The ePTFE membranes were applied to 16 patients with maxillary molar buccal class II furcation defects as Group I, PLGA membranes were applied to 15 patients with maxillary molar buccal class II furcation defects as Group II, ePTFE membranes were applied to 20 patients with mandibular molar buccal class II furcation defects as Group III and PLGA membranes were applied to 20 patients with mandibular molar buccal class II furcation defects as Group IV and bone graft materials(DFDBA) were applied in all groups.

Probing depth, gingival recession, clinical attachment level, tooth mobility and sulcus bleeding index(SBI) were measured at baseline, 3, 6 and 12months postoperatively. In addition, membrane exposure levels were measured at surgery, 1, 2 and 6weeks postoperatively and postoperative complications were evaluated.

The results were as follows:

In all groups, there were statistically significant differences in probing depth reduction, gain of clinical attachment and mobility reduction at values of 3, 6 and 12months postoperatively compared to values of baseline, whereas no significant differences in SBI except Group I and gingival recession(p<0.05). Membrane exposure levels were increased at 1, 2 and 6weeks postopratively compared to value of baseline in Group I(p<0.05).

There were no statistically significant differences between ePTFE and PLGA membrane in probing depth, clinical attachment level and SBI. There were minimal gingival recession and membrane exposure in Group IV and pain and swelling were the most common postoperative complications in Group II, III(p<0.05).

In conclusion, this study showed that both nonresorbable membrane and resorbable membrane were effective similarly in the treatment of class II furcation defects, without statistical differences in clinical measurements.