The comparative efficacy of decalcified allogenic bone matrix and intra-oral free osseous autografts in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The primary goal of periodontal treatment is the maintenance of the natural dentition in health and comfortable function. The shift in therapeutic concepts from resection to regeneration has significantly impacted the practice of periodontology. The objective of the present study is to compare the relative efficacy of intra-oral autogenous graft and decalcified allogenic bone matrix (DABM) in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, 30 patients in the age group of 30-50 years with two almost identical intrabony defects, on either side of the mouth/upper and lower jaw, based upon the radiographic observations were selected from amongst the patients visiting the Department of Periodontology and Oral Medicine, Punjab Government Dental College and Hospital, Amritsar. One of the defect was selected randomly and filled with autogenous cancellous graft and the other with DABM. Post-operative assessment was done by taking radiographs, 12 weeks and 24 weeks post-operatively. RESULTS: Definite bone fill was achieved both with intra-oral free osseous autograft and with DABM at 12 weeks observation, which further increased significantly at 24 weeks observation. The bone fill obtained with intra-oral free osseous autograft was found to be significantly higher than that with DABM both at 12 weeks and 24 weeks post-operative observation. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, it establishes the superiority of the intra-oral free osseous autograft over that of DABM graft in correcting the intrabony defects.