Cigarette smoke inhalation increases the alveolar bone loss caused by primary occlusal trauma in a rat model.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Occlusal trauma (OT) and smoking are both factors that alter alveolar bone metabolism and therefore could synergistically act on alveolar bone loss. The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the influence of short-term cigarette smoke inhalation (CSI) on inter-radicular alveolar bone loss promoted by primary OT in a rat model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-eight animals were randomly assigned to one of three groups based on treatment type: OT + CSI (n = 16), animals were exposed to CSI three times per day, for 8 min per exposure, and they concomitantly received unilateral vertical augmentation creating an occlusal interference inducing experimental OT; OT (n = 16), animals received only unilateral vertical augmentation; negative control (NC; n = 16), animals maintained for equal periods to achieve periodontal baseline values of periodontal ligament dimension. Each group was divided into two subgroups (n = 8) based on treatment length: 7 or 14 d. RESULTS: After 7 d, the OT + CSI group exhibited significantly higher bone loss compared to the NC group (p = 0.0022). After 14 d, the OT (p < 0.0001) and OT + CSI (p < 0.0001) groups presented significantly higher bone loss compared to the NC group, and OT + CSI resulted in significantly higher bone loss than OT alone (p = 0.0241). The number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive cells on the linear surface of the bone crest after 7 d was significantly higher in the OT + CSI group as compared to the NC and OT groups (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0045, respectively) and remained significantly higher in the OT + CSI group after 14 d, compared to the OT group (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Short-term CSI increases early bone loss in association with OT after 7 d, and this worsens in severity after 14 d of exposure.

Relationship between the formation of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) and the severity of the periodontal disease: a pilot study.

This aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the formation of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) and the severity of different kinds of periodontal disease. Twenty patients suffering from biofilm-related periodontal diseases and a control group of ten healthy individuals were selected. The patients were divided according to their periodontal diagnoses: marginal gingivitis (MG/n = 10) and chronic periodontitis (CP/n = 10). The patients received non-surgical therapy that consisted of motivation, scaling and root planing. Two experimental periods were used: T1 = baseline and T2 = final evaluation after three months. The data analysis showed that CP group had a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL), and group MG presented a reduction in GI (p < 0.05). There was a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the aspartate aminotransferase (AST), N-a-benzoyl-DL-arginine-p-nitroanilide (BAPNA) and VSC levels in both MG and CP groups, although the deeper residual pockets led to higher AST and VSC levels in the CP group. Within the limits of the present pilot study, it can be concluded that the non-surgical therapy may influence VSC formation in a manner dependent on periodontal disease severity.

Effect of two different approaches for root decontamination on new cementum formation following guided tissue regeneration: a histomorphometric study in dogs.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate comparatively the effect of two different approaches for root decontamination on new cementum formation following guided tissue regeneration (GTR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nine mongrel dogs were used to obtain bilateral chronic class III furcation defects by placing cotton ligatures around both third mandibular premolars. The teeth were randomly assigned to receive one of the following treatments: scaling and root planing, by means of hand and rotatory instruments, in order to remove soft and hard deposits as well as all root cementum (group A); or removal of only soft microbial deposits, by polishing the root surface with rubber cups and polishing paste, aiming for maximum root cementum preservation (group B). Both groups were treated with GTR, with the use of resorbable polyglycolic-lactic acid membranes (RESOLUT XT). RESULTS: Four months later, data analysis showed that a superior length (mm) (3.59 +/- 1.67 and 6.20 +/- 2.26 for groups A and B, respectively; p = 0.004) and a thicker layer (microm) (18.89 +/- 9.47 and 52.29 +/- 22.48 for groups A and B, respectively; p = 0.001) of new cementum was achieved by keeping the root cementum in place during root decontamination (group B). Regardless of the treatment modality, the new cementum was predominantly of a reparative, cellular extrinsic and intrinsic fiber type. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of the present study, it may be concluded that root cementum preservation may affect the new cementum formation following GTR in class III furcation defects, and the treatment modality did not influence the type of newly formed cementum.

