Evaluation of demineralized bone matrix paste and putty in periodontal intraosseous defects

Background: Demineralized bone matrix (DBX) paste and putty are particulate demineralized bone matrices in a 2% or 4% hyaluronate carrier, respectively. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of DBX paste and putty compared to demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) in the treatment of human intraosseous periodontal defects. Methods: Sixty systemically healthy individuals between the ages of 31 and 71 years with at least one intraosseous periodontal defect of ≥3 mm in depth and radiographic evidence of at least 40% to 50% vertical bone loss were accrued. Following initial non-surgical periodontal therapy, sites were randomly selected to receive either DBX paste, DBX putty, or DFDBA (control). Baseline and 6-month reentry soft and hard tissue parameter measurements were made by calibrated examiners. Data were analyzed within and between groups utilizing analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired and unpaired Student t tests. Results: Probing depth reductions were significantly improved in all treatment groups with DFDBA, DBX paste, and putty patients demonstrating 2.8 mm, 3.6 mm, and 2.3 mm, respectively. Attachment level gains were significantly improved from baseline for all treatment groups with DFDBA, DBX paste, and putty, respectively, demonstrating 2.4 mm, 2.9 mm, and 1.6 mm. Bone fill was similar between all groups with DBX paste, putty, and DFDBA control groups demonstrating 2.0 mm, 2.4 mm, and 2.2 mm, respectively. All groups yielded significant improvements in percent bone fill with DFDBA, DBX paste and putty, respectively, achieving 37%, 42.1%, and 50% with no significant differences between the groups. Conclusion: In summary, demineralized bone matrix paste, demineralized bone matrix putty, and demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft all demonstrated similar favorable improvements in soft and hard tissue parameters in the treatment of human intraosseous defects.