[The use of beta-tricalcium phosphate and bovine bone matrix in the guided tissue regeneration treatment of deep infra-bony defects].

INTRODUCTION: The primary goal of bone regeneration procedures with application of various regenerative biologic agents and biomaterials is to facilitate the formation of periodontal tissues lost as a result of periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to compare clinical outcome of the guided tissue regeneration (GTR) treatment with the use of beta-tricalcium phosphate and with bovine bone matrix in human deep intra-osseous defects.

METHODS: Twenty-one systemically healthy subjects with moderate to advanced periodontitis, between 30 and 56 years of age, 11 females and 10 males, were selected. Patients having two similar inter-proximal defects with pocket probing depths following initial therapy greater than 5 mm were recruited for the study. Experimental sites were grafted with pure beta-tricalcium phosphate biomaterial (Cerasorb) and a biomembrane, while control sites were treated with bovine-bone hydroxiapatite xenograft (Bio-oss) and a biomembrane. Immediately before surgery and 12 months after surgery, pocket probing depth (PPD), epithelial attachment level (EAL) and gingival recession (GR) were evaluated.

RESULTS: In the experimental group PPD amounted to 6.76 +/- 0.83 mm before surgery, and decreased significantly to 2.67 +/- 0.48 mm 12 months following surgery, while in the control group PPD significantly decreased from 7.14 +/- 0.65 mm presurgically to 2.85 +/- 0.57 mm postsurgically. After one year, EAL gain was 2.76 +/- 0.99 mm in the experimental group, and 3.24 +/- 0.16 mm in the control group. After twelve months postoperatively GR amounted to 1.33 +/- 0.79 mm in the experimental group and to 1.05 +/- 0.80 mm in the control group. No statistically significant differences for PPD reduction, EAL gain and GR increase were detected between the groups.

CONCLUSION: Results from the present study indicate that GTR treatment of deep intra-osseous defects with Bio-oss and Cerasorb resulted in clinically and statistically significant improvement of EAL gain and PPD reduction. A GR was slightly increased, with no statistical significance.