Periodontal healing may be affected by aging: a histologic study in rats.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Although wound healing has been reported to be impaired with aging, very little is known about its effect on periodontal tissues. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate, histologically in rats, the influence of aging on a spontaneous periodontal healing model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar rats were used and assigned to the following groups: control (n = 12; 2 mo old) and aged (n = 12; 18 mo old). Fenestration defects (4 x 3 x 1 mm) were created bilaterally at the buccal aspect of the distal root of the first mandibular molars, and the mandibulae were retrieved 3 and 6 wk postoperatively. The percentage of bone fill and density of newly formed bone, new cementum formation (NC), and the extension of the remaining defect (ERD) were histometrically obtained. RESULTS: Intragroup analysis demonstrated that, except for cementum, all histological parameters significantly improved over time (p < 0.05). Intergroup analysis additionally showed that the defects were initially similar in size, and that at 3 wk aging negatively influenced newly formed bone (86.38 +/- 2.99% and 73.06 +/- 3.21%, p < 0.001, for groups control and aged, respectively), BF (75.84 +/- 16.53% and 57.70 +/- 22.28%, p = 0.014) and ERD (0.41 +/- 0.20 mm and 1.17 +/- 0.37 mm, p < 0.001). At 6 wk, aging negatively influenced newly formed bone (88.12 +/- 2.90% and 78.19 +/- 5.35%, p < 0.001, for groups control and aged, respectively) and ERD (0.01 +/- 0.006 mm and 0.34 +/- 0.18 mm, p = 0.003), but not BF (98.15 +/- 2.43% and 87.87 +/- 11.63%, p > 0.05). No new cementum was formed along the root surface in the above groups. CONCLUSION: Within the limits of the present study, data analysis suggests that aging may impair, but not prevent, periodontal healing.

Long-term results of guided tissue regeneration therapy in the treatment of class II furcation defects: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results after guided tissue regeneration (GTR) using a bioabsorbable membrane in Class II furcation defects in mandibular molars over a 24-month period. METHODS: Nine patients with 2 comparable Class II furcation defects were included. The defects in each patient were randomly assigned to either test (GTR) or control (open flap debridement) group. Clinical measurements and standardized radiographs were taken at baseline, and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. The radiographs were analyzed by subtraction radiography. RESULTS: There were significant probing depth reductions for both test and control groups (P < 0.007, P < 0.0005, respectively); however the differences between groups were not significant at any examination. The intra-group and inter-group differences in the vertical clinical attachment level gain were not significant (P > 0.05). Over 24 months, a significant horizontal clinical attachment level gain was observed in the test group compared to control (P<0.03). In the test group, 2 sites showed complete closure, one was converted to Class I, and one tooth was lost due to root resorption. In the control group, 2 defects progressed to Class III over 24 months. At 6 months, the test group showed 0.14 mm of bone loss while the control group showed 0.86 mm of bone gain (P = 0.035). The inter-group differences were not significant at 12, 18, and 24 months. A significant bone height gain was observed in the test group at 24 months when compared to the values obtained after 6 months (P = 0.015). CONCLUSION: GTR may provide a greater horizontal clinical attachment level gain with the possibility of complete closure of some defects and stability over time.

The effect of an immunosuppressive therapy and its withdrawal on bone healing around titanium implants. A histometric study in rabbits.

BACKGROUND: Immunosuppressive agents have been recognized as a factor affecting bone metabolism. We investigated the consequences of the administration and withdrawal of cyclosporin A/nifedipine on bone around titanium implants to observe whether these changes occur and if they are reversible. METHODS: Twenty-eight New Zealand rabbits were included in the study. Following anesthesia, the tibiae surface was exposed, and 2 screw-shaped implants 7.0 mm in length and 3.75 mm in diameter were placed bilaterally. The animals were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 experimental groups and received daily subcutaneous injections for 14 days: groups A and C were injected with vehicle while groups B and D received cyclosporin A (10 mg/kg) plus nifedipine (0.5 mg/kg). Groups A and B were sacrificed 14 days and groups C and D 42 days postoperatively. The degree of bone contact with the implant surface and the bone area within the limits of the threads of the implant were measured. RESULTS: Intergroup analysis revealed no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the degree of bone contact with the implant surface between the control and test groups on days 14 and 42. In contrast, the treated animals demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the bone area within the limits of the threads of the implant in both periods. CONCLUSIONS: The data of the present study suggest that the use of cyclosporin A/nifedipine may influence bone healing around titanium implants. This observation may have important clinical implications.

