ROOT CONDITIONING USING EDTA GEL AS AN ADJUNCT TO SURGICAL THERAPY FOR THE TREATMENT OF INTRAOSSEOUS PERIODONTAL DEFECTS

The aim of this clinical study was to compare the treatment outcome fo llowing root surface conditioning using an EDTA gel preparation in con junction with surgical therapy with that following conventional flap s urgery in periodontal intraosseous defects. 36 patients, each of them contributing one intraosseous defect greater than or equal to 4 mm in depth participated. Defect sites had a probing pocket depth greater th an or equal to 5 mm and bled on probing following hygienic treatment p hase. No furcation involvement or endodontic complications were presen t. In the EDTA group, 18 consecutive patients, defects were treated by root conditioning with EDTA gel for 3 minutes in combination with sur gical therapy. In the control group, 18 patients, conventional flap su rgery was performed without root conditioning. Chlorhexidine rinsings 0.2% were prescribed following surgery for 2-3 weeks with modified ora l hygiene instruction. A strict recall program was implemented includi ng professional prophylaxis and oral hygiene reinforcement every 4-6 w eeks until 6-month re-evaluation. Baseline probing pocket depths and d efect depths of 7.1+/-1.3 mm and 6.9+/-1.6 mm in the EDTA group and 7. 6+/-1.9 mm and 6.6+/-1.7 mm, respectively, in the control group were m easured. 6-month clinical results showed a significant probing attachm ent level gain of 1.8+/-1.5 mm and 1.0+/-1.7 mm in the EDTA and contro l groups respectively. A probing bone gain of 1.0+/-1.3 mm in the EDTA group was measured with a non-significant gain of 0.4+/-1.2 mm in the control group. Radiographic analysis confirmed these results. There w ere no statistically significant differences in treatment outcome betw een the group treated by root conditioning in combination with flap su rgery and conventional flap surgery alone.