Clinical and Light Microscopic Findings on Process of Experimental Periodontitis in Beagle Dogs

The purpose of this study was to examine clinical and histological findings on formation of experimental periodontal diseases. Incisors in 7 beagle dogs were available for this study. Experimental periodontal disease was established using cotton floss ligatures placed into the gingival sulci and soft diet in order to accumulate dental plaque. Up to 48 weeks after the ligature, clinical and x-ray findings were evaluated, and the decalcified specimens were observed by light microscopy. Severe gingival inflammation was clinically seen throughout the obserevation period. X-ray findings showed that alveolar bone resorption occurred at 4, weeks after the ligature. At 48 weeks post-treatment, the alveolar bone height decreased by 1/2-2/3 of root length. Histological findings showed formation of periodontal pockets at 4 or 6 weeks after the ligature, infiltration of inflammatory cells in the connective tissues immediately subjacent to the junctional epithelium throughout the period. The same results were obtained with regard to alveolar bone resorption in histological and X-ray findings. The present results indicate that experimental periodontal disease established using cotton floss ligature placed into the gingival sulcus in dogs given soft diet is very similar to human periodontal disease.