Demineralized Human Dentin Matrix as an Osteoinductor in the Dental Socket: An Experimental Study in Wistar Rats

Purpose: This study evaluated the bone-forming potential of the demineralized human dentin matrix by performing histologic and morphometric analyses. The immunolabeling of osteopontin, a determinant protein for bone repair, was also evaluated. Materials and Methods: Wistar rats were selected and submitted to the extraction of the right and left second molars. Tooth sockets were separated into two groups: the control group (right), which was filled with the blood clot, and the experimental group (left), which was filled with demineralized human dentin matrix. Animals were sacrificed at 5, 10, and 21 days. Histologic and histoquantitative analyses (analyses of variance [ANOVA] and Tukey's test) were performed, as well as immunostaining for osteopontin as an osteogenesis indicator. Results: After 5 days, demineralized human dentin matrix was incorporated by new trabeculae. After 10 days, connective tissue organization and new trabeculae were observed in the experimental group, and intense staining for osteopontin close to demineralized human dentin matrix was observed in the experimental group. After 21 days, the experimental group was showing mature trabeculae. A statistical difference was observed (P .05). There was a higher number of trabeculae in the experimental groups in all periods of analysis. The presence of osteopontin was observed more intensely at 10 days close to demineralized human dentin matrix. Conclusion: This study indicates that demineralized human dentin matrix implanted in tooth sockets induces the acceleration of osteogenesis. Keywords: bone repair, demineralized human dentin matrix, tooth sockets, osteopontin