The effect of implants loaded with stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth on early osseointegration in a canine model

BACKGROUND: This in vivo experimental study investigated the effect of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) on early osteogenesis around implants. METHODS: In four healthy adult male Beagle dogs, the left mandibular received implants and SHED as the experimental group, and the right mandibular received implants and phosphate-buffered saline as the control group. The Beagle dogs were randomly divided into groups A and B, which were sacrificed at 2 and 4 weeks after implantation. Micro-computed tomography and histological analysis were used to investigate the effect of SHED-loading on the early osseointegration around the implants. RESULTS: The total bone-to-implant contact (BIC%) and interthread bone improved significantly. The analysis of the bone volume fraction and trabecular thickness showed that the bone trabecula around the implants in the SHEDs group was thicker and denser than that in the control group, suggesting a better osseointegration. CONCLUSIONS: The application of implants pre-adhered with SHEDs improved and accelerated early osseointegration around the implant, resulting in thicker and denser trabecular bone.