Mandibular Degree II Furcation Defects Treatment With Platelet-Rich Fibrin and 1% Alendronate Gel Combination: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Different materials have been investigated for renewal of lost supporting periodontal structures and tested for furcation defect treatment. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a pool of growth-promoting factors and cytokines that promote bone regeneration and maturation of soft tissue. Alendronate (ALN), an influential member of the bisphosphonate group, is known to enhance osteoblastogenesis and inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption, thus promoting tissue regeneration. This randomized trial was done to assess effectiveness of PRF and 1% ALN gel combination in mandibular degree II furcation defect treatment in comparison with PRF and access therapy alone. METHODS: Seventy-two mandibular molar furcation defects were treated with either access therapy alone (group 1), access therapy with PRF (group 2), or access therapy with PRF and 1% ALN (group 3). Plaque index, modified sulcus bleeding index, probing depth (PD), relative vertical attachment level (RVAL) and relative horizontal attachment level (RHAL), and intrabony defect depth were recorded at baseline and 9 months postoperatively. Radiographically, defect fill, assessed in percentage, was evaluated at baseline, before surgery, and 9 months post-therapy. RESULTS: Group 3 showed greater PD reduction and RVAL and RHAL gain when compared with groups 1 and 2 postoperatively. Moreover, group 3 sites showed a significantly greater percentage of radiographic defect fill (56.01% +/- 2.64%) when compared with group 2 (49.43% +/- 3.70%) and group 1 (10.25% +/- 3.66%) at 9 months. CONCLUSIONS: Furcation defect treatment with autologous PRF combined with 1% ALN gel results in significant therapeutic outcomes when compared with PRF and access therapy alone. Combining ALN with PRF has potential for regeneration of furcation defects without any adverse effect on healing process.