTG). Average and complete root coverage (ARC, CRC), gain in keratinized tissue width (KTW), gain in gingival thickness (GT), root esthetic coverage score (RES), and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were evaluated at 12 months post-operatively. RESULTS: Differences between pre- and post-operative values were statistically significant only within but not between treatment modalities. At 12 months, ARC was 86.0% for SCTG + EDTA-treated and 84.6 for SCTG-treated defects (p = 0.6636). CRC was observed in 90.2% (tests) and 91.4% (controls) of all cases (p = 0.9903). Professional assessment of esthetic outcomes using RES showed highly positive results reaching the value of 8.9 in case of test sites and 8.7 for control sites (p = 0.3358). Severity of pain and swelling did not differ between sites, regardless of whether EDTA was used. CONCLUSIONS: Test and control sites presented similarly positive outcomes related to root coverage, periodontal and esthetic parameters, and patient satisfaction and self-reported morbidity with no statistical differences between them 12 months after surgery. No significant differences in evaluated variables were observed between sites treated with and without 24% EDTA. Clinical relevance Considering the limitations of the present study, the use of 24% EDTA for root conditioning did not improve 12-month outcomes after treatment of multiple RT1 and RT2 gingival recessions with MCAT and SCTG. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03354104.

Gingival Recession Treatment with the Use of Xenogeneic Matrix: Optimization of Patient-Centered Outcomes by the Digital Soft Tissue Design

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the impact of the originally-developed approach aimed at pre-treatment graphical modelling of soft-tissue changes (digital soft tissue design) for the optimization of patient-centered outcomes after Class I and Class II single gingival recessions treatment with the use of a xenogeneic dermal matrix. Material and Methods: Patients enrolled in the study group received single gingival recession treatment via CAF+XDM method supported by pre-treatment graphical modelling of potential soft-tissue changes (digital soft tissue design), while patients enrolled in the control group received single gingival recession treatment via CAF+CTG method with no pre-treatment graphical modeling of gingival level changes. Patient-centered outcomes were measured by visual analogue scale, OHIP-14, and Mahajan's scales. Results: Realization of pre-treatment graphical modelling of soft-tissue changes supported the achievement of better patient-centered outcomes, such as root coverage (p<0.05), surgical phase (p<0.05), post-surgical phase (p<0.05), cost-effectiveness (p<0.05) and diagnostics and patient-orientation (p<0.05) based on patient's personal perception grades. Conclusion: Patient-centered results were found to be more successful within the group using the xenogeneic type of graft accompanied with the implementation of pre-treatment graphical modeling of soft tissue changes, which helped to balance patients' pre-operative expectations and post-operative satisfaction with the received results, reduce post-operative morbidity and improve oral health-related quality of life (AU).

Low-intensity laser for harvesting palatal graft for the treatment of gingival recession: A systematic review.

The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of low-intensity laser therapy (LILT) for harvesting palatal connective tissue graft (PCTG) in the treatment of gingival recession. Databases were searched up to May 2018. The addressed focused question was: Is adjunctive LILT effective in the healing of donor palatine area after harvesting PCTG? Screening of the initially identified studies resulted in four clinical studies. All studies showed that LILT was effective in improving clinical outcomes, such as tissue thickness, postoperative discomfort, remaining wound area, and visual analog score at follow up. Upon comparison with the control group, two studies showed significantly greater improvements in the clinical parameters and patient-centered outcomes for LILT than control groups at follow up. Due to the low number of included clinical studies, it remains debatable whether LILT improves clinical and patient-centered outcomes of PCTG procedures. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to evaluate the outcomes of LILT on the healing of donor palatine area after harvesting PCTG.

2-Year Assessment of Tissue Biostimulation With Low-Level Laser on the Outcomes of Connective Tissue Graft in the Treatment of Single Gingival Recession: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal wound healing has been accelerated by different low-level laser therapy (LLLT) protocols. However, just a few studies have evaluated use of this therapy adjunctive to periodontal plastic surgery procedures. The present study shows 2-year results of a connective tissue graft (CTG) associated with LLLT in the treatment of gingival recession (GR) defects. METHODS: Forty patients presenting Miller Class I and II GRs were previously treated by CTG (control group; n = 20) or CTG + LLLT (test group; n = 20). A diode laser (aluminum-gallium-arsenide, 660 nm) was applied to test sites immediately after surgery and every other day for 14 days (total of eight applications). After a follow-up of 2 years, clinical and esthetic evaluations were performed in 36 patients. RESULTS: Mean percentage of root coverage was 93.43% for the test group and 92.32% for the control group (P = 0.55). Complete root coverage was 79% (n = 15) for the test group and 76% (n = 13) for the control group (n = 13) (P = 0.80). Both groups showed esthetics maintenance after 2 years. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, results indicate that LLLT showed no additional benefit in the long term when associated with a CTG in the treatment of Miller Class I and II GRs.

