INITIAL STUDY OF GUIDED TISSUE REGENERATION IN CLASS-II FURCATION DEFECTS AFTER USE OF A BIODEGRADABLE BARRIER

This study evaluated guided tissue regeneration in Class II furcation defects after use of a polylactic acid biodegradable barrier in nine p atients with mandibular molar defects. Following an initial hygienic p hase, surgical flaps were elevated, and the sites were scaled and root planed. Defect perimeter was measured, and a customized barrier (600 to 750 mm thick) that adhered directly to tooth and bone was applied. At baseline, sites were measured for probing depth (6.2+/-0.5 mm), gin gival margin location (-0.6+/-0.6 mm), and attachment level both verti cally (6.9+/-0.7 mm) and horizontally (5.3+/-0.5 mm). Clinically, barr iers fragmented and became displaced in 3 to 6 weeks. Substantial gran ulation tissue was sometimes present between barrier and root surfaces . Six months postsurgery, gingival margin location was close to the pr esurgical level (-0.4+/-0.8 mm). There was clinically and statisticall y significant improvement in all other parameters: a mean reduction of 3.1 mm in probing depth, a gain of 3.3 mm in vertical attachment leve l, and a gain of 3.0 mm in horizontal attachment level. These results suggested favorable regenerative outcomes.