Porous titanium granules in furcation defects- an animal experimental study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of using porous titanium granules (PTG, Natix, Tigran, Malmoe, Sweden) as bone graft substitute in experimental, critical size intra-radicular osseous defects in mini-pig premolars, mimicking degree II furcation defects in humans. Potential side-effects like root resorption and inflammation were also analyzed.

Methods:

A split mouth animal experimental study was performed in 11 female Gottingen mini pigs (Sus Scrofa, Mollegard Denmark). Buccal degree II furcation defects were made surgically in premolar teeth P2, P3 and P4 and randomized into treatment with either PTG, a Xenograft (Bio-Oss) or left empty (sham). After 6 weeks of healing the pigs were examined clinically, euthanized and the jaw segment containing the defects excised en bloc and analyzed by histology and micro CT.

Results:

The PTG appeared to integrate well into the alveolar bone. A few defects showed a few non-integrated granules in adjacent soft tissue, but most defects treated with PTG healed completely in some instances even with a complete buccal cortical wall. The morphology of the new bone appeared normal and had a distribution roughly matching the distribution of the granules. No signs of inflammation or root resorption were detected at PTG treated teeth. The xenograft particles were only integrated to a very limited extent and only very scarce signs of new bone was seen between the particles. The sham defects frequently demonstrated incomplete bone healing.

Conclusion:

Within the limitations of this study, the results suggest that porous titanium granules can be safely used as bone graft substitute in degree II furcation defects.