Cementum-impregnated gelatine membrane: its effect on periodontal tissue regeneration

This study was designed to evaluate the ability of cementum-impregnated gelatine membranes (CGM) to stimulate regeneration of periodontal ligament following surgery. Three monkeys with no periodontal disease were used. Following flap elevation, recession type defects were created on the buccal side of maxillary lateral incisors and second premolars, and roots were subsequently planed. Experimental sites received CGM at approximately 2-3 mm below the cementoenamel junction while control sites received gelatine membrane (GM) free of cementum. Wounds were allowed to heal for 3 weeks, during which time daily plaque control measures were maintained. Tissues prepared from sacrificed animals revealed that experimental specimens exhibited formation of new cementum, new bone, and periodontal ligament. Control specimens exhibited connective tissue adhesion without either new cementum or significant new bone formation. Histometric analysis showed that the average vertical growth of cementum (NC) and bone (NB) at experimental sites were 3.48 +/- 0.29 and 0.64 +/- 0.43 mm, respectively. At the control sites the corresponding results were NC = 0.09 +/- 0.03 and NB = 0.06 +/- 0.28. It was concluded that placement of CGM resulted in significantly greater postsurgical cementum and bone formation than that of GM alone.