Evaluation of biphasic hydroxapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate as a bone graft material in the treatment of periodontal vertical bony defects - A clinical and digital radiological measurement study.

Aims and Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate 2 bone graft materials, that is, biphasic hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate, in the treatment of periodontal vertical bony defects. In term of attachment level, probing depth and radiographic bone level changes. Also, a new digital method of radiographic assessment was used for measurement of vertical bone defect.

Material and Methods: Ten subjects with periodontitis and having two or more vertical bony defects were enrolled in the study. Patients were classified randomly into 2 groups. Group I consisted of the experimental site where defect was filled with biphasic hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate graft and Group II consisted of control site where only the open flap debridement (OFD) was carried out. Clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline, 3 and 6 months; Radiographs were taken at baseline and 6 months after surgery.

Results: Overall, by the end of 6 months, biphasic hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate and OFD treatment groups exhibited a significant reduction in probing depth almost by 75% and gain in clinical attachment level at follow-up. In the biphasic hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate group, radiographic bone level gain appeared to be greater than in the OFD group.

Conclusion: In the present study, biphasic hydroxyapatite and β-tricalcium phosphate have shown promising results and have showed reduction in probing depth, a resolution of osseous defects and gain in clinical attachment level when compared to open flap debridement.