The use of distraction osteogenesis to induce new suprabony periodontal attachment in the beagle dog

Using a technique called distraction osteogenesis (DO), orthopedic surgeons are capable of reconstructing 4 to 5 cm of bone and soft tissue without bo ne grafts or pedicle flap procedures. DO has been used recently to generate maxillofacial bone as an alternative to maxillary and mandibular osteotomi es. Using DO methodology, this study attempted to regenerate supraalveolar buccal periodontium on the mandibular second, third, and fourth premolars o f beagle dogs. A small but statistically significantly greater amount of ne w cementum was generated in experimental teeth, with no difference found be tween experimental and control groups with respect to regenerating alveolar bone. Further studies using modifications of this technique are warranted to explore the potential of DO as an alternative to conventional regenerati ve approaches.