Primate model for testing periodontal treatment procedures: II. Production of contralaterally similar lesions.

Experimental periodontal pockets were produced bilaterally in four Rhesus monkeys. The pockets were analyzed histometrically and the resultant data were subjected to statistical analysis. There were but few significant differences between pockets on contralateral tooth surfaces, and in each case, the magnitudes of the observed differences were so small as to be of no biological significance. The use of this model system for future studies on periodontal treatment was discussed. It was shown that by utilizing only two monkeys, the model system can discern treatment effects on the measurable parameters of as little as 0.3 mm.