Introduction: The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the clinical efficacy of four different surgical techniques in promoting periodontal regeneration in patients with infrabony defects: open flap debridement, application of enamel matrix derivatives (EMD), nanohydroxyapatite (nanoHA) application, and combined nanoHA and EMD application. Probing attachment level (PAL), pocket depth (PD), and position of gingival margin at completion of therapy (REC) were measured.
Materials and methods: Data were collected from 64 healthy patients (34 women and 30 men, mean age 37,7 years). Clinical indices were measured by a calibrated examiner at baseline and at 12, 18, and 24 months. The values obtained for each treatment were compared using nonparametric tests.
Results: All treatments resulted in a tendency toward PD reduction over time, with improvements in REC and PAL. The differences in PD, REC, and PAL values at baseline compared with values after 12, 18, and 24 months were statistically significant for all treatments. Statistically significant differences in PAL and PD were detected between nanoHA and nanoHA + EMD at 12, 18, and 24 months.
Conclusion: In this study, EMD and nanoHA used together in patients with infrabony periodontal lesions had better clinical efficacy than nanoHA alone, EMD alone, or open flap debridement.