Clinical Evaluation of an Enamel Matrix Protein Derivative Combined With Either a Natural Bone Mineral or β‐Tricalcium Phosphate

Background: The purpose of the present study was to compare the healing of deep intrabony defects following treatment with an enamel matrix protein derivative (EMD) combined with either a natural bone mineral (NBM) or β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP). Methods: Twenty‐four patients with advanced periodontal disease, each of whom displayed one intrabony defect, were randomly treated with a combination of either EMD + NBM or EMD + β‐TCP. Clinical evaluation was performed at baseline and 1 year following therapy. Results: No differences in any of the investigated parameters were observed at baseline between the two groups. Healing was uneventful in all patients. At 1 year after therapy, the sites treated with EMD + NBM showed a reduction in mean probing depth (PD) from 7.9 ± 1.0 mm to 3.2 ± 0.6 mm and a change in mean clinical attachment level (CAL) from 8.8 ± 1.1 mm to 4.5 ± 0.6 mm ( P <0.001). In the group treated with EMD + β‐TCP, the mean PD was reduced from 7.8 ± 1.2 mm to 3.2 ± 0.9 mm, and the mean CAL changed from 8.8 ± 1.2 mm to 4.7 ± 1.2 mm ( P <0.001). In both groups, all sites gained at least 3 mm of CAL. CAL gains of 4 or 5 mm were measured in the majority of the cases (75%), irrespective of treatment modality. No statistically significant differences in terms of PD reductions and CAL gains were observed between the two groups. Conclusion: Within the limits of the present study, both therapies resulted in significant PD reductions and CAL gains 1 year after surgery.