Tissue reactions to subperiosteal onlays of demineralized xenogenous dentin blocks in rats

– Objectives: This study was undertaken to examine the influence of partial demineralization of xenogenous dentin on bone formation in an osteoconductive environment. Materials and methods: Sixty dentin blocks, 2–3 mm thick and 4 mm in diameter, were prepared from developing teeth of young pigs. Forty blocks were demineralized in 24% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (pH 7.0) for 1, 2, 6 or 12 h. Forty adult rats divided into eight groups with five rats in each group were used. A sagittal midcranial incision was made from the occipital to the frontal region. Through a subperiostal dissection, a pocket was created on each side of the skull. One demineralized block was placed on one side, and a non‐demineralized block was placed on the contralateral side, or the pocket was left empty as controls. Thus, eight experimental groups with five rats in each were formed. Results: Resorption increased significantly with increasing degree of demineralization while bone formation increased significantly with increasing degree of demineralization, provided inflammation was compensated for. This suggests an important role for inflammation or infection control during the healing period of osteogenic implants to optimize osseous integration in an osteoconductive environment. Conclusion: Partial demineralization of xenogenous dentin blocks may provide a method for optimizing the integration of dentin onlays in an osteoconductive environment, thus stabilizing the implant and slowing down replacement resorption.