Effect of VEGF on the Success of Dental Tissue Regeneration in Delayed Replantation of Avulsed Teeth

Abstract

Lobna K Al-khafaji, Mukhaled L Ali, Ammar H. Shaalan, Athraa Y Al-hijazi

Background: Avulsion of tooth constitutes an emergency case in dental management. It accounts 1%–16% of all traumatic tooth injuries. Avulsed tooth required immediate treatment and all efforts must be oriented to restore periodontal attachment and blood supplement to surrounding structures. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent angiogenic and vasculogenic factor that affects dental pulp and periodontal repair. The study was designed to investigate the effect of exogenous application of VEGF on regeneration of dental tissue in delayed replantation of avulsed tooth in rats.
Methods: Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were used in this study, 12 rats with replanted of avulsed incisors without treatment, others replanted in their treated sockets with 0.5 µl VEGF. Histological and histomorphometric analysis were done at periods (21 and 45 days) postoperatively to estimate repaired cementum, periodontal ligament attachment and percentage of resorbed area.
Results: Histomorphometric analysis reported that replanted avulsed tooth with VEGF application showed lower areas of root resorption and ankylosis in comparison to control group with a significant difference value (p > 0.05). Histological assessment showed reattachment of periodontal ligament with obvious angiogenesis in experimental group.
Conclusion: The risk of root resorption, ankylosis and subsequent tooth loss is minimized by using VEGF in delayed replantation of avulsed tooth.