This study investigates whether the intraoperative application of a specialized regenerative gel (Emdogain®) can improve the periodontal health of the mandibular second molar by preventing or reducing the formation of tissue defects after the surgical removal of an adjacent impacted lower wisdom tooth.
Surgical extraction of a lower wisdom tooth frequently leaves a deep pocket or a permanent hard and/or soft tissue defect on the back side of the neighboring second molar. This defect compromise the surrounding tissues and predispose the healthy second molar to future complications like root caries, dentin hypersensitivity, or localized gum disease. While most existing treatments address these defects after they have formed, this trial evaluates a site-specific preventive approach during the extraction process itself.
The study will involve 70 systemically healthy adults (ages 18-45) requiring surgical removal of a horizontally or mesially oriented impacted lower third molar. Participants will be randomized into two equal groups:
The Test Group: Will receive root conditioning with PrefGel and a single application of Emdogain® gel directly to the root surface and socket immediately after tooth removal.
The Control Group: Will undergo identical surgery but will follow a natural, spontaneous healing process without the application of any biomaterials.
The main objective is to measure changes in Clinical Attachment Level (CAL) at the distal aspects of the second molar using stable vertical anatomical reference points over a 6-month period. The trial will also monitor secondary healing parameters, including probing pocket depths, gum recession, radiographic bone level changes using standardized jigs, postoperative pain, swelling, and early tissue healing dynamics.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria
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Participants are masked to their group allocation; they are informed during the consent process that they have a 50% chance of receiving the biomaterial, but they are not told their actual assignment during or after the surgery. The primary investigator/surgeon cannot be masked and will perform the clinical periodontal probing. However, to minimize bias, masking is applied to the Outcomes Assessors evaluating the secondary data: three independent observers, who are completely blinded to the patients' group allocations, will evaluate all standardized radiographs and clinical photographs to determine hard and soft tissue outcomes.
Participants in this arm will undergo standardized surgical extraction of the impacted mandibular third molar. Following extraction and thorough debridement of the defect, the exposed distal root surface of the adjacent second molar will be conditioned with 24% EDTA (PrefGel). After rinsing, Enamel Matrix Derivative (Emdogain®) will be applied directly to the site prior to standard suturing and primary closure.
Participants in this arm will undergo the identical standardized surgical extraction of the impacted mandibular third molar and thorough debridement of the defect. No root conditioning agents or regenerative biomaterials will be applied. The extraction socket and distal defect will be allowed to heal spontaneously via natural blood clot formation prior to standard suturing and primary closure.
Impact of Advanced Platelet Rich Fibrin and Enamel Matrix Derivative on Clinical and Molecular Wound Healing Parameters After Surgical Removal of Mandibular Third Molars
Gingival Recession Coverage With and Without Emdogain
Effect of Emdogain® on Soft Tissue Wound Healing
Flapless Application of Enamel Matrix Derivative in Class II Mandibular Furcation Defects
Regenerative Surgical Treatment of Peri-implantitis
Does the Non-surgical Application of Enamel Matrix Derivative Reduce the Need of Periodontal Surgical Intervention in Subjects With Severe (Stage III) Periodontitis?
Influence of Enamel Matrix Derivative (Emdogain®) on Palate Wound Healing.
Evaluation of the Inflammatory and Healing Profile After Root Coverage With Emdogain®