Clinical comparison of resorbable and non-resorbable barriers for guided periodontal tissue regeneration

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical results of guided periodontal tissue regeneration (GPTR) using a resorbable barrier manufactured from a copolymer of polylactic and polyglycolic acids (Resolut Regenerative Material) with those of non-resorbable e-PTFE barrier (Gore-Tex Periodontal Material). 12 subjects participated, 6 with similarly paired class II furcations and 6 with 2 similar 2, 3-wall periodontal lesions. The resorbable and non-resorbable barriers were randomly assigned to 1 defect in each subject. Non-resorbable barriers were removed in six weeks. Plaque index (PlI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and gingival recession (R) were recorded at baseline, (i.e., immediately prior to surgery) and at 12 months postsurgically. The clinical healing was similar and uneventful in both groups. Intrabony pockets depicted significant changes from baseline (p < 0.05) for probing depth reduction and gain in clinical attachment levels. No differences were found between treatments. Class II furcations showed significant improvements from baseline (p < or = 0.05) for probing depth reduction and clinical attachment gain. No differences were detected between treatments. It is concluded that the resorbable barrier tested is as effective as the nonresorbable e-PTFE barrier for the treatment of class II furcations and intrabony defects.