Use of resorbable membranes in periodontal defects treatment after extraction of impacted mandibular third molars.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of guided-tissue regeneration therapy (GTR) in the treatment of periodontal defects on the distal surface of mandibular second molars following surgical extraction of impacted third molars. METHODS: This split-mouth design study included 11 subjects who required extraction of bilateral impacted mandibular third molars and were at high risk for developing second molar periodontal defects after third molar extraction, that is mesioangular impaction and pre-existing periodontal defect (probing depth [PD] = or >5 mm) on the distal aspect of second molars. Within subjects, 1 postextraction site was randomly selected to receive scaling and root planing (SRP) of the distal surface of the second molar and the application of a polyglycolic acid/polylactic acid bioresorbable membrane (test site) and the opposite site served as control and was treated with SRP alone. The change in PD and clinical attachment level (CAL) as well as bone gain were assessed on the distal aspect of second molars over a 12-month period. RESULTS: Although both treatment modalities resulted in improvements in clinical parameters, the application of a bioresorbable membrane was statistical significantly more effective than SRP alone in reducing PD and in promoting CAL gain (P<0.0001). In 10 GTR-treated sites a complete bone fill was achieved, while 10 out of 11 control sites had residual intrabony defect. CONCLUSION: Subjects at high risk for developing second molar periodontal defects after third molar removal may benefit from the GTR-therapy at the time of surgical extraction of mesioangular impacted third molars to enhance periodontal healing.