Long-term effects of gingival fibroblast-coated hydroxylapatite graft on periodontal osseous defects

This study was designed to examine the long-term effects of gingival fibroblast-coated hydroxylapatite (GF-HA) grafting on the healing of osseous defects caused by inflammatory periodontitis. Gingival fibroblasts were cultured from biopsy specimens of a healthy portion of gingiva in a periodontal therapy patient. Growth of cells on hydroxylapatite (HA) particles was established in vitro and the GF-HA complex was transplanted into the periodontal osseous defects. Clinical data of the gingival and plaque index, probing depth and periapical X-ray were monitored at baseline and at regular intervals up to 28 months after surgery. Postoperative plaque control and regular maintenance were meticulously performed. In addition to disappearance of gingival inflammation, results showed that the GF-HA treated sites had a marked pocket reduction and probing attachment gain at reentry and later recalls. Clinical bone fills of osseous defects were also demonstrated in periapical radiographs. These observations suggest that GF-HA grafting treatment may lead to regeneration of periodontal tissue in periodontitis-affected osseous defects.