Methods: Two and three wall defects around the anterior teeth in subjects with chronic periodontitis (n=12) were selected for the study and were randomly assigned into one of the 2 study groups. The first group (n=6) received PRP with beta-tricalcium phosphate while the second group (n=6) was treated with beta-tricalcium phosphate alone. Plaque index, gingival index, location of the gingival margin, periodontal probing depth, relative attachment levels, and sounding were measured and the formation of new mineralized tissue was assessed radiographically. Measurements were taken at baseline and repeated after 6 months.
Results: PRP in addition to the use of beta-tricalcium phosphate-based bone substitute led to similar levels of pocket reduction compared to grafting alone (2.58±0.37 mm vs. 2.48±0.29mm, respectively; p>0.05). Likewise, there were no significant differences between the attachment gains (2.25±0.24 mm vs. 2.13±0.16 mm; p>0.05) in the study groups. Both groups showed significant gingival recession compared to baseline (0.32±0.10 mm and 0.41±0.08 mm, respectively). Hard tissue fill in PRP group was higher compared to graft alone (1.35±0.32 vs. 1.10±0.16, respectively) however, the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05).
Conclusions: Although there was an overall and slightly improved healing pattern associated with the use of PRP, these findings indicate that PRP does not significantly enhance the clinical effects of the beta-tricalcium phosphate in regenerative treatment of anterior intrabony defects.