Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of Demineralized Freeze-Dried Bone Allograft Versus Platelet-Rich Fibrin for the Treatment of Periodontal Intrabony Defects in Humans.

BACKGROUND: A wide variety of materials have been proposed for treatment of periodontal intrabony defects (IBDs); recently, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has been suggested as a grafting material. The aim of this study is to report changes in clinical attachment level (CAL) and bone fill of periodontal IBDs treated with demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) compared with PRF in humans. METHODS: Thirty-six patients completed the study protocol. Each patient contributed a single IBD, which was randomized to receive either DFDBA or PRF. Clinical and standardized radiographic data were collected at baseline and 6 months after treatment. Primary outcome measures included: 1) radiographic bone fill as measured from the cemento-enamel junction to base of bony defect and 2) change in CAL. RESULTS: Both treatment groups had significant gains in CAL as well as bone fill, with no significant differences in outcomes between groups. DFDBA had a mean CAL gain of 1.16 +/- 1.33 mm, mean clinical bone fill of 1.53 +/- 1.64 mm, and mean radiographic bone fill of 1.14 +/- 0.88 mm. PRF had a mean CAL gain of 1.03 +/- 0.86 mm, mean clinical bone fill of 1.35 +/- 1.60 mm, and mean radiographic bone fill of 1.10 +/- 1.01 mm. CONCLUSION: Treatment of IBDs with either DFDBA or PRF resulted in a significant gain in CAL as well as bone fill after 6 months of healing, with no significant difference between materials.