Bone Reconstruction following Application of Bone Matrix Gelatin to Alveolar Defects: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Conventional dentoalveolar osseous reconstruction often involves the use of graft materials with or without barrier membranes. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of bone induction by bone matrix gelatin (BMG), delivered on an absorbable collagen sponge (ACS), compared to a placebo (ACS alone) in human alveolar socket defects. Methods: 20 alveolar sockets from 10 healthy adults were studied. In all cases, both the mandibular premolar area and the contralateral premolar area (as the control site) were involved. In each of the 10 patients, the extraction sites were filled randomly with BMG and ACS. The repair response was examined on day 90. Qualitative histological and quantitative histometric analysis, including the percentage of new-formed bone fill and density were done. Results: Assessment of the alveolar bone indicated that patients treated with BMG had significantly (p<0.05) better bone quality and quantity compared to the controls. In addition, bone density and histology revealed no differences between the newly induced and native bone. Conclusion: The data from this single-blind clinical trial demonstrated that the novel combination of BMG had a striking effect on de novo osseous formation for the bone regeneration. Key Words: Autogenous bone graft, Bone healing, Bone matrix gelatin, Bone morphogenic protein, Osteoinductive material