Evaluation of calcium sulphate barrier to collagen membrane in intrabony defects

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to clinically and radiographically evaluate and compare treatment of intrabony defects with the use of decalcified freeze-dried bone allograft in combination with a calcium sulphate barrier to collagen membrane. METHODS Twelve patients having chronic periodontal disease aged 20 to 50 years and with a probing depth >6 mm were selected. Classification of patient defects into experimental and control groups was made randomly. In the test group, a calcium sulphate barrier membrane, and in control group, a collagen membrane, was used in conjunction with decalcified freeze-dried bone graft in both sides. Ancillary parameters as well as soft tissue parameters along with radiographs were taken at baseline and after 6 months of surgery. Parameters assessed were plaque index, modified gingival index, probing depth, relative attachment level, and location of the gingival margin. A Student's t-test was done for intragroup and a paired t-test for intergroup analysis. RESULTS Intragroup analysis revealed statistically significant improvement in all the ancillary parameters and soft tissue parameters with no statistically significant difference in intergroup analysis. CONCLUSIONS The study concluded that a calcium sulphate barrier was comparable to collagen membrane in achieving clinical benefits and hence it can be used as an economical alternative to collagen membrane.