Bone integration behavior of hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate graft implanted in dental alveoli: a histomorphometric and scanning electron microscopy study.

PURPOSE: This study investigated the bone integration ability of a biphasic calcium phosphate bioceramic implanted in dental alveolus of rats.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A total of 21 male rats were submitted to upper right incisor extraction and implanted with a synthetic bioceramic (Straumann Bone Ceramic). The animals were killed on 7th, 21st, and 42nd day after surgery for light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of bone, bioceramic, and soft tissue volume as well as the quality of graft in its interface.

RESULTS

Light histology results showed no persistent inflammatory and foreign body reactions, a newly formed bone adhered on the ceramic surface without interposition of soft tissue, which was confirmed by SEM analysis. Histometrically, reduction/resorption, between 7 and 42 days, in the percentage of bioceramic implanted (α = 1%) left gaps for a gradual increase in vital bone formation (α = 1%) around the particles.

CONCLUSIONS

The bioceramic in question is biocompatible, has good bone integration, being gradually resorbed and replaced by it, featuring a viable bone substitute for grafting procedures.