Clinical evaluation of an enamel matrix derivative and a bioresorbable membrane in the treatment of degree III mandibular furcation involvement: a series of nine patients.

The present study evaluated the effect of combining an enamel matrix derivative (EMD) and a bioresorbable membrane (GTR) in the surgical treatment of degree III mandibular furcation involvements. Nine patients with chronic periodontitis, presenting a total of 14 degree III mandibular furcation involvements, were included in the study. Surgical treatment of the defects was randomly assigned: (1) EMD (four defects); (2) GTR (three defects); and (3) EMD and GTR (seven defects). The degree of involvement was assessed prior to surgery and after 6 and 12 months by measuring the probing attachment level in the horizontal and vertical directions at the furcation site. At 6 and 12 months, partial closure of the involvements had occurred in approximately half of the treated furcations, and the vertical probing level consistently improved following all three treatment modalities. The results suggest that all three treatment modalities may improve healing following surgical treatment of degree III mandibular furcation involvements. However, further studies are needed to examine the clinical significance of these results and the histologic characteristics of the healing following application of EMD.