Treatment of intrabony periodontal defects with enamel matrix derivative in private practice: a long-term retrospective study.

The present study describes treatment of intrabony periodontal defects with enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in private practice. Ten patients with clinical diagnosis of chronic periodontitis were subjected to data analysis. A total of 18 teeth with various osseous defects received regenerative therapy with EMD, and were followed for a minimum of 2 years. Treatment of the intrabony defects with EMD led to a statistically significant improvement in the mean value of probing depth at 1-year when compared with at the baseline (p<0.01). Reduction in probing depth was achieved with minimal recession of the gingival margin, and was maintained over the 2-year observation period with no significant change. Mean values of attachment gain at 1 and 2 years were of clinical significance: 3.39+/-1.46 mm and 3.22+/-1.40 mm, respectively. Although one tooth was extracted because of subsequent loss of attachment and bone, most teeth treated have been successfully maintained for 2 to 7 years with no significant signs of disease progression. In conclusion, EMD treatment of intrabony osseous defects yielded clinically favorable responses. The gain in clinical attachment can be longitudinally maintained in a private practice setting. Further controlled studies are needed to elucidate the clinical significance of EMD treatment.