Objective: To evaluate whether the use of periodontal ligament cells(PDLC) with or without enamel matrix derivatives(EMD) influences periodontal tissue repair in class III furcation defects.
Methods: Three adult male Macaca fascicularis monkeys were used. Class III furcation defects were created at the mandibular second pre-molars, first molars and second molars. The autogenous PDLC were cultured in vitro with Bio Oss Collagen. Six furcation defects in the 3 monkeys were divided as follows, Group A (one second molar): PDLC/Bio Oss Collagen+EMD; Group B (another second molar): Bio Oss Collagen+EMD; Group C (one first molar): PDLC/ BiojOss Collagen; Group D(another first molar): Bio Oss Collagen; Group E (one second pre-molar): EMD; Group F (another second pre-molar): the empty control. All sites (including buccal and lingual side) were covered with collagen membranes. The monkeys were euthanized at the end of 6 months. The periodontal depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (AL) at the buccal and lingual furcation defects were examined before and 6 months after the implantation. X-rays were also obtained at the same time points.
Results: PD and AL were decreased in most sites, the reductions in groups E and F (the second pre- molars) were the most significant, and then in turn were in groups A, C, B and D. The repaired alveolar bones were almost full of furcation area in the second pre-molars, and the relatively clear lamina dura was also found. The alveolar bones in the other sizes only had a little repair, and the obviously low density area still remained in the coronal of the defects.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that class III furcation defects can not be predictably resolved even with the combination of autogenous PDLC and EMD, although they may increase the repair of periodontal tissue in the area of class III furcation defects separately. The sizes of furcation defects and the coverage of gingival flap would influence the outcome of the treatment of class III furcation defects.