Treatment of Intrabony Defects After Impacted Mandibular Third Molar Removal With Bioabsorbable and Non‐Resorbable Membranes

BACKGROUND: Mandibular second molar (M2) periodontal defects after third molar (M3) removal in high-risk patients are a clinical dilemma for clinicians. This study compares the healing of periodontal intrabony defects at distal surfaces of mandibular M2s using bioabsorbable and non-resorbable membranes. METHODS: Eleven patients with bilateral probing depths (PDs) ≥6 mm distal to mandibular M2s and intrabony defects ≥3 mm, related to the total impaction of M3s, were treated with M3 extraction and covering of the surgical bone defect with a bioabsorbable collagen barrier on one side and a non-resorbable expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) barrier contralaterally. The PD, clinical attachment level (CAL), M2 mobility, and furcation class probing were evaluated preoperatively and 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively. Intraoral periapical radiographs were taken immediately preoperatively and 3 and 9 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Both treatment modalities were successful. At 9 months, the mean PD reduction was 5.2 ± 3.9 mm for bioabsorbable sites and 5.5 ± 3.0 mm for non-resorbable sites; the CAL gain was 5.9 ± 3.3 mm and 5.5 ± 3.4 mm, respectively. The outcome difference between the two sites for PD and CAL did not differ statistically (P >0.05) at any assessment time. CONCLUSION: Bioabsorbable collagen membranes in guided tissue regeneration treatment of intrabony defects distal to the mandibular M2 obtained the same marked PD reductions and CAL gains as non-resorbable ePTFE membranes after M3 extraction.