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.

Bone augmentation with a prototype coral exoskeleton-derived bone replacement material applied to experimental one-wall infrabony defects created in alveolar bone

“…Moreover, in the past, artificial scaffold materials were not used for treatment 16,17) . However, materials have now been developed for periodontal tissue regeneration after periodontal disease [18][19][20][21] . Most of the ready-made coral exoskeletonderived bone replacement materials commercially available in Europe and the United States are made from Scleractinia and Goniopora 22,23) .…”

“…The exoskeleton of planktonic corals is composed of calcite, a crystal of calcium carbonate, and is known to have sufficient physical strength 20) . In general, the finer a material is, the more its compressive strength tends to increase 8,26,31) .…”

Computed Tomography as a Characterization Tool for Engineered Scaffolds with Biomedical Applications

“…It resulted in those small granules generating scaffolds with low interconnected pores (pore diameter around 200 µm), while scaffolds obtained from large granules presented a suitable interconnectivity for osteoconduction (pore diameter above 500 µm) with 3D morphometric parameters similar to human bone [132]. For bone regeneration purposes, CT was performed to evaluate the integration of grafts of natural origin, such as coral grafts [133][134][135] and porcine [136][137][138] or bovine [139,140] bone xerographs. Metal powders were also successfully investigated through micro-CT, despite their higher X-ray absorption capacity [84].…”

Biomimetic Ceramic Composite: Characterization, Cell Response, and In Vivo Biocompatibility

“…Coral exoskeletons possess unique interconnected porous architecture including tubular cavities ranging from 100 to 250 mm in length, similar to human bones and teeth, and have consequently attracted attention in orthopedics and maxillofacial surgery [ 1 , 2 ]. The presence of macropores greater than 150–500 µm in diameter facilitates nutrient diffusion, enables osteogenesis, and enhances bone formation [ 3 ].…”