Autologous Micrografts From the Palatal Mucosa for Periodontal Regeneration

Patients selected for the study should fulfil the following inclusion criteria:

• Affected from stage III-IV periodontitis.
• Completed non-surgical periodontal therapy.
• FMPS <15% at 3-month re-evaluation.
• FMBS <15% at 3-month re-evaluation.
• At least one site with an interproximal intrabony defects and residual PPD ≥ 6 mm atre-evaluation, with a radiographic intrabony component ≥ 3 mm, extending to thelingual/palatal side as assessed by preoperative bone sounding.
• Intrasurgically, the defect has to present a non-supporting anatomy (1-2 residualwalls in its most coronal portion), requiring flap elevation on both buccal and oralside for its accessibility.
• Signed informed consent.

Exclusion criteria:

• Compromised general health which contraindicates the study procedures (ASA III-VIpatients).
• Systemic diseases/medications which could influence the outcome of the therapy (e.g.uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, non-plaque-induced gingival diseases, antiepilepticdrugs (phenytoin and sodium valproate), certain calcium channel-blocking drugs (e.g.,nifedipine, verapamil, diltiazem, amlodipine, felodipine), immunoregulatory drugs (e.g., cyclosporine), and high-dose oral contraceptives.
• Current smokers (self-reported), users of chewing tobacco, and drug/alcohol abusers.
• Pregnant or nursing women.
• Presence of furcation involvement ≥ II degree (Hamp 1975) at the affected teeth.
• Very large and wide defects that required the use of membrane.