Alveolar bone regeneration for immediate implant placement using an injectable bone substitute: an experimental study in dogs

A Histologic, Histomorphometric, and Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Anorganic Bovine Bone and Injectable Biphasic Calcium Phosphate in Humans: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Following trauma, chronic periapical process, or tooth extraction, a large loss of bone volume is noticed during the healing process. To facilitate the placement of dental implants, various surgical procedures are used for an optimal alveolar ridge profile, while maintaining adequate bone dimensions. The main aim of this study was to determine the healing ability (histologically and immunohistologically) of alveolar bone defects during augmentation with two different biomaterials: injectable biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) and anorganic bovine bone (ABB). Thirty-eight subjects were randomly divided into two groups. The first group received the tested bone substitute biomaterial (BSB), i.e., BCP (maxresorb inject®), and the second group received an alternative to the gold standard, i.e., ABB (Bio-Oss®). The histopathological, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical analyses gave comparable results for these bone substitute materials in terms of newly formed bone: (BCP: 39.91 ± 8.49%, ABB: 41.73 ± 13.99%), residual biomaterial (BCP: 28.61 ± 11.38%, ABB: 31.72 ± 15.52%), and soft tissue (BCP: 31.49 ± 11.09%, ABB: 26.54 ± 7.25%), with no significant difference found between the groups (p < 0.05, t-test), proving that BCP is equally suitable and successful for alveolar bone regeneration.

Synthetic Injectable Biomaterials for Alveolar Bone Regeneration in Animal and Human Studies

After tooth extraction, the alveolar ridge undergoes dimensional changes. Different bone regeneration biomaterials are used to reduce bone loss. The aim of this article was to systematically review the literature on the effect of injectable synthetic biomaterials and their advantages and disadvantages for new bone formation in the maxilla and mandible in animals and humans. A literature search was conducted in November 2020 via MEDLINE PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase. Of the 501 records screened, abstract analysis was performed on 49 articles, resulting in 21 studies that met the inclusion criteria. Animal studies have shown heterogeneity in terms of animal models, follow-up time, composition of the injectable biomaterial, and different outcome variables such as bone–implant contact, newly formed bone, and peri-implant bone density. Heterogeneity has also been demonstrated by human studies. The following outcomes were observed: newly formed bone, connective tissue, residual injectable bone graft substitute, radiographic density, residual bone height, and different follow-up periods. Further studies, especially in humans, based on the histological and biomechanical properties of the injectable delivery form, are needed to draw more concrete conclusions that will contribute to a better understanding of the benefits of this type of biomaterials and their role in bone regeneration.

Effects of UV Treatment on Ceria-Stabilized Zirconia/Alumina Nanocomposite (NANOZR)

Nanostructured zirconia/alumina composite (NANOZR) has been explored as a suitable material for fabricating implants for patients with metal allergy. In this study, we examined the effect of UV treatment on the NANOZR surface. The experimental group was UV-treated NANOZR and the control group was untreated NANOZR. Observation of the surface of the UV-treated materials revealed no mechanical or structural change; however, the carbon content on the material surface was reduced, and the material surface displayed superhydrophilicity. Further, the effects of the UV-induced superhydrophilic properties of NANOZR plates on the adhesion behavior of various cells were investigated. Treatment of the NANOZR surface was found to facilitate protein adsorption onto it. An in vitro evaluation using rat bone marrow cells, human vascular endothelial cells, and rat periodontal ligament cells revealed high levels of adhesion in the experimental group. In addition, it was clarified that the NANOZR surface forms active oxygen and suppresses the generation of oxidative stress. Overall, the study results suggested that UV-treated NANOZR is useful as a new ceramic implant material.

Effect of DNA/protamine complex paste on bone augmentation of the mandible: A pilot study on dogs

OBJECTIVE

Our previous studies found that a salmon DNA-based scaffold containing protamine promoted bone regeneration of the calvarial defects of rats. The aim of the present pilot study was to examine the influence of the DNA/protamine (DP) complex on bone regeneration of a saddle type, alveolar ridge defects of the dog mandible.

DESIGN

Alveolar ridge defects were performed in the mandibles of five adult female beagles. The following three treatment modalities were randomly allocated: (1) the DP complex paste, (2) a beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), and (3) a blank (control). Healing of bone defects were evaluated by periapical radiography, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), and histology.

