Ultrastructural Study of New Connective Tissue Attachment to the Acid-Treated Root in Monkeys and Dogs

Abstract

     A long-term study on soft tissue healing to acid-treated root surfaces in monkeys and dogs carricd out. The experimental teeth including gingiva and bone were extracted at 2, 3 and 4 weeks after surgery, and undecalcified specimens were prepared for transmission electron microscopy. In dogs, complete interdigitation was seen between exposed and newly-formed fibrils two weeks after surgery. In monkeys, however, inflammatory cells were identifiable in the wound even at three weeks, and weak interdigitation occurred as late as four weeks. The results showed profound differences between monkeys and dogs in the response of healing tissue to exposed fibrils.