Guided tissue regeneration for the treatment of intraosseous defects using a biabsorbable membrane A controlled clinical study

. The aim of this controlled, clinical study was to evaluate guided tissue regeneration using a bioabsorbable membrane in periodontal intraosscous defects. Forty patients, each contributing one defect ≥4 mm in depth participated. The control group (18 individuals) received conventional flap therapy, while the test group (22 individuals) was treated using the bioabsorbable membrane, Guidor®. Clinical assessments were made by one examiner, blinded with respect to treatment group, at baseline. 6 and 12 months following surgery. Baseline probing pocket depths of 7.7±1.4 mm in the membrane group and 7.6±1.9 mm in the control group were measured. Twelve month results showed a significant clinical attachment level gain in both control (1.1 ± 1.8 mm), and membrane group (1.3±2.1 mm). Probing pocket depth reduction of 2. 6±1.9 mm and 2.7±1.9 mm was observed in the respective groups. Bone sounding showed a non‐significant gain of 0. 4±1.8 mm and 0.6±1.4 mm at membrane and control sites, respectively. Radiographic evaluation confirmed these results. There were no significant differences found between treatment groups for any of the tested variables. Smoking had a negative effect on healing in both groups. In conclusion, clinical and radiographic results indicate that guided tissue regeneration using a bioabsorbable membrane at intraosseous defects did not predictably achieve greater clinical attachment level gain nor bone gain when compared to conventional flap therapy.