PERIODONTAL REPAIR IN DOGS - SUPRAALVEOLAR DEFECT MODELS FOR EVALUATION OF SAFETY AND EFFICACY OF PERIODONTAL RECONSTRUCTIVE THERAPY

IT IS INCREASINGLY EVIDENT THAT CONTROLLED PRECLINICAL MODELS With rep roducible defect characteristics and biologic reaction are critical fo r evaluation of safety and efficacy of periodontal reconstructive prot ocols, Our investigations have characterized a supraalveolar periodont al defect in the mandibular premolar region in the beagle dog. This su rgically-created critical size defect heals with almost complete conne ctive tissue attachment following immediate reconstructive surgery. Wh en the defect is exposed to periodontitis-simulating conditions prior to surgery the new connective tissue attachment is reduced, Bone and c ementum regeneration is limited for both defect variations. Critical a spects relative to animal selection and management, surgical protocol, histologic and statistical analysis are discussed. This preclinical m odel has proven effective for evaluation of safety and efficacy of dev ices and biologics used adjunctive to periodontal reconstructive thera py.