Periodontal regeneration with bone grafts.

This paper reviews the clinical and histologic results following the use of bone autografts and allografts in periodontal therapy. Results from case reports and controlled clinical trials are discussed. Reports about bone grafts and combination procedures, including coronally positioned flaps and guided tissue regeneration procedures, are also reviewed. Studies analyzing long-term stability of grafts are discussed, as well as tissue banking procedures and safety considerations when freeze-dried bone allografts are used. Tables summarizing the results and methodologies of clinical trials cited are included to provide a method of comparison between the studies. The analysis of results of clinical trials using bone graft materials indicates that there is a consistent pattern of more bone fill in grafted versus nongrafted sites. However, the magnitude of this fill represents only about 60% of the treated defects.