Articles and Lectures


The Use of Novel Nano-Crystalline Calcium Sulfate for Bone Regeneration in Extraction Socket

Mazor et al
Background: Adequate vital bone volume (BV) is
essential for successful dental implant placement
with satisfactory esthetic results. Calcium sulfate
(CS) has osseoconductive, angiogenic, biocompatible
and barrier properties. As CS dissolves it
leads to formation of biological apatite and causes
a local release of growth factors. NanoGen (nCS)
is a granular material comprised of tightly compressed
nanocrystalline CS that undergoes controlled
degradation. This case report uses nCS for
the regeneration of bone in an extraction socket.
Methods: A 55 year-old female patient required
extraction of tooth #31. Following socket debridement,
nCS was mixed with saline, packed into the
extraction defect and contained with a non-resorbable
membrane. After flap elevation, 6-months
following grafting, a bone core was collected for
histological and histomorphometrical analysis. A
dental implant was placed and restored 4-months
later. The patient was monitored clinically and
radiographically over the subsequent 2 years.
Results: Clinical, radiographic and CT scan
inspection at 6-months following grafting
revealed keratinized soft tissue and ideal BV for
implant placement. Histomorphometric analysis
of core extracted from the regenerated socket
showed 47% vital BV, with osteoclasts and
osteoblasts, remodeling trabecular bone. Radiographs
obtained at 5-months following implant
placement showed alveolar bone height and
soft tissue retained around the implant. Prosthetic
restoration was then completed. Radiographs
showed minimal marginal bone loss and
intimate BIC 1-year after implant placement.
Conclusions: nCS could become an alternative
to other graft materials in treating extraction
sockets. The combination between the
nano-crystalline structure and angiogenic
potential of CS adequately supported bone
regeneration and implant osseointegration.
The Use of a Novel Nano-Crystalline Calcium Sulfate
for Bone Regeneration in Extraction Socket
Ziv Mazor, DDS1 • Robert Horowitz, DDS2 • John Ricci, PhD4
Harold Alexander, PhD3 • Ioana Chesnoiu-Matei. DDS, MS4
Sachin Mamidwar, MBBS, MS3
Abstract
KEY WORDS: Calcium sulfate, bone graft, tooth extraction, socket bone regeneration,
wound healing, ridge preservation
The Journal of Implant & Advanced Clinical Dentistry • XX
1. Private Practice, Ra’anana, Israel • 2. Private Practice, Scarsdale, NY, USA • 3. Orthogen LLC, Springfield, NJ, USA
4. New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, USA
XX • Vol. 3, No. X • XX 2011
Mazor et al
Introd uctio n
Tooth replacement by different materials has
been a common practice since ancient times.1,2
Tooth loss can be due to many causes. Left
untreated, periodontal disease leads to tooth
loss due to diminished periodontal ligament
and bone support. Factors such as smoking,3
genetic disorders,4 and other coexisting systemic
diseases5 may hasten the effects of periodontitis,
causing the loss of affected portions
of the dentition. Non-restorable teeth, owing to
carious lesions, failed endodontic treatment or
other reasons are extracted.6 As other studies
have mentioned, defects resulting from extractions
require grafting so that the adequate
bone levels for implant placement and optimal
support for gingival tissues are maintained.7,8
When restoring partially or completely edentulous
patients with dental implants, vital bone
volume is a key factor.9 Following tooth extraction,
alveolar bone decreases in height and
width, a fact that poses a problem in implant
dentistry. The esthetic function of the implant
can be affected by the inadequate volume of
bone and soft tissue, endangering the treatment
outcome.8 The buccal plate, especially in
the maxilla, is the thinnest and weakest alveolar
wall, which gives it the highest resorption rate.10
In order to overcome these drawbacks, atraumatic
extractions and subsequent bone grafting
are used to achieve socket volume preservation.
