Platelet‐Rich Fibrin Combined With a Porous Hydroxyapatite Graft for the Treatment of 3‐Wall Intrabony Defects in Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Porous hydroxyapatite (HA) bone grafting material has been used to fill periodontal intrabony defects (IBDs), resulting in clinically acceptable responses. Platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) is a leukocyte and platelet preparation that concentrates various polypeptide growth factors and, therefore, has the potential for use as regenerative treatment for periodontal defects. The present study aims to explore the clinical and radiographic effectiveness of autologous PRF versus PRF + HA in treatment of IBDs in patients with chronic periodontitis. Methods: Ninety IBDs were treated with autologous PRF with open‐flap debridement (OFD), PRF + HA with OFD, or OFD (controls) alone. Clinical and radiologic parameters, including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), IBD depth, and percentage defect fill were recorded at baseline and 9 months postoperatively. Results: Mean PD reduction was greater in PRF (3.90 ± 1.09 mm) and PRF + HA (4.27 ± 0.98 mm) groups than the control group (2.97 ± 0.93 mm), and mean CAL gain was greater in PRF (3.03 ± 1.16 mm) and PRF + HA (3.67 ± 1.03 mm) compared to controls (2.67 ± 1.09 mm). Furthermore, significantly greater percentage of mean bone fill was found in the PRF (56.46% ± 9.26%) and PRF + HA (63.39% ± 16.52%) groups compared to controls (15.96% ± 13.91%). Conclusions: Treatment of IBD with PRF results in significant improvements of clinical parameters compared to baseline. When added to PRF, HA increases the regenerative effects observed with PRF in the treatment of 3‐wall IBDs.     

Platelet‐Rich Fibrin With 1.2% Rosuvastatin for Treatment of Intrabony Defects in Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Regenerative periodontal therapy encompasses use of various bioactive agents that are not only inflammomodulatory but also osteoclast‐inhibitory or, rather, osteostimulative. Hypolipidemic statin drugs, particularly rosuvastatin (RSV), are known to be associated with alveolar bone formation and periodontal improvements. Platelet analogs such as platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF), being rich sources of growth factors, have also come into widespread periodontal regenerative use. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare efficacy of open flap debridement (OFD) with or without PRF or PRF + 1.2% RSV gel in treatment of intrabony defects (IBDs) in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP). Methods: Ninety individuals with a total of 90 IBDs were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: 1) OFD alone; 2) OFD + PRF; and 3) OFD + PRF + 1.2% RSV gel placement. Measurements recorded at baseline and 9 months after surgery were: 1) plaque index (PI); 2) modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI); 3) probing depth (PD); 4) clinical attachment level (CAL); and 5) IBD depth. Results: Significant PI and mSBI reductions were observed in all three groups. PRF placement significantly enhanced improvements in periodontal parameters compared with OFD alone. Addition of 1.2% RSV gel to PRF resulted in significantly greater CAL gain and PD and IBD depth reductions over 9 months compared with other groups. Conclusion: OFD with RSV (1.2%) and PRF results in significantly greater periodontal benefits compared with OFD alone or with PRF.     

Platelet‐Rich Fibrin Combined With 1.2% Atorvastatin for Treatment of Intrabony Defects in Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF), a second‐generation platelet concentrate, and atorvastatin (ATV), a potent member of the statin group, are known to promote tissue regeneration. The current study is designed to evaluate combined efficacy of PRF and 1.2% ATV gel with open flap debridement (OFD) in treatment of intrabony defects (IBDs) in individuals with chronic periodontitis (CP). Methods: Ninety‐six individuals with single defects were categorized into three groups: 1) OFD with PRF; 2) OFD with PRF + 1.2% ATV; and 3) OFD alone. Clinical parameters: 1) site‐specific plaque index; 2) modified sulcus bleeding index; 3) probing depth (PD); 4) relative clinical attachment level (rCAL); and 5) gingival marginal level were recorded at baseline before surgery and 9 months postoperatively. Percentage radiographic IBD depth reduction was evaluated at baseline and 9 months. Results: PRF + 1.2% ATV and PRF alone showed significantly greater PD reduction and rCAL gain compared with OFD alone at 9 months. Furthermore, PRF + 1.2% ATV showed a similar percentage radiographic defect depth reduction (50.96% ± 4.88%) compared with PRF alone (47.91% ± 4.79%), and a greater reduction compared with OFD alone (5.54% ± 1.71%) at 9 months. Conclusions: PRF + 1.2% ATV showed similar improvements in clinical parameters with a greater percentage radiographic defect depth reduction compared with PRF alone in treatment of IBDs in individuals with CP. Thus, 1.2% ATV failed to augment the regenerative potential of PRF alone in periodontal IBDs.     

