Objective: This study aims to evaluate long-term clinical effects of bioabsorbable polylactic acid barrier (Atrisorb) in the treatment of interproximal intrabony defects.

Methods: Two and three wall defects around the molar and premolar teeth in 12 subjects with chronic periodontitis (average age: 33-54) were selected. None of the subjects were smokers. After the initial periodontal therapy, polylactic acid barrier membrane was used to treat the intrabony defects by guided tissue regeneration. Plaque index, gingival index, location of the gingival margin, periodontal probing depth, relative attachment level, and sounding were measured, and the bone fill was also assessed radiographically. Evaluations were repeated at 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 42, and 50 months.

Results: There was a significant pocket reduction after the first 6 months (2.50±0.59mm) and this decline was stable over the 50 months where the final reduction was 3.84±0.91mm compared to baseline (p<0.05). Likewise, a significant clinical attachment gain was observed after the first 6 months (2.34±0.40mm) and this increase was consistent over 50 months (3.60±0.86mm; p<0.05). Significant hard tissue formation was observed over the first 6 months (1.50±0.06mm) while there was only a modest increase over the next 44 months (1.92±0.09mm; compared to baseline; p<0.05). Gingival recession significantly increased over the first 36 months (0.58±0.11mm compared to baseline) but there was a significant decrease in recession between 36 and 50 months (0.42±0.08 mm).

Conclusions: These findings indicate that the regenerative effects of bioabsorbable polylactic acid barrier membrane on both the soft and hard tissue components of periodontium can be maintained over long-term with significant attachment gain and bone fill.

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