The present study investigates the effects of calcium sulfate graft on the periodontal healing in intrabony periodontal defects of dogs. Following the general anesthesia with 30mg/kg pentobarbital injected intravenously, the first premolar was extracted and full-thickness periodontal flap was elevated from the second premolar to the fourth premolar. The portion of premolars coronal to the alveolar crest was removed and mesial and distal roots were separated. Exposed root canals were sealed with Caviton and covered completely with flaps sutured.

Following the healing period of 12 weeks, the surgical sited were uncovered and 4×4mm intrabony defects were surgically created. Those defects with calcium sulfate graft following the root planing was designated as the test sites and those with flap surgery-only were designated as control sites. The animals were sacrificed after 8 weeks and the healing was histologically analyzed. The results were as follows.

1. No foreign body reaction or inflammation were observed in either groups. Calcium sulfate was completely resorbed in the test sites.

2. New cementum was observed coronal to the notch in both groups. Connective tissue fibers were oriented parallel to the root surface in the controls. Connective tissues were formed in large amount in the sites.

3. Test sites showed marked amount of new bone formation while the control sites showed minimal bone gain.

4. Root resorption was observed in coronal portions of th control sites. The results suggest that calcium sulfate is a biocompatible graft material with a potential for new bone and cementum formation.