Effect of enamel matrix proteins (Emdogain') on healing after re-implantation of "periodontally compromised" roots. An experimental study in the dog.

OBJECTIVE: The present experiment was performed to assess whether Emdogain applied on the root surface of extracted teeth or teeth previously exposed to root planning can protect the tooth from ankylosis following re-implantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The experiment included two groups of dogs, including five animals each. The root canals of all mandibular third premolars (3 P 3) were reamed and filled with gutta-percha. A crestal incision was placed from the area of the second to the fourth premolar. Buccal and lingual full thickness flaps were elevated. With the use of a fissure bur, the crown and furcation area of 3 P 3 were severed in an apico-coronal cut. The distal and mesial tooth segments were luxated with an elevator and extracted with forceps. Group A: The mesial and distal segments of 3 P 3 were air dried on a glass surface for 60 min. The roots from the right side were conditioned and exposed to Emdogain application. The roots from the left side received the same treatment with the exception of Emdogain application. The mesial and distal tooth segments were re-implanted and the crown portions were severed with a horizontal cut and removed. The buccal and lingual flaps were mobilized and sutured to obtain complete coverage of the submerged roots. Group B: A notch was prepared in each root, 4-5 mm apical of the cemento-enamel junction. The area of the root that was located coronal to the notch was scaled and planned. The roots in the right side of the mandible were treated with Emdogain, while the roots in the left side served as controls. After 6 months of healing, the dogs were killed and blocks containing one root with surrounding tissues were harvested, and prepared for histological examination, which also included morphometric assessments. Thus, the proportions of the roots that exhibited signs of (i) replacement (ii) inflammatory and (iii) surface resorption were calculated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: It was demonstrated that healing of a re-implanted root that had been extracted and deprived of vital cementoblasts was characterized by processes that included root resorption, ankylosis and new attachment formation. It was also demonstrated that Emdogain treatment, i.e. conditioning with EDTA and placement of enamel matrix proteins on the detached root surface, failed to interfere with the healing process.

Lateral ridge augmentation by the use of grafts comprised of autologous bone or a biomaterial. An experiment in the dog.

OBJECTIVE: The present investigation was performed to determine if a block of Bio-Oss used as an onlay graft can be used as a scaffold for new bone formation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five mongrel dogs were used. The mandibular premolars were extracted. On both sides of the mandible, the buccal bone plate was resected and defects, about 25 mm long, 8 mm high and 5 mm wide, were produced After 3 months of healing, a second surgical procedure was performed. In the left side, a block of Bio-Oss was adjusted to the buccal bone wall. The graft had the shape of a cylinder and was retained with a miniscrew and covered with a collagen membrane. In the contra-lateral side of the mandible, a block biopsy was first obtained from the ascending ramus. This bone graft had the shape of a cylinder that was 8 mm in diameter and 3 mm thick. The graft was transferred to the experimental site, adjusted to the buccal wall, retained with a miniscrew, and covered with a membrane. The flaps were repositioned and closed with sutures to ensure a complete coverage of the experimental sites. After 6 months of healing, the dogs were sacrificed and the experimental sites dissected. The biopsies were processed for ground sectioning. The sections were stained in toluidine blue, examined in the microscope, and a number of histo- and morphometric assessments made. RESULTS: The study demonstrated that cortical bone used as an onlay graft in the lateral aspect of the alveolar ridge, during a 6-month period of healing integrated with the host bone but underwent marked peripheral resorption. Thus, close to 30% of the height and 50% of the length of the graft was replaced with connective tissue. It was further observed that while the dimensions of a graft which contained a scaffold of cancellous bovine bone mineral remained unchanged, only moderate amounts of new bone formed at the base of this graft. CONCLUSION: Grafts of autologous cortical bone, placed on the surface of a one-wall defect, may undergo marked resorption during healing. A similar graft of Bio-Oss may retain its dimension, and limited amounts of new bone will form within the biomaterial.