RESULTS

Periodical radiographic images revealed that a higher percentage of regenerated bone height was consistently achieved in the DP group, as compared with blank controls. All three-dimensional, sagittal, and coronal images of micro-CT showed increased amounts of newly formed bone and a greater bone volume/ tissue volume ratio, as compared with the blank and β-TCP groups. In contrast, there was no significant difference in bone mineral density among the groups. Histological analysis confirmed that the alveolar bone defects were filled with newly formed bone with mature and compact properties in the DP group.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that the DP complexes enhanced regeneration of vertical alveolar bone defects of the dog mandible.

Bone Regeneration of Canine Peri-implant Defects Using Cell Sheets of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Platelet-Rich Fibrin Membranes

PURPOSE

Insufficient bone volume compromises the success rate and osseointegration of immediate implantation. The objective of the present study was to engineer bone tissue by using adipose-derived stem cell (ASC) sheets and autologous platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) to enhance new bone formation and osseointegration around dental implants.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The proliferation and osteogenic potential of ASCs treated with autologous PRF were evaluated with CCK-8 assays, alkaline phosphatase staining, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. A 3-wall bone defect around each immediate implant was generated in the mandible and randomly treated with ASC sheets plus PRF (group A), ASC sheets only (group B), PRF only (group C), or no treatment (group D). Micro-computed tomography, biomechanical tests, fluorescent bone labeling, and histologic assessments were performed to evaluate bone regeneration capacity.

RESULTS

The proliferation and osteogenic potential of canine ASCs were markedly enhanced by PRF. Group A exhibited considerably more new bone formation and re-osseointegration (41.17 ± 1.44 and 55.06 ± 0.06%, respectively) than did the other 3 groups. Fluorescent labeling showed that the most rapid bone remodeling activity occurred in group A (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that sheets of ASC combined with autologous PRF could be a promising tissue-engineering strategy for bone formation in immediate implantation.

The use of a biphasic calcium phosphate in a maxillary sinus floor elevation procedure: a clinical, radiological, histological, and histomorphometric evaluation with 9- and 12-month healing times

Background

This study evaluates the clinical, radiological, histological, and histomorphometric aspects of a fully synthetic biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) (60% hydroxyapatite and 40% ß-tricalcium phosphate), used in a human maxillary sinus floor elevation (MSFE) procedure with 9- and 12-month healing time.

Methods

A unilateral MSFE procedure, using 100% BCP, was performed in two series of five patients with healing times of 9 and 12 months respectively. Clinical and radiological parameters were measured up to 5 years postoperatively. Biopsy retrieval was carried out during dental implants placement. Histology and histomorphometry were performed on 5-μm sections of undecalcified bone biopsies.

Results

The MSFE procedure with BCP showed uneventful healing in all cases. All dental implants appeared to be well osseointegrated after 3 months. Radiological evaluation showed less than 1 mm tissue height loss from MSFE to the 5-year follow-up examination. No signs of inflammation were detected on histological examination. Newly formed mineralized tissue was found cranially from the native bone. The BCP particles were surrounded by connective tissue, osteoid islands, and newly formed bone. Mineralized bone tissue was in intimate contact with the BCP particles. After 12 months, remnants of BCP were still present. The newly formed bone had a trabecular structure. Bone maturation was demonstrated by the presence of lamellar bone. Histomorphometric analysis showed at 9 and 12 months respectively an average vital bone volume/total volume of 35.2 and 28.2%, bone surface/total volume of 4.2 mm²/mm³ and 8.3 mm²/mm³, trabecular thickness of 224.7 and 66.7 μm, osteoid volume/bone volume of 8.8 and 3.4%, osteoid surface/bone surface (OS/BS) of 42.4 and 8.2%, and osteoid thickness of 93.9 and 13.6 μm.

Conclusions

MFSE with BCP resulted in new bone formation within the augmented sinus floor and allowed the osseointegration of dental implants in both groups. From a histological and histomorphometric perspective, a 9-month healing time for this type of BCP may be the optimal time for placement of dental implants.

Biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics for bone reconstruction: A review of biological response

Autologous bone graft is considered as the gold standard in bone reconstructive surgery. However, the quantity of bone available is limited and the harvesting procedure requires a second surgical site resulting in severe complications. Due to these limits, scientists and clinicians have considered alternatives to autologous bone graft. Calcium phosphates (CaPs) biomaterials including biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramics have proven efficacy in numerous clinical indications. Their specific physico-chemical properties (HA/TCP ratio, dual porosity and subsequent interconnected architecture) control (regulate/condition) the progressive resorption and the bone substitution process. By describing the most significant biological responses reported in the last 30years, we review the main events that made their clinical success. We also discuss about their exciting future applications as osteoconductive scaffold for delivering various bioactive molecules or bone cells in bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Nowadays, BCPs are definitely considered as the gold standard of bone substitutes in bone reconstructive surgery. Among the numerous clinical studies in literature demonstrating the performance of BCP, Passuti et al. and Randsford et al. studies largely contributed to the emergence of the BCPs. It could be interesting to come back to the main events that made their success and could explain their large adhesion from scientists to clinicians. This paper aims to review the most significant biological responses reported in the last 30years, of these BCP-based materials. We also discuss about their exciting future applications as osteoconductive scaffold for delivering various bioactive molecules or bone cells in bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Peri-Implant Bone Regeneration Using rhPDGF-BB, BMSCs, and β-TCP in a Canine Model

BACKGROUND

The presence of insufficient bone volume remains a major clinical problem for dental implant placement to restore oral function. Tissue engineering provides a promising approach for inducing bone regeneration and enhancing osseointegration in dental implants.

PURPOSE

The tissue-engineered bone consisting of recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor (rhPDGF-BB), bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs), and beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) particles was validated for the first time in a preclinical large animal canine model in terms of its ability to promote new bone formation around the implants, as well as osseointegration between the tissue-engineered bone and dental implants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of canine BMSCs treated with rhPDGF-BB were evaluated with an MTT, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, Alizarin Red staining, and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis of osteogenic genes. The therapeutic potential of tissue-engineered bone consisting of rhPDGF-BB/BMSCs/β-TCP in bone repair was evaluated in mesial-implant defects of immediate postextraction implants in the canine mandible.

RESULTS

rhPDGF-BB treatment significantly increased proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of canine BMSCs. Furthermore, the tissue-engineered bone consisting of rhPDGF-BB/BMSCs/β-TCP significantly enhanced bone formation and osseointegration.

CONCLUSION

This study provides important evidence that supports the potential application of rhPDGF-BB/BMSCs/β-TCP tissue-engineered bone in immediate implantation for oral function restoration.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cells as a Tool for Dental Implant Osseointegration: an Experimental Study in the Dog

The biological interaction between the jaw bones and dental implant is fundamental for the long-term success of dental implant placement. Nevertheless, the insufficient bone volume remains a major clinical problem, especially in case of immediate dental implant. Using a canine model, the present study proves the regenerative potential of adipose- derived stem cells (ADSCs) to repair peri-implant bone defects occurring in immediate dental implant placement. In six labradors, all mandibular premolars and the first molars were extracted bilaterally and three months later dental implants were installed with a marginal gap. The marginal defects were filled with hydroxyapatite (HA)-based scaffolds previously seeded with ADSCs. After one month of healing, specimens were prepared for histological and histomorphometric evaluations. Histological analyses of ground sections show that ADSCs significantly increase bone regeneration. Several new vessels, osteoblasts and new bone matrix were detected. By contrast, no inflammatory cells have been revealed. ADSCs could be used to accelerate bone healing in peri- implant defects in case of immediate dental implant placement.

Bone substitutes for peri-implant defects of postextraction implants

Placement of implants in fresh sockets is an alternative to try to reduce physiological resorption of alveolar ridge after tooth extraction. This surgery can be used to preserve the bone architecture and also accelerate the restorative procedure. However, the diastasis observed between bone and implant may influence osseointegration. So, autogenous bone graft and/or biomaterials have been used to fill this gap. Considering the importance of bone repair for treatment with implants placed immediately after tooth extraction, this study aimed to present a literature review about biomaterials surrounding immediate dental implants. The search included 56 articles published from 1969 to 2012. The results were based on data analysis and discussion. It was observed that implant fixation immediately after extraction is a reliable alternative to reduce the treatment length of prosthetic restoration. In general, the biomaterial should be used to increase bone/implant contact and enhance osseointegration.

