Evaluation of guided tissue regeneration in the treatment of paired periodontal defects.

The aim of the present study was to compare guided tissue regeneration with conventional surgery in matched periodontal defects within the same subject. Twenty pairs of sites in nine subjects were treated. Surgery was performed at both test and control sites on the same visit. Random allocation was not performed until all preparation and root instrumentation had been completed. Test defects were covered with e-PTFE membranes (Gore-Tex) and secured with sutures. Membranes were removed after 5-6 weeks with a second surgical procedure, whereas the control sites were not re-operated. At 12 months probing depth reductions were significantly greater at the Gore-Tex treated sites (P<0.05) but no difference in probing attachment level gains were found when compared with conventional flap surgery.