EVALUATION OF THE POTENTIAL OF A POLYLACTIC ACID BARRIER FOR CORRECTION OF PERIODONTAL DEFECTS IN BABOONS - A CLINICAL AND HISTOLOGIC-STUDY

Created periodontal defects in baboons were treated with one of four p ossible treatment modes: (1) roof preparation and Epi-Guide biodegrada ble polylactic acid barrier (2) roof preparation and Gore-Tex e-PTFE m embrane, (3) root preparation only (no barrier), and (4) no root prepa ration and no barrier (control). Root preparation consisted of hand in stru mentation and use of finishing burs, Measurements of gingival rec ession were recorded from color photographic slides taken weekly for 6 weeks following barrier placement. Block sections were removed from o ne animal 6 weeks after barrier placement and prepared for histologic evaluation. Significantly more gingival recession was observed at the Gore-Tex sites than af the Epi-Guide sites. There were no significant differences in gingival recession between the Epi-Guide sites and roof preparation-only sites or control sites, Both types of barriers were histologically acceptable. At 6 weeks, the Epi-Guide material was pres ent histologically in a partially resorbed state. There was a mild inf lammatory reaction in the surrounding connective tissues.