Behavior of aqueous-nanocrystalline-hydroxyapatite in oral bone regeneration

ABSTRACTPurpose: A skeletal segment consisting exclusively of bone is the target outcome of bone regeneration. Granular hydroxyapatitesform a hydroxyapatite-bone composite, unsuitable for effectively supporting implants, which may persist for manyyears. This work aimed to investigate the reasons for the bone replacement of Ostim®, a recently commercialized aqueousnanocrystalline hydroxyapatite.Methods: Histology, SEM and X-ray microanalysis were employed to analyze 6- to 9-month biopsies of post-extractive sitesor 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 propagationof 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 supportconsisting exclusively of bone in less than 12 months, i.e. in a remarkably short time.