Abstract
Background: Bone grafts can provide an optimal environment for permanent tooth to erupt and enhance the stability of the alveolar maxilla. Although autologous bone is an optimal source for osteogenesis, its inevitable donor site morbidity has led to active research on bone substitutes. This study was designed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of using biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP; Osteon) as a bone substitute in dogs. Methods: Bilateral third and fourth premolars of four 15-week-old mongrel dogs were used. All teeth were extracted except the third premolar of the right mandible, which was used as a control. After extraction of the premolars, each dog was administered BCP (Osteon), demineralized bone matrix (DBM; DBX), and no graft in the hollow sockets of the right fourth premolar, left fourth premolar, and left third premolar, respectively. Radiographs were taken at 2-week intervals to check for tooth eruption. After 8 weeks, each dog was sacrificed, and tooth and bone biopsies were performed to check for the presence of tooth and bone substitute particle remnants. Results: Four weeks after the operation, permanent tooth eruptions had started at all the extraction sites in each dog. Eight weeks after the operation, all teeth had normally erupted, and histological examination revealed BCP particles at the right fourth premolar. Conclusion: In all four dogs, no delay in the eruption of the teeth or shape disfigurement of permanent teeth was observed on gross inspection and radiologic evaluation. On histological examination, most of the BCP and DBM were replaced by new bone. Bone substitutes can be used as graft materials in patients with alveolar clefts.
