title: Evaluation of a porous hydroxyapatite alloplast in the management of grade II furcation defects in molars; A case series.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The present case series evaluates the efficacy of a hydroxyapatite graft material in the management of grade II furcation involvement in first molars.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight patients presenting with a total of 9 grade II furcation defects in relation to the facial aspect of either maxillary or mandibular first molars were treated with a porous hydroxyapatite alloplast. The clinical outcomes were measured in terms of change in probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level (vertical and horizontal) at 6 months post-operatively. Radiographs were used as supplements.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At 6 months, there was a mean pocket depth reduction of 3.12±1.25 mm, a mean vertical attachment gain of 2.75±1.17 mm, and a mean horizontal attachment gain of 3.25±1.28 mm. Radiographs showed bone fill at all treated sites. The outcomes were better in mandibular teeth compared to maxillary teeth. The use of hydroxyapatite graft is effective in reducing pocket depth and bringing out gain in attachment levels when used in grade II furcation defects. Key words:Grade II furcation, bone grafts, hydroxyapatite.
authors.affiliation: MDS. Reader Dept of Periodontics Mar Baselios Dental College Kothamangalam Kerala.
authors.forename: Jayan J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Mathew
authors.affiliation: MDS, MFGDP, Professor Department of Periodontics. Yenopoya Dental. College. Mangalore. India.
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Arun Kumar
authors.affiliation: BSc, MDS. Professor, Department of Periodontics. Manipal College of Dental Sciences. Manipal, India.
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Bhat