Adjunct Antimicrobial Therapy and Periodontal Surgery to Treat Generalized Aggressive Periodontitis: A Case Report.

Here we report a case of generalized aggressive periodontitis treated with periodontal therapy including adjunct antimicrobial therapy and periodontal surgery. The patient was a 22-year-old woman who presented with the chief complaint of gingival recession. Baseline examination revealed generalized plaque deposition and gingival inflammation. Thirty-nine percent of the sites had a probing depth (PD) of 4-6 mm and 2% a PD of ≥7 mm; 63% exhibited bleeding on probing (BOP). Radiographic examination revealed vertical bone loss in the molars and horizontal bone loss in other teeth. Microbiological examination of subgingival plaque revealed the presence of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Tannerella forsythia. Oral health-related quality of life was assessed as a measure of patient-reported outcome. Based on a clinical diagnosis of generalized aggressive periodontitis, initial periodontal therapy and adjunct antimicrobial therapy were implemented. After reducing inflammation and subgingival bacteria, open flap debridement was performed for teeth with a PD of ≥4 mm. Reevaluation showed no sites with a PD of ≥5 mm, a minimal level of BOP, and a marked reduction in the level of the targeted periodontal pathogens. The patient's oral health-related quality of life was slightly worsened during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT). Implementation of adjunct antimicrobial therapy targeting periodontal pathogens and subsequent periodontal surgery resulted in improvement in periodontal and microbiological parameters. This improvement has been adequately maintained over a 2-year period. However, additional care is necessary to further improve the patient's oral health-related quality of life during SPT.

Tratamiento de recesión única de clase III con injerto libre subepitelial mediante técnica de colgajo de doble papila reposicionado: informe de un caso clínico / Treatment of a single Class III recession combining free subepithelial connective tissue graft and a double papilla repositioned flap: report of a clinical case

Objetivo: mostrar y evaluar los resultados clínicos de un procedimiento de cirugía plástica periodontal, efectuada para cubrir una recesión radicular de clase III de Miller, con una técnica bilaminar. Además, analizar el aumento de la banda de encía y el cambio de biotipo gingival de la pieza dentaria. Caso clínico: paciente femenino de 30 años de edad, con una recesión gingival de Clase III de Miller por vestibular de la pieza 43 que no sobrepasa la línea mucogingival, con pérdida interproximal de tejidos duros y blandos. El tratamiento consiste en un colgajo de doble papila a espesor parcial, con injerto libre subepitelial tomado del paladar, con seguimiento a 1 año. Conclusiones: la técnica bilaminar es una solución viable en casos de recubrimiento radicular poco predecibles, como la recesión de clase III de Miller. El biotipo gingival se vio engrosado y la encía queratinizada no sufrió variaciones.

Root surface modifiers and subepithelial connective tissue graft for treatment of gingival recessions: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Many techniques and flap designs have been used to treat gingival recession by root coverage, but subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) seems to be the gold standard procedure. In an attempt to improve the healing process and increase the success rate of root coverage, some authors have used root modifiers, including different root conditioners, lasers, EMD, recombinant human growth factors and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effects of root biomodification in clinical outcomes of gingival recessions treated with SCTG. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Studies reporting SCTG associated with any form of root surface biomodification for root coverage of gingival recessions (Miller Class I and Class II) were considered as eligible for inclusion. Studies needed to have data of clinical outcomes in a follow up of at least 6 months. Screening of the articles, data extraction and quality assessment were conducted independently and in duplicate. RESULTS: None of the products evaluated (citric acid, EDTA, PRP, lasers and EMD) showed evident benefits in clinical outcomes. Test and control groups presented similar outcomes related to root coverage and periodontal parameters, with no statistical differences between them. The exception was root biomodification with the neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, which impaired root coverage and had a detrimental effect on clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: Based on the present clinical data, the use of root surface modifiers to improve clinical outcomes in gingival recessions treated with SCTG is not justified. More in vivo studies, and randomized clinical trials with larger sample sizes and extended follow up, are necessary.

