Alveolar ridge augmentation with tricalcium phosphate ceramic.

Tricalcium phosphate ceramic, with 50% porosity and 400 to 500 micrometer pore diameter, was used to augment the edentulous alveolar ridge of 10 adult mongrel dogs. The implants were evaluated histologically at different time intervals (7, 30, 90, 180, and 360 days). Preoperative and postoperative blood chemistry studies were also evaluated. The results showed that, other than for the expected acute nonspecific inflammatory response due to the surgery, the material was well tolerated by the tissues and was nontoxic. Bone and soft tissues grew into the pores, thereby creating an excellent biomechanical bond between the ceramic implant and surrounding structures. Preoperative and postoperative blood chemistry studies demonstrated no significant change.