ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To clarify whether low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) exposure has recovery effects on the hypofunctional periodontal ligament (PDL) and interradicular alveolar bone (IRAB). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups (n = 5 each): a normal occlusion (C) group, an occlusal hypofunction (H) group, and an occlusal hypofunction group subjected to LIPUS (HL) treatment. Hypofunctional occlusion of the maxillary first molar (M1) of the H and HL groups was induced by the bite-raising technique. Only the HL group was irradiated with LIPUS for 5 days. The IRAB and PDL of M1 were examined by microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) analysis. To quantify mRNA expression of cytokines involved in PDL proliferation and development, real-time reverse transcription quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) was performed for twist family bHLH transcription factor 1 (Twist1), periostin, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in the PDL samples. RESULTS: Micro-CT analysis showed that the PDL volume was decreased in the H group compared with that of the C and HL groups. Both bone volume per tissue volume (BV/TV) of IRAB was decreased in the H group compared with that in the C group. LIPUS exposure restored BV/TV in the IRAB of the HL group. qRT-PCR analysis showed that Twist1, periostin, and CTGF mRNA levels were decreased in the H group and increased in the HL group. CONCLUSION: LIPUS exposure reduced the atrophic changes of alveolar bone by inducing the upregulation of periostin and CTGF expression to promote PDL healing after induction of occlusal hypofunction.
Subject(s)
Dental Occlusion , Periodontal Atrophy/radiotherapy , Periodontal Atrophy/therapy , Periodontal Ligament/radiation effects , Tooth/radiation effects , Ultrasonic Therapy , Ultrasonic Waves , Alveolar Bone Loss/metabolism , Alveolar Bone Loss/pathology , Alveolar Bone Loss/radiotherapy , Alveolar Bone Loss/therapy , Animals , Cell Adhesion Molecules/genetics , Cell Adhesion Molecules/metabolism , Connective Tissue Growth Factor/genetics , Connective Tissue Growth Factor/metabolism , Cytokines/metabolism , Imaging, Three-Dimensional/methods , Male , Mandible/diagnostic imaging , Mandible/metabolism , Mandible/pathology , Mandible/radiation effects , Maxilla/diagnostic imaging , Maxilla/metabolism , Maxilla/pathology , Maxilla/radiation effects , Molar/diagnostic imaging , Molar/pathology , Nuclear Proteins/genetics , Nuclear Proteins/metabolism , Orthodontics , Periodontal Atrophy/metabolism , Periodontal Atrophy/pathology , Periodontal Ligament/metabolism , Periodontal Ligament/pathology , RNA, Messenger/analysis , RNA, Messenger/biosynthesis , Rats , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction , Tooth/pathology , Twist-Related Protein 1/genetics , Twist-Related Protein 1/metabolism , X-Ray Microtomography/methodsABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) as adjuvant to mechanical treatment of experimental periodontitis (EP) in adult rats submitted to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy. METHODS: EP was induced through ligature around the left mandibular first molar for 7 days. The ligature was removed and the animals separated into groups: EP, no treatment; 5FU, systemic administration of 5-FU (80 and 40 mg/kg); 5FU/scaling and root planing (SRP), systemic application of 5-FU and SRP; 5FU/SRP/LLLT, systemic application of 5-FU, SRP, and LLLT (660 nm, 0.035 W; 29.4 J/cm2); and 5FU/SRP/aPDT, systemic application of 5-FU, SRP, and aPDT (methylene blue irrigation and LLLT). The animals were euthanized 7, 15, and 30 days after treatments. Histological sections from mandibles were processed for histomorphometric and immunohistochemical analysis (TRAP, RANKL, OPG, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10). The alveolar bone loss (BL) area in the furcation region of the mandibular first molar was analyzed histometrically. RESULTS: There was less bone loss in 5FU/SRP/aPDT compared with 5FU at 7 days (p < 0.05). The immunohistochemical analysis showed no significant difference for TRAP and osteoprotegerin, but lower RANKL immunolabeling was observed in the 5FU/SRP/LLLT and 5FU/SRP/aPDT groups compared with the 5FU group at 15 days. There was lower TNF-α and IL-6 immunolabeling in the 5FU/SRP/LLLT and 5FU/SRP/aPDT groups and higher IL-10 immunolabeling in 5FU/SRP/aPDT at 30 days. CONCLUSION: LLLT and aPDT adjuvant to SRP minimized the effects of 5-FU on periodontal disease. Furthermore, aPDT promoted greater benefits in bone loss control and inflammatory response.
Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents/therapeutic use , Fluorouracil/therapeutic use , Low-Level Light Therapy , Periodontitis/drug therapy , Periodontitis/radiotherapy , Photochemotherapy , Alveolar Bone Loss/chemically induced , Alveolar Bone Loss/drug therapy , Alveolar Bone Loss/radiotherapy , Animals , Combined Modality Therapy , Fluorouracil/adverse effects , Male , Periodontitis/chemically induced , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: This study histomorphometrically analyzes the influence of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), low-level laser therapy (LLLT), or their combination on the healing of periodontal fenestration defects (PFDs) in rats. METHODS: PFDs were surgically created in the mandibles of 80 rats. The animals were randomly divided into four groups: 1) C (control) and 2) PRP, defects were filled with blood clot or PRP, respectively; 3) LLLT and 4) PRP/LLLT, defects received laser irradiation, were filled with blood clot or PRP, respectively, and then irradiated again. Animals were euthanized at either 10 or 30 days post-surgery. Percentage of new bone (NB), density of newly formed bone (DNB), new cementum (NC), and extension of remaining defect (ERD) were histomorphometrically evaluated. Data were statistically analyzed (analysis of variance; Tukey test, P <0.05). RESULTS: At 10 days, group PRP presented ERD significantly lower than group C. At 30 days, group PRP presented NB and DNB significantly greater than group C. Groups LLLT, PRP, and PRP/LLLT showed significant NC formation at 30 days, with collagen fibers inserted obliquely or perpendicularly to the root surface. NC formation was not observed in any group C specimen. CONCLUSIONS: LLLT, PRP, or their combination all promoted NC formation with a functional periodontal ligament. The combination PRP/LLLT did not show additional positive effects compared to the use of either therapy alone.
Subject(s)
Alveolar Bone Loss/therapy , Bone Regeneration/physiology , Low-Level Light Therapy/methods , Platelet-Rich Plasma/physiology , Alveolar Bone Loss/radiotherapy , Alveolar Process/pathology , Alveolar Process/radiation effects , Animals , Blood Coagulation/physiology , Bone Density/physiology , Bone Density/radiation effects , Bone Regeneration/radiation effects , Collagen/chemistry , Collagen/radiation effects , Combined Modality Therapy , Dental Cementum/pathology , Dental Cementum/radiation effects , Fibroblasts/pathology , Fibroblasts/radiation effects , Male , Mandibular Diseases/radiotherapy , Mandibular Diseases/therapy , Osteogenesis/physiology , Osteogenesis/radiation effects , Random Allocation , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Time Factors , Tooth Root/pathology , Tooth Root/radiation effectsABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the biostimulatory effect of 660 nm light-emitting diode (LED) as an adjunct in the treatment of experimental periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ninety-six Sprague-Dawley rats underwent experimental periodontitis by placement of a silk ligature followed with or without additive Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (Pg-LPS) injection. Irradiation with LED light was performed at varying energy densities of 5, 10 and 15 J/cm2, 1 d after debridement and detoxification. Rats were killed at 3, 7 and 14 d after irradiation with LED light, and the effect of irradiation was evaluated by descriptive histology and quantitative measurements of periodontal bone loss, inflammatory infiltration and cellular proliferation. RESULTS: Reduction of inflammation, accelerated collagen deposition and realignment was noted following irradiation with LED light at densities of 10 and 15 J/cm2, and temporary reduction of periodontal bone loss, as well as bundle bone apposition, was noted at day 3 in rats treated with 10 J/cm2 light. The biomodulatory effect was stronger in sites treated with Pg-LPS injection. In sites without Pg-LPS injection, temporary reduction of inflammation was noted in all LED light-irradiated specimens at day 3. No significant change in cellular proliferation was noted in any LED light-treated group. CONCLUSIONS: LED light (660 nm) with an energy density of 10 J/cm2 appeared suitable as an adjunct modality for periodontitis by temporarily reducing inflammation, facilitating collagen realignment and bundle bone deposition. Future studies will aim to amplify the biostimulatory effect of LED light by adding a supplementary medium or repeated irradiation.
