Effects of FGF on tooth movement and root resorption

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is an effective cytokine in angiogenesis and bone remodeling. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of locally injected bFGF on movement rate and root resorption during orthodontic force application in dogs.

In this experimental animal study, four 10-12 months male dogs were selected and were randomly allocated into two groups. A week following insertion of closing coil spring between the canines and second premolars, 50µg of bFGF was injected to the case group and phosphate saline to the control group once per month. One month after second injection, the distance between the mentioned teeth were measured. Also, root resorption percentage were analyzed on the second premolars.

Average maxillary tooth movement rate in case and control groups were found 2.53 and 1.35mm/month respectively. The correspondent mandibular measures were 2.23mm and 1.15mm. These differences were statistically significant (P<0.0001). In respect to root resorption, the differences were found statistically significant (P<0.01) for coronal region in maxilla, which was higher in control group. Regarding the apical and middle regions of both jaws as well as coronal region of mandible the differences were insignificant.

The results of the study showed that the local injection of bFGF can increase tooth movement rate and has the potential to decrease root resorption during orthodontic tooth movement in dogs.