Crevicular Fluid Growth Factors Release Profile Following the Use of Platelet‐Rich Fibrin and Plasma Rich Growth Factors in Treating Periodontal Intrabony Defects: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: The open, usually contaminated nature of periodontal defects could negatively affect availability and activity of platelet concentrate–suggested growth factors (GF). The aim of this study is to test this hypothesis and investigate concentrations of: 1) vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and 2) platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF‐BB) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from localized intrabony defects treated with platelets rich in growth factors (PRGF) or platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) compared with a control xenograft defect filling. Methods: Thirty non‐smoking patients suffering severe chronic periodontitis were allocated to this randomized, prospective, single‐masked trial. Each patient had one interproximal defect randomly distributed to: 1) group 1: bone‐substitute grafting control (n = 10); 2) group 2: experimental PRGF (n = 10); or 3) group 3: PRF (n = 10). Clinical parameters were measured at baseline and 6 and 9 months following therapy. GCF samples were obtained on days 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 30 after therapy for evaluation of VEGF and PDGF‐BB levels. Results: On days 1, 3, and 7 following surgery, mean levels of VEGF and PDGF‐BB at sites treated with PRGF and PRF were not significantly different versus the control. Levels of PDGF‐BB and VEGF were higher in the PRGF‐treated group, but differences were not significant. Growth factor levels decreased significantly in samples collected on days 14, 21, and 30 with non‐significant differences among the three groups. No significant clinical differences were reported among the three groups during the two observation periods (early period: days 1, 3, and 7; and later period: days 14, 21, and 30). Conclusions: Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that PRF and PRGF platelet concentrate failed to augment clinical effects achieved with the xenograft alone in treating intrabony defects. Periodontal defects could not retain extraphysiologic levels of GF suggested to be associated with platelet concentrate.     

Platelet‐Rich Fibrin in Regeneration of Intrabony Defects: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) is an autologous non‐transfusional hemo‐component with a high concentration of platelets. It incorporates leukocytes, platelets, and growth factors within the dense fibrin matrix and can be used as healing biomaterial. This study assesses the adjunctive use of PRF in regenerative management of intrabony defects in comparison with open flap debridement (OFD). Methods: Twenty‐six bilateral defects (13 per group) in 13 patients were randomized as either PRF (test group) or OFD alone (control group) sites. Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bone PD were recorded. Reduction in defect depth and percentage of bone fill was assessed radiographically. Primary outcomes assessed were changes in PD, CAL, and percentage of bone fill, and they were assessed at 6, 9, and 12 months. Secondary outcome was assessment of wound healing using a wound healing index (WHI). Results: The PRF group showed significant improvement in clinical parameters compared with the control group at 6, 9, and 12 months. The PRF group showed a bone fill of 45.18% ± 7.57%, which was statistically significant compared with 21.6% ± 9.3% seen in the control group at the end of the study period. The PRF group also showed significant soft tissue healing and reduction in PD. WHI also showed significant advantages for the PRF group. Conclusion: The adjunctive use of PRF to conventional OFD may be potentially used in the treatment of intrabony defects.     

