Periodontal regeneration following application of basic fibroblast growth factor-2 in combination with beta tricalcium phosphate in class III furcation defects in dogs.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of tunnel structured β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) on the regenerative potential of basic fibroblast growth factor-2 (bFGF-2) in class III furcation defects in dogs. The furcations of 30 mandibular premolar teeth received: 1) 0.3% bFGF-2 solution in conjunction with β-TCP; 2) 0.3% bFGF-2 solution; and 3) no implant material (Control group). The dogs were sacrificed 8 weeks post-surgery, and healing was evaluated histologically. New bone formation was significantly greater in the bFGF-2/β-TCP group compared to the bFGF-2 solution and Control groups (p<0.01). New cementum formation in the bFGF-2/β-TCP and bFGF-2 solution groups was significantly greater than that in the Control group (p<0.01). These findings suggested that bFGF-2 alone enhances connective tissue attachment in a manner similar to the combination of bFGF-2 and β-TCP. Furthermore, this combination enhances bone formation up to the fornix in class III furcation defects.