Subject(s)
Lasers, Semiconductor/therapeutic use , Low-Level Light Therapy/methods , Periodontitis/radiotherapy , Alveolar Bone Loss/pathology , Alveolar Bone Loss/radiotherapy , Animals , Anti-Infective Agents, Local/therapeutic use , Cell Proliferation/radiation effects , Chlorhexidine/therapeutic use , Collagen/radiation effects , Connective Tissue/pathology , Connective Tissue/radiation effects , Gingiva/pathology , Gingiva/radiation effects , Gingival Hemorrhage/pathology , Gingival Hemorrhage/radiotherapy , Ligation/instrumentation , Lipopolysaccharides/adverse effects , Male , Osteogenesis/radiation effects , Periodontal Debridement/methods , Periodontal Ligament/pathology , Periodontal Ligament/radiation effects , Periodontitis/pathology , Porphyromonas gingivalis , Radiotherapy Dosage , Rats , Rats, Sprague-DawleyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to assess clinical and microbiologic effects of the non-surgical treatment of peri-implantitis lesions using either an erbium-doped:yttrium, aluminum, and garnet (Er:YAG) laser or an air-abrasive subgingival polishing method. METHODS: In a 6-month clinical trial, 42 patients with peri-implantitis were treated at one time with an Er:YAG laser or an air-abrasive device. Routine clinical methods were used to monitor clinical conditions. Baseline and 6-month intraoral radiographs were assessed with a software program. The checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization method was used to assess 74 bacterial species from the site with the deepest probing depth (PD) at the implant. Non-parametric tests were applied to microbiology data. RESULTS: PD reductions (mean ± SD) were 0.9 ± 0.8 mm and 0.8 ± 0.5 mm in the laser and air-abrasive groups, respectively (not significant). No baseline differences in bacterial counts between groups were found. In the air-abrasive group, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus anaerobius were found at lower counts at 1 month after therapy (P <0.001) and with lower counts in the laser group for Fusobacterium nucleatum naviforme (P = 0.002), and Fusobacterium nucleatum nucleatum (P = 0.002). Both treatments failed to reduce bacterial counts at 6 months. Porphyromonas gingivalis counts were higher in cases with progressive peri-implantitis (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: At 1 month, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and S. anaerobius were reduced in the air-abrasive group, and Fusobacterium spp. were reduced in the laser group. Six-month data demonstrated that both methods failed to reduce bacterial counts. Clinical improvements were limited.
Subject(s)
Air Abrasion, Dental/methods , Bacteria/classification , Dental Polishing/methods , Lasers, Solid-State/therapeutic use , Low-Level Light Therapy/methods , Peri-Implantitis/microbiology , Actinomyces/isolation & purification , Aged , Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans/isolation & purification , Alveolar Bone Loss/microbiology , Alveolar Bone Loss/radiotherapy , Alveolar Bone Loss/therapy , Bacterial Load , Bacteroides/isolation & purification , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Fusobacterium nucleatum/classification , Gingival Hemorrhage/microbiology , Gingival Hemorrhage/radiotherapy , Gingival Hemorrhage/therapy , Humans , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Peri-Implantitis/radiotherapy , Peri-Implantitis/therapy , Periodontal Pocket/microbiology , Periodontal Pocket/radiotherapy , Periodontal Pocket/therapy , Porphyromonas gingivalis/isolation & purification , Pseudomonas aeruginosa/isolation & purification , Single-Blind Method , Staphylococcus/classification , Staphylococcus aureus/isolation & purification , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to compare low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as adjuvant treatment for induced periodontitis with scaling and root planing (SRP) in dexamethasone-treated rats. One-hundred twenty rats were divided into groups: D group (n = 60), treated with dexamethasone; ND group (n = 60) treated with saline solution. In both groups, periodontal disease was induced by ligature at the left first mandibular molar. After 7 days, the ligature was removed and all animals were subjected to SRP and were divided according to the following treatments: SRP, irrigation with saline solution (SS); SRP + LLLT, SS and laser irradiation (660 nm; 24 J; 0.428 W/cm(2)). Ten animals in each treatment were killed after 7 days, 15 days and 30 days. The radiographic and histometric values were statistically analyzed. In all groups radiographic and histometric analysis showed less bone loss (P < 0.05) in animals treated with SRP + LLLT in all experimental periods. SRP + LLLT was an effective adjuvant conventional treatment for periodontitis in rats treated with dexamethasone.
