The aim of the present experiment was to test the effect of a deproteinized bovine bone mineral (Bio-Oss) on guided bone regeneration (GBR) in dehiscence defects around implants. The first 2 molars and all premolars were extracted on both sides of the mandibles of 3 monkeys (Macaca fascicularis). Three months later, 2 titanium plasma-coated cylindrical implants were placed in all quadrants of each monkey. During the surgical procedure, standardized dehiscence defects were produced buccally and lingually, measuring 2.5 mm in width and 3 mm in height. Four different experimental situations were created: 2 sites in each monkey were covered with an ePTFE membrane (M), 2 were filled with the graft material (DBBM), 2 were filled with the graft material and also covered with a membrane (M + DBBM), and 2 control sites were neither grafted nor covered (C). The flaps were sutured to allow for primary healing. Linear measurements of bone height and width were calculated on histological specimens obtained 6 months following surgery. In addition, values for bone density and for surface fraction of graft to new bone contact were measured. Vertical bone growth along the implant surface of 100% (SD 0%) for M + DBBM, 91% (SD 9%) for M, 52% (SD 24%) for DBBM, and 42% (SD 35%) for C was measured. The width of the regenerated bone 1.5 mm above the bottom of the original defect, i.e. at the 50% mark of the vertical extension of the defect, in relation to the width at the bottom of the defect amounted to 97% (SD 2%) for M + DBBM, 85% (SD 9%) for M, 42% (SD 41%) for DBBM, and 23% (SD 31%) for C. Assessment of bone density within the confinement of the regenerated bone resulted in an increase of 30% (SD 11%) for M + DBBM, 45% (SD 20%) for M, 33% (SD 20%) for DBBM, and 22% (SD 23%) for C. The values for graft to new bone contact within this compartment amounted to 80% (SD 15%) for M + DBBM and 89% (SD 14%) for DBBM. In conclusion, Bio-Oss exhibited osteoconductive properties and hence can be recommended for GBR procedures in dehiscence defects with respect to vertical and horizontal growth of bone.

It may be concluded that (a) all 3 regenerative treatment modalities may lead to higher CAL gain than the control one, and (b) the combined treatment does not seem to improve the outcome of the regenerative procedure.

Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that both therapies led to significant improvements of the investigated clinical parameters, and the combination of enamel matrix derivative and bioactive glass does not seem to additionally improve the clinical outcome of the therapy.

: Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that: (i) at 1 year after surgery both therapies resulted in significant PD reductions and CAL gains, and (ii) treatment with BDX+collagen membrane resulted in significantly higher CAL gains than treatment with access flap surgery.

Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that the combination of BDX Coll+GTR resulted in significantly higher CAL gains than treatment with access flap surgery alone, and thus appears to be a suitable alternative for treating intra-bony periodontal defects.