Clinical and radiographic evaluation of bone healing following periodontal surgery in intrabony defects

In recent years, ABM/P-15, anorganic bovine-derived hydroxyapatite matrix (ABM) coupled with a synthetic cell-binding (P-15), has been used for the purpose of periodontal regeneration. However, limited clinical and radiographical analysis has been obtained following usage of ABM/P-15 in intrabony defects. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze clinical and radiographic effectiveness of ABM/P-15 in the treatment of intrabony defects. A total of 38 defects in 16 subjects were treated: 19 were treated with open flap debridement (control) and the remaining 19 were treated with ABM/P-15 (test). Prior to the surgical phase, patients were enrolled in a strict periodontal program including oral hygiene instructions. Clinical recordings were assessed at baseline, 6 and 12 months post-surgery. Standardized digital radiographs were assessed using subtraction analysis. Test and control treatment produced a significant clinical attachment level (CAL) decrease and probing depth (PPD) reduction at both 6 and 12 months with respect to baseline value. At 6 and 12 months no significant differences in any of the clinical parameters were observed between groups. ABM/P-15 yielded significantly more bone fill than conventional surgery at 6 and 12 months postsurgically. The results of the present study indicate that both surgical treatments have determined a clinically and statistically significant improvement in terms of CAL gain, PPD reduction and defect fill when used for the treatment of deep intra-osseous defects. However, compared to conventional surgery, ABM/P-15 appears to support greater improvements in hard tissue than soft tissue parameters. Further long-term randomized controlled studies are needed to better assess the role of ABM/P-15 in long-term healing of periodontal osseous defects. Keywords: ABM/P-15, periodontal regeneration, intrabony defects, subtraction radiography.