Subject(s)
Low-Level Light Therapy , Periodontitis/radiotherapy , Alveolar Bone Loss/pathology , Alveolar Bone Loss/radiotherapy , Alveolar Bone Loss/therapy , Animals , Combined Modality Therapy , Dental Scaling , Dexamethasone/toxicity , Male , Periodontitis/etiology , Periodontitis/pathology , Periodontitis/therapy , Rats , Rats, Wistar , Root PlaningABSTRACT
This study aimed to investigate the influence of low-power 830 nm gallium-aluminium-arsenide (GaAlAs) laser [continuous wave (CW) 40 mW and fluence 4 J/cm(2), with total energy density of 16 J/cm(2)] on the healing of human infra-bony defects treated with bioactive glass graft material. Twenty patients with chronic periodontitis and bilateral infra-bony defects were included. Using a split mouth design, we treated 20 defects with bioactive glass plus laser irradiation during surgical procedures and on days 3, 5, 7 postoperatively; 20 contra-lateral defects were treated with bioactive glass only. Clinical probing pocket depths, clinical attachment levels and standardized periapical radiographs were recorded at baseline and at 3 months and 6 months postoperatively. At 3 months there was a statistically significant difference between the laser and non-laser sites in the parameters investigated. However, at 6 months, no difference was observed. Our results have confirmed the positive effect of soft laser in accelerating periodontal wound healing.
Subject(s)
Alveolar Bone Loss/drug therapy , Alveolar Bone Loss/radiotherapy , Bone Regeneration/drug effects , Bone Regeneration/radiation effects , Bone Substitutes/therapeutic use , Ceramics/therapeutic use , Low-Level Light Therapy/methods , Adult , Alveolar Bone Loss/pathology , Chronic Periodontitis/diagnostic imaging , Chronic Periodontitis/drug therapy , Chronic Periodontitis/radiotherapy , Female , Humans , Lasers, Semiconductor/therapeutic use , Male , Middle Aged , RadiographyABSTRACT
The treatment of a peri-implant infrabony defect is difficult because of contamination of the implant surface and adjacent tissues. This case series addresses the ability of a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser to decontaminate failing implants in 15 patients. Clinical and radiologic data are presented with regard to using the laser in combination with bone grafting and a barrier. Augmentation with autogenous bone grafting material (n = 10) or a xenogenic bone grafting material (BioOss) (n = 9) was used, and bone grafts were covered with a collagen membrane. Clinical and radiologic parameters were evaluated postoperatively. After an observation period of 27 months (+/- 17.83), almost complete bone fill in the peri-implant defect was accomplished. These preliminary clinical and radiologic findings suggest that decontamination of the implant surfaces with the CO2 laser in combination with augmentative techniques can be an effective treatment method for peri-implantitis.