Additive Effect of Plasma Rich in Growth Factors With Guided Tissue Regeneration in Treatment of Intrabony Defects in Patients With Chronic Periodontitis: A Split‐Mouth Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Periodontal regeneration can be defined as complete restoration of lost periodontal tissues to their original architecture and function. A variety of treatment modalities have been proposed to achieve it. Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) is a concentrated suspension of growth factors that promotes restoration of lost periodontal tissues. The objective of the present study is to assess the effect of PRGF associated with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) versus GTR only in the treatment of intrabony defects (IBDs) in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP). Methods: Patients with CP (n = 14) with 42 contralateral 2‐ and 3‐walled defects were randomly assigned to test (PRGF+GTR) and control (GTR alone) treatment groups. Clinical and radiographic assessments performed at baseline and after 6 months were: 1) gingival index (GI), 2) probing depth (PD), 3) clinical attachment level (CAL), 4) radiologic defect depth, and 5) bone fill. Results: Comparison of parameters measured at baseline and after 6 months showed mean PD reduction of 3.37 ± 1.62 mm in the control group (P <0.001) and 4.13 ± 1.59 mm in the test group (P <0.001). There was a significant difference in mean change in CAL (P <0.001) in the control group (5.42 ± 1.99) and the test group (5.99 ± 1.77). Mean change in GI was 1.89 ± 0.32 and 1.68 ± 0.58 in the control group and test group, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P <0.001). When compared between groups, clinical parameters did not show any statistically significant variations. Mean radiographic bone fill was 1.06 ± 0.81 and 1.0 ± 0.97 in the control group and test group, respectively. However, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: PRGF with GTR, as well as GTR alone, was effective in improving clinical and radiographic parameters of patients with CP at the 6‐month follow‐up. There was no additive effect of PRGF when used along with GTR in the treatment of IBDs in patients with CP in terms of both clinical and radiologic outcomes.     

Locally Delivered 1% Metformin Gel in the Treatment of Smokers with Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Metformin (MF) (1,1‐dimethylbiguanide HCl) is one of the most commonly used oral antihyperglycemic agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recently, MF has been shown to have bone‐sparing properties. The present study is designed to investigate the effectiveness of MF 1% in an indigenously prepared, biodegradable, controlled‐release gel, as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in treatment of vertical defects in smokers with generalized chronic periodontitis (CP). Methods: Fifty patients were categorized into two treatment groups: SRP plus 1% MF and SRP plus placebo. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and at 3 and 6 months; they included plaque index (PI), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). At baseline and after 6 months, intrabony defect (IBD) fill was radiologically assessed using computer software. Results: Mean PD reduction and mean CAL gain were found to be greater in the MF group than the placebo group at all visits. Furthermore, a significantly greater mean percentage of bone fill was found in the MF group (26.17% ± 6.66%) than the placebo sites (3.75% ± 8.06%) (P <0.001). Conclusion: There was greater decrease in mSBI and PD and more CAL gain with significant IBD fill at vertical defect sites treated with SRP plus locally delivered MF, versus SRP plus placebo, in smokers with generalized CP.     

Autologous Platelet‐Rich Fibrin in the Treatment of 3‐Wall Intrabony Defects in Aggressive Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) has recently been applied in osseous regeneration. The aim of the present study is to explore the efficacy of PRF in treatment of intrabony defects (IBDs) in aggressive periodontitis. Methods: Fifty‐four IBDs in 17 patients were treated either with autologous PRF with open flap debridement (OFD) or OFD alone. Clinical and radiologic parameters such as probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), IBD depth, and percentage defect change were recorded at baseline and 9 months postoperatively. Results: Mean PD reduction and mean CAL gain were significantly greater in PRF compared with the control group. Furthermore, a significantly greater percentage of mean bone defect change was found in the PRF group. Conclusion: Within the limits of the present study, there is greater bone fill at sites treated with PRF with conventional OFD than conventional OFD alone.     

Synergistic Approach Using Platelet‐Rich Fibrin and 1% Alendronate for Intrabony Defect Treatment in Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) is a reservoir of concentrated platelets that provides a pool of biologic growth‐promoting factors and cytokines, which help in mediating regeneration of lost bone and soft tissue maturation. Alendronate (ALN), a member of the amino‐bisphosphonate group, is known to enhance periodontal tissue regeneration by inhibiting osteoclast‐mediated bone resorption and promoting osteoblast‐mediated osteogenesis. The current intervention aims to assess combined effectiveness of PRF and 1% ALN with access therapy in intrabony defect (IBD) treatment in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP). Methods: Single IBDs in 90 patients were categorized into three groups: 1) group 1 had access therapy alone; 2) group 2 had access therapy with PRF; and 3) group 3 had access therapy with PRF + 1% ALN. Site‐specific plaque index, modified sulcus bleeding index, probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and gingival marginal level, included as parameters for clinical assessment, were evaluated before surgery at baseline and 9 months postoperatively. Percentage IBD depth reduction, assessed using radiographs, was evaluated at baseline and postoperatively. Results: Compared with groups 1 and 2, group 3 exhibited significantly greater reduction in PD and gain in CAL postoperatively. Significantly greater IBD depth reduction was shown in group 3 (54.05% ± 2.88%) compared with group 2 (46% ± 1.89%) and group 1 (7.33% ± 4.86%) postoperatively. Conclusion: Combined approach therapy of PRF + 1% ALN for IBD treatment in patients with CP showed better clinical parameter outcomes with greater IBD depth reduction compared with PRF and access therapy alone.     

