Autologous micrografts from the palatal mucosa for bone regeneration in calvarial defects in rats: a radiological and histological analysis

BACKGROUND: The application of dental implants is often restricted by bone volume. In such cases, bone grafts are required, although bone graft materials have some disadvantages. Therefore, other effective approaches are needed. Our previous study showed that the autologous micrograft, a dissociated cell suspension made out of palatal connective tissue grafts, promoted bone-marrow cell proliferation and differentiation under osteogenic conditions. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of dissociated soft-tissue suspensions relevant to bone regeneration in animal model. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve-week-old male Wistar rats were used in the study. Defects were created in rat calvaria, and were filled with hydrogel containing either dissociated soft-tissue suspension (test) or sucrose (control). The new bone formation was evaluated at 1 and 2 weeks after surgery (n = 16) by radiological and histological analysis. RESULTS: The conducted radiological analysis showed that the new bone volume was significantly greater in the dissociated soft-tissue suspension group. This finding was further confirmed by the conducted histological analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The dissociated mucosa tissue suspension enhanced bone regeneration in vivo; thus, it is a promising potential method to aid the successful application for bone augmentation in the implant practice.