Use of Autologous Dentin as a Bone Graft Material: a Systematic Review

Introduction: Autologous bone grafts have osteogenic, osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties, and therefore are considered the "gold standard" in bone regeneration. However, there are some disadvantages, such as risk of infection at the donor site, a limited availability of the autologous bone and a high graft resorption. Dentin and bone are similar mineralized tissues in terms of chemical composition, though the dentin is a more effective graft material as it does not have as many disadvantages as the bone in such matter. The dentin is also rich in growth factors, which enhances bone formation and tissue repair. Objectives: To assess the utility of autologous dentin for: a) its efficiency as a graft material in implantology; b) preservation and augmentation of the alveolar ridge; c) the advantage of being an alternative to other bone graft materials. Methods: Article search was performed using PubMed, regarding the use of autologous dentin as a graft material, published between 2012 and 2017. The following words were used in two different searches: "autologous dentin" and "autogenous dentin" respectively. Inclusion criteria in the study: 1) Articles published between 2012 and 2017; 2) Articles in English; 3) Studies performed only in humans; 4) Studies that evaluate the use of dentin as a graft material; 5) Studies that assess the function of autologous dentin as a graft bone graft material in the oral cavity. Exclusion criteria: 1) Studies performed in animals; 2) Studies that used xenogenic or allogenic dentin; 3) Studies that did not assess the dentin as a graft material in the oral cavity; 4) Studies that used other dental tissues than dentin. Results: 17 articles were selected. Conclusions: Autologous dentin graft shows to be a viable alternative to autologous bone, having had stable results. Dentin has a similar chemical composition to bone, having also growth factors which give its osteogenic, osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties. Clinical Implications: The use of autologous dentin is efficient in the preservation and augmentation of the alveolar ridge and it reduces the morbidity coming from the unfavorable characteristics of autologous bone. Keywords: Autologous dentin, autogenous dentin, bone augmentation, bone regeneration, auto tooth-bone, graft material