Impact of Hyperbaric Oxygen on Tissue Healing around Dental Implants in Beagles.

Abstract

BackgroundThe impact of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on the healing of soft tissues around dental implants was studied in a beagle model.Material/MethodsBeagle dogs were randomized to receive implants, followed by postoperative HBO therapy or not (n=10 per group). On postoperative days 3, 7, and 14, tissue specimens were paraffin-embedded and analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining, as well as immunohistochemistry against CD31.ResultsScores for inflammation pathology based on hematoxylin-eosin staining and mean optical density of collagen fibers were significantly different between the HBO and control groups on postoperative days 3 and 7 (P<0.05), but not on day 14. Mean optical density due to anti-CD31 staining was significantly higher in the HBO group on postoperative days 3, 7, and 14 (P<0.05).ConclusionsThese results suggest that HBO may promote early osteogenesis and soft tissue healing after implantation.