The use of collagen membranes to guide regeneration of new connective tissue attachment in dogs.

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the effectiveness of collagen membrane placement in excluding gingival epithelium and connective tissue cells and guiding new attachment in surgical treatment of created defects in dogs. Sixty defects were chosen at random and balanced in regard to receiving the following treatments: 1) untreated control, 2) debrided control, and 3) collagen membrane placement over the defect (along the root surface and under the replaced flap). Histologic and histometric evaluation at 2-12 weeks post-operatively determined the healing responses of each treatment modality. Epithelium migration with no new attachment occurred in the untreated and debrided areas. Collagen membrane placement was effective in inhibiting epithelial migration and encouraging formation of new connective tissue attachment to root surface previously altered by plaque.