Effect of calcitonin on bone formation around titanium implant. A histometric study in rabbits.

Bone healing around titanium implants has already been evaluated; however, the effect of drugs such as calcitonin during the period of bone maturation around titanium implants has not yet been investigated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of calcitonin administration on the late period of bone healing following titanium implant insertion. Twenty-seven adult New Zealand rabbits received one implant in each femur. Thirteen animals were randomly selected as the test group (2 IU/kg--calcitonin) and fourteen animals served as control (saline). The animals were sacrificed 6, 8, 12 and 18 weeks after surgery. Endosteal/periosteal bone length (EB/PB), endosteal/periosteal bone area (EBA/PBA) and total cortical length (TCL) around the implants were analyzed. After 6, 8, 12 and 18 weeks, a positive time effect was strongly observed (P < 0.05). Considering the treatment factor, there was a positive effect of calcitonin on EBA and EB variables at 12 weeks and TCL at 18 weeks. In conclusion, the administration of salmon calcitonin to healthy animals may improve bone mass at the later stages of bone healing following titanium implant insertion.

Clinical study of guided bone regeneration and/or bone grafts in the treatment of ligature-induced peri-implantitis defects in dogs.

This study evaluated, by clinical analysis, the hard tissue response following treatment of ligature-induced peri-implantitis defects in 5 dogs. The mandibular premolars were removed from both sides of the jaw. After 3 months of healing, two titanium implants were placed on each side of the mandible. Following abutment connection, 3 months later, experimental peri-implantitis was induced by the placement of cotton ligatures in a submarginal position. Ligatures and abutments were removed after one month and the bony defects were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: debridement (DE), debridement plus guided bone regeneration (GBR), debridement plus mineralized bone graft (BG) and debridement plus guided bone regeneration associated with mineralized bone graft (GBR + BG). The peri-implant bone defects were clinically measured before and 5 months post-treatment. Results showed a higher percentage of vertical bone fill for GBR + BG (27.77 +/- 14.07) followed by GBR (21.78 +/- 16.19), BG (21.26 +/- 6.87), DE (14.03 +/- 5.6). However, there were no statistically significant differences between any of the treatments proposed (one way repeated measures analysis of variance, P = 0.265).

Absorbable versus nonabsorbable membranes and bone grafts in the treatment of ligature-induced peri-implantitis defects in dogs. Part I. A clinical investigation.

The purpose of this study was to clinically evaluate an absorbable collagen membrane (Bio-Gide) and a nonabsorbable polytetrafluoroethylene membrane (PTFE), associated or not with bone grafts, for the treatment of ligature-induced peri-implantitis defects in dogs. The bilateral mandibular premolars were removed from 5 2-year-old mongrel dogs. After 3 months of healing, 3 titanium implants were placed on each side of the mandible. Experimental peri-implantitis was induced after abutment connection. Ligatures and abutments were removed after 1 month and the bone defects were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: DB: debridement alone; GBR+BG-I: debridement plus PTFE membrane associated with mineralized bone graft (Bio-Oss); GBR+BG-II: debridement plus collagen membrane (Bio-Gide) associated with mineralized bone graft; GBR-I: debridement plus PTFE membrane; GBR-II: debridement plus collagen membrane; BG: debridement plus mineralized bone graft. The peri-implant bone defects were measured before and 5 months after treatment. Results showed the greatest percentage of vertical bone fill for GBR+BG-II (27.77+/-14.07) followed by GBR-II (21.78+/-16.19), BG (21.26+/-6.87), GBR+BG-I (19.57+/-13.36), GBR-I (18.86+/-10.63) and DB (14.03+/-5.6). However, the values were not statistically significant (ANOVA, contrast F test, P=0.612). Within the limits of the present investigation, it can be concluded that no difference was detected among treatments.

Millimeter marks and probe tip diameter standardisation from commercially available periodontal probes. A comparative study.

