Use of a Bone Substitute Material in the Surgical Therapy of Furcation Defects
The aim of this randomized clinical trial is to evaluate the potential benefit of the use of a bone substitute material in the treatment of furcation degree II-involved molars. The main question it aims to answer is: What is the benefit of the adjunctive use of a bone substitute material in the surgical treatment of furcation degree II-involved molars when compared to open-flap debridement alone?

200 patients with ≥1 molar presenting with a furcation defect degree II will be included and randomized to either control (open-flap debridement) or test treatment (open-flap debridement + bone substitute material). The primary outcome of the study is furcation closure defined as absence of clinically detectable furcation involvement degree >I. Secondary outcomes include changes in bleeding on probing, probing depth, vertical and horizontal attachment levels, soft tissue level, marginal bone level, need for surgical retreatment, tooth loss, patient-reported outcomes and adverse events. A composite outcome based on furcation closure (degree ≤I) in combination with shallow probing depth (≤5 mm) and absence of bleeding on probing will also be evaluated.
- EligibilityCriteria: Inclusion Criteria:  Patients should present with at least one surgically accessible molar (in tooth position 6 or 7) diagnosed with a single furcation defect degree II (at any aspect).  Following initial periodontal therapy, teeth to be included should present with one site with furcation defect degree II in combination with:  Bleeding on probing Probing pocket depth of ≥6 mm Soft tissue coverage of the furcation entrance Patients should present with a full mouth plaque score ≤25%.  Exclusion Criteria:  Multiple deep furcation defects (degree II - III) at the same tooth Vertical attachment loss >50% at aspects not facing the furcation defect Defects presenting with apico-marginal communication Intake of systemic antibiotics within 6 months Systemic conditions/medication impeding surgical intervention (e.g. uncontrolled diabetes, immunosuppressive medication) - HealthyVolunteers: No - Gender: All - MinimumAge: 18 Years - StdAgeList: Adult, Older Adult