Bone Healing Capacity of Demineralized Dentin Matrix Materials in a Mini-pig Cranium Defect

Abstract

Purpose: In this study the bone healing ability of autogenous tooth bone graft material as a substitute material was evaluated in a mini-pig cranial defect model through histologic examinations and osteonectin reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) quantitative analysis.

Materials and Methods: A defect was generated in the cranium of mini-pigs and those without a defect were used as controls. In the experimental group, teeth extracted from the mini-pig were manufactured into autogenous tooth bone graft material and grafted to the defect. The mini-pigs were sacrificed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks to histologically evaluate bone healing ability and observe the osteonectin gene expression pattern with RT-PCR.

Result: At 4 weeks, the inside of the bur hole showed fibrosis and there was no sign of bone formation in the control group. On the other hand, bone formation surrounding the tooth powder granule was observed at 4 weeks in the experimental group where the bur hole was filled with tooth powder. Osteonectin gene expression; there was nearly no osteonectin expression in the control group while active osteonectin expression was observed from 4 to 12 weeks in the experimental group.

Conclusion: We believe this material will show better results when applied in a clinical setting.