Trauma and progression of marginal periodontitis in squirrel monkeys

In continuation of a series of investigations designed to evaluate co‐destructive factors in periodontal disease, a single severe mechanical injury was produced subjacent to marginal periodontitis by wedging a toothpick between second and third bicuspids in squirrel monkeys. Marginal periodontitis alone was induced on the contralateral side for the same period of time for comparison of the progression of periodontitis with and without the subjacent traumatic lesion. Statistical analysis of the measurements from the cemento‐enamel junction to the most apical cell of the junctional epithelium and to the most coronal point of alveolar bone forming the wall of the periodontal ligament showed that the progression of periodontitis was not affected by the presence or absence of the mechanical injury.