Treatment of intrabony periodontal defects with enamel matrix derivative in private practice: a long-term...

The present study describes treatment of intrabony periodontal defects with enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in private practice. Ten patients with clinical diagnosis of chronic periodontitis were subjected to data analysis. A total of 18 teeth with various osseous defects received regenerative therapy with EMD, and were followed for a minimum of 2 years. Treatment of the intrabony defects with EMD led to a statistically significant improvement in the mean value of probing depth at 1-year when compared with at the baseline (p<0.01). Reduction in probing depth was achieved with minimal recession of the gingival margin, and was maintained over the 2-year observation period with no significant change. Mean values of attachment gain at 1 and 2 years were of clinical significance: 3.39+/-1.46 mm and 3.22+/-1.40 mm, respectively. Although one tooth was extracted because of subsequent loss of attachment and bone, most teeth treated have been successfully maintained for 2 to 7 years with no significant signs of disease progression. In conclusion, EMD treatment of intrabony osseous defects yielded clinically favorable responses. The gain in clinical attachment can be longitudinally maintained in a private practice setting. Further controlled studies are needed to elucidate the clinical significance of EMD treatment.