Histologic Evaluation of New Attachment Apparatus Formation in Humans

Abstract

There is conflicting evidence regarding the value of graft materials in enhancing the formation of new bone, cementum, and periodontal ligament (new attachment apparatus). Part II of this study compared the healing of intrabony defects with and without the placement of decalcified freeze-dried bone allograft (DFDBA) in a submerged environment. The most apical level of calculus on the root served as a histologic reference point to measure regeneration on root surfaces exposed to the oral environment. Biopsies were obtained at 6-months and evaluated histometrically by two investigators unaware of the treatment performed. Data from 9 patients with 30 grafted defects and 13 nongrafted defects were submitted for statistical analysis. Results indicate that in a submerged environment significantly more new attachment apparatus (P less than .05) and new bone (P less than .05) formed in grafted than nongrafted sites. Significantly greater loss of alveolar crest height occurred in nongrafted than grafted defects (P less than .05); regeneration of new attachment apparatus, new bone, and new cementum occurred more frequently in grafted than nongrafted defects. There was a greater chance for the regeneration of a connective tissue attachment in nongrafted intrabony defects than in grafted defects; new cellular cementum formed equally well on old cementum, dentin, or both old cementum and dentin in the same defect. The periodontal ligament was oriented parallel, perpendicular, or both parallel and perpendicular in the same defect; and, no extensive root resorption, ankylosis, or pulp death was observed in grafted or nongrafted defects.