Histological evaluation of repair using a bioresorbable membrane beneath aresin-modified glass ionomer after mechanical furcation perforation in dogs' teeth

Resorbable barriers have been shown both clinically and histologically to p roduce favorable periodontal regenerative outcomes. The purpose of the pres ent study was to evaluate the histological response to one such resorbable barrier (Atrisorb) when used as a matrix under a resin-modified glass ionom er (RMGI) sealant in the repair of furcation perforations in experimental a nimals. After anesthesia, pulp extirpation and filling of radicular canals with zinc oxide-eugenol cement, furcal perforations were made in 30 lower p remolar (P2, P3, and P4) teeth of labrador dogs with a 1 mm diameter round bur in a conventional handpiece. The perforated teeth were randomly divided into two groups of 15 teeth. Group 1 teeth were treated with RMGI alone an d group 2 with the resorbable barrier under RMGI. Six teeth without perfora tions served as negative controls. Pulp chambers of all teeth were filled w ith RMGI cement. Animals were sacrificed after 3 months. The teeth and the surrounding structures were processed for light microscopy. There were no d ifferences found between results for glass ionomer alone and barrier with g lass ionomer. The conclusion of this study is that placement of a resorbabl e barrier at the pulp chamber aspect of a furcation perforation did not res ult in superior healing, compared with the use of resin-modified glass iono mer alone.