ABSTRACT
The bone morphogenetic properties of implants of autogenic demineralized dentin were evaluated. The dentin matrix was implanted as small pieces and as thin slices in experimental mandibular osseous defects in dogs. The dentin implants were obtained from mandibular incisor teeth from the same dogs used in the experiment. Experimental interradicular osseous defects were surgically created in the mandibular premolars areas. 2 of the 3 defects were filled with either pieces or slices of prepared dentin. The 3rd defect served as an unfilled control. The results indicate that all demineralized autogenic dentin implants induce bone formation. There was an increase in the osteogenic capacity of the implant when the samples were used as thin slices. The slices of dentin matrix give no evidence of resorption and were readily incorporated into the new bone deposited. The end product was represented by a trabecular bone joined to the dentin matrix slices. In the case of the small piece samples, the specimens were readily resorbed and replaced by new deposits of cancelous bone. The osteogenic capacity of the small piece samples of the dentin matrix is less efficient comparable to the thin slice samples of the same implant material.
