A seminar several month ago proved to be a very enlightening day for dentistry in the Racine Area. David Cochran, D.D.S., Ph.D., Professor and Chairman of the Department of Periodontics at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School, was in Racine for a day long lecture covering Emdogain® and implant surface characteristics. At times it may have seemed a bit technical, but we need treatments based on science, not "hear-say". Dr. Cochran is one of the world's most renown periodontal researchers. Yet, he was able to explain things on a level understandable by all.
      The most recent World Workshop of Periodontics defined regeneration of lost periodontal support to include cemental attachment. None of the inorganic bone substitutes can provide that benefit. It is also arguable as to whether "dead bone" provides true attachment. It is Emdogain®, that on the other hand, does have the capability of true attachment and regeneration.
      I've attempted all grafting procedures and materials over the past twenty years with at best, mixed results. I have also had the opportunity to observe patients from different offices as they move into the area. To date, barrier procedures and FDBA grafts have not come close to the results talked about in lectures and in the literature. I have abandoned nearly all of those procedures due to my and many of my colleagues disappointing results.

Along comes Emdogain®. You can imagine my skepticism! One still cannot regenerate bone vertically, yet when there are walls, these defects can be regenerated even in my hands. Additionally, the healing with connective tissue grafts, while utilizing Emdogain®, is exceptional!
      I am presenting the case below as an example of one case just six months after treatment. The defect on the left side is completely eliminated, and the one on the right side is a fraction of its original dimensions. With time, Emdogain® may continue to work its magic on the right side. For that very reason, these sites should not be probed or instrumented for at least six months post-operatively.

A 52 year old male with a history of periodontal surgery. Both sides were typical Emdogain® surgical procedures performed on March 3, 2000. The post-treatment radiographs were taken on November 28, 2000. Additional follow-up radiographs may show additional defect reduction with time.
      If you have bone regeneration or implant questions, please don't hesitate calling or e-mailing.
      Robert H. Becker, D.D.S., S.C.