Reconstruction of anatomically complicated periodontal defects using a bioresorbable GTR barrier supported by bone mineral. A 6-month follow-up studyof 6 cases

6 anatomically complicated periodontal intrabony defects in 6 patients were surgically reconstructed using a bioresorbable GTR barrier supported by ca ncellous bovine bone mineral. Following cause-related periodontal treatment , open-flap surgery was performed to expose the defects. After debridement, the defects were filled with the bone mineral and covered with the barrier . All patients were advised to rinse 2X daily with an 0.2% chlorhexidine di gluconate solution and to avoid brushing in the operated area for 6 weeks. The treatment results were evaluated clinically and radiographically 6 mont hs after surgery. All defects healed uneventfully and all patients maintain ed a high standard of plaque control throughout the study. Probing assessme nts during surgery showed a bone defect depth and width of on average 7.2 a nd 2.5 mm. The corresponding measures on presurgical intra-oral radiographs were 7.9 and 2.6 mm, respectively. Clinical attachment level (CAL) gain av eraged 5.3 mm, corresponding to 73% of the original bone defect depth. Radi ographically, the defect hh averaged 6.2 mm or 80% of the original radiogra phic bone defect. It was concluded that the placement of bovine bone minera l beneath bioresorbable GTR barriers facilitates the clinical handling of t he barrier and enhances the space for potential periodontal reconstruction of anatomically complicated defects. It remains, however, to be ascertained to what degree the achieved clinical and radiographic results reflect a ga in in new connective tissue attachment and alveolar bone.