The influence of trauma from occlusion on reduced but healthy periodontal tissues in dogs.

The experiments were performed in five dogs fed a soft diet which allowed dental plaque accumulation. Experimental periodontal breakdown was introduced on Day 0. After 180 days trauma from occlusion was produced in 4P and P4 i.e. the mandibular fourth premolars, in the manner described by Svanberg & Lindhe (1973). On day 280 the periodontal pockets around 4P and P4 were eliminated. A notch was prepared in the root at the level of the bottom of the surgically eradicated pocket. In addition, the occlusal trauma in the 4P region was deleted. From Day 280 to Day 370 the teeth of the animals were brushed twice a day. The animals were then sacrificed, radiographs of the premolar regions were taken, and tissue sections comprising 3P4P1M (and P3P4M1) were produced and subjected to microscopic analysis. The results indicate that jiggling type occlusal trauma and tooth hypermobility are not factors which detrimentally affect healing following periodontal surgery.