Reconstructive Approach in Residual Periodontal Pockets with Biofunctionalized Heterografts—A Retrospective Comparison of 12-Month Data from Three Centers

Abstract

The regenerative capacity of well-preserved blood clots may be enhanced by biologics like enamel matrix derivative (EMD). This retrospective analysis compares outcomes reported by three centers using different heterografts. Center 1 (C1) treated intrabony defects combining cross-linked high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (xHyA) with a xenograft; center 2 (C2) used EMD with an allograft combination to graft a residual pocket. Center 3 (C3) combined xHyA with the placement of a resorbable polymer membrane for defect cover. Clinical parameters, BoP reduction, and radiographically observed defect fill at 12-month examination are reported. The 12-month evaluation yielded significant improvements in PPD and CAL at each center (p < 0.001, respectively). Analyses of Covariance revealed significant improvements in all parameters, and a significantly greater CAL gain was revealed for C2 vs. C1 (p = 0.006). Radiographic defect fill presented significantly higher scores for C2 and C3 vs. C1 (p = 0.003 and = 0.014; C2 vs. C3 p = 1.00). Gingival recession increased in C1 and C3 (p = 1.00), while C2 reported no GR after 12 months (C2:C1 p = 0.002; C2:C3 p = 0.005). BoP tendency and pocket closure rate shared similar rates. Within the limitations of the study, a data comparison indicated that xHyA showed a similar capacity to enhance the regenerative response, as known for EMD. Radiographic follow-up underlined xHyA’s unique role in new attachment formation.