Clinical evaluation of freeze-dried bone allografts in periodontal osseous defects.

Freeze-dried cortical bone allografts of a fine particle size were implanted into wide three-wall, two-wall, one-wall, combination, and furcation defects. Of the 97 defects treated, 23 manifested complete bone regeneration; 39 showed greater than 50%; and 24, less than 50% osseous repair. Twelve defects failed to demonstrate any bony regeneration, of which nine were furcation involvements. From the preliminary data available, there is strong evidence which indicates that freeze-dried bone allografts have definite potential as grafting material in certain periodontal osseous defects. However, final determination must await the outcome of a larger number of cases and also histologic evidence.