Influence of granulation tissue, dental calculus and contaminated root cementum on periodontal wound healing. An experimental study in monkeys.

The rôle of gingival granulation tissue, dental calculus and contaminated root cementum in marginal periodontal formation of new attachment was studied experimentally after chemical conditioning of the root surfaces of premolars and molars in 8 monkeys. Each treatment procedure was carried out in 4 monkeys. The other 4 monkeys served as controls. A morphometrical method was used to evaluate the results. It was concluded that a significant amount of new attachment including formation of new adhering cementum will result only on chemically-conditioned cementum surfaces. Small amounts of calculus or granulation tissue left in situ do not seem to influence healing, provided the cementum is left intact after chemical cleansing.