The use of Periograf in periodontal defects. Histologic findings.

Hydroxylapatite (Periograf) was placed into periodontal defects around five teeth scheduled for extraction in two young adult females with excellent plaque control. On the facial surface for one tooth the material was placed in a supracrestal position. Twelve months later the teeth were extracted in block section and were examined microscopically. Hydroxylapatite crystals were seen in the histologic sections with evidence of new bone formation in juxtaposition. The hydroxylapatite was tolerated relatively well by the surrounding tissue. A "cap' of bone was present coronal and facial to those crystals placed in the supracrestal position. In some areas bone was seen attached to the root via a periodontal ligament coronal to the Durapatite crystals. The question of accidental implantation of the material into the adjacent bone versus the actual regeneration of a true new attachment was discussed.