RESUMO
Aims: This experimental study aimed to evaluate the effects of a three-dimensional matrix of chitosan-gelatin (CG) associated with 1% hyaluronic acid (HA) on gingival healing and repairing of intrabuccal bone defects in rats. Materials and methods: Standardized bone defects were created in the region of the upper 1st molars of rats. Study groups were created according to bone defects (n=6/group) treatment: Control group (CO); blood clot; HA group; CG group, and HA+CG group. After 7 and 21 days, the animals were sacrificed for histological and histomorphometric analysis. Bone formation was quantified as the percentage of newly synthesized collagen, visualized by Gomori's trichromic. Clinical/macroscopic evaluation was based on predetermined scores of gingival healing. Results: Treatment with HA improved gingival healing at day 7, but no statistical differences were found among groups at day 21. The morphometric analysis demonstrated better results after the treatment of bone defects with both HA and CG on day 21. The three-dimensional structure of CG prevented the invasion of epithelial tissue into the defect, preserving its original volume. Conclusions: Isolated use of a chitosan-gelatin osteoconductive matrix promoted greater bone deposition and preserved the volume of the surgical site, irrespective of the presence of hyaluronic acid.