Evaluation of Clinical and Radiological Outcomes Following the Treatment of Periodontal Intraosseous Defects Using Autogenous Tooth-derived Graft or Autogenous Bone Graft With Enamel Matrix Derivatives. A 12-month Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Overview

This clinical study aims to evaluate and compare two different materials used to treat bone defects caused by periodontitis. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory condition that damages the supporting structures of teeth, including the bone. One of the most severe forms of this damage is called an "intraosseous defect," where the bone around a tooth is lost in a vertical pattern. To repair these defects, dentists often perform a regenerative surgery using grafting materials and biologically active substances to stimulate tissue regrowth. The current standard includes using autogenous bone grafts (ABG)-bone taken from another part of the patient's mouth-combined with enamel matrix derivatives (EMD), a protein-based gel that promotes healing. However, this approach requires creating a second surgical site to harvest the bone, which can increase patient discomfort and healing time. Recently, a promising alternative has emerged: autogenous tooth-derived bone grafts (ATB). In this technique, a patient's own extracted tooth is processed into a grafting material and used to fill the bone defect. This method has the advantage of using a material that would otherwise be discarded and avoids the need for an additional surgical area. Early studies suggest that tooth-derived grafts may have similar regenerative potential to traditional bone grafts because of their comparable structure and the presence of natural growth factors. The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to determine whether ATB combined with EMD can achieve the same or better clinical and radiological outcomes as ABG combined with EMD in the treatment of periodontal intraosseous defects. A total of 60 adult patients with chronic periodontitis will be enrolled. Each participant must have at least one advanced bone defect around a tooth and one other tooth that needs to be extracted for unrelated reasons. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either ATB or ABG, both with EMD, during a single surgical procedure. The study includes multiple follow-up visits over the course of one year, and at 12 months, a re-entry surgery will allow the research team to directly observe bone healing inside the defect. The findings could support a more patient-friendly and equally effective alternative to traditional bone grafting in periodontal regenerative surgery.

This randomized controlled clinical trial investigates the regenerative efficacy of autogenous tooth-derived graft material (ATB) in comparison with autogenous bone graft (ABG) in the treatment of periodontal intraosseous defects. Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) is applied to all defects in both treatment groups as part of the regenerative procedure, and a standardized, minimally invasive flap approach is used for defect access. The regenerative management of intrabony periodontal defects often involves the application of biologically active materials in conjunction with particulate grafts, especially in non-contained defects. While autogenous bone is widely regarded as the gold standard due to its osteogenic and osteoinductive properties, its harvesting requires an additional surgical site, leading to increased morbidity and treatment time. Autogenous tooth-derived biomaterial (ATB) represents an innovative alternative with promising biological properties. The dentin graft contains a variety of growth factors and has demonstrated regenerative potential in preclinical and clinical studies. In this study, eligible defects are treated surgically using the Single Flap Approach (SFA), either buccally or palatally/lingually, depending on defect location. After local anesthesia, a full-thickness mucoperiosteal flap is elevated using sulcular incisions extended to adjacent teeth, while preserving the interdental papilla. The defect area is thoroughly debrided and root surfaces are conditioned with 24% EDTA gel (PrefGel®, Straumann) for 2 minutes, followed by thorough rinsing with sterile saline. Then, enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain®, Straumann) is applied onto the root surface according to the manufacturer's instructions. In the test group, autogenous tooth-derived graft is prepared using the Bonmaker® system (Korean Dental Solution). The patient's extracted tooth is cleaned and processed into particulate form. A decalcification and sterilization process is carried out in a closed system, ensuring the preservation of bioactive molecules including TGF-β, BMPs, and IGFs. In the control group, autogenous bone is harvested from intraoral donor sites such as the mandibular ramus or maxillary tuberosity using a manual bone scraper. The graft material is applied into the defect without the use of a barrier membrane. Flaps are repositioned and sutured using 6-0 monofilament non-resorbable sutures, employing horizontal mattress and interrupted techniques to ensure tension-free primary closure. Postoperative care includes systemic antibiotics (amoxicillin/clavulanic acid or clindamycin in case of allergy) for 7 days, analgesics as needed, and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinse twice daily for 14 days. Sutures are removed after 10 to 14 days. Supportive periodontal therapy is provided monthly for the first 3 months, then every 2 to 3 months until the final follow-up. Radiographic evaluation is standardized using the long cone paralleling technique and individualized silicone bite registrations. Radiographs are obtained preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months following the surgical intervention. A re-entry procedure is performed 12 months postoperatively to allow for direct clinical evaluation of bone fill. Custom-made acrylic templates are fabricated to standardize probing during the initial surgery and the re-entry. The objective of the study is to determine whether autogenous tooth-derived biomaterial can achieve comparable regenerative outcomes to autogenous bone graft, while offering the advantage of reduced patient morbidity and surgical complexity.