Periodontal repair in dogs: Space-provision supports alveolar bone and cementum formation

Objective Clinical criteria for periodontal wound healing/regeneration include wound stability, space-provision and conditions for primary intention healing. However, wound stability/space-provision may be difficult to obtain in non-contained periodontal defects. The objective of this study was to; using a limited, space-providing device as a conduit, evaluate a concept of space-provision sans tissue occlusion for periodontal wound healing/ regeneration. Methods Bilateral, critical-size, supraalveolar, periodontal defects were created in eight young adult Beagle dogs. One jaw quadrant received a limited, space-providing titanium mesh device, the contra-lateral jaw quadrant served as sham-surgery control followed by submerged wound closure for primary intention healing. The animals were euthanized at 8 weeks for histometric analysis of the surgical sites. Results Clinical healing was generally uneventful; minor late exposures observed for some defects. Experimental sites exhibited significantly enhanced mean (±SE) bone and cementum regeneration compared with control (1.10 ± 0.20 and 1.32 ± 0.10 mm versus 0.34 ± 0.18 and 0.66 ± 0.15 mm; p < 0.01). A cellular mixed (extrinsic/intrinsic) fibre cementum and functionally oriented collagen fibres were routinely observed. Wound exposures were significantly associated with reduced bone formation (p < 0.05). Conclusions Using a limited, space-providing device to support periodontal wound healing/regeneration appears a promising clinical approach for non-contained periodontal defects.