Guided Tissue Regeneration Associated With Bovine‐Derived Anorganic Bone in Mandibular Class II Furcation Defects. 6‐Month Results at Re‐Entry

BACKGROUND: The use of graft materials with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) in Class II furcation defects is aimed at improving the outcome of the regenerative technique. In this regard, however, there are a limited number of studies discussing the results obtained when GTR and graft materials are used in the treatment of Class II furcation defects. Furthermore, most studies employ either allogeneic or autogenous materials. The present trial sought to determine whether the use of a bovine-derived anorganic bone (ABB) in conjunction with GTR influenced the outcome of mandibular Class II furcation treatment. METHODS: This study included 14 patients who provided 15 pairs of similar periodontal defects. Each defect was randomly assigned to treatment with either a cellulose membrane in combination with bovine-derived anorganic bone (GTR+ABB) or membrane alone (GTR). Following basic therapy, baseline measurements were recorded including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival margin position (GMP). Hard tissue measurements were performed during surgery to determine alveolar crestal height (CEJ-AC), and vertical (VDD) and horizontal defect depth (HDD). Membranes remained in position for at least 4 weeks. After 6 months, all sites were re-entered and soft and hard tissue measurements were recorded. RESULTS: Both surgical procedures resulted in statistically significant probing depth reduction and gain in clinical attachment levels, with no significant difference between groups. Gingival recession was more pronounced in the GTR+ABB group (0.87 +/- 0.83 mm), but not statistically different from the GTR group (0.46 +/- 1.19 mm). Vertical defect resolution was significant in both groups (GTR: 1.60 +/- 1.50 mm; GTR+ABB: 1.80 +/- 2.11 mm), without differences between groups. Only horizontal furcation resolution (GTR: 2.47 +/- 0.99 mm; GTR+ABB: 3.27 +/- 1.39 mm) was significantly different between groups (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of ABB with GTR techniques improved horizontal defect resolution in mandibular Class II furcation defects, but did not yield superior results regarding soft tissue changes when compared to sites treated with GTR alone. Evaluation of a larger sample could indicate differences and advantages between the evaluated approaches and confirm the real necessity of associating filling materials with GTR.