Evaluation of Tooth Extraction Sites Treated with Osteoconductive and Osteoinductive Materials Compared to Untreated Sites in Dogs
The goal of this study is to determine if alveolar bone height in the lower jaw can be maintained or enhanced following tooth extraction by placing osteoconductive or osteoinductive materials in comparison to no treatment. An osteoconductive material such as bioglass provides scaffolding for adjacent cells that produce bone and connective tissue. In addition to scaffolding features, an osteoinductive material such as osteoallograft contains growth factors that stimulate mesenchymal cells to become bone producing cells, thus causing new bone formation. Treatment will be limited to the extraction sites of the mandibular first molar (largest cheek tooth of the lower jaw). The size of this tooth is such that the roots contribute a large part to the bulk and strength of the mid-body of the mandible. Maintaining or enhancing alveolar bone height will increase bone mass of the lower jaw, thereby decreasing risk of jaw fracture and loss of alveolar bone support of adjacent teeth. Dogs enrolled in this study will receive free of charge:
- Osteoconductive and osteoinductive materials (when placed in extraction sites)
- Sedated oral examinations and dental radiographs 3 and 12 months following treatment
This study has been reviewed and approved by the University of Pennsylvania Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) for privately owned animals. Please contact Dr. Alex Reiter of the Dentistry and Oral Surgery Service at (215) 573-6539 or reiter@vet.upenn.edu.