Efficacy of 1% Metformin Gel in Patients With Moderate and Severe Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate efficacy of metformin (MF) 1% gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of moderate and severe chronic periodontitis (CP). Methods: Seventy patients were categorized into two treatment groups: 1) SRP plus 1% MF and 2) SRP plus placebo. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline and 3, 6, and 9 months. They included plaque index (PI), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Radiologic assessment of intrabony defects (IBDs) and percentage defect depth reduction (DDR%) was done at baseline and 6‐ and 9‐month intervals using computer‐aided software. PD, CAL, and DDR% were evaluated in two subgroups in both the placebo and MF group: 1) initial PD of 5 to 7 mm and 2) initial PD of >7 mm. Results: Mean PD reduction and mean CAL gain was found to be greater in the MF group than the placebo group at all visits. Clinical parameters (PD, CAL) in both subgroups, with initial PDs of 5 to 7 and >7 mm, showed significant improvement in the 1% MF group compared with the placebo group. A significantly greater mean DDR% was found in the MF group than the placebo group at 6 and 9 months in both subgroups, 5 to 7 and >7 mm of initial PD. Conclusion: There was a greater decrease in PD and more CAL gain with significant IBD depth reduction at sites treated with SRP plus locally delivered MF in patients with CP in both initial PD = 5 to 7 and >7 mm subgroups compared with placebo.     

Comparative Evaluation of Autologous Platelet‐Rich Fibrin and Platelet‐Rich Plasma in the Treatment of 3‐Wall Intrabony Defects in Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: The topical use of platelet concentrates is recent, and its efficiency remains controversial. The present study aims to explore the clinical and radiographic effectiveness of autologous platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) and platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of intrabony defects in patients with chronic periodontitis. Methods: Ninety intrabony defects were treated with either autologous PRF with open‐flap debridement or autologous PRP with open‐flap debridement or open‐flap debridement alone. Clinical and radiologic parameters, such as probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), intrabony defect depth, and percentage defect fill, were recorded at baseline and 9 months postoperatively. Results: Mean PD reduction and CAL gain were greater in PRF (3.77 ± 1.19 and 3.17 ± 1.29 mm) and PRP (3.77 ± 1.07 and 2.93 ± 1.08 mm) groups than the control group (2.97 ± 0.93 and 2.83 ± 0.91 mm). Furthermore, significantly greater percentage of mean bone fill was found in the PRF (55.41% ± 11.39%) and PRP (56.85% ± 14.01%) groups compared with the control (1.56% ± 15.12%) group. Conclusions: Within the limit of the present study, there was similar PD reduction, CAL gain, and bone fill at sites treated with PRF or PRP with conventional open‐flap debridement. Because PRF is less time consuming and less technique sensitive, it may seem a better treatment option than PRP. However, long‐term, multicenter randomized, controlled clinical trials will be required to know their clinical and radiographic effects on bone regeneration.     

