Bone Substitutes and NIPSA in Intrabony Periodontal Defects: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background Periodontal reconstructive surgery has demonstrated favourable long-term outcomes in the treatment of intrabony periodontal defects, including challenging defects with limited remaining bony walls. Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with progressive destruction of the tooth-supporting tissues and alveolar bone loss. Intrabony defects are associated with an increased risk of disease progression and tooth loss and therefore represent an important therapeutic challenge.

Recent advances in minimally invasive periodontal surgery aim to improve regenerative outcomes while reducing patient morbidity. The Non-Incised Papilla Surgical Approach (NIPSA) is a minimally invasive surgical technique that provides access to the intrabony defect through an apical incision while preserving the papillary and marginal soft tissues. This approach may improve wound stability, clot protection, vascularisation, and soft tissue preservation.

In parallel, collagenated xenogeneic bone substitutes have been developed to enhance periodontal regeneration. GenOs® is a collagenated xenogeneic particulate bone substitute with a preserved collagen matrix and documented regenerative potential. GTO® is a collagenated xenogeneic bone substitute consisting of cortico-cancellous granules incorporated into a cohesive collagen gel composed of type I and III collagen. Differences in biomaterial composition and physical form may influence wound healing, tissue stability, and regenerative outcomes.

Aim The aim of this multicenter randomised controlled clinical trial is to compare the clinical, radiographic, microbiological, and molecular outcomes of GTO® and GenOs® used in combination with the NIPSA surgical approach for the treatment of intrabony periodontal defects. The study will evaluate whether the two biomaterials result in comparable improvements in periodontal regeneration and biological markers associated with bone formation and healing.

Materials and Methods This study is designed as a multicenter, parallel-group, randomised controlled clinical trial conducted at the School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade (Serbia), and the Department of Periodontology, University of Cagliari (Italy).

Thirty patients diagnosed with Stage III periodontitis and presenting with at least one intrabony periodontal defect with probing depth greater than 5 mm following completion of non-surgical periodontal therapy will be enrolled. Participants will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to one of two treatment groups:

Test group: GTO® combined with the NIPSA surgical technique. Control group: GenOs® combined with the NIPSA surgical technique. Allocation concealment will be achieved using sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes. The operator will be informed of the assigned biomaterial after defect preparation, while the examiner responsible for clinical measurements, radiographic assessment, and outcome evaluation will remain blinded to treatment allocation throughout the study.

Clinical parameters, including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), bleeding on probing (BOP), and plaque index (PI), will be recorded at baseline and 6 months after surgery. Standardized periapical radiographs will be obtained at baseline, immediately after surgery, and at 6 months.

Microbiological analysis will be performed using real-time PCR. Molecular analyses will evaluate gene expression associated with osteogenesis and bone remodelling (RANKL, OPG, ALP, RUNX2, OCN), vascularisation (VEGF, HIF-2, eNOS), and growth factors (FGF and TGF). Particular attention will be given to the RANKL/OPG ratio as a marker of the balance between bone resorption and bone formation.

Clinical Relevance This study will provide comparative evidence regarding the regenerative potential of two collagenated xenogeneic bone substitutes used in conjunction with a minimally invasive periodontal surgical approach. The findings may contribute to optimising biomaterial selection and improving treatment predictability in regenerative periodontal therapy.

• Probing Depth (PD) reduction [Time frame: Baseline to 6 months]
• Bleeding on Probing (BOP) [Time frame: Baseline to 6 months]
• Plaque Index (PI) [Time frame: Baseline to 6 months]
• Radiographic bone level changes [Time frame: Baseline to 6 months]
• Quantification of periodontal pathogens [Time frame: Baseline to 6 months]
• Gene expression of osteogenic markers [Time frame: Baseline to 6 months]
• Gene Expression of Vascularization Markers [Time frame: Baseline to 6 months]
• Growth Factor Expression [Time frame: Baseline to 6 months]
• Early Healing Index (EHI) [Time frame: 1 week postoperatively]
• Postoperative pain and discomfort [Time frame: Up to 7 days postoperatively]