Conditions following incorporation of fixed reconstructions, at endosseous titanium implants augmented at local bony dehiscence and fenestration defects using a bioabsorbable Resolut membrane were studied in 7 patients. Fixture stability, radiographic marginal bone levels and peri-implant soft tissue status were evaluated at 21 membrane treated and 17 control fixtures (installed in regions of adequate bone volume), following a 2-year period of functional loading. Prosthetic reconstructions were removed and clinical examination and Periotest values revealed that all fixtures were stable. All peri-implant soft tissues were clinically healthy. The mean probing depths at buccal sites for fixtures with original dehiscence (n = 10) and fenestration (n = 11) defects were 1.6 +/- 0.7 mm and 1.2 +/- 0.4 mm respectively. The control fixture group had a mean buccal probing depth of 1.4 +/- 0.6 mm. At abutment connection radiograph membrane treated fixtures had significantly lower marginal bone levels than control fixtures, indicating that optimal bone regeneration was not achieved at all defects. Mean radiographic bone loss 23-27 months following delivery of fixed reconstructions for original dehiscence and fenestration defect fixtures was 0.7 +/- 0.8 mm and 0.8 +/- 0.6 mm respectively at mesial surfaces, and 0.8 +/- 0.7 mm and 0.6 +/- 0.5 mm at distal surfaces. In the control fixture group a mean loss of 0.7 +/- 0.5 mm at mesial surfaces and 0.5 +/- 0.4 mm at distal surfaces was found. Results showed no significant difference in the rate of bone loss following functional loading between membrane treated and control fixtures.

The aim of this study was to evaluate an osteopromotive technique, using a bioabsorbable membrane, for its ability to restitute bone over buccal fenestration and dehiscence defects following fixture installation. 11 patients requiring dental implant treatment and exhibiting sufficient vertical height of the maxilla and compromised bucco-palatal dimensions, as determined clinically and radiographically, were included in the study. 17 Brånemark titanium fixtures were placed with buccal defects which were augmented by a bioabsorbable membrane, Resolut. No complications were observed post-operatively. At 6-8 months, abutment connection was performed, and clinical evaluation of the healed defect area was made. The number of exposed buccal threads at fixture installation (median 8; range 2-19), and abutment connection (median 0; range 0-5), respectively, was compared. Out of the 17 fixtures; 14 exhibited complete coverage with bone, whereas 3 showed some remaining threads. A small punch biopsy taken at abutment connection in an area where the membrane had been placed showed a combination of dense connective tissue and bone. Radiographic evaluation of the marginal periimplant bone level is in progress and results to date show a median bone loss of 1.2 mm after a loading period of 4-6 months. Results show that fixture dehiscence and fenestrations, augmented with this bioabsorbable membrane, demonstrate a highly significant amount of new bone formation.

The effects of two series of oral hygiene instruction programs were studied. One of the programs was given as a series of five consecutive 30-min visits during 14 days. The other program contained the same basic components but was scheduled as two 60-min visits. Sixty-nine white-collar employees served as subjects and were divided into three matched groups; two experimental groups (five-visit group, two-visit group) and one control group. The five-visit program as well as the two-visit program significantly reduced the presence of plaque, gingival bleeding and periodontal pockets. No differences could be observed between the results in two experimental groups during the immediate 12-week observation interval or throughout the subsequent 48 months of maintenance care.

The role of cellular immunity in chronic gingivitis has been studied in beagle dogs. The mechanism of delayed hypersensitivity in the animals was suppressed by administration of rabbit anti‐dog‐thymocyte globulin (ATS). The immunosuppressive effect of the antiserum was evaluated from the inhibition of a delayed hypersensitivity reaction in the skin to l‐dinitro‐2.4‐chlorobenzene (DNCB). The level of gingival inflammation was determined before and after antiserum administration by measurements of crevicular leukocytes, gingival fluid and activity of acid phosphatase in crevicular samples. Antiserum administration inhibited the hypersensitivity reactions in the skin towards DNCB. The gingival parameters were moderately reduced, but similar changes occurred in a group of control dogs injected with normal rabbit immunoglobulin. The results indicate that cellular immunity does not play a major role for the continuous maintenance of chronic gingivitis in the beagle dog.

Application of l‐dinitro‐2.4‐chlorbenzene (DNCB, 0.05 % in Orabase®) onto the gingiva in one side of the jaws was performed daily for six days in a group of sensitized dogs. Contralaterally only the vehicle was applied. Anti‐thymocyte serum (ATS) was injected into the dogs after three days of application. The effects on the gingiva were studied by inflammatory cell counts in sections of gingival biopsies and by measurements of crevicular leukocytes, gingival fluid and acid phosphatase activity in crevicular samples. The numbers of inflammatory cells in the gingival biopsies as well as the figures of the gingival crevice parameters were higher in the DNCB side as compared to the control side on day 3. Immuno‐suppression with ATS affected all parameters as observed from the data of day 6 of the experiment. The results of the study indicate that gingival contact hypersensitivity to DNCB can be elicited in beagle dogs and that this reaction is reflected in crevicular parameters of gingival inflammation.