Clinical Outcomes After Treatment of Non‐Contained Intrabony Defects With Enamel Matrix Derivative or Guided Tissue Regeneration: A 12‐Month Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: The purpose of this study is to compare the healing of deep, non‐contained intrabony defects (i.e., with a ≥80% 1‐wall component and a residual 2‐ to 3‐wall component in the most apical part) treated with either an enamel matrix derivative (EMD) or guided tissue regeneration (GTR) after 12 months. Methods: In this randomized, controlled clinical trial, 40 subjects with 40 defects affecting single‐rooted teeth were treated. The defects were treated with EMD alone or with a non‐resorbable titanium‐reinforced membrane. No grafting materials were used. At baseline and after 12 months, clinical parameters including probing depths (PDs) and clinical attachment levels (CAL) were recorded. The difference in CAL gain was the primary outcome. Results: At baseline, the intrabony component of the defects amounted to 8.5 ± 2.2 mm at EMD‐treated sites and 8.6 ± 1.7 mm at GTR‐treated sites (P = 0.47). The mean CAL gain at sites treated with GTR was significantly greater (P <0.001) than that at sites treated with EMD (4.1 ± 1.4 mm versus 2.4 ± 2.2 mm, respectively). GTR therapy, compared to EMD application alone, significantly (P = 0.01) increased the probability of CAL gain ≥4 mm (79.2% versus 11.3%, respectively) and significantly (P = 0.01) decreased the probability of residual PDs ≥6 mm (3% versus 79.3%, respectively). Conclusion: Although the outcomes of open‐flap debridement alone were not investigated, the application of EMD alone appeared to yield less PD reduction and CAL gain compared to GTR therapy in the treatment of deep, non‐contained intrabony defects.     

Mandibular Degree II Furcation Defects Treatment With Platelet‐Rich Fibrin and 1% Alendronate Gel Combination: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Different materials have been investigated for renewal of lost supporting periodontal structures and tested for furcation defect treatment. Platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) is a pool of growth‐promoting factors and cytokines that promote bone regeneration and maturation of soft tissue. Alendronate (ALN), an influential member of the bisphosphonate group, is known to enhance osteoblastogenesis and inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption, thus promoting tissue regeneration. This randomized trial was done to assess effectiveness of PRF and 1% ALN gel combination in mandibular degree II furcation defect treatment in comparison with PRF and access therapy alone. Methods: Seventy‐two mandibular molar furcation defects were treated with either access therapy alone (group 1), access therapy with PRF (group 2), or access therapy with PRF and 1% ALN (group 3). Plaque index, modified sulcus bleeding index, probing depth (PD), relative vertical attachment level (RVAL) and relative horizontal attachment level (RHAL), and intrabony defect depth were recorded at baseline and 9 months postoperatively. Radiographically, defect fill, assessed in percentage, was evaluated at baseline, before surgery, and 9 months post‐therapy. Results: Group 3 showed greater PD reduction and RVAL and RHAL gain when compared with groups 1 and 2 postoperatively. Moreover, group 3 sites showed a significantly greater percentage of radiographic defect fill (56.01% ± 2.64%) when compared with group 2 (49.43% ± 3.70%) and group 1 (10.25% ± 3.66%) at 9 months. Conclusions: Furcation defect treatment with autologous PRF combined with 1% ALN gel results in significant therapeutic outcomes when compared with PRF and access therapy alone. Combining ALN with PRF has potential for regeneration of furcation defects without any adverse effect on healing process.     

Efficacy of Varying Concentrations of Subgingivally Delivered Metformin in the Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Metformin (MF), a second‐generation biguanide, is a commonly used oral antidiabetic drug that has been shown recently to stimulate osteoblasts and reduce alveolar bone loss. The present study aims to explore the efficacy of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% MF gel as a local drug delivery system in adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) for treatment of intrabony defects (IBDs) in patients with chronic periodontitis. Methods: A total of 118 IBDs were treated with 0.5%, 1%, or 1.5% MF gel or placebo gel. Clinical parameters (modified sulcus bleeding index, plaque index, probing depth [PD], and clinical attachment level [CAL]) were recorded at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, whereas radiographic parameters were recorded at baseline and 6 months. IBD depth at baseline and 6 months was calculated on standardized radiographs by using the image analysis software. The mean concentration of MF in gingival crevicular fluid was estimated by reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. Results: Mean PD reduction and mean CAL gain was found to be greater in MF groups than the placebo group at both 3 and 6 months. Furthermore, significantly greater reduction of IBD depth was found in the MF groups compared to the placebo group, with greatest reduction in 1% MF. Conclusions: The results of the present study show that local delivery of MF into the periodontal pocket stimulated significant increase in the PD reduction, CAL gain, and improved IBD depth reduction compared to placebo in adjunct to SRP. This can provide a new direction in the field of periodontal healing.     

Clinical Efficacy of Subgingival Debridement With Adjunctive Erbium:Yttrium‐Aluminum‐Garnet Laser Treatment in Patients With Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: The efficacy of erbium:yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet (Er:YAG) laser application as an adjunct to subgingival debridement in the treatment of chronic periodontitis (CP) is controversial. This study assesses the efficacy of combining full‐mouth subgingival debridement with Er:YAG laser application in the treatment of patients with CP. Methods: In this 12‐month, single‐masked, parallel‐group clinical trial, 40 patients with moderate CP were selected and randomly assigned to a test group (one session of full‐mouth ultrasonic subgingival debridement followed 1 week later by Er:YAG application in sites with initial probing depths [PDs] of ≥4.5 mm) and a control group (two sessions of ultrasonic debridement within 1 week). The main outcome variable was change in PD; the secondary outcomes were change in clinical attachment level and proportion of sites with bleeding on probing. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 3, 6, and 12 months. Data were analyzed as intention to treat using analysis of variance to assess intergroup differences. Results: Both treatments resulted in significant clinical improvements. The test group achieved, in comparison with the control, a significantly lower percentage of sites with PD ≥4.5 mm (17.44% versus 22.83%, respectively; P = 0.004) and a tendency for a lower percentage of sites with PD ≥4.5 mm and bleeding on probing (9.78% versus 12.69%; P = 0.052). Conclusion: This limited added clinical effect may justify the use of a protocol combining full‐mouth ultrasonic debridement with laser therapy in the treatment of initial moderate CP.     

Advantages of Autologous Platelet‐Rich Fibrin Membrane on Gingival Crevicular Fluid Growth Factor Levels and Periodontal Healing: A Randomized Split‐Mouth Clinical Study

Background: This study evaluates contributions of platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) combined with conventional flap surgery on growth factor levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and periodontal healing. Methods: Twenty‐six patients (52 sites) with chronic periodontitis were treated either with autologous PRF with open flap debridement (OFD+PRF) or OFD alone. Growth factor levels in GCF at baseline and 2, 4, and 6 weeks after surgery were analyzed, and clinical parameters such as probing depth (PD), relative clinical attachment level (rCAL), and gingival margin level (GML) at baseline and 9 months after surgery were measured. Results: Mean PD reduction and rCAL gain were significantly greater in OFD+PRF sites than in OFD sites. Mean GML change was ?0.38 + 0.10 mm in OFD sites and 0.11 + 0.08 mm in the test group; difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P <0.05). Both groups demonstrated increased expression levels of fibroblast growth factor‐2, transforming growth factor‐β1, and platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB at 2 weeks compared with baseline, followed by reductions at 4 and 6 weeks. The OFD+PRF group showed significantly higher growth factor levels compared with the OFD group at 2 and 4 weeks. Conclusion: PRF membrane combined with OFD provides significantly higher GCF concentrations of angiogenic biomarkers for ≈2 to 4 weeks and better periodontal healing in terms of conventional flap sites.     

Platelet‐Derived Growth Factor‐BB Release Profile in Gingival Crevicular Fluid After Use of Marginal Periosteal Pedicle Graft as an Autogenous Guided Tissue Membrane to Treat Localized Intrabony Defects

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate levels of platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) during the early stages of healing for sites treated by marginal periosteal pedicle (MPP) graft as an autogenous guided tissue membrane compared to that of the control open flap debridement (OFD). Methods: Fifteen non‐smoking patients (13 males and 2 females) with severe chronic periodontitis participated in this prospective, controlled, masked trial. Each subject contributed matched pairs of 2‐ or 3‐walled intrabony interproximal defects in premolar or molar teeth. Interproximal contralateral defects were randomly assigned to either the MPP group 1 or control OFD group 2. GCF samples were collected at 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30 days after surgery. PDGF‐BB in the GCF samples was measured using a human PDGF‐BB enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: In both MPP and OFD, PDGF‐BB concentrations peaked in the samples obtained during the early postoperative days (days 2 and 3) and decreased sharply in the samples obtained 7, 14, and 30 days post‐surgery. Conclusion: Periosteal coverage of periodontal defects is not associated with a significant increase in PDGF‐BB levels.     