The periodontal probe is still the most important tool for a correct and reproducible periodontal diagnosis. The aim of this study was to verify the standardisation from millimeter marks and tip diameter of four currently marketed periodontal probes. 129 new probes were randomly acquired in the market: 9 Williams-Hu Friedy (group A), 50 Williams-Golgran (group B), 35 Williams-Neumar (group C) and 35 WHO-Hu Friedy (group D). Mark calibration was assessed by digital images that were analysed by an image analysis system. A digital caliper assessed the tip diameter. Blind duplicate measurements were undertaken. The calibration of mark measurements demonstrated that all probes used in this study were not precise, although groups A and D were more accurate than groups B and C (P < 0.05). The tip diameter analysis did not reveal significant differences among the groups (P > 0.05). It can be concluded that some concern should arise regarding the standardisation of periodontal probes since they are relevant to minimise probing errors and consequently enhance the accuracy and reproducibility of periodontal probe-dependant measurements in clinical and epidemiological studies.

Histometric evaluation of the effect of nicotine administration on periodontal breakdown: an in vivo study.

The present study investigated the effect of nicotine administration on periodontal breakdown resulting from ligature-induced periodontitis in rats. Twenty adult male Wistar rats were used. After anesthesia, a mandibular first molar was randomly assigned to receive a cotton ligature in the sulcular area while the contralateral tooth was left unligated. The animals were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments. of daily intraperitoneal injections: A - saline solution, B -0.37 mg of nicotine kg, C -0.57 mg of nicotine kg and D -0.73 mg of nicotine/kg. Thirty days later, the animals were sacrificed and the specimens routinely processed for serial decalcified sections. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) revealed greater bone loss (p<0.05) in the ligated teeth of animals which received nicotine (groups B/C D) than in the ligated teeth of animals which received saline solution (group A). In addition, a dose-dependent response was observed among the nicotine groups. A negative effect of nicotine was observed in the unligated teeth of the experimental groups (p<0.05). Therefore, daily administration of nicotine enhanced, in a dose-dependent manner, the effects of local factors in producing periodontal breakdown. Furthermore, the nicotine seemed to have a direct deleterious effect on the periodontal tissues.

Treatment of ligature-induced peri-implantitis defects by regenerative procedures. Part II: A histometric study in dogs.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate, by histometric analysis, re-osseointegration following treatment of ligature-induced peri-implantitis in dogs. Five dogs were used in this study. Their mandibular premolars (P2, P3 and P4) were first removed. After 3 additional months of healing, two titanium implants were placed on each side of the mandible. After 3 months, the abutment connection was performed and experimental peri-implantitis was induced by placing cotton ligatures in a submarginal position. Ligatures and abutments were removed after one month and the peri-implant bone defects were randomly assigned to one of the treatments: debridement, debridement plus guided-bone regeneration, debridement plus mineralized-bone graft, and debridement plus guided-bone regeneration associated with mineralized-bone graft. Five months post-treatment, the degree of bone contact with the implant surface and the bone area within the threads were measured in 12 threads, the 6 most coronal at each side of each implant. One-way analysis of variance did not reveal statistically significant differences between the treatment modalities (p > 0.05). Within the limits of the present study, it can be concluded that there is a limited possibility of re-osseointegration around implant surfaces previously exposed by ligature-induced peri-implantitis.

Comparison of bioabsorbable and non-resorbable membranes in the treatment of dehiscence-type defects. A histomorphometric study in dogs.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this investigation was to compare, histologically and histometrically, the healing process of dehiscence-type defects treated by guided tissue regeneration (GTR) with bioabsorbable polylactic acid (PLA) membranes and non-resorbable expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTF) membranes. METHODS: Six mongrel dogs were used. Buccal osseous dehiscences were surgically created on the distal roots of the mandibular third and fourth premolars. The defects were exposed to plaque accumulation for 3 months. After this period, the defects were randomly assigned to one of the treatments: GTR with bioabsorbable membrane (PLA), GTR with non-resorbable membrane (ePTFE), open flap debridement (OFD), and non-treated control (NTC). After 3 months of healing, the dogs were sacrificed and the blocks were processed. The histometric parameters evaluated included: gingival recession, epithelial length, connective tissue adaptation, new cementum, and new bone area. RESULTS: A superior length of new cementum was observed in the sites treated by GTR, regardless of the type of barrier used, in comparison with OFD (P <0.05). No statistically significant differences were found between PLA and ePTFE in any of the parameters with the exception of bone area. PLA presented a greater bone area when compared to ePTFE, OFD, and NTC (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that both barriers are equally effective for new cementum formation. The bioabsorbable membrane may provide a greater bone area than the non-resorbable membrane.

