The Use of Angelica Sinensis and β-tricalcium Phosphate in the Management of Surgically Induced Critical-sized Class II Furcation Defects in Dogs

Abstract Objective: Evaluating the effectiveness of Angelica sinensis, a widely used traditional Chinese medicine, in conjunction with Beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) bone graft in the management of induced critical sized class II furcation defects in adult healthy mongrel dogs. Materials and Methods: A randomized study design was conducted on the third and fourth premolars of six healthy mongrel dogs. A total of twenty-four class II furcation critical-sized defects were surgically created. After reflecting a fully-reflected mucoperiosteal flap, twelve defects were filled with Angelica sinensis powder mixed with Beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), then collagen membranes were applied over the defects (experimental group). The other twelve defects were filled with β-TCP followed by collagen membrane application (control group). The dogs were sacrificed at the end of fourth and eighth weeks. Jaw segments containing the operated teeth were dissected and processed for histological examination and morphometric analysis of the regenerative features. Results: The histological results revealed that bone formation and regeneration of cementum and PDL progressed more in experimental groups than in control groups. Moreover, the regenerative features were more advanced in the second observation period. The histomorphometry revealed that the surface area of newly formed bone and the thickness of its trabeculae were higher in the defects treated with Angelica sinensis and β-TCP than in only β-TCP-filled defects at both observational periods. Conclusions: Angelica sinensis has accelerated the regenerative potential of the interradicular bone and has enhanced the effect of β-TCP for interradicular bone regeneration in dogs.