Studies have reported that grafting the sockets
with bone graft materials does preserve the
ridge post-extraction.11-13 As reported by several
clinicians and researchers,7,14 fibrous tissue
invades the grafted socket when no barrier
is used, which compromises bone quality, volume
and subsequent implant osseointegration.
Alloplast materials have been frequently used
in dentistry to increase or maintain bone volume
for over 100 years.15 While autografts are
considered the gold standard for bone grafting,
several drawbacks, such as the need for a
second surgery site and limited graft availability,
make clinicians less inclined to use them. Alternate
grafting materials were attempted, such as
allografts (DFDBA, FDBA). They are biocompatible
and do not require a second surgery.
Bovine bone grafts are among the most commonly
used bone grafts in dentistry. However,
reports have shown the presence of residual
xenograft material at the site 8 years after grafting.
16 This fact indicates that xenografts are
neither resorbed nor replaced by bone.17 Ridge
height and width were maintained with minimal
bone loss when allografts were used for socket
preservation.13,18 However, in these studies, the
quality of bone was compromised. The quality
of bone at the grafted socket is of maximal
importance due to its effect on primary implant
stability. In sites grafted with DFDBA, onestage
implant placement was not possible in
more sites than control sites18 due to lack of primary
stability. Furthermore, histological assessments
of sockets grafted with allografts showed
entrapment of the implanted particles by dense
connective tissue,7,19 which may interfere with
the healing process around an inserted implant.7
When grafting with allografts and xenografts,
non-vital bone was reported at the healed site
over a period ranging from 9 months17 to 8+
years.16 New bone regenerates primarily at
the periphery of the defect, where the graft
comes in contact with the host bone.20 However,
recently, there has been a trend towards
development of bone graft materials that proThe
Journal of Implant & Advanced Clinical Dentistry • XX
Mazor et al
mote bone regeneration throughout the entire
defect at a quicker rate than was seen with earlier
bone replacement grafts. These materials
degrade after implantation in the bone defect,
provide stimulus for bone formation and are
eventually replaced by newly regenerated bone.
Considering the disadvantages of autografts,
allografts and xenografts in certain defect
sites, and the inability to utilize some of these
materials in numerous countries, alternative
materials have received renewed interest:
alloplasts. Use of calcium sulfate (CS) as a
successful bone graft material has been documented
for 119 years.21 It is biocompatible
and it dissolves completely, leaving new bone
behind. This can be attributed to the increase
in the concentration of Ca+ ions as CS dissolves.
The released Ca+ ions react with the
PO4 ions in the body, re-precipitating as calcium
phosphate, which stimulates osteoblastic
activity.22,23 Other studies suggested the
angiogenic potential of CS24 and its anti-inflammatory
potential. In their study, Strocchi et al.
compared the growth of blood vessels in bone
defects grafted with CS and autograft. They
found that significantly more blood vessels grew
in defects grafted with CS compared to those
grafted with autograft. Blood vessels provide
nutrition for growing bone and hence further
promote bone formation inside the defect.
A possible reason for the anti-inflammatory
properties of CS is that it dissolves rapidly
and is washed away before infection can
occur.25 The oral cavity is exposed to bacteria,
so a material that can resist infection such
Figure 1: SEM image showing nanocrystalline structure of
nCS (NanoGen, Orthogen, Springfield, NJ).
Figure 2: Periapical radiograph showing periapical
involvement of the mesial root of tooth #31.
Figure 3: nCS granules and saline mixture.
XX • Vol. 3, No. X • XX 2011
Mazor et al
as CS can be successfully used as a graft for
socket preservation26,27 or as a barrier for the
prevention of soft-tissue infiltration,25 especially
in cases when primary closure cannot
be achieved. CS has also been used in
combination with other bone grafts materials.
