Beta-tricalcium phosphate and basic fibroblast growth factor combination enhances periodontal regeneration in intrabony defects in dogs.

The combined effect of beta-tricalcium phosphate and basic fibroblast growth factor was observed in the regeneration of periodontal tissue in dogs. For this purpose, either beta-TCP and FGF-2 (beta-TCP/FGF-2 group) or FGF-2 alone (FGF-2 group) was applied in intrabony defects. The control group received beta-TCP alone. The tissues were histologically examined at 2, 4, or 8 weeks following treatment. The control group was characterized by incomplete, newly formed bone around beta-TCP particles. The beta-TCP/FGF-2 group showed a statistically significant increase in both new bone and cementum formation compared to the FGF-2-alone group (76.3% vs. 65.3%, p < 0.01; 81.0% vs. 68.3%, p < 0.01, respectively). These findings suggested that beta-TCP may be a suitable scaffold for FGF-2 and that the combination of beta-TCP and FGF-2 can enhance bone and cementum formation.