Evaluation of the efficacy of using dental pulp graft in the healing of the alveolar bone after impacted canine extraction: a prospective cohort study

Abstract

Summary: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiographic density of the alveolar bone of the maxilla after extraction of the impacted canines and using the pulp tissue as an autogenous graft. Materials and methods: This prospective cohort study recruited 14 patients (8 females and 6 males) between 2021 and 2023, with an average age of 35 years. All participants had palatally impacted maxillary canines. The impacted teeth were extracted surgically. The extracted teeth were then used for autogenous grafting. The pulp tissue was removed, cut into small pieces, and placed on an absorbable gelatin sponge before being inserted into the extraction socket. The wound was subsequently closed meticulously. After 4 months, the bone density was assessed radiographically using the Hounsfield Scale on cone beam computed tomography scans. Results: After 4 months, the mean radiographic bone density value in the extraction area was (652.77 ± 56.13 HU), while the average density of the original bone was (659.7 ± 39.6 HU). Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, dental pulp tissue can be used to restore bony defects of the alveolar bone in the maxilla. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings.