ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This study compared clinical and radiographic findings for the treatment of Class II furcation defects in human mandibular molars using anorganic bovine-derived hydroxyapatite matrix (ABM)/cell-binding peptide (P-15) or open flap debridement (OFD). METHODS: Twelve subjects showing two comparable Class II furcation defects in their mandibular molars were enrolled. The defects in each subject were assigned randomly to the test (ABM/P-15) or the control (OFD) group. Clinical measurements and standardized radiographs were taken at baseline and 6 to 7 months after surgery. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the test and control groups for any clinical or radiographic parameter (P >0.05). On comparing the baseline and final measurements, the gain in horizontal clinical attachment level and reduction in gingival recession were significant only in the test group (P < or =0.02), whereas the gain in the vertical clinical attachment level was significant in both groups (P < or =0.04). In the test group, four of 12 sites showed complete closure, and five showed partial closure; in the control group, three defects showed complete closure, and four showed partial closure (P = 0.42). Subtraction radiography revealed similar gains in bone height and increases in mean bone density with both treatments (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ABM/P-15 yielded favorable results in the treatment of Class II furcation defects over a 6-month evaluation period; however, there was no difference compared to OFD. Further studies using a larger sample size are needed to confirm the present findings.
