Evaluation of additional therapies in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis: treatment of residual pockets and regeneration of furcations defects. Randomized-controlled clinical trial

The scaling and root planing (SRP) as a part of the non-surgical periodontal treatment is considerate as gold standart to treatment of the periodontal disease. However, in some cases, such as in deep pockets or sites presenting proximal furcation, SRP may be insufficient to resolve the periodontal infection, resulting in residual pockets. There are few studies that evaluate treatment of residual pockets in patients with generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP). Besides that, few studies also aim to elucidate the periodontal regeneration process in these individuals. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate two types of approach, clarifying why the project was delineated into two parts. The first part of the study aims to assess whether repeated applications of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) present equivalent results when compared to surgical approach in the treatment of residual pockets of non-furcation sites. Thus, 46 patients were included and received aPDT or open flap debridement (OFD). The results showed that OFD had a greater a mean reduction of probing depth (PD). However, aPDT presented lower gingival recession, dentin hypersensitivity and analgesic intake. Therefore, we may consider aPDT as an adequate therapy and that brings clinical benefits. Nevertheless, in deep pockets, OFD leads in a greater reduction in PD. The second part aims to evaluate the proximal furcation treatment. The literature shows that aPDT is not an effective therapy in these defects. Thus, the present study aims to elucidate the role of enamel matrix derivative proteins (EMD) as a regenerative therapy in furcation lesions class II. Thirty-four patients were included and received OFD + EMD or OFD, alone. As results, there are no intergroup difference for any parameters. However, OFD + EMD group presented a greater gain of horizontal clinical attachment level when compared to baseline, whereas there is no intragroup difference for OFD group. Therefore, EMD did not promote significant clinical benefits, but other studies are necessary to evaluate the effective this material in proximal furcation.