The Effects of Circumferential Supracrestal Fiberotomy (CSF) on Bone and Gingival Tissues in Beagles

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to determine whether performing a circumferential supracrestal fiberotomy (CSF) decreases the amount of surrounding dentoalveolar bone, and to evaluate the reorganization and healing of supracrestal gingival fibers following CSF. Methods: Using a split-mouth design, CSF was performed on 2 maxillary teeth of 7 beagle dogs. The control side received no CSF. After either 2 or 4 weeks of healing, μCT was used to evaluate the quality and maturity of the dentoalveolar bone using bone density, bone volume, and trabecular thickness and number. Histologic analyses were performed to evaluate bone remodeling and healing of gingival fibers. Results: μCT showed a significantly decreased (9%) bone volume fraction in the coronal bone sections of the experimental teeth. There was no significant difference in bone quantity apical to the crestal bone. TRAP staining showed an increase in TRAP activity along the surfaces of the crest of the alveolar bone, as well as in the lamina dura at two weeks. After four weeks, the TRAP activity had decreased to control levels. H&E and picro-sirius red stains demonstrated that the supracrestal gingival fibers were reattached but disorganized 2 weeks and 4 weeks after CSF. There was no difference in the fiber organization after 2 or 4 weeks. Conclusions: The bone demineralization and remodeling associated with CSF is limited to the area immediately adjacent to the CSF. The demineralization event is transient, lasting less than 4 weeks. The supracrestal gingival fibers reattach, but are still disorganized at 2 weeks and 4 weeks following CSF.