Enhancing Periodontal Health Through Regenerative Approaches Periodontal Regeneration — Furcation Defects: Practical Applications From the AAP Regeneration Workshop

therapiesimproveperiodontalhealth,asevidencedbygainsinclinicalattachmentlevel,reductionsinprobingdepth,andgains in radiographic bone fill. Important patient-related factors (e.g., smoking) and defect/site-related factors (e.g., defect morphologyandgingivalbiotype)caninfluencethepotentialtoachieveperiodontalregeneration.Theregenerationofintrabonydefects generally becomes more challenging with increasing loss of height, proximity, and number of bony walls. Therefore, combination therapies may be necessary to achieve predictable regeneration. Clinical improvements after regenerative therapy can be maintainedoverextendedperiods(‡10years)withprofessionalmaintenanceatappropriateintervalsandadequatehomecare. Conclusions: Periodontal regeneration of intrabony defects is possible using a variety of regenerative strategies. Management should be coupled with an effective oral hygiene and supportive periodontal maintenance program for long-term success. Clin Adv Periodontics 2015;5:21-29.