Randomized Controlled Clinical Study of rhPDGF-BB + ß-TCP Versus HA + ß-TCP for the Treatment of Infrabony Periodontal Defects: Clinical and Radiographic Results

Increased knowledge of specific cellular responses and functions has led to the development of numerous treatment modalities based on the use of growth factors. This controlled clinical and radiographic study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor BB (rhPDGF-BB) + ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) in the treatment of human infrabony defects and compare it with hydroxyapatite (HA) + ß-TCP. A total of 18 interproximal defects in 18 patients with chronic periodontitis were included. The test group was treated by open flap debridement in combination with rhPDGF-BB + ß-TCP, while the control group was treated by open flap debridement along with HA + ß-TCP. At 12 months, both the test and control groups showed a significant mean probing pocket depth (PPD) reduction and gain in clinical attachment level (CAL). There was a statistically significantly greater PPD reduction in the test group compared to the control. The observed differences between baseline CAL and CAL at 12 months were found to be statistically significant in both groups. The mean CAL gain in the test group was significantly greater than that in the control group. Radiographic linear bone growth was significantly improved in the test group compared to the control group. Percent bone fill was significantly increased at 12 months postsurgery in the test group compared to the control group. The treatment with rh-PDGF-BB + ß-TCP resulted in a significantly higher CAL gain and PPD reduction in comparison with HA + ß-TCP.