The association of hydrogel and biphasic calcium phosphate in the treatment of dehiscence-type peri-implant defects: an experimental study in dogs

Hydrogel polymers have many applications in regenerative medicine. The aim of this study in dogs was to investigate bone regeneration in dehiscence-type peri-implant defects created surgically and treated with (i) biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) granules alone; (ii) a composite putty hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)/BCP (MBCP/putty); and (iii) a polymer crosslinked membrane of silanized-HPMC (Si-HPMC/BCP) compared with empty controls. At 3 months, new bone formation was significantly more important in defects filled with HPMC/BCP or Si-HPMC/BCP compared with spontaneous healing in control (P = 0.032 and P = 0.046 respectively) and more substantial compared with BCP alone. Furthermore, new bone formation in direct contact with the implant surface was observed in all three groups treated with BCP. The addition of HPMC to the BCP granules may have enhanced the initial stability of the material within the blood clot in these large and complex osseous defects. The Si-HPMC hydrogel may also act as an occlusive membrane covering the BCP, which could improve the stability of the granules in the defect area. However, the crosslinking time of the Si-HPMC is too long for easy handling and the mechanical properties remain to be improved. The composite MBCP/putty appears to be a valuable bone-graft material in complex defects in periodontology and implantology. These encouraging results should now be confirmed in clinical studies.

The bone-forming effects of HIF-1α-transduced BMSCs promote osseointegration with dental implant in canine mandible

The presence of insufficient bone volume remains a major clinical problem for dental implant placement to restore the oral function. Gene-transduced stem cells provide a promising approach for inducing bone regeneration and enhancing osseointegration in dental implants with tissue engineering technology. Our previous studies have demonstrated that the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) promotes osteogenesis in rat bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). In this study, the function of HIF-1α was validated for the first time in a preclinical large animal canine model in term of its ability to promote new bone formation in defects around implants as well as the osseointegration between tissue-engineered bone and dental implants. A lentiviral vector was constructed with the constitutively active form of HIF-1α (cHIF). The ectopic bone formation was evaluated in nude mice. The therapeutic potential of HIF-1α-overexpressing canine BMSCs in bone repair was evaluated in mesi-implant defects of immediate post-extraction implants in the canine mandible. HIF-1α mediated canine BMSCs significantly promoted new bone formation both subcutaneously and in mesi-implant defects, including increased bone volume, bone mineral density, trabecular thickness, and trabecular bone volume fraction. Furthermore, osseointegration was significantly enhanced by HIF-1α-overexpressing canine BMSCs. This study provides an important experimental evidence in a preclinical large animal model concerning to the potential applications of HIF-1α in promoting new bone formation as well as the osseointegration of immediate implantation for oral function restoration.

Nonprocessed adipose tissue graft in the treatment of peri-implant osseous defects in the rabbit's tibiae: a pilot study

We hypothesized that a new technique using nonprocessed adipose tissue could regenerate bone around dental implants. Eighteen rabbits received 1 implant per tibia surrounded by a surgically created osseous defect. The defects were assigned for treatment into 3 groups: C, AT, and AB. The percentages of bone-to-implant contact were 17.64% ± 16.22% (AB), 3.54% ± 7.08% (AT), and 12.71% ± 10.11% (C) (ρ = 0.25). The use of adipose tissue around surgically created peri-implant osseous defects interferes with bone formation.

An injectable bone substitute composed of beta-tricalcium phosphate granules, methylcellulose and hyaluronic acid inhibits connective tissue influx into its implantation bed in vivo

In this study, the in vivo tissue reaction to a new triphasic and injectable paste-like bone-substitute material composed of beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), methylcellulose and hyaluronic acid was analyzed. Using a subcutaneous implantation model, the interaction of these materials and the peri-implant tissue reaction were tested in Wistar rats for up to 60 days by means of established histological methods, including histomorphometrical analysis. The study focused on tissue integration, classification of the cellular inflammatory response and the degradation of the material. Groups composed of animals injected only with β-TCP granules, sham-operated animals and animals injected with saline were used as controls. After implantation, the triphasic bone-substitute material was present as a bulk-like structure with an inner and outer core. Over a period of 60 days, the material underwent continuous degradation from the periphery towards the core. The implantation bed of the β-TCP granule control group was invaded by phagocytes and formed a poorly vascularized connective tissue soon after implantation. This inflammatory response continued throughout the study period and filled the implantation bed. Significantly, the combination of the three biocompatible materials into one injectable paste-like bone-substitute material enabled modification of the tissue reaction to the implant and resulted in a longer in vivo lifetime than that of β-TCP granules alone. In addition, this combination increased the vascularization of the implantation bed, which is essential for successful tissue regeneration.

