Histologic and histomorphometric study of bone regeneration induced by beta-tricalcium phosphate (multicenter study)

INTRODUCTION: Autogenous bone graft insertion can effectively enhance the regeneration of the debilitated bone. However, bone graft can be harvested only by a second surgery, which is inconvenient for the patient and raises the possibility of many complications. AIMS: The effect of an alloplastic bone-replacing material, beta-tricalcium phosphate and that of the autogenous bone graft were compared. The studies were performed on patients deriving from four European centers. METHODS: In 20 edentulous patients, the alveolar ridge was extremely atrophied, so fixation of the denture was impossible. The base of the maxillary sinus was surgically elevated bilaterally by insertion of Cerasorb (beta-tricalcium phosphate) (experimental side) and by autogenous bone graft (control side). After surgery the recovery was controlled clinically and radiologically. After 6 months bone cylinders were excised from the grafted areas and implants were inserted into their place. 80 bone samples were embedded into resin, and the osteointegration of the grafts was studied histologically. The new bone density was measured by histomorphometry. RESULTS: Beta-tricalcium phosphate proved to be an effective bone replacing material with osteoconductivity, and was capable of gradual disintegration, providing space to the regenerating bone. The new bone density was similar on both sides without significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: After 6 months, insertion of the beta-tricalcium phosphate graft resulted in formation of stable bony bed apt to anchor of dental implants