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The Use of a Synthetic Skin Substitute as a Physical Barrier to Enhance Healing in Human Periodontal Furcation Defects: A Follow‐Up Report
Author(s) -
Flanary Deidra B.,
Twohey Sheila M.,
Gray Jonathan L.,
Mellonig James T.,
Gher Marlin E.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
journal of periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.036
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1943-3670
pISSN - 0022-3492
DOI - 10.1902/jop.1991.62.11.684
Subject(s) - furcation defect , debridement (dental) , dentistry , molar , medicine , wound healing , periodontitis , surgery
T he purpose of this investigation is to compare the clinical response of guided tissue regeneration using a synthetic wound dressing with open flap debridement versus open flap debridement alone in the treatment of human furcation defects. The study group was composed of 19 patients with moderate to advanced adult periodontitis and at least one bilateral pair of Class II molar furcation defects. After the hygiene phase of therapy was completed, measurements were made with calibrated periodontal probes of the clinical attachment levels, probing depths, and soft tissue recession. Paired sites were randomly selected for treatment with either open flap debridement alone (control) or open flap debridement and placement of the synthetic wound dressing over the furcation (experimental). At the time of surgery, measurements of vertical and horizontal open probing attachment were recorded. The dressing was removed 5 to 6 weeks post‐surgery. The sites were reentered at 6 months to evaluate healing and to repeat all measurements. Statistical comparisons using the Wilcoxon Sign Rank Test were made between the control and experimental sites. The results of 19 pairs of Class II molar furcation defects reveal statistically significant differences between the experimental and control sites in attachment levels, probing depths, and horizontal open probing attachment. These differences were of such small magnitude that they may not be clinically relevant. There were no other significant differences for any other clinical parameter, and none of the furcations in either group was completely closed. In conclusion, the synthetic wound dressing as used in this study in comparison with open flap debridement showed a small, but statistically significant, improvement in attachment levels and horizontal probing of Class II molar furcation defects. J Periodontol 1991; 62:684–689 .