Quantitative long-term determinations of the alveolar bone mineral mass in man by 125-I absorptiometry. II. Following periodontal surgery.

The influence on the alveolar bone mineral mass of two common techniques of periodontal surgery, mucoperiosteal flap operation and gingivectomy, was investigated in patients with periodontal disease. The bone reaction, similar with respect to type of treatment, was characterised by a loss of mineral mass during three to four weeks after surgery. The maximum loss was 0.3 mg - mm-minus 2 on an average (10 to 15 per cent). A remineralization of the alveolar bone followed towards the presurgical level, which was reattained after four to six months.