Autogenous growth factors in periodontal surgery : biotechnology of a platelet gel

Aim of the study

To study the role of bone growth factors on the healing of deep periodontal lesions treated surgically. The growth factors being derived from the patients'blood platelets.

Materials and methods

Five patients with advanced lesions received surgical treatment, during the course of which the sites were grafted with a gel derived from platelets obtained from the patient on the same day. The platelets were mixed with DFDBA in order to form a gel (PG) and the site may be covered with a collagen membrane.

Results

Three cases were shown to have good results at the deep sites; one central incisor, a third molar and a lower second molar with 12 mm pockets. A classic surgical technique was used prior to inserting the gel. Two years later there was complete bony fill and probing depths were stable at 2 or 3 mm.

Conclusion

Platelets contain a large number of polypeptide growth factors such as PDGF and TGFb for which animal, but few human studies have been undertaken. This gel is perfectly biocompatible and presents no risk of infection. Growth factors are involved in the formation of membranous bone. They are osseo-inductors and osseo-conductors and present many advantages for periodontal regeneration.

Commentaries

These are persuasive results because they were obtained on teeth reputed to be difficult but more studies are needed as well as a simpler protocol to isolate the factors.