Guided tissue regeneration in the treatment of furcation defects in mandibular molars. A clinical study of degree III involvements.

Abstract

The present investigation was designed to evaluate the regenerative potential of the periodontal tissues in degree III furcation defects at mandibular molars using a treatment procedure based on the principle of guided tissue regeneration. The patient sample included 21 patients, 26-65 years of age, who presented periodontal lesions in the right and left molar regions including "through and through" furcation defects. After an initial examination, each patient was subjected to a series of full-mouth scaling and root planing. 2-3 months later, they were recalled for a baseline examination. The furcation-involved molars were randomly assigned in each patient to either a test or a control treatment procedure. The test procedure included the elevation of muco-periosteal flaps at the buccal and lingual aspects of the molars. Granulation tissue was removed and the exposed root surfaces were debrided and planed. The width and the height of the entrance openings to the furcation defects were assessed. A teflon membrane was adjusted to cover the entrances to the defects (buccal and lingual) and was retained in the manner described by Pontoriero et al. (1988). The flaps were repositioned on the outer surface of the membrane and secured by sutures which were removed after 10 days. Following surgery, the patients were instructed to rinse the mouth twice daily for 4 weeks with chlorhexidine gluconate. The membranes were removed after a healing period of 1-2 months. A surgical procedure identical to the test procedure was performed in the control tooth regions with the exception of the placement of membranes.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)