Recombinant human fibroblast growth factor and autogenous bone for periodontal regeneration: Alone or in combination? A randomized clinical trial

Abstract Aim To compare the outcomes of therapy using recombinant human fibroblast growth factor (rhFGF)‐2 combined with autologous bone grafting (ABG) therapy with those of rhFGF‐2 alone and ABG alone in the treatment of periodontal intraosseous defects. Methods Periodontal intraosseous defects were randomized to receive rhFGF‐2 therapy + ABG, rhFGF‐2 therapy alone, or ABG alone. Periodontal examination and periapical radiography were performed preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Results At the 12 months follow‐up, all three groups showed significant improvement in the clinical attachment level (CAL): 5.6 ± 1.6, 5.8 ± 1.7, and 5.2 ± 1.6 mm in the rhFGF‐2 + ABG, rhFGF‐2 alone, and ABG alone groups, respectively, with no significant inter‐group differences ( p < .05). rhFGF‐2 therapy (alone or in combination) resulted in greater bone defect filling (BDF) (2.3 ± 1.2 mm and 2.6 ± 1.9 mm, respectively) than ABG therapy alone (1.2 ± 1.2 mm). Gingival recession was lesser in the ABG alone (1.2 ± 1.1 mm) and rhFGF‐2 + ABG groups (1.4 ± 0.8 mm) than in the rhFGF‐2 alone group (2.2 ± 1.2 mm). Conclusion The results of this study showed that at 12 months postoperatively, all treatments resulted in statistically significant clinical improvements compared to the baseline. From these results, it can be concluded that rhFGF‐2 promotes hard tissue regeneration in intraosseous defects.