Clinical Evaluation of an Allogeneic Bone Matrix in the Treatment of Periodontal Osseous Defects

The objective of this study was to evaluate an allogeneic bone matrix (ABM) as a graft material for the treatment of periodontal osseous defects. ABM is allogeneic demineralized freeze-dried human bone which has been processed to eliminate contaminating lipids, serum proteins, and cellular components which, when present, have the potential to reduce the osteoinductive capacity of the graft. ABM is provided in a glycerine delivery suspension which enhances graft stability and ease in placement. Paired osseous defects, ranging in depth from 3 to 12 mm, within 11 patients, were randomized to receive ABM or demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA). Probing depth, clinical attachment level, bone fill, and defect resolution were determined at baseline and at the 6-month re-entry procedure. Standardized radiographs and computer-assisted densitometric image analysis (CADIA) were used to assess bone density changes. Complete bone defect resolution was seen in 7 of 11 defects receiving ABM, and in 5 of 11 defects with the use of DFDBA. Mean defect fill with ABM was 69% (33 to 100%) compared to 77% (66 to 100%) with DFDBA. Soft tissue healing without clinical evidence of tissue reaction to ABM was observed. ABM and DFDBA sites exhibited similar probing depth reduction of 4.0 and 4.6 mm, respectively. In sites with initial probing depth of 7 mm or more, probing depths were reduced a mean of 5.8 mm with ABM and 6.7 mm with DFDBA; both grafts resulted in a mean 4 mm of attachment gain. Results of radiographic analysis suggest similar density changes with each graft. These results demonstrate that both treatments were effective and that ABM may be a useful graft material in the treatment of periodontal osseous defects. J Periodontol 1995;66:1074-1079.