Effect of a collagen matrix on healing in periodontal fenestration defects in dogs

Contralateral periodontal fenestration defects in seven beagle dogs were used to evaluate influence of a collagen matrix on periodontal wound healing. The defects (6 x 4 mm) were created through the buccal cortical plates of the maxillary canine teeth following elevation of mucoperiosteal flaps. The collagen was fitted to the defects on one side. Contralateral defects served as controls. Flaps were repositioned and sutured. Dogs were sacrificed 4 weeks after surgery and block sections including teeth and surrounding structures were prepared for histometric analysis. No meaningful differences in cementum and bone regeneration were observed between treatments. There was seemingly more bone regeneration in the apical than in the coronal aspect of the defects and significantly more cementum regeneration. Root resorption was observed in one collagen and one control defect. Ankylosis was not observed. The results suggest that the maxillary canine periodontal fenestration defect can be used as a model to evaluate factors that may enhance cementum and bone regeneration. The collagen matrix neither enhanced nor inhibited periodontal wound healing in this model.