Healing in periodontal defects treated by decalcified freeze-dried bone allografts in combination with ePTFE membranes (I). Clinical and scanning electron microscope analysis.

This study clinically evaluates the use of decalcified freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) in conjunction with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) membrane specifically designed for the treatment of interproximal intraosseous defects. It also examines by SEM, plaque contaminated membranes retrieved from patients. 15 advanced periodontitis patients with two bilateral interproximal probing depths of > or = 6 mm participated. After hygiene phase, measurements were made to determined soft tissue recession, pocket depth, clinical attachment levels and amount of keratinized tissue. Defects from each pair were randomly treated with ePTFE plus DFDBA (experimental) or DFDBA alone (control). Measurements were made during the surgery to determine crestal resorption, defect resolution and defect fill. Membranes were removed at 4 to 6 weeks and analyzed by SEM. Each site was surgically reentered and measurements repeated at six months. Both groups showed clinical and statistically significant changes when compared to baseline (P < 0.01), but no difference between groups. The experimental group showed increased soft tissue recession vs control group, 0.9 versus 0.4 mm, and loss of keratinized tissue 1.6 versus 0.1 mm (P < 0.0001). Control sites showed a 58% bone fill while experimental sites had 70% bone fill. There were no clear patterns of microbial colonization or cell adherences in either side of the membrane. It was concluded that the presence of plaque on the membranes did not compromise the initial clinical healing during the first 4-6 weeks. Results suggest a beneficial effect with the use of either technique for the treatment of intraosseous defects.