A resin-modified glass ionomer cement barrier for treating degree II furcation defects: A pilot study in dogs

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate in an animal model the healing of degree II furcation defects treated with: an experimental barrier of resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (GIC), a polylactic acid barrier (GUI), and flap surgery (CTR). Material and Methods. In 3 beagles, 18 class II furcation defects were surgically produced in mandibular and maxillary premolars and exposed to plaque accumulation for 21 days. Following a full flap, notches were made at the base to the bone defect. GIC barriers were prepared immediately before use from a commercial product and fit to place with the same product. The GIC barriers were removed after 30 days and the dogs euthanized after 120 days. Histologic sections were analyzed in a computer-assisted microscope. Epithelium, new cementum with inserting fibers, and connective tissue lining the root surface in-between notches were measured and medians of percentage values calculated. Results. In the GIC, epithelium constituted 3.5% (median values) of the notch-to-notch root area; new cementum was 83.6% and connective tissue 12.9%. These values were 0%, 73.6%, and 26.4% for the GUI group and 35.6%, 43.2%, and 0% for the CTR group. Bone fill median values were 54.3% for GIC, 20.6% for GUI, and 24.6% for CTR. Conclusion. GIC and GUI prevented epithelial migration and promoted the formation of new periodontal tissues in experimentally induced class II furcation defects in dogs.