The modified papilla preservation technique with bioresorbable barrier membranes in the treatment of intrabony defects. Case reports.

A new surgical approach for interproximal regenerative procedures has been utilized in conjunction with bioresorbable barrier membranes in the treatment of deep intrabony defects. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of the modified papilla preservation technique in obtaining and maintaining primary closure of the interdental space over bioresorbable membranes. Ten patients (10 sites) with optimal plaque control were treated according to the modified papilla preservation technique. Baseline probing attachment level and probing pocket depth were 10.1 +/- 1.9 mm and 8.9 +/- 2.4 mm, respectively. The intrabony component of the defects was 6.5 +/- 1.7 mm. Polylactic acid barrier membranes were positioned just coronal to the interproximal bone crest. Primary closure over the membranes was obtained in 100% of the cases. In two cases only a slight dehiscence of the interproximal tissues was observed after 2 weeks. Healing was uneventful in all the treated sites. Probing attachment level gains of 4.5 +/- 0.9 mm and a probing pocket depth reduction of 5.8 +/- 2.3 mm were observed at 1 year. It can be concluded that the modified papilla preservation technique is a suitable alternative for interproximal regenerative procedures in conjunction with bioresorbable barrier membranes.