Pig Mandible as a Valuable Tool to Improve Periodontal Surgery Techniques

Abstract

Clinical education in dental practice is a challenge for professionals and students. The traditional method of clinical training in Periodontology usually is based on following the procedure and practicing under supervision, until achieving proficiency. However, laboratory practice is required before direct care in patients. Specific anatomic plastic models can be useful, but animal cadaver models provide better similarity to human tissues. The objectives of this study are to describe a model for training periodontal surgical techniques in a pig mandible model and evaluate the effect of the program on student's progress. Several surgical procedures were critically analyzed and trained with graduate students, including: gingivoplasty/gingivectomy, distal wedge procedure, frenectomy, internal bevel incision, total/partial flap, furcation access, gingival grafts and suture techniques. These procedures were theoretically reminded before laboratory practice. A questionnaire was applied concerning aspects of the laboratory and students provided their concepts and impression. The majority of the students scored positive aspects related to laboratory practice. Based on the questionnaire answers, we observed that the practical laboratory helped in the assimilation of the theoretical content and improved skills in the practice of periodontal surgical techniques. Graduate students were also more confident in performing these surgical procedures directly on the patient. Another positive aspect is the similarity of pig teeth and gingival tissues to human correspondent, being especially appropriate for surgical demonstration and training with excellent reproducibility. The laboratorial practice with pig mandible for graduate students was a valuable tool to improve periodontal surgical techniques.