The combination of CS with allograft or
xenograft worked better compared to the same
grafts used alone.28 In spite of these unique
properties, CS degrades quickly in the body,
which limits its use as a bone graft material. It
degrades over a period of 4 to 6 weeks and
hence has limited success as a bone graft for
large defects (like molar extraction sites or
sinus augmentation site) unless special techniques
are followed.29 To address this prob-
Figure 4a: Clinical picture showing the barrier on the
lingual wall and nCS graft packed to ideal contour.
Figure 4b: Grafted socket is covered with barrier and the
site is closed with single-interrupted suture.
Figure 5: Periapical radiograph of socket filled with nCS
granules.
Figure 6: Clinical image of regenerated ridge 6-months
after grafting. There is no evidence of graft or infection.
The Journal of Implant & Advanced Clinical Dentistry • XX
Mazor et al
lem, a unique nanocrystalline version of CS
was developed. Using a proprietary technology,
the nanocrystalline CS was compressed
into granules (nCS). The present study is a
case report on the preservation of socket volume
using nCS granules as bone-graft material
and a non-resorbable PTFE membrane
for the prevention of soft-tissue in-growth.
Materia ls and Methods :
This report presents clinical and histologic evaluation
of a case where a defect resulting from the
extraction of a molar tooth was grafted with granules
of nanocrystalline CS (NanoGen, Orthogen,
Springfield, NJ) (Figure 1). A 55-year-old
female presented to a private dental office with
a complaint of pain in the lower right posterior
quadrant. After clinical examination, tooth #31
was shown to be the cause of the pain due to
advanced carious lesion and periapical involvement
(Figure 2). Since it was deemed nonrestorable,
the recommended treatment plan was
extraction of tooth #31 followed by socket bone
regeneration with granules of nanocrystalline CS
protected by a barrier, and prosthetic restoration
through implant surgery. After patient consent,
local anesthesia was administered and the tooth
was extracted using the atraumatic technique.
After socket debridement, granules of nanocrystalline
CS were mixed with saline (Figure 3) and
packed into the defect, filling it to ideal contour
Figure 7a: Cone-beam volumetric panoramic scan of the
extraction site 6-months after grafting shows good healing
of the socket.
Figure 7b: Periapical radiograph showing extraction
site 6-months after grafting. Bone has similar density as
surrounding, native bone.
Figure 8: Periapical radiograph of implant immediately
after placement.
XX • Vol. 3, No. X • XX 2011
Mazor et al
(Figure 4a). A non-resorbable barrier (Cytoplast
® Ti-250 Titanium-Reinforced, Osteogenics,
Lubbock, Tx) was positioned over the
grafted material in order to assist in augmentation
of the buccal plate and for better graft containment
(Figure 4b). It was placed under the
buccal periosteum, on the lingual side of the
alveolus and the gingival tissues, extending 2
– 3 mm beyond the defects. The gingival tissues
were repositioned with a single interrupted
resorbable suture, but no attempt was made to
obtain primary closure. A radiograph was taken
to record socket fill with the nCS granules (figure
5). The membrane was removed after 3
weeks and the site was allowed to heal for 6
months (Figure 6). Six months following grafting,
after flap elevation, a bone core was collected
for histological and histomorphometrical
analysis. A cone beam volumetric tomographic
scan was performed at 6 months after socket
grafting, immediately prior to implant placement
(Figure 7a). A periapical radiograph was
also taken at this time demonstrating similar
findings (figure 7b). A single two-stage den-
Figure 9a: Histological evaluation of core obtained
6 months after grafting demonstrates robust bone
formation.
Figure 9b: High-magnification histology picture showing
active osteoblasts and osteoclasts.
The Journal of Implant & Advanced Clinical Dentistry • XX
Mazor et al
tal implant (Intra-Lock, Boca Raton, FL) was
placed to restore the site to function and was
restored 4 months later. (Figure 8). The patient
was monitored, clinically and by periapical digital
radiographic inspection, for two years following
surgery. Radiographs were taken at 1,
2, 6, 12 and 15 months