Objective: To investigate the effect of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on periodontitis in Beagle dogs.
Methods: The animal model of chronic periodontitis was established with elastic ligature-induced alveolar bone defect in Beagle dogs. LIPUS with different intensity (50 mW/cm2, 100 mW/cm2) pulse wave and 50 mW/cm2 continuous wave, 1.5 MHz of frequency, 200 micros of pulse width modulated signal, and 1 kHz of repetition rate were applied to the dogs for 8 weeks (once a day and 20 minutes every time). The periodontal clinical examinations and histological biopsy were performed.
Results: With increased exposure to LIPUS, gum tissue swelling of the dogs was reduced. The plaque index (PLI), gingival index (GI), pocket depth (PD) of the treatment groups were lower than the control groups (P < 0.05). No significant gingival recession, attachment loss or furcation was found. The histological examination revealed that there was no obvious gingival hyperplasia in epithelial tissues, but there were significant activities in relation to collagen formation, decrease of bone resorption, and generation of active osteoblasts.
Conclusion: LIPUS may help repair periodontal tissues and should be considered in guided tissue regeneration (GTR).