Long-term results of hydroxyapatite application in the treatment of periodontal osseous defects.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate in long-term clinical trials the effectiveness of hydroxyapatite (HA) bioceramics employed in dentistry in the treatment of periodontal osseous defects. The technology of obtaining the studied HA was developed at the Faculty of Material Science and Ceramics, University of Mining and Metallurgy, Cracow, Poland. A population of 90 patients was subjected to implantation of HA granules. The results of initial and final investigations based on periodontal indices, determination of osseous defects depth and X-ray studies were compared. The follow-up was 6 and 12 months, 2, 3 and as much as 4 years. All the studied parameters showed a significant improvement that was confirmed by statistical evaluation. Ceramic HA was found to be a fully and totally useful material in the reconstruction of periodontal defects. As demonstrated by X-ray studies, the reconstruction of osseous defects proceeded faster within the first 2 years and subsequently the process became slower.