OBJECTIVETo study the effect of osteogenic inducer (dexamethasone, beta-sodium glycerophosphate and Vitamin C) carried by gelatin sponge on healing and remodeling of tooth extraction sockets.

METHODSFifty rabbits were selected. After extracting the first premolars of bilateral maxillary, the right side tooth extraction sockets were filled with gelatin sponge containing osteogenic inducer as experimental side, tooth extraction sockets on left side were filled with gelatin sponge as control. Every ten rabbits were executed at the end of 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks after tooth extraction. Bone density was measured through digital X-ray images. The specimens were examined by histology. The absorption height of alveolar bone at 12 weeks was measured.

RESULTSX-ray measurement showed that the bone density of experimental side was higher than that of control side at 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks, the difference had statistical significance (P<0.01). The histology examination showed that new bone formation in tooth extraction sockets of experimental side was earlier than that in control side. The absorptional height of alveolar bone had significant difference between experimental side and control side (P<0.01), of which experimental side was less.

CONCLUSIONFilling the osteogenic inducer in tooth extraction sockets can promote the healing and new bone formation and prevent from alveolar bone absorption.