Evaluation of Osteoconduction of a Synthetic Hydroxyapatite/β-Tricalcium Phosphate Block Fixed in Rabbit Mandibles.

Luis Carlos De Almeida Pires,Francisley Ávila Souza,Luara Teixiera Colombo,Letícia Pitol Palin,Fernando Ruas Esgalha,Laís Kawamata De Jesus,Ana Paula Farnezi Bassi,Pier Paolo Poli,Henrique Hadad,Paulo Sérgio Perri De Carvalho,Rodrigo Capalbo Da Silva,Carlo Maiorana,Ana Flávia Piquera Santos,Roberta Okamoto

doi:10.3390/ma13214902

Abstract

(1) Background: This study aimed to evaluate the incorporation of hydroxyapatite/β-tricalcium phosphate blocks grafted in rabbit mandibles. (2) Methods: Topographic characterization of biomaterial was performed through scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Ten rabbits randomly received autogenous bone graft harvested from the tibia (Autogenous Group—AG) or synthetic biomaterial manufactured in β-tricalcium phosphate (Biomaterial Group—BG) at their right and left mandibular angles. Euthanasia was performed at 30 and 60 postoperative days; (3) Results: SEM-EDX showed a surface with the formation of crystals clusters. Histological analyses in BG at 30 days showed a slower process of incorporation than AG. At 60 days, BG showed remnants of biomaterial enveloped by bone tissue in the anabolic modeling phase. Histometric analysis showed that mean values of newly formed bone-like tissue in the AG (6.56%/9.70%) were statistically higher compared to BG (3.14%/6.43%) in both periods, respectively. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated early bone formation and maturation in the AG with more intense osteopontin and osteocalcin staining. (4) Conclusions: The biomaterial proved to be a possible bone substitute, being incorporated into the receiving bed; however, it showed delayed bone incorporation compared to autogenous bone.

Highlights

The results of alveolar bone remodeling after tooth loss, dentoalveolar trauma, and infections may promote an unfavorable site for dental implant rehabilitation with proper prosthetic planning [1]
The biomaterial base showed irregularities of the surface accompanied by its porosity, as well as the crystal clusters in different shapes and sizes the surface accompanied by its porosity, as well as the crystal clusters in different shapes and sizes (Figure 2c–e)
Synthetic β-calcium-phosphate-based biomaterials present a porosity of approximately 70%

Summary

Introduction

The results of alveolar bone remodeling after tooth loss, dentoalveolar trauma, and infections may promote an unfavorable site for dental implant rehabilitation with proper prosthetic planning [1]. Block grafting is a recommended treatment in cases of horizontal defects, associated with severe atrophy of the alveolar bone [5,6,7,8]. In order to recreate the proper anatomy of the alveolar ridge, autogenous bone is considered the gold standard, being the only graft material that presents osteogenic, osteoinductive, and osteoconductive characteristics simultaneously [9]. Research has been directed towards the use of biomaterials as autogenous bone substitutes when reconstructive surgery is needed. Ten rabbits randomly received autogenous bone graft harvested from the tibia (Autogenous Group—AG) or synthetic biomaterial manufactured in β-tricalcium phosphate (Biomaterial Group—BG) at their right and left mandibular angles. At 60 days, BG showed remnants of biomaterial enveloped by bone tissue in the anabolic modeling phase. Histometric analysis showed that mean values of newly formed bone-like tissue in the AG (6.56%/9.70%) were statistically higher compared to BG (3.14%/6.43%)

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