New connective tissue attachment formation on various biomaterials implanted in roots.

To determine whether connective tissue attachment can occur on implant materials by repopulating periodontal ligament (PDL)-derived cells and whether the new connective tissue attachments formation is influenced by the type of implant materials, periodontal tissue regeneration on four materials implanted into root cavities of cat canines was observed under conditions where PDL-derived cells could populate the surface of the materials. New connective tissue attachment occurred on bioactive materials such as bioglass and hydroxyapatite, while little or no cementum deposition was seen on bioinert materials such as titanium alloy and partially stabilized zirconium. Results showed that PDL-derived cells can form new connective tissue attachments on implant materials and that the formation of new connective tissue attachment is influenced by bioactivity of the materials.