Regenerative potential of subepithelial connective tissue graft in the treatment of periodontal infrabony defects

BACKGROUND: Due to high prevalence and progression of infrabony defects lead to increase in the possibility of tooth loss. Various regenerative techniques such as guided tissue regeneration, bone grafts, and biomimetic agents have been proposed. Subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) is an autogenous membrane, which contains mesenchymal cells and has osteogenic, chondrogenic, and osteoblastic activities. The present study investigates the effective application of SCTG as an autogenous barrier membrane in the treatment of periodontal infrabony defect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients in the age group of 30–45 years suffering from chronic periodontitis with clinical and radiographic evidence of vertical defects were selected for the study. Clinical parameters evaluated were gingival index, plaque index, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, and gingival recession. These parameters were assessed at baseline, 6 and 9 months. Radiographic parameter (defect fill) was evaluated at baseline, 6, and 9 months postoperatively. Sites were treated with PERIOGLAS(®) and connective tissue graft. Statistical analysis was done using paired t-test. RESULTS: All the patients finished the study. A significant improvement was observed regarding clinical parameters from baseline to 9 months. The radiographic defect fill was seen in all the cases at the end of 9 months, which was statistically significant in comparison with baseline scores. CONCLUSION: SCTG could be effectively used as a barrier membrane for the treatment of periodontal infrabony defects.