Journal of Dental Research, Vol 56, 53-56, Copyright © 1977 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Effect of topical application of fluoride on the healing rate of experimental calvarial defects in rats
T. Biller, Z. Yosipovitch and I. Gedalia
The effect of the local application of fluoride on the healing process of
experimental calvarial defects in rats was studied. A total of 172 male
rats, 6 weeks old, weighing 100 to to 160 gm, were used in the experiments.
Two standard defects, each approximately 2.8 mm in diameter, were drilled
through the parietal bones on either side of the sagittal suture. In one
half of the rats that were operated on, a 20-minute topical application of
2% acidulated (0.1 M H3PO4) NaF solution was used. The control rats
underwent the same local treatment with saline solution. Groups of 9 to 13
rats were killed at 4, 5, 7, 9, and 12 weeks after the operation.
Radiographs of each calvarium demonstrated the healing area in the bone.
Linear bone apposition was measured from histological sections. Fluoride
content was determined in ashed calvaria with an Orion electrode. The
results indicate that all fluoride-treated groups had increased bone gain
compared with the control group. The histological examination revealed no
major differences in the structure, number, and size of the cells of the
newly formed bone in either group. The mean fluoride concecreased until
completion of the experiment.
