Demineralized deciduous tooth as a source of bone graft material: its biological and physicochemical characteristics

ObjectiveTo examine structural and physicochemical characteristics of demineralized deciduous tooth powder (DDTP) in relation to demineralization time and to present potential of using DDTP as a bone graft material.Study designFor structural and physicochemical analysis, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma spectrometry, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis were performed. In in vivo experiments, DDTP was grafted in 20 Sprague-Dawley rats' calvarial defects, and radiographic and histologic examination and histomorphometric analysis were performed.ResultsIn vitro studies confirmed physicochemical demands for collagen-based bone graft material, such as lowered calcium content, lowered crystallinity of hydroxyapatite, and exposed organic structures to demineralization. In vivo experiment indicated new bone formation in DDTP-grafted sites and gradual resorption of the grafted particles. Defect closure rate was significantly higher in the 8-week DDTP-grafted group compared with control (P < .05).ConclusionsDeciduous teeth had structural and physicochemical characteristics suitable for grafting with appropriate demineralization. Bone healing was observed to have successfully occurred in DDTP-grafted sites.