Repair of Bony and Dentinal Defects Following Implantation of Polyvinyl Alcohol Sponge

¹ Department of Anatomy, Faculties of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Healing was studied over 3-74 weeks in 3 types of cavities made in dogs' alveolar processes. Cavities filled with polyvinyl-alcohol sponge (PS), which protruded beyond the level of the cavities, were compared with untreated contralateral lesions. Grafting succeeded in 60 per cent of implants. Bone and PS interlocked in older implants. Deterioration was not observed in PS or tissues. In socket cavities PS delayed early bone repair but increased later ossification and PS calcification. In compact periapical cavities new bone invaded PS to the level of the cavity surface; in contrast, fibrous tissue invaded beyond this surface achieving recontouring. Facial muscle often invaded PS. In periapical cavities drilled into dentin, the fibrous tissue proliferating in PS became continuous with periodontal membrane reattached to new cementum. Calcification and hardening, a disadvantage in soft-tissue implants, may prove advantageous in hard-tissue surgery. Suggested uses of PS include recontouring of resorbed alveolar ridges with fibrous pads.