Effect of Sodium Fluoride on Cancellous Bone Defect Healing in Rats

Abstract

Problem statement: The purpose of this study was to histopathology and biomechanics evaluate the effect of sodium fluoride on cancellous bone defect healing in rat model. Approach: The experiment was conducted on 40 male adult SD rats which were divided into four groups of control and experiments. After induction of general anesthesia, a hole in size of 2×3 mm in diameter and depth was made using a dental bit in the inner aspect of the between condyles of right femor. In all groups, defect was left untreated. Control group was given distilled water and the other three groups were exposed to fluoridated water at different concentrations (8, 30 and 60 mg F^-/L). After 45 days all rats were sacrificed and the histopathological and biomechanical penetration tests of the distal femoral bone were performed. Results: In control group, defect seemed to be filled with adipous tissue and sparse hematogenic cells and in spite of a poor osteogenic activity and some osteoblasts could already be seen. In experiment groups, many osteoblasts groupings and young bone trabeculas increased in number and bone trabeculas more organized. Histopathologically findings show that 30 mg F^-/L sodium fluoride in drinking water has been better effect than other groups. The mean load for fracturing in control group was 173.01±23.05 and in experiment groups 8, 30 and 60mg were 177.31±33.71, 181.90±36.81 and 168.51±54.35. Differences observed in biomechanically findings were significant between 30mg group and other groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study show that fluoride level at 30 mg F^-/L in drinking water increases compressive strength of cancellous bone defect in healing process and could stimulate osteogenesis in femoral cancellous bone defect in rats.