Guided tissue regeneration with a bioabsorbable polylactic acid membrane in gingival recessions. A histometric study in dogs.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this investigation was to histologically and histometrically evaluate the healing process of gingival recessions treated by guided tissue regeneration with bioabsorbable polylactic acid membranes (GTR group) and to compare it to that obtained with coronally positioned flaps (CPF group). METHODS: Gingival recessions were surgically created on the buccal aspect of the upper cuspids of 5 mongrel dogs. The defects (5x7 mm) were exposed to plaque accumulation for 3 months. The contralateral defects were then randomly assigned to each group. After 3 months of healing, the dogs were sacrificed and the blocks were processed. The histometric parameters evaluated included length of sulcular and junctional epithelium, connective tissue adaptation, new cementum, new bone, and defect coverage. RESULTS: The extension of the epithelium was 1.9 +/- 0.8 mm for the GTR-group and 3.0 +/- 0.9 mm for the CPF-group (P = 0.16). The connective tissue adaptation was 0.1 +/- 0.1 and 0.8 +/- 0.5 mm in the GTR group and CPF group, respectively (P = 0.051). The new cementum was 3.8 +/- 1.5 mm and 2.4 +/- 0.3 mm in the GTR group and CPF group, respectively (P= 0.16). Bone formation was 1.1 +/- 0.5 mm in the GTR group and 1.4 +/- 0.2 mm in the CPF group (P = 0.53). Histologically, the defect coverage observed was similar, 90.5% and 91.9% for the GTR group and the CPF group, respectively. No statistical differences in any of the parameters could be detected. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that both procedures resulted in a favorable healing response with no significant difference between the treatments.

Evaluation of guided bone regeneration and/or bone grafts in the treatment of ligature-induced peri-implantitis defects: a morphometric study in dogs.

The goal of this study was to evaluate, morphometrically, hard-tissue healing following the treatment of ligature-induced peri-implantitis defects in dogs and guided bone regeneration and/or bone grafts. Five dogs were used, and the mandibular premolars were removed. Three months later, two titanium implants were installed on each side of the mandible, and after another 3 months, abutment connection was performed. Following abutment connection, experimental periimplantitis was induced by placing cotton ligatures in a submarginal position. Ligatures and abutments were removed after 1 month and the bony defects were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: debridement (DE), debridement plus guided bone regeneration (GBR), debridement plus mineralized bone graft (BG), and debridement plus guided bone regeneration associated with mineralized bone graft (GBR/BG). The dogs were euthanatized after 5 months. Morphometric analysis did not reveal significant differences among the treatments neither with respect to the percentage of bone to implant contact (p = 0.996) nor to the bone area (p = 0.946) within the limits of the threads of the implant. Within the limits of this investigation, there is insufficient evidence to indicate that any of the treatments presented an improved response in dealing with bony defects resulting from peri-implantitis.

Histometric evaluation of bone regeneration around immediate implants partially in contact with bone: a pilot study in dogs.

Bone regeneration was evaluated around immediate implants partially in contact with bone, with or without the concurrent application of a combination of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). Mandibular premolars were removed, and the implant osteotomies were prepared; a uniform circumferential gap was prepared 1.25 mm beyond the width of the implant bed in the coronal half. Twelve implants (8.5 x 3.75 mm) were inserted in six dogs. Before insertion, an implant received a single application of 5 micrograms/mL of PDGF and IGF-1 delivered in 0.10 mL of 4% methylcellulose gel or 0.10 mL of 4% methylcellulose gel only as a control. To label regenerated bone, a 2% calcein green solution was administered by intramuscular injection at 0, 7, 15, 30, and 45 days after implant insertion Three and 8 weeks after implant insertion undecalcified sections were obtained, and the degree of bone to implant contact, the bone area, and the intensity of bone labeling were measured into the limits of the eight most coronal threads of the implant (four threads on each side of each implant). The results showed a greater extension of bone-to-implant contact, a larger percentage of bone area, and greater intensity of bone labeling for test versus control implants (P < .01). Within the limits of the present study, it was concluded that the combination of PDGF/IGF-1 might be an alternative for enhancing bone healing around implants partially in contact with bone.