Semilunar Coronally Advanced Flap with or without Low Level Laser Therapy in Treatment of Human Maxillary Multiple Adjacent Facial Gingival Recessions: A Clinical Study.

PURPOSE: Semilunar coronally advanced flap (SCAF) and its modifications or adjuncts have been proposed in the literature for root coverage. Low level laser therapy (LLLT) has been shown to enhance wound healing. The aim of this split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial was to assess the effects of LLLT application with respect to root coverage after SCAF procedure for the treatment of human maxillary multiple adjacent facial gingival recessions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten subjects with bilateral multiple adjacent maxillary facial gingival recession defects (Miller I and II) were included in this study (20 in test, 20 in control group). A diode laser (810 nm) at 0.3 watts was applied to test sites during and 1 week after surgery for 10 seconds. Comparisons of the surgical sites were made with clinical measurements. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed between test and control sites in the change in gingival recession depth, gingival recession width, clinical attachment level, and width of the keratinized tissue measurements after 6 months (p = 0.003, p = 0.001, p = 0.006, and p =< 0.001, respectively). The test group presented significantly greater complete root coverage (N = 18/20, 90%) compared with the control group (N = 6/20, 30%) at 6 months post-operatively. CONCLUSION: Within the confines of this study, the results depicted that a Low Level Laser Technique application may enhance the predictability of SCAF procedure. Further long-term studies with more sample sizes are needed for a stronger evidence base. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Gingival recessions are commonly encountered in dentistry and pose an esthetic concern. Minimal gingival recessions can be treated by a Semilunar Coronally Advanced Flap (SCAF), but the predictability and stability of the outcomes are quiet questionable. In the present report, a Low Level Laser Technique (LLLT) application adjunct to SCAF depicted a significant improvement in the predictability and stability of root coverage outcomes (for a period of 6 months) compared with as achieved by SCAF alone. From this report, it can be stated that LLLT may be effectively used in a day to day practice for enhancing the root coverage outcomes of SCAF.

Connective tissue graft associated or not with low laser therapy to treat gingival recession: randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the treatment of gingival recession with a connective tissue graft (CTG) alone or in combination with low-level laser therapy (CTG + L). METHODS: Forty patients presenting 40 Miller Class I and II gingival recessions were included. The defects were randomly assigned to receive either CTG (n = 20) or CTG + L (n = 20). A diode laser (660 nm) was applied to the test sites immediately after surgery and every other day for 7 days (eight applications). RESULTS: The mean percentage of root coverage was 91.9% for the test group and 89.48% for the control group after 6 months (p > 0.05). The test group presented more complete root coverage (n = 13, 65%) than the control group (n = 7, 35%) (p = 0.04). Dentine sensitivity decreased significantly after 6 months in both groups (p < 0.001). The two groups showed improvement in aesthetics at the end of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Low-level laser therapy may increase the percentage of complete root coverage when associated with CTG.

Interdisciplinary treatment of a periodontally compromised adult patient with multiple missing posterior teeth.

This article reports the comprehensive, interdisciplinary treatment of a 50-year-old periodontally compromised adult patient with multiple missing posterior teeth. After initial periodontal treatment, the maxillary first molars and right central incisor were intruded orthodontically. Miniscrews were used to intrude the maxillary first molars by 3 mm. The mandibular arch was restored with a tooth-supported overdenture. Root coverage of the maxillary right central incisor was performed using Alloderm (Biohorizons, Birmingham, Ala). At the end of the interdisciplinary therapy, the results were esthetically pleasing, with the patient's oral functions restored to the optimum. The emphasis of this report is to highlight the importance of integrating various specialties such as periodontics, orthodontics, endodontics, and restorative dentistry toward a common goal of improving the patient's oral health, function, and esthetics.

Long-term effect on tooth vitality of regenerative therapy in deep periodontal bony defects: a retrospective study.

Over the last few decades, many authors have investigated the effect of periodontal disease and treatment on pulpal status with controversial results. This study was conducted to verify whether periodontal disease in a deep intrabony defect and complex therapy, including aggressive root planing such as in periodontal regeneration, have an influence on tooth vitality. One hundred thirty-seven patients who fulfilled the requirements were included. The collected data did not support the need for "preventive" root canal treatment in severely compromised teeth that are planned to undergo periodontal regenerative surgery.

