The usefulness of amelogenins in the treatment of periodontal defect on the distal surface of the lower second molar after adjacent third molar extraction: a pilot study

Background: Prevention of periodontal defects after the extraction of lower third molars remains a challenge. Various methods have been proposed in the literature, but there are no studies that evaluated the effectiveness of amelogenins. Methods: A single-blind split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) was performed on 5 patients to verify if amelogenins had some benefits in improving lower second molar periodontal healing after adjacent third molar extraction. A PPD ≥ 8 mm associated with a radiographic bone defect of at least 5 mm were the main inclusion criteria. Results: The mean PPD change registered no statistically significant difference. One year after surgery a significant reduction in average CAL values (p <0.05) was found in test sites than in control sites, with an average reduction of -2.45 ± 1.85 mm and -0.80 ± 3.62 mm respectively. Conclusions: Regenerative therapy with amelogenins could be a valid alternative to the current procedures proposed but succeeding RCTs with adequate samples will be essential to confirm the present promising findings.