Evaluation of calcium sulphate barrier to collagen membrane in intrabony defects

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to clinically and radiographically evaluate and compare treatment of intrabony defects with the use of decalcified freeze-dried bone allograft in combination with a calcium sulphate barrier to collagen membrane. METHODS: Twelve patients having chronic periodontal disease aged 20 to 50 years and with a probing depth >6 mm were selected. Classification of patient defects into experimental and control groups was made randomly. In the test group, a calcium sulphate barrier membrane, and in control group, a collagen membrane, was used in conjunction with decalcified freeze-dried bone graft in both sides. Ancillary parameters as well as soft tissue parameters along with radiographs were taken at baseline and after 6 months of surgery. Parameters assessed were plaque index, modified gingival index, probing depth, relative attachment level, and location of the gingival margin. A Student's t-test was done for intragroup and a paired t-test for intergroup analysis. RESULTS: Intragroup analysis revealed statistically significant improvement in all the ancillary parameters and soft tissue parameters with no statistically significant difference in intergroup analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The study concluded that a calcium sulphate barrier was comparable to collagen membrane in achieving clinical benefits and hence it can be used as an economical alternative to collagen membrane.