Comparison of the osteogenic effects of demineralized dentin matrix and acellular dentin matrix.

Objectives: This study aims to compare the osteogenic effects of implanting demineralized dentin matrix and acellular dentin matrix in bone defect areas.

Methods: Demineralized dentin matrix and acellular dentin matrix were prepared. Twenty-four male SPF-grade SD rats were randomly divided into four groups: demineralized group (group A), acelluar group (group B), Bio-Oss bone powder group (group C), and blank control group (group D), with six rats in each group. All rats were subjected to general anesthesia to prepare bilateral femoral bone defects. Rats in groups A, B, and C were implanted with demineralized dentin matrix, acellular dentin matrix, and Bio-Oss bone powder at the bone defect area, respectively, while rats in group D were not implanted with any material. At 4 and 8 weeks after surgery, three rats were randomly executed in each group. The healing of the bone defect area was analyzed through gross observation. The concentrations of osteogenic indicators bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were detected by serology. The distribution of high-density gray area (representing bone healing) in the bone defect area was observed by X-ray examination, and the formation of new bone was observed by histomorphology. The rate of new bone formation was calculated.

Results: At 4 and 8 weeks, the bone formation ability of group A was more active than that of the other groups; the concentrations of BMP-2 and ALP in group A were higher than those in the other groups, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). At 8 weeks, the imaging observation showed that the high-density gray area in the bone defect of group A was evenly distributed. The histomorphological observation showed the regular arrangement of bone matrix in group A. The rate of new bone formation in group A was 28.51%±0.55% at 4 weeks and 32.57%±2.28% at 8 weeks, both of which were significantly higher than those in the other groups (P<0.05).

Conclusions: Demineralized dentin matrix has better osteogenic potential than acellular dentin matrix.