Clinical and radiographic evaluation of periodontal therapy using enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain).

The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcome following the application of enamel matrix derivative--Emdogain in the treatment of the bone defects due to periodontitis. The study included 25 generally healthy patients with advanced periodontitis. Clinical and radiographic examination was carried out twice: before the procedure and a year after treatment. The following clinical parameters were evaluated: probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and gingival recession (GR). Defect depth, width and bone defect fill were assessed on the radiographs. A year after surgery the follow-up examination found a significant improvement of clinical parameters. The mean depth of gingival pockets was reduced from 8.76 +/- 1.74 mm to 4.52 +/- 1.56 mm. The mean CAL value was also decreased from 10.72 +/- 1.56 mm to 7.82 +/- 1.68 mm. Analysis of radiographs showed a statistically significant reduction in depth and width of bone defects. Our results indicate a good clinical and radiographic effect following the application of Emdogain in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects.