Different cross-linked types of collagen implanted in rat palatal gingiva.

Collagen membrane preparations were manufactured with the aim of enhancing wound healing following periodontal surgery. After crosslinking by various processing methods (with ultraviolet and hexamethylenediisocyanate) and to various extents, two types of collagen (atelocollagen and tendon collagen) were implanted into a dissection site within palatal gingival tissue. The time course of healing responses was investigated histologically. Collagen implantation was found to accelerate fibrous connective tissue attachment to the root surface and inhibit apical migration of the junctional epithelium. Cross-linked atelocollagen was superior in biocompatibility to the other collagen membranes studied.