Effect of root conditioning on periodontal microvascular wound healing with and without guided tissue membrane: a pilot study.

The aim of this study was to determine (1) the influence of root conditioners, i.e., citric acid (CA) and tetracycline (TC), on the vascular response of closed periodontal wounds, and (2) the effect of implantation of nonresorbable membranes on the vascularization process. Thirty-two alveolar fenestrations were created in the maxillae of four healthy dogs. The depth of the fenestrations reached the periodontal ligament, cementum, and dentin. Topical application of CA, TC, or sterile water (SW) was done on the exposed dentin. Nonresorbable membranes were then implanted in half of the created defects between the mucoperiosteal flap and the alveolar bone. The vascular response at the experimental sites was determined by histological evaluation and cleared specimens following observation periods of 3, 7, 14, and 21 days post-operatively. Results from this pilot study indicated that: (1) the coronal aspect of the periodontal ligament contributed the most to the initial vascularization of the defect; (2) there was no definitive advantage of the administration of CA or TC on the vascular response at 14 or 21 days; (3) no differences in vascular response were observed between treatment with or without the implantation of nonresorbable membranes; and (4) at 21 days, the vasculature in the defect area had not returned to its presurgical state.