Treatment of Periodontal Intrabony Defects Using Enamel Matrix Derivative: Surgical Reentry After an Observation Period of at Least 5 Years

The purpose of this study was to assess the healing of periodontal intrabony defects treated using enamel matrix derivative (EMD) after at least 5 years of followup. Six patients with seven intrabony defects were included in the study. Treatment with EMD yielded a mean clinical attachment level gain of 4.3 ± 2.4 mm, a mean probing depth reduction of 4.7 ± 2.1 mm, and a mean gingival recession increase of 0.7 ± 1.8 mm. Reentry measurements showed a complete resolution of the intrabony defect in five cases, while in two cases a residual intrabony component was recorded. The present study indicates that treatment using EMD provided good clinical outcomes maintained in most cases over a period of at least 5 years.