Clinical Efficacy of Subgingivally Delivered 1.2% Atorvastatin in Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Atorvastatin (ATV) is a specific competitive inhibitor of 3‐hydroxy‐2‐methyl‐glutaryl coenzyme A reductase. Recently, statins have shown pleiotropic effects such as anti‐inflammation and bone stimulation. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of 1.2% ATV as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of intrabony defects (IBDs). Methods: Sixty individuals were randomized into two treatment groups: SRP plus 1.2% ATV and SRP plus placebo gel. At baseline and 3, 6, and 9 months, clinical parameters, which included modified sulcus bleeding index, plaque index, probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL), were recorded at baseline. Radiologic assessment of IBD fill was done using computer‐aided software at baseline and 6 and 9 months. Results: Mean PD reduction and mean CAL gain were greater in the ATV group than the placebo group at 3, 6, and 9 months. A significantly greater mean percentage of radiographic bone fill was found in the ATV group (35.49% ± 5.50%) compared to the placebo group (1.82% ± 1.32%) after 9 months. Conclusion: ATV as an adjunct to SRP can provide a new direction in the management of IBDs.     

1.2% Rosuvastatin Versus 1.2% Atorvastatin Gel Local Drug Delivery and Redelivery in Treatment of Intrabony Defects in Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized Placebo‐Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Statins (3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors) are an important group of hypolipidemic drugs that are able to modulate inflammation and alveolar bone loss. Rosuvastatin (RSV) and atorvastatin (ATV) are known to inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption and have been proposed to have osteostimulative properties. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of 1.2% RSV and 1.2% ATV gel local drug delivery (LDD) and redelivery systems, in addition to scaling and root planing (SRP), for the treatment of intrabony defects (IBDs) in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP). Methods: A total of 90 individuals with 90 IBDs was randomly allocated to treatment with SRP followed by LDD of 1.2% RSV, 1.2% ATV, or placebo gel. Clinical and radiographic parameters, including plaque index (PI), modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and IBD depth, were recorded at baseline and 6 and 9 months. Results: All three groups showed significant reduction in PI and mSBI at all intervals. Mean mSBI and PD reductions, CAL gain, and IBD depth reduction with statin drugs were significantly greater than with placebo gel LDD. Improvements in these parameters were significantly greater with RSV LDD than ATV or placebo gels at 6 and 9 months. Conclusion: LDD of 1.2% RSV results in significantly greater clinico‐radiographic improvement than 1.2% ATV or placebo gels as adjunct to mechanical periodontal therapy.     

Intrabony Defects,Open‐Flap Debridement,and Decortication: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Intramarrow penetration (IMP) is often incorporated in regenerative periodontal surgical procedures. However, the actual benefits of adding IMP to such a procedure remain undocumented. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the contribution of IMP to the outcomes of open‐flap debridement (OFD) treatment of intrabony defects. Methods: Forty‐two chronic periodontitis patients, each contributing a 2‐wall, 3‐wall, or combined 2‐ to 3‐wall intrabony defect, were treated. Sites were randomly assigned into one of two groups: control (OFD alone) or test (OFD + IMP). Papilla preservation flaps were raised, and defects were thoroughly debrided. In the control group, complete primary closure of flaps was ensured after debridement. In the test group, IMP was performed before flap closure, using a round bur to penetrate the cortical defect wall. Clinical and radiographic parameters were assessed at baseline and 12 months after treatment. Results: At baseline, there were no statistically significant differences between groups. At 12 months, both groups experienced significant improvements, in terms of probing depth reduction, clinical attachment level (CAL) gain, and bone level (clinical and radiographic). The test group experienced significantly greater clinical bone gain (3.07 ± 1.74 mm) and prevalence of CAL gain ≥2 mm (93% of sites) compared with the control group (1.76 ± 2.71 mm, P <0.03; 62%, P = 0.024). The test treatment benefits were particularly evident in mandibular sites, in which OFD + IMP doubled the radiographic bone gain obtained by OFD alone. Conclusion: Addition of IMP to an OFD procedure used to treat intrabony defects results in statistically and clinically significant enhancement of both clinical and radiographic outcomes.