Retrospective analysis of factors related to clinical outcome of guided tissue regeneration procedures in intrabony defects

The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine factors affecting clinical outcome of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) in the treatment of intrabony periodontal defects. 38 patients each contributing 1 isolated intrabony defect treated with GTR were included in this analysis. Patient and defect characteristics, and defect-specific recordings relative to clinical outcome 6 months postsurgery were assessed. GTR treatment resulted in clinically and statistically significant improved probing depths (PD), clinical attachment levels (CAL), and probing bone levels (PBL). Presurgery PD and PBL were of predictive value for CAL gain and PBL gain, respectively. CAL and PBL gain did not correlate to defect depth or configuration. Cigarette smoking exhibited a highly significant negative correlation to parameters of clinical outcome.