Efficacy of Hydroxyapatite-based Hydrogel on Alveolar bone regeneration in post extraction socket of teeth in dogs

Abstract

Periodontitis is the most common oral problem in geriatric and small-breed dogs. Pathological mandibular fracture after tooth extraction can occur in dogs with moderate to severe periodontitis as a result of extensive alveolar bone destruction. A nanohydroxyapatite-based hydrogel (HAP hydrogel) was developed to diminish the limitations of hydroxyapatite for post-extraction socket preservation (PSP). However, the effectiveness of HAP hydrogel for PSP has still not been evaluated. In addition, there are a few studies about PSP in periodontitis dogs. Consequently, the objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of HAP hydrogel for PSP in dogs with periodontitis. Five dogs with periodontitis were done with unilateral 1st mandibular molar extraction. Ten sockets were placed with HAP hydrogel. After that, intraoral radiography was applied to follow up alveolar socket healing on the day of the operation, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after the operation. The results after comparing the day of operation and the week of follow- ups using radiographic grading in Criteria A (p = 0.01, 0.02, 0.02 and 0.01) and Criteria B (p = 0.03, 0.02, 0.02 and 0.01), bone height measurement (p = 0.04, 0.04, 0.02 and 0.013), and bone regeneration analysis (p = 0.04, 0.01, 0.01 and 0.004) demonstrated that HAP hydrogel significantly enhanced socket healing at all follow-up times compared to the day of operation. Moreover, the distribution of apatite formation on the hydrogel surface after immersion under scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X- ray spectroscopy showed a homogeneous. Our study suggests that HAP hydrogel can be applied as a bone substitute for PSP and has effectively enhanced socket regeneration in dogs with periodontitis.