Pedicle Periosteum as a Barrier for Guided Bone Regeneration in the Rabbit Frontal Bone.

BACKGROUND/AIM: For alveolar ridge reconstruction prior to dental implant placement, a barrier membrane is placed to create space over the bone defect. Although periosteum possesses osteogenic capacity, direct contact between defects and periosteum has been avoided. The present study aimed to investigate whether pedicle periosteum could be used as a barrier membrane. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve rabbits were used. A U-shaped incision was made in the frontal bone, and the skin-periosteum over the frontal bone was stripped. Two trephine-drilled holes with a diameter of 5 mm were prepared in the frontal bone. One hole was covered with pedicle periosteum (periosteum side), and the periosteum was secured to the contralateral side. The other defect was covered with an occlusive membrane (membrane side). RESULTS: The histological observation showed that both defects, which were covered either by the periosteum or by the membrane, were closed almost completely after 12 weeks of healing. No statistically significant difference was observed in the bone defect closure rates between the two sides at 4 and 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the pedicle periosteum possesses regenerative effects equivalent to those of occlusive membrane. The periosteum contributes to new bone formation by acting as a mechanical barrier and a source of osteogenic components.

Correlation in the densities of augmented and existing bone in guided bone augmentation.

OBJECTIVES: Our previous work used a rabbit experimental model to investigate the effectiveness of guided bone augmentation (GBA). Although a density similar to that of existing bone is required for successful bone augmentation, few studies have compared the densities of augmented and existing bone. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the correlation in the densities of existing and augmented bone following GBA in rabbit calvaria. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The calvaria of 18 adult male Japanese white rabbits were exposed. A circular groove and nine small holes were drilled into the cortical surface of each left parietal bone. A customized, standardized, hemispherical titanium cap was press-fitted into each groove. Six animals were sacrificed after each healing period of 1, 3, and 6 months and histomorphometric analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Significant increases were observed in the area of augmented bone between 1 and 6 months (62.7 ± 21.6% vs. 93.4 ± 3.9%). In contrast, no significant differences among healing periods were observed in the density of augmented or existing bone. Regression analysis demonstrated a significant positive correlation between the densities of augmented and existing bone; the strength of this correlation increased with the length of healing (R(2) =0.97). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the area of augmented bone increases significantly with the length of healing, filling the occlusive space after 6 months, and that the density of augmented bone depends on that of the existing bone, such that augmented bone has a density about half that of the existing bone.

Spontaneous correction of pathologic tooth migration and reduced infrabony pockets following nonsurgical periodontal therapy: a case report.

This case report describes the spontaneous correction of pathologic tooth migration and reduced infrabony pockets after nonsurgical periodontal therapy. A 3-mm diastema between the maxillary incisors was closed completely, and the mandibular teeth, which had migrated pathologically, returned to the optimal position. Clinical evaluation showed a significant reduction in probing depth, with increased clinical attachment and bone deposition demonstrated radiologically.