Clinical outcome of a nonsurgical and surgical treatment protocol in different types of peri-implantitis: a case series.

OBJECTIVE: The replacement of missing teeth with dental implants has been standard practice in dentistry for many years. The success of dental implants depends on many factors, among which the diagnosis, clinical severity, and treatment of peri-implant diseases play a key role. In this prospective case series, the influence of cumulative treatment modalities on peri-implantitis with and without pus formation on clinical outcome was assessed. METHOD AND MATERIALS: During 2010, 28 patients were referred for peri-implantitis treatment. They presented two different types of peri-implant diseases: peri-implantitis with (17 implants) or without pus formation (33 implants). After microbiologic diagnosis, all patients were treated at baseline with full-mouth scaling and root planing. Two months later, further full-mouth scaling and root planing and additional antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) was applied. Four months after baseline, patients with pus formation additionally underwent access flap surgery. Active human matrix metalloproteinase-8 (aMMP-8) levels were measured in eluates before and after all treatment modalities and 7 months after baseline. RESULTS: Clinical parameters (probing depth, bleeding on probing) and aMMP-8-levels improved in both groups after treatment and the final examination. In periimplantitis patients without pus formation, all parameters decreased after full-mouth scaling and root planing and the additional aPDT and no surgery was necessary to improve the parameters. In patients with pus formation, the parameters decreased only after access flap surgery. CONCLUSION: The presence of pus influences the clinical outcome of the treatment of peri-implant diseases. Whereas peri-implantitis cases without pus formation can be successfully managed nonsurgically, peri-implantitis with pus formation can be effectively treated after an additional observation time of 3 months postoperatively only with additional flap surgery.

Five-year results evaluating the effects of platelet-rich plasma on the healing of intrabony defects treated with enamel matrix derivative and natural bone mineral.

BACKGROUND: Regenerative periodontal surgery using the combination of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) and natural bone mineral (NBM) with and without addition of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been shown to result in substantial clinical improvements, but the long-term effects of this combination are unknown. METHODS: The goal of this study was to evaluate the long-term (5-year) outcomes after regenerative surgery of deep intrabony defects with either EMD + NBM + PRP or EMD + NBM. Twenty-four patients were included. In each patient, one intrabony defect was randomly treated with either EMD + NBM + PRP or EMD + NBM. Clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline and 1 and 5 years after treatment. The primary outcome variable was clinical attachment level (CAL). RESULTS: The sites treated with EMD + NBM + PRP demonstrated a mean CAL change from 10.5 ± 1.6 to 6.0 ± 1.7 mm (P <0.001) at 1 year and 6.2 ± 1.5 mm (P <0.001) at 5 years. EMD + NBM-treated defects showed a mean CAL change from 10.6 ± 1.7 to 6.1 ± 1.5 mm (P <0.001) at 1 year and 6.3 ± 1.4 mm (P <0.001) at 5 years. At 1 year, a CAL gain of ≥4 mm was measured in 83% (10 of 12) of the defects treated with EMD + NBM + PRP and in 100% (all 12) of the defects treated with EMD + NBM. Compared to baseline, in both groups at 5 years, a CAL gain of ≥4 mm was measured in 75% (nine of 12 in each group) of the defects. Four sites in the EMD + PRP + NBM group lost 1 mm of the CAL gained at 1 year. In the EMD + NBM group, one defect lost 2 mm and four other defects lost 1 mm of the CAL gained at 1 year. No statistically significant differences in any of the investigated parameters were observed between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Within their limits, the present results indicate that: 1) the clinical outcomes obtained with both treatments can be maintained up to a period of 5 years; and 2) the use of PRP does not appear to improve the results obtained with EMD + NBM.

Comparative evaluation of autologous platelet-rich fibrin and platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of mandibular degree II furcation defects: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of molar furcation defects remains a considerable challenge in clinical practice. The identification of clinical measurements influential to treatment outcomes is critical to optimize the results of surgical periodontal therapy. The present study aimed to explore the clinical and radiographical effectiveness of autologous platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of mandibular degree II furcation defects in subjects with chronic periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-two mandibular degree II furcation defects were treated with either autologous PRF with open flap debridement (OFD; 24 defects) or autologous PRP with OFD (25), or OFD alone (23). Clinical and radiological parameters such as probing depth, relative vertical clinical attachment level and horizontal clinical attachment level along with gingival marginal level were recorded at baseline and 9 mo postoperatively. RESULTS: All clinical and radiographic parameters showed statistically significant improvement at both the test sites (PRF with OFD and PRP with OFD) compared to those with OFD alone. Relative vertical clinical attachment level gain was also greater in PRF (2.87 ± 0.85 mm) and PRP (2.71 ± 1.04 mm) sites as compared to control site (1.37 ± 0.58 mm), and relative horizontal clinical attachment level gain was statistically significantly greater in both PRF and PRP than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The use of autologous PRF or PRP were both effective in the treatment of furcation defects with uneventful healing of sites.

