Guided tissue regeneration in human furcation defects after using a biodegradable barrier: a multi-center feasibility...

This multi-center study evaluated guided tissue regeneration (GTR) in Class II furcation defects using a polylactic acid biodegradable barrier in 29 patients with mandibular and maxillary molar defects. Following an initial hygienic phase, surgical flaps were elevated, and the sites scaled and root planed. Furcation defect perimeter was measured and a customized barrier (thickness 600 to 750 mu) was applied to cover the defect. Barriers adhered directly to tooth and bone. At baseline, sites were measured for probing depth (PD) (6.0 +/- 0.2 [SE] mm), gingival margin location (GML) (-0.2 +/- 0.2 mm), and attachment level in both vertical (AL-V) (6.2 +/- 0.2 mm) and horizontal (AL-H) (5.4 +/- 0.2 mm) directions. After the surgical procedure, there was good compatibility between the gingival tissues and barrier material. Clinically, barriers fragmented and became displaced in 3 to 6 weeks. Substantial granulation tissue was sometimes present between barrier and root surfaces. Comprehensive periodontal examination parameters were measured 3, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months after baseline. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to evaluate changes from baseline. At 6 and 12 months postsurgery, GML was close to the presurgical level (-0.5 +/- 0.2 mm). There was clinically and statistically significant improvement in all other parameters: mean PD reduction (2.2 mm), AL-V gain (1.7 mm), and AL-H gain (2.5 mm). These results indicated favorable clinical regenerative outcomes after using this barrier material in Class II furcation defects in humans.