Buccal bone plate remodeling after immediate implant placement with and without synthetic bone grafting and flapless surgery: radiographic study in dogs

Recent studies in animals have shown pronounced resorption of the buccal bone plate after immediate implantation. The use of flapless surgical procedures prior to the installation of immediate implants, as well as the use of synthetic bone graft in the gaps represent viable alternatives to minimize buccal bone resorption and to favor osseointegration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the healing of the buccal bone plate following immediate implantation using the flapless approach, and to compare this process with sites in which a synthetic bone graft was or was not inserted into the gap between the implant and the buccal bone plate. Lower bicuspids from 8 dogs were bilaterally extracted without the use of flaps, and 4 implants were installed in the alveoli in each side of the mandible and were positioned 2.0 mm from the buccal bone plate (gap). Four groups were devised: 2.0-mm subcrestal implants (3.3 × 8 mm) using bone grafts (SCTG), 2.0-mm subcrestal implants without bone grafts (SCCG), equicrestal implants (3.3 × 10 mm) with bone grafts (ECTG), and equicrestal implants without bone grafts (ECCG). One week following the surgical procedures, metallic prostheses were installed, and within 12 weeks the dogs were sacrificed. The blocks containing the individual implants were turned sideways, and radiographic imaging was obtained to analyze the remodeling of the buccal bone plate. In the analysis of the resulting distance between the implant shoulder and the bone crest, statistically significant differences were found in the SCTG when compared to the ECTG (P = .02) and ECCG (P = .03). For mean value comparison of the resulting linear distance between the implant surface and the buccal plate, no statistically significant difference was found among all groups (P > .05). The same result was observed in the parameter for presence or absence of tissue formation between the implant surface and buccal plate. Equicrestally placed implants, in this methodology, presented little or no loss of the buccal bone. The subcrestally positioned implants presented loss of buccal bone, even though synthetic bone graft was used. The buccal bone, however, was always coronal to the implant shoulder.

Alveolar bone regeneration around immediate implants using an injectable nHAC/CSH loaded with autogenic blood-acquired mesenchymal progenitor cells: an experimental study in the dog mandible

BACKGROUND

Lack of osseointegration between a dental implant and the walls of the alveolar bone is a common problem in immediate implantation. Injectable tissue-engineered bone (ITB) may be an effective and minimally invasive solution to the problem. In this study, an injectable bone cement, nHAC/CSH, which consists of nano-hydroxyapatite/collagen (nHAC) and calcium sulfate hemihydrate (CaSO4 .½H2 O; CSH) was investigated as a tissue-engineered scaffold material with blood-acquired mesenchymal progenitor cells (BMPC) as seeding cells.

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was to assess the new bone formation around immediate dental implants using nHAC/CSH loaded with dog blood-acquired mesenchymal progenitor cells (dBMPC) in a canine model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

dBMPC were first isolated from peripheral blood of healthy adult dogs. Alizarin red and oil red O staining were then used to evaluate the potential of dBMPC to differentiate into bi-lineage mesenchymal tissues in vitro. Four healthy mongrel dogs were used in this study. The alveolar bone defects around immediate implants of dogs were created. Each defect was randomly assigned to one of the following three groups: (1) the ITB group (dBMPC+nHAC/CSH); (2) injectable bone cement nHAC/CSH; or (3) no materials (controls). Methylene blue staining was used to examine the bone formation after 3 months.

RESULTS

Studies in vitro revealed that dBMPC could be induced to osteoblasts and adipocytes. The ITB group (dBMPC+nHAC/CSH) showed significantly more bone-implant contact and bone density than either nHAC/CSH or control groups in the areas with peri-implant defects 3 months after implantation.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that the ITB composed of nHAC/CSH and dBMPC may represent a useful strategy for the clinical reconstruction of bone defects around immediate implantation. However, further investigation is needed involving the use of human BMPC as well as possible use of stem cells.

