EFFECT OF ALLOGENEIC FREEZE-DRIED DEMINERALIZED BONE-MATRIX ON REGENERATION OF ALVEOLAR BONE AND PERIODONTAL ATTACHMENT IN DOGS

This split-mouth study was designed to evaluate regeneration of alveol ar bone and periodontal attachment following implantation of allogenei c, freeze-dried, demineralized bone matrix (DBM). Buccal fenestration defects (6 x 4 mm) were created on the maxillary canine teeth in 6 bea gle dogs. DBM was implanted into one randomly selected defect in each animal. The contralateral defect served as surgical control. Tissue bl ocks were harvested following a 4-week healing interval and prepared f or histometric analysis. DBM was discernible in all implanted defects with limited evidence of bone metabolic activity. The DBM particles ap peared invested within a dense connective tissue, often in close conta ct to the instrumented root. Fenestration defect height averaged 3.8+/ -0.1 and 3.7+/-0.3 mm, total bone regeneration 0.9+/-0.9 and 0.4+/-1.2 mm, and total cementum regeneration 2.3+/-1.5 and 0.6+/-0.7 mm for DB M and control defects, respectively. Differences with regards to cemen tum regeneration were statistically significant (p=0.03). In summary, the results of this study suggest that DBM implants may enhance cement um regeneration in this defect model, and that they have no apparent e ffect on alveolar bone regeneration. Enhanced cementum regeneration ma y be possibly be explained by provisions for guided tissue regeneratio n from the implant suppressing a significant influence of the gingival connective tissue on the healing process. Moreover, a 4-week healing interval appears insufficient for turnover of DBM.