Comparative effectiveness of various regenerative modalities for the treatment of localized juvenile periodontitis

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of surgical debridement versus various guided tissue regeneration techniques for the treatment of localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP). Seven patients, 14 to 18 years old, were selected on the basis of having; 1) vertical bone loss on at least 3 first molars; 2) probing attachment loss > or = 5 mm; 3) presence of Actinobacillus actinomycetecomitans (Aa) as determined by the DNA probe test; 4) no systemic diseases; and 5) not taken antibiotics for 6 months prior to treatment. Each patient was randomly assigned by first molar involvement to one of four treatment modalities: 1) surgical debridement alone (DEBR); 2) ePTFE membrane alone (G); 3) ePTFE membrane plus root conditioning (G + D); or 4) ePTFE membrane plus root conditioning plus composite graft (G + D + B). Standardized clinical attachment level measurements (CAL) were taken at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months. Hard tissue measurements were evaluated radiographically (RAD) at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months, and volumetrically at baseline and 12 months post-surgery. At 12 months re-entry, all residual defects were re-treated with a composite graft consisting of calcium sulfate + DFDBA + doxycycline. Results were evaluated 6 months post-retreatment using CAL and RAD measurements. Statistical analysis of the data showed: 1) a significant gain in clinical attachment as well as increased volumetric bone fill of the defects 12 and 18 months following the various treatment modalities when compared to baseline (P < 0.05); and 2) no statistically significant differences among the tested treatment modalities and surgical debridement alone for all parameters (P > 0.05).