Influence of bone-derived matrices on generation of bone in an ectopic rat model

Most bone regeneration experimental models that test bone-derived matrices take place in conjunction with the native bone. Here, we compared the relative effectiveness of bone matrix components on bone-marrow-directed osteogenesis in an ectopic model. Cortical bone cylinders consisted of diaphysis of DA rat femurs. They were either demineralized (DBM), deproteinized (HABM), or nontreated (MBM). Fresh bone marrow was placed into cylinders and implanted at subcutaneous thoracic sites of 2-month-old DA rats. At designated times the cylinders were surgically removed from the animals. Microradiographs of DBM and histology of DBM and MBM cylinders demonstrated progressive increase in mineralized bone volume and its trabecular configuration. Bone filled the inner volume of DBM and MBM cylinders within 4 weeks, while in HABM cylinders mostly granulation tissue developed. In the DBM cylinders cartilage deposited within 10 days, while in the MBM cylinders bone was directly deposited. As early as day 3 after marrow transplantation, marrow cells interacting with DBM increased significantly the genes that express the cartilage and the bone phenotype. In conclusion, organic components of bone are needed for marrow-directed osteogenesis.

The use of Straumann Bone Ceramic in a maxillary sinus floor elevation procedure: a clinical, radiological, histological and histomorphometric evaluation with a 6-month healing period

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we evaluated the quality and quantity of bone formation in maxillary sinus floor elevation procedure using a new fully synthetic biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) consisting of a mixture of 60% hydroxyapatite and 40% of beta-tricalcium phosphate (Straumann Bone Ceramic).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A unilateral maxillary sinus floor elevation procedure was performed in six patients using 100% BCP. Biopsy retrieval for histological and histomorphometric analysis was carried out before implant placement after a 6-month healing period.

RESULTS

In this study, the maxillary sinus floor elevation procedure with the use of BCP showed uneventful healing. Radiological evaluation after 6 months showed maintenance of vertical height gained immediately after surgery. Primary stability was achieved with all Straumann SLA dental implants of 4.1 mm diameter and 10 or 12 mm length. The implants appeared to be osseointegrated well after a 3-month healing period. Histological investigation showed no signs of inflammation. Cranial from the native alveolar bone, newly formed mineralized tissue was observed. Also, osteoid islands as well as connective tissue were seen around the BCP particles, cranial from the front of newly formed mineralized tissue. Close bone-to-substitute contact was observed. Histomorphometric analysis showed an average bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) of 27.3% [standard deviation (SD) 4.9], bone surface/total volume (BS/TV) 4.5 mm(2)/mm(3) (SD 1.1), trabecula-thickness (TbTh) 132.1 mum (SD 38.4), osteoid-volume/bone volume (OV/BV) 7.5% (SD 4.3), osteoid surface/bone surface (OS/BS) 41.3% (SD 28.5), osteoid thickness (O.Th) 13.3 mum (SD 4.7) and number of osteoclasts/total area (N.Oc/Tar) 4.4 1/mm (SD 5.7).

CONCLUSIONS

Although a small number of patients were treated, this study provides radiological and histological evidence in humans confirming the suitability of this new BCP for vertical augmentation of the atrophied maxilla by means of a maxillary sinus floor elevation procedure allowing subsequent dental implant placement after a 6-month healing period. The newly formed bone had a trabecular structure and was in intimate contact with the substitute material, outlining the osteoconductive properties of the BCP material. Bone maturation was evident by the presence of lamellar bone.

Immediate implant placement into infected and noninfected extraction sockets: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE

This study compared the osseointegration of immediate implants in dogs in infection-free sites and in sites with periradicular lesions which were removed by simulated periradicular surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Periradicular surgeries were performed to remove intentionally induced periradicular lesions, followed by teeth extraction and immediate implant placement with (experimental group 1) or without (experimental group 2) membranes. In the control group, implants were placed at healthy extraction sockets. After 12 weeks, the animals were killed and the results of histomorphometric study were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

Both the control and the experimental implants were clinically acceptable. The control group showed significantly higher bone-implant contact (BIC; 76.03 +/- 7.98%) than the experimental groups 1 (59.55 +/- 14.21%) and 2 (48.62 +/- 20.22%) (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the lower BIC of the experimental groups, this pilot study showed the possibility that immediate implant placement might be successful in extraction sockets with periradicular lesions. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required.

