Fine calcified human dentin particles grafts in experimental bone defects in rabbit femur accelerate bone healing and maturation

Introduction

Dentin is a slow-releasing carrier of bone morphogenic proteins and suggested to be used as a bone grafting material. Objective (i) to assess the subcutaneous - biocompatibility of xenogenic human calcified dentine in rabbits; (ii) to evaluate the acceleration in bone healing process.

Methods

Twenty New Zealand rabbits were used in this study. Five rabbits were used to prepare 1 cm incision in the skin of the femur area, filled by prepared dentine and followed for 7 days then sacrificed. Fifteen rabbits were used to prepare 2 critical bone cavities (diameter: 5 mm) in the femur. Fine dentin particles from human extracted teeth were prepared and used as grafts in one defect (experimental groups) and the other was left unfilled (control group). Five rabbits were sacrificed after 2, 4, and 6 weeks intervals. Tissues were processed for histological examination.

Results

Histologically, dentine-bone union has been achieved with no signs of inflammation. There was obvious difference in bone regeneration between the groups at different intervals.

Conclusion

Fine calcified dentin particles have excellent biocompatibility and demonstrated its effectiveness in regeneration of bone. It stimulates faster bone formation, maturation and remodeling thus can be used as a bone substitute material.