Platelet-derived growth factor/insulin-like growth factor-1 combination and bone regeneration around implants placed into extraction sockets: a histometric study in dogs.

This study evaluated, by histometric analysis, the wound healing process of bone around implants placed into extraction sockets with or without the concurrent application of a combination of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). Mandibular premolars were removed, and 32 implants were inserted in eight dogs. Before insertion, two implants received a single application of 5 micrograms/mL of PDGF and IGF-1 delivered in 0.10 mL of 4% methylcellulose gel or 0.10 mL of 4% methylcellulose gel only as a control. To label regenerated bone, a 2% calcein green solution was administered by intramuscular injection at 0, 7, 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 days after implant insertion. Three, 8, and 12 weeks after implant insertion, undecalcified sections were obtained, and the degree of bone contact with the implant surface, the bone area, and the intensity of bone labeling were measured into the limits of the threads of the implant. Greater extension of bone/implant contact (paired t test, P < .05) was observed in test (22.4% +/- 13.7%) than in control (17.2% +/- 13.6%) implants at 3 weeks. One-way ANOVA revealed a higher intensity of bone labeling (P < .05) at 3 weeks than at 12 weeks (127.8 +/- 42.59 and 56.7 +/- 26.34, gray scale values) for test implants. Within the limits of the present study, it was concluded that the combination of PDGF/IGF-I actively took part in the initial phase of bone repair.

Effect of calcitonin on bone healing following titanium implant insertion.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of calcitonin administration on bone healing, following titanium implant insertion. Thirty adult New Zealand rabbits received one implant in each femur. Fifteen animals were randomized to provide test (calcitonin) and control (saline solution) groups. The animals were sacrificed 7, 14, 21, 28 and 42 days after the surgical procedure. The analyzed parameters were new endosteal/periosteal bone length, new endosteal/periosteal bone area and total cortical length. Considering treatment, histometric measurements showed significant differences (p < 0.05) favoring the control group considering periosteal bone length and periosteal bone area, the other parameters were statistically similar between control and test groups.

Treatment of ligature-induced peri-implantitis defects by regenerative procedures: a clinical study in dogs.

We carried out a clinical evaluation of the hard tissue fill following treatment of ligature-induced peri-implantitis in dogs. Four dogs were used and their mandibular premolars (P2, P3 and P4) were removed. After 3 months of healing, two titanium implants were placed on each side of the mandible. After 3 months, the abutment connection was performed, and experimental peri-implantitis was induced by placement of cotton ligatures in a submarginal position. The ligatures and abutments were removed after one month, and the peri-implant bone defects were assigned randomly to one of the treatments: debridement (control), debridement plus guided bone regeneration (GBR), debridement plus mineralized bone graft (BG), and debridement plus guided bone regeneration associated with a mineralized bone graft (GBR + BG). Clinical measurements of the peri-implant bone defects before and 5 months after treatment revealed no statistically significant differences between the defects treated by GBR, BG and GBR + BG. These 3 treatment methods provided more hard tissue fill than debridement alone (p < 0.05). Thus, it can be concluded that GBR, BG or a combination of the two techniques can enhance the hard tissue fill in defects caused by peri-implantitis in dogs.

New attachment achieved by guided tissue regeneration using a bioresorbable polylactic acid membrane in dogs.

Created periodontal defects in dogs were randomly assigned for experimental (Guidor bioresorbable membranes) or control (conventional therapy) treatment. The results showed that the new connective tissue attachment was significantly greater in test sites than in controls. This new attachment averaged 2.79 +/- 0.74 mm and 1.47 +/- 0.20 mm at test and control sites, respectively (P < 0.05). Epithelial downgrowth was also reduced in the test sites (P < 0.05). No differences in bone response were found. The bioresorbable barrier was effective in blocking gingival epithelial downgrowth and connective tissue proliferation, promoting new attachment according to the principles of guided tissue regeneration.