Histomorphometric assessment of bone formation in sinus augmentation utilizing a combination of autogenous and hydroxyapatite/biphasic tricalcium phosphate graft materials: at 6 and 9 months in humans

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine the efficacy of a new biphasic hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) bone substitute in combination with particulate autogenous bone in sinus floor augmentation procedures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A simultaneous or a two-stage sinus augmentation and implant placement were conducted in 28 patients. A mixture of HA/TCP and autogenous bone chips in a 1 : 1 ratio was used as the grafting biomaterial. Cylindrical specimen bone retrieval was performed in all patients except one. Specimens were harvested either at 6 (n=14) or 9 (n=13) months post-augmentation. For histologic and histomorphometric evaluations, the non-decalcified tissue processing (Donath's technique) was performed.

RESULTS

Newly formed bone around the grafted particles was found in all samples. The encircling, highly cellular bone followed the outline of the grafted particles in direct contact. Both woven and lamellar types of bone were observed. Morphometrically, the total mean bone area fraction of all sections was 34.8+/-10.3%, increasing from 28.6+/-7.8% at 6 months to 41.6+/-8.3% at 9 months (P<0.001). Mean particle area fraction average was 25.5+/-11.6% and 23.5+/-9.3% at 6 and 9 months, respectively, with a total mean of 24.5+/-10.4%. The increase in bone area fraction was not significantly correlated to the decrease of the grafted particles area fraction.

CONCLUSIONS

The biphasic HA/TCP showed biocompatible and osteoconductive properties. This alloplast as a composite with autogenous bone chips promotes newly formed bone, which increases in its fraction along an extended healing period.

Comparison of injectable calcium phosphate bone cement grafting and open flap debridement in periodontal intrabony defects: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Regeneration of lost periodontium is the ultimate goal of periodontal therapy. Bone grafts, guided tissue regeneration, and application of growth factors are used for periodontal regeneration. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a new, injectable calcium phosphate bone cement (CPC) in human periodontal intrabony defects.

METHODS

Thirty subjects (mean age, 53.4 +/- 9.1 years) with periodontitis and narrow intrabony defects were enrolled in the study. Subjects were classified randomly into the CPC graft group (N = 15) or the open flap debridement (OFD) alone group (N = 15). Clinical measurements were performed at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months; radiographs were taken at baseline, 2 weeks, and 6 and 12 months after surgery. The Student t test was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

In the CPC group, six cases showed exposure or loss of the CPC within 12 months, whereas the remaining nine cases (CPC-R group) showed no adverse reaction, including infection or suppuration. Overall, CPC-R and OFD treatment groups exhibited a significant reduction in probing depth and a significant gain in clinical attachment level at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months compared to baseline values. However, there were no significant differences in any of the clinical parameters between the groups. In the CPC-R group, radiographic bone level gain appeared to be greater than in the OFD group.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study failed to demonstrate any superior clinical outcomes for the CPC group compared to the OFD group; however, radiographs revealed more favorable results in the CPC-R group. The filling volume and stiffness of CPC may compromise the clinical outcomes for periodontal intrabony defects.

Calcium sulfate–carboxymethylcellulose bone graft binder: Histologic and morphometric evaluation in a critical size defect

Calcium sulfate (CS) is widely used as a bone graft binder and expander. Recent reports indicate that carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) can improve the clinical properties of CS when used as binder for particulate bone grafts; however, limited information is available on the effects of CMC on bone regeneration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the histologic and morphometric characteristics of bone formation in calvarial defects grafted with a CS-based putty containing 10% CMC in combination with allogeneic demineralized bone matrix (DBM). Bone formation and graft/binder resorption were compared with a surgical grade CS and DBM in paired critical-sized calvarial defects in 25 Wistar rats (350-450 g). Six animals each provided paired defects at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days postsurgery for nondecalcified processing and microscopic analysis. Defects grafted with CS or CS-CMC putty as the DBM binder exhibited similar patterns and proportions of bone formation, fibrous tissue/marrow, and residual DBM particles. Comparable mean +/- SD proportions of new bone formation (31.7 +/- 9.5 and 33.7 +/- 12.9), fibrous tissue/marrow (54.2 +/- 8.3 and 53.0 +/- 10.8), residual DBM particles (8.3 +/- 6.8 and 10.1 +/- 6.3), and residual binder material (5.5 +/- 4.6 and 3.7 +/- 3.5) were found at 28 days for defects grafted with CS and CS-CMC putty, respectively. Thus, CMC was found to improve the handling characteristics of CS and, when used in conjunction with DBM, supported comparable levels bone formation and patterns of binder/scaffold resorption as CS and DBM in a calvarial defect model.