Subject(s)
Alveolar Bone Loss/radiotherapy , Dental Implants/microbiology , Guided Tissue Regeneration, Periodontal/methods , Lasers, Gas/therapeutic use , Adult , Aged , Alveolar Bone Loss/surgery , Animals , Bone Matrix/transplantation , Bone Substitutes/therapeutic use , Bone Transplantation/methods , Cattle , Child, Preschool , Collagen , Dental Implants/adverse effects , Disinfection/methods , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Membranes, Artificial , Middle Aged , Minerals/therapeutic use , Osteogenesis/physiology , Periodontitis/radiotherapy , Periodontitis/surgery , Transplantation, HeterologousABSTRACT
UNLABELLED: Periodontal inflammation with alveolar bone resorption is a hallmark of periodontitis. We hypothesized that extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) could promote the regeneration of alveolar bone following Porphyromonas gingivalis-induced periodontitis in rats. Rats were infected with P. gingivalis for 10 wks, which caused alveolar bone resorption. The rats were then treated with a single episode of 100, 300, or 1000 impulses of shock wave on both cheeks at energy levels 0.1 mJ/mm(2). Alveolar bone levels were determined at 0, 3, 6, and 12 wks following ESWT and compared with those in untreated controls. Infected rats treated with 300 and 1000 impulses demonstrated significantly improved alveolar bone levels at 3 wks compared with untreated controls, and the improved levels remained for at least 6 wks in most rats. The results demonstrated effective regeneration of alveolar bone by ESWT and suggested that ESWT should be evaluated as an adjunct in the regeneration of periodontal tissues following periodontal disease. ABBREVIATIONS: ESWT, extracorporeal shock wave therapy; PCR, polymerase chain-reaction.
Subject(s)
Alveolar Bone Loss/radiotherapy , Bone Regeneration/radiation effects , Bone Resorption/radiotherapy , High-Energy Shock Waves/therapeutic use , Alveolar Bone Loss/etiology , Alveolar Bone Loss/microbiology , Animals , Bacteroidaceae Infections/complications , Bone Resorption/etiology , Bone Resorption/microbiology , Disease Models, Animal , Female , Gingivitis/complications , Gingivitis/microbiology , Porphyromonas gingivalis , Rats , Rats, Sprague-DawleyABSTRACT
AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the immediate post-operative pain, wound healing and clinical results after the application of an enamel matrix protein derivative (EMD) alone or combined with a low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for the treatment of deep intra-bony defects. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was an intra-individual longitudinal test of 12 months' duration conducted using a blinded, split-mouth, placebo-controlled and randomized design. In 22 periodontitis patients, one intra-bony defect was randomly treated with EMD+LLLT, while EMD alone was applied to the contra-lateral defect site. LLLT was used both intra- and post-operatively. Clinical measurements were performed by a blinded periodontist at the time of surgery, in the first week and in the first, second, sixth and 12th month. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were recorded for pain assessment. RESULTS: The results have shown that the treatment of intra-bony defects with EMD alone or EMD+LLLT leads to probing depth reduction and attachment-level gain. In addition, EMD+LLLT had resulted in less gingival recession (p<0.05), less swelling (p<0.001) and less VAS scores (p<0.02) compared with EMD alone. CONCLUSION: This study shows that EMD is an effective, safe and predictable biomaterial for periodontal regeneration and LLLT may improve the effects of EMD by reducing post-operative complications.
Subject(s)
Alveolar Bone Loss , Bone Substitutes/therapeutic use , Dental Enamel Proteins/therapeutic use , Low-Level Light Therapy/methods , Adult , Alveolar Bone Loss/drug therapy , Alveolar Bone Loss/radiotherapy , Combined Modality Therapy/methods , Epidemiologic Methods , Female , Humans , Male , Mandibular Diseases/drug therapy , Mandibular Diseases/radiotherapy , Maxillary Diseases/drug therapy , Maxillary Diseases/radiotherapy , Middle Aged , Pain, Postoperative/epidemiology , Treatment Outcome , Wound Healing/drug effectsABSTRACT
One of the many applications for which lasers have been proposed in implant dentistry is for the decontamination process. The purposes of this study were to assess possible alterations in titanium implants in vitro and in vivo by use of the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser and to determine whether new bone formation can occur on previously contaminated implants. In vitro, temperature changes at the bone-titanium implant interface were recorded during use of a CO2 laser-scanning system (Swiftlase). Additionally, the effects of laser irradiation on titanium implants at various power settings were examined. In 6 beagle dogs, a total of 60 implants and bony defects resulting from plaque accumulation were treated by air-powder abrasive (the conventional treatment), laser irradiation, or both. Depending on the parameters chosen, melting and other surface alterations were seen in vitro, especially in the superpulse mode. Otherwise, no alterations were found, even at high power settings in the continuous mode. In vivo, corresponding histologic examination of 4-month sections showed evidence of new direct bone-to-implant contact after laser-assisted therapy, especially when the implants had been treated concomitantly with submerged membranes. These results support the hypothesis that peri-implant defects can be treated successfully by laser decontamination without damaging the surrounding tissues in the dog model. Nevertheless, further investigations will be required to determine the clinical efficacy of the treatment.
