Behavior of aqueous nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite in oral bone regeneration.

Purpose: A skeletal segment consisting exclusively of bone is the target outcome of bone regeneration. Granular hydroxyapatites form a hydroxyapatite-bone composite, unsuitable for effectively supporting implants, which may persist for many years. This work aimed to investigate the reasons for the bone replacement of Ostim®, a recently commercialized aqueous nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite.

Methods: Histology, SEM and X-ray microanalysis were employed to analyze 6- to 9-month biopsies of post-extractive sites or sinus floor lifts of the maxilla in 15 subjects.

Results: The results highlight a great bone formation, Ostim® resorption with time by osteoclasts but also interstitial fluid propagation of Ostim® masses by percolation. A possible osteocyte protoplasmic involvement was also at work in concert to reach the target.

Conclusions: The use of Ostim® as bone regenerating material leads to the formation of a highly suitable implant support consisting exclusively of bone in less than 12 months, i.e. in a remarkably short time.