Histologic healing responses in human vertical lesions following the use of osseous allografts and barrier membranes.

4 vertical lesions at 3 teeth in 2 volunteer adults with severe periodontitis were treated by open surgical debridement, osseous allografts and barrier membranes. Roots were notched at both gingival margins and the deepest visible calculus and flaps were sutured coronally. Patients were placed on 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate 2x daily post-surgery, and blocks were harvested 5 to 6 weeks after surgery. No abnormal clinical responses were noted during the observation period. In the 4 sites, the average preoperative pocket depth was 9.4 mm; the post-operative pocket depth averaged 4.9 mm, recession averaged 0.9 mm and gain in clinical closure averaged 3.6 mm. Histologically, new cementum measured coronally-apically at the treated sites varied from 0.0 mm to 1.7 mm, with an average of 1.1 mm. Osseous remodelling and crestal osteogenesis were seen in association with cementogenesis. The newly deposited cementum showed insertion of functional oriented fibers. New attachment was present within 2 out of 4 calculus notches in this sample.