Subject(s)
Dental Implants , Low-Level Light Therapy , Periodontal Diseases/radiotherapy , Aluminum Oxide , Alveolar Bone Loss/etiology , Alveolar Bone Loss/pathology , Alveolar Bone Loss/radiotherapy , Animals , Body Temperature/radiation effects , Carbon Dioxide , Coated Materials, Biocompatible , Dental Plaque/complications , Dental Porcelain , Dental Prophylaxis , Disease Models, Animal , Dogs , Female , Mandible/pathology , Mandible/physiopathology , Mandible/radiation effects , Mandible/surgery , Membranes, Artificial , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Osteogenesis/radiation effects , Periodontal Diseases/etiology , Periodontal Diseases/pathology , Radiotherapy Dosage , Statistics as Topic , Surface Properties , Titanium , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Between 1994 and 1999, 50 patients were treated with either profound parodontopathy (30) or periimplantitis (20). Half of each of the two groups of patients was treated conventionally, and the other half was treated with laser support. Before the operation, microbiological examinations were carried out, in addition to registering the clinical findings and taking x-rays. These procedures were repeated after the operation, and again after 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months. The surgical part of therapy for each half of the patient groups included surface decontamination with diode laser light (1-watt output, maximum of 20 seconds) in addition to conventional procedures. The values of the laser-supported therapy were lower than those specified in the relevant literature. The relapse rate of the two diseases (13% for the periimplantitis and 23% for the parodontopathy group) after 5 years was lower than the comparative values of researched literature where decontamination was not included in the therapy. We think that integrating diode laser light decontamination in the approved treatment schemes for periimplantitis and parodontitis contributes considerably to the success of this therapy.
Subject(s)
Dental Implants , Laser Therapy , Periodontal Diseases/therapy , Periodontitis/therapy , Adult , Alveolar Bone Loss/microbiology , Alveolar Bone Loss/radiotherapy , Alveolar Bone Loss/therapy , Bacteria/classification , Debridement , Dental Implants/adverse effects , Dental Implants/microbiology , Dental Restoration Failure , Dental Scaling , Disinfectants/therapeutic use , Equipment Contamination , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Gingival Hemorrhage/microbiology , Gingival Hemorrhage/radiotherapy , Gingival Hemorrhage/therapy , Gingivitis/microbiology , Gingivitis/radiotherapy , Gingivitis/therapy , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Periodontal Diseases/diagnostic imaging , Periodontal Diseases/microbiology , Periodontal Diseases/radiotherapy , Periodontal Index , Periodontal Pocket/microbiology , Periodontal Pocket/radiotherapy , Periodontal Pocket/therapy , Periodontitis/diagnostic imaging , Periodontitis/microbiology , Periodontitis/radiotherapy , Radiography , Recurrence , Surgical Flaps , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
Fluorescence microscopy was used for evaluation of new bone formation in 16 canine mandibles augmented with hydroxylapatite (HA) granules. Three fluorochromes were injected at different time intervals during therapeutic radiation treatment. Oxytetracycline, DCAF, and alizarin-complexone were given intravenously to mark the bone level at these times, respectively. Oxytetracycline, which defined the baseline of bone at implantation of HA, was detectable in 42% of animals that were irradiated and in no animal of the nonirradiated control group. The marker DCAF, designating levels of bone at the start of radiation, was demonstrated in 92% of irradiated animals, and in 75% of animals in the control group. The uptake of alizarin-complexone determined the level of bone found at the end of irradiation. This marker was demonstrated in 50% of the dogs irradiated and in 75% of the control dogs. Bony trabeculae were found between and at the surface of the HA granules. New generation of bone directly on the HA granule and in the surrounding haversian systems as part of normal bone turnover was demonstrated to take place more than 5 months after implantation of HA.