Evaluation of the potential of a polylactic acid barrier for correction of periodontal defects in baboons: a clinical and histologic study.

Created periodontal defects in baboons were treated with one of four possible treatment modes: (1) root preparation and Epi-Guide biodegradable polylactic acid barrier, (2) root preparation and Gore-Tex e-PTFE membrane, (3) root preparation only (no barrier), and (4) no root preparation and no barrier (control). Root preparation consisted of hand instrumentation and use of finishing burs. Measurements of gingival recession were recorded from color photographic slides taken weekly for 6 weeks following barrier placement. Block sections were removed from one animal 6 weeks after barrier placement and prepared for histologic evaluation. Significantly more gingival recession was observed at the Gore-Tex sites than at the Epi-Guide sites. There were no significant differences in gingival recession between the Epi-Guide sites and root preparation-only sites or control sites. Both types of barriers were histologically acceptable. At 6 weeks, the Epi-Guide material was present histologically in a partially resorbed state. There was a mild inflammatory reaction in the surrounding connective tissues.