Evaluation of the Osteogenic Potential of Periodontal Ligament and Tooth-Derived Substrates Effect on Osteogenesis: An In Vitro Pilot Study

Objective The goal of this in vitro pilot study was to compare the osteogenic potential of different ground human tooth preparations. Methods Twelve maxillary third molars were included and divided into four groups: FT (full tooth), containing all dental tissues (enamel, dentin, pulp, cementum, and periodontal ligament); WE, without enamel; WPL, without periodontal ligament; and WEPL, without enamel and periodontal ligament. The teeth were ground to macroscopically homogeneous particles. The new bone formation was the primary variable evaluated. Pre-osteoblastic cells were incubated with protein extracted from this substrate to verify their osteoinductive potential. Cell proliferation, viability assays, mRNA expression of type I Collagen (COL-I), RUNX-2, BMP-2, and mineral nodules were assessed to achieve the main outcome. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey tests, considering alpha = 5%. Results The FT group had the lowest proliferation cell rates, whereas WEPL had the highest rates (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was an increased gene expression of all genes studied in the WEPL group and a greater formation of phosphate nodules (p < 0.05). Conclusion The dental substrate without enamel and periodontal ligament (WEPL) showed better and improved results than the other groups, revealing promising osteogenic potential for use as a biomaterial for grafting.