In vitro and in vivo evaluation of Ca/P-hyaluronic acid/gelatin based novel dental plugs for one-step socket preservation

Abstract

Teeth extraction is inevitable in the case of progressive or alveolar bone destructing chronic periodontitis. Unfortunately, the resulting bone defects may lead to many side effects. Here, we developed a novel dental-bone substitute to preserve the extraction socket for hemostasis and bone regeneration. Hyaluronic acid-gelatin hydrogel (HG) polymers, β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP), and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramics were fabricated using freeze-drying methods. The HG/TCP/BCP plug was prepared to be easily applied by pouring the mixture of HG and TCP into the shell-shaped mold, followed by placing the sponge type of BCP in the core portion of the mold compared to HG/TCP and collagen plugs. In vitro studies showed that HG/TCP and HG/TCP/BCP plugs were cytocompatible and could promote osteogenesis by upregulating the expressions of bone-related genes COL1, RUNX2, ALP, and OPN. The rabbit-femur defect model revealed that the implanted HG/TCP/BCP plug, which showed excellent hemostatic property, promote bone regeneration with a high rate of collagen distribution along with ALP and OPN expressions more than could the HG/TCP plug at 3 months after implantation, whereas the collagen plugs just filled with chondrocytes for cartilages formation. The HG/TCP/BCP plug should be considered for potential dental applications for one-step socket preservation.