Ten-year results following treatment of intrabony defects with an enamel matrix protein derivative combined with either a natural bone mineral or a ß-tricalcium phosphate.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the 10-year results following treatment of intrabony defects treated with an enamel matrix protein derivative (EMD) combined with either a natural bone mineral (NBM) or ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP). METHODS: Twenty-two patients with advanced chronic periodontitis and displaying one deep intrabony defect were randomly treated with a combination of either EMD + NBM or EMD + ß-TCP. Clinical evaluations were performed at baseline and at 1 and 10 years. The following parameters were evaluated: plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, gingival recession, and clinical attachment level (CAL). The primary outcome variable was CAL. RESULTS: The defects treated with EMD + NBM demonstrated a mean CAL change from 8.9 ± 1.5 mm to 5.3 ± 0.9 mm (P <0.001) and to 5.8 ± 1.1 mm (P <0.001) at 1 and 10 years, respectively. The sites treated with EMD + ß-TCP showed a mean CAL change from 9.1 ± 1.6 mm to 5.4 ± 1.1 mm (P <0.001) at 1 year and 6.1 ± 1.4 mm (P <0.001) at 10 years. At 10 years two defects in the EMD + NBM group had lost 2 mm, whereas two other defects had lost 1 mm of the CAL gained at 1 year. In the EMD + ß-TCP group three defects had lost 2 mm, whereas two other defects had lost 1 mm of the CAL gained at 1 year. Compared with baseline, at 10 years, a CAL gain of ≥3 mm was measured in 64% (i.e., seven of 11) of the defects in the EMD + NBM group and in 82% (i.e., nine of 11) of the defects in the EMD + ß-TCP group. No statistically significant differences were found between the 1- and 10-year values in either of the two groups. Between the treatment groups, no statistically significant differences in any of the investigated parameters were observed at 1 and 10 years. CONCLUSION: Within their limitations, the present findings indicate that the clinical improvements obtained with regenerative surgery using EMD + NBM or EMD + ß-TCP can be maintained over a period of 10 years.

Four-year results following treatment of intrabony periodontal defects with an enamel matrix derivative alone or combined with a biphasic calcium phosphate.

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.

Periodontal regeneration with enamel matrix derivative in reconstructive periodontal therapy: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) is commonly used in periodontal therapy. The aim of this systematic review is to give an updated answer to the question of whether the additional use of EMD in periodontal therapy is more effective compared with a control or other regenerative procedures. METHODS: A literature search in MEDLINE (PubMed) for the use of EMD in periodontal treatment was performed up to May 2010. The use of EMD in treatment of intrabony defects, furcations, and recessions was evaluated. Only randomized controlled trials with ≥1 year of follow-up were included. The primary outcome variable for intrabony defects was the change in clinical attachment level (CAL), for furcations the change in horizontal furcation depth, and for recession complete root coverage. RESULTS: After screening, 27 studies (20 for intrabony defects, one for furcation, and six for recession) were eligible for the review. A meta-analysis was performed for intrabony defects and recession. The treatment of intrabony defects with EMD showed a significant additional gain in CAL of 1.30 mm compared with open-flap debridement, EDTA, or placebo, but no significant difference compared with resorbable membranes was shown. The use of EMD in combination with a coronally advanced flap compared with a coronally advanced flap alone showed significantly more complete root coverage (odds ratio of 3.5), but compared with a connective tissue graft, the result was not significantly different. The use of EMD in furcations (2.6 ± 1.8 mm) gave significantly more improvement in horizontal defect depth compared with resorbable membranes (1.9 ± 1.4 mm) as shown in one study. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of intrabony defects, the use of EMD is superior to control treatments but as effective as resorbable membranes. The additional use of EMD with a coronally advanced flap for recession coverage will give superior results compared with a control but is as effective as a connective tissue graft. The use of EMD in furcations will give more reduction in horizontal furcation defect depth compared with resorbable membranes.