This study was designed to determine if vacuum-induced suction increased the number of blood vessels in healthy dog gingiva as a prelude to future studies testing vacuum therapy for improving local blood supply and controlling periodontal disease.
Methods: The buccal gingiva of five dogs was treated with subatmospheric pressure for 5 days, with untreated tissues acting as controls. Biopsies were analyzed for vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) and blood vessels were counted.
Results: VEGF and vessel numbers were elevated in treatment groups compared to controls (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: A single daily application of subatmospheric pressure might be beneficial for healing damaged or diseased gingival tissues. .