Gingival fibroblasts and tissues attachment to curetted cementum surface in periodontally involved teeth

We examined whether or not gingival fibroblasts attach to curetted cementum surface in periodontally involved teeth. For in vitro experiment, superficial cementum in periodontally involved human teeth was curetted and cut into 3 X 3 mm fragments, put into a plastic plate and mixed with fibroblasts for 1 to 3 days. Numerous fibroblasts attached to the curetted cementum surfaces, while only a few fibroblasts could attach to the diseased cementum. For in vivo experiment, experimental periodontitis was induced in monkeys by leaving a resin plate in artificially created marginal bone crest for 3 months. In the flap surgery, only superficial cementum was curetted. Two- and 4-month biopsy specimens disclosed that the regenerated gingival tissues attached well to the curetted cementum surface. Both in vivo and in vitro results indicated subjacent cementum in periodontally involved teeth could be a suitable surface for fibrous attachment.