Periodontal Regeneration Using Cultured Coral Scaffolds in Class II Furcation Defects in Dogs

Abstract

Autogenous bone grafting involves a second surgery and is limited by the availability of collectable bone. Coral products commercially available as bone grafts are composed of corals in their natural form. Cultured corals are recommended as a substitute to overcome the threat of extinction of natural corals. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of cultured coral scaffolds for periodontal tissue regeneration in class II furcation defects in dogs. The cultured coral used for this study was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Twelve mandibular premolar teeth from two female beagle dogs were used. Furcation defects of three left mandibular premolar teeth of each dog received the cultured coral. A control group consisting of the right mandibular premolar teeth from each dog received no implant material within the furcation defects. The dogs were then sacrificed 8 weeks post-surgery, and healing was evaluated histologically and radiologically using micro-computed tomography analysis. SEM micrographs showed a tri-dimensional ceramic structure with pore size ranging 50-250 mm. The surface of the cultured coral particles was covered with numerous rough, porous processes. XRD and FTIR results showed that the cultured coral exhibited both aragonite and calcite phases, referred to as dimorphism. The cultured coral particles implanted into the defects were completely resorbed and replaced by bone with either a Haversian structure or without any inflammatory reaction. A well-organized periodontal ligament bridging the new bone and cementum was regenerated to the top of the furcation space. Histopathological evaluation suggests that cultured coral scaffolds have the potential to regenerate periodontal tissue in class II furcation defects in dogs.