Discussion: animal models in reconstructive therapy.

Experimentation in animal models has created a basis for highly improved therapeutic procedures in reconstructive periodontal surgery. This symposium has discussed several animal models currently used; additional models have been described in recent literature. The presentations by Drs. Caton, Wikesjö, and Lynch illustrated the need for further discussion of some of the problems inherent in animal experimentation, including: standardization of periodontal defect configuration; adequate recording of preoperative attachment level; minimizing the effect of biological variability; use of surgically-created versus naturally-developed periodontal lesions; choice of observation period; and regenerative potential of the model chosen.