Effect of Stem Cells on Healing of Periapical Bone Defects

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of undifferentiated bone marrow stem cells, biogen bone graft material and collagen scaffold on the healing of periapical bone defects in dogs. This study included 16 Canaan dogs of both sexes. In all dogs both sides of the mandibles were used. One defect was created on each side, with a total of 2 defects bilaterally in each dog properly in the 4th premolar region. Lateral radiographic views were taken for each dog preoperatively in order to exclude any dog with apical radiolucency and to estimate the length of the roots. Radiographs were performed under heavy sedation. The dogs were anaesthetized. Full thickness mucoperiosteal flaps were performed. Proper reflection and elevation of the flaps were done. A total of 32 bone defects were created to expose the periapical area of each root apex. Dimensions of the defects were standardized (15 mm length x 10 mm width x 10 mm depth). Root end resection was performed on all roots included in the defects. A 3 mm root end cavity was performed. All the retrograde cavities were filled with white MTA. The bony defects were divided into 4 groups (n=8) according to the tested material. Group I: Bone defects were filled with the collagen scaffold; CollaCote. Group II: bone marrow aspirates were obtained from the iliac bone of four anesthetized dogs. Bone marrow aspirates were diluted with phosphate-buffered saline and mononuclear cells were isolated by density gradient centrifugation. The bone marrow mononuclear cells were washed, counted, loaded into the collagen scaffold and then placed into the bony defect. Group III: Bone defects were filled with the Biogen bone graft material.