Enamel matrix derivative and subgingival reinstrumentation: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: To verify the effect of adjunctive enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in subgingival reinstrumentation during supportive periodontal therapy. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Using a split-mouth design, residual periodontal pockets with probing depth (PD) of 5 to 8 mm in 13 patients were treated by subgingival reinstrumentation with (test teeth) and without (control teeth) EMD. At baseline and after 6 and 12 months the clinical variables PD, clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded. At the same appointments gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected to analyze for interleukin (IL)-1beta, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, IL-10, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements in PD, CAL, and BOP occurred in both groups. The reduction of PD was significantly higher in the test group than in the control group after 12 months (P = .005). The change of IL-1beta within 12 months was significantly different between both groups (P = .019). No other significant differences were detected between both groups. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that subgingival reinstrumentation with adjunctive EMD could additionally reduce probing pocket depth and the need for periodontal surgery. (Quintessence Int 2021;52:506-513; doi: 10.3290/j.qi.b1044079).