Guided tissue regeneration of a left mandibular first molar tooth in a dog

A 2-year-old male Jack Russell Terrier was referred to a clinic for evaluation and treatment of periodontal disease. Dental charting and intraoral radiographs revealed attachment loss, deep gingival pockets and alveolar bone loss especially at the left mandibular fourth premolar (P4) and first molar (M1). The left mandibular P4 was extracted, while the more important M1-tooth with vertical bone loss was treated by guided tissue regeneration using a bone allograft and collagen to modify the healing process of periodontal tissue and to allow new bone formation around the tooth. This technique requires special skills from the veterinarian, and the owner must be committed for excellent oral hygiene at home. The 6-month recheck revealed complete healing of the gingival pocket and alveolar bone.