Periodontal repair in dogs: histologic observations of guided tissue regeneration with a prostaglandin E1 analog/methacrylate composite.

This report describes observations of healing following guided tissue regeneration (GTR) including surgical implantation of the prostaglandin E1 analog misoprostol with calcium-layered methacrylate particles. Critical size, supra-alveolar periodontal defects were surgically created around the 3rd and 4th mandibular premolar teeth in 4 beagle dogs. Wound management included soaking with a 24 microg/ml misoprostol solution and implantation of the misoprostol/methacrylate composite. One jaw quadrant per animal was prepared for GTR using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes. The gingival flaps were coronally advanced and sutured to submerge the teeth. The tissues covering the surgical sites daily received topical misoprostol in an oral adhesive over the 4-week healing interval. Upon euthanasia, tissue blocks were prepared for histometric analysis of regeneration of alveolar bone and cementum, root resorption and ankylosis. The defect area underneath the membrane and the density of methacrylate particles were recorded for the GTR defects. The methacrylate particles appeared encapsulated in a dense connective tissue without signs of an inflammatory reaction, some in contact to newly formed bone. Alveolar bone regeneration height averaged (+/-SD) 1.2+/-1.0 and 1.0+/-0.6 mm for GTR and non-GTR defects, respectively. Corresponding values for bone regeneration area were 1.3+/-1.0 and 0.7+/-0.5 mm2. Cementum regeneration was confined to the apical aspect of the defects. Small areas of root resorption and ankylosis were observed for all teeth. Bone regeneration area correlated positively to the defect area and negatively to the density of methacrylate particles in the GTR defects. The histologic observations suggest that the methacrylate composite has marginal potential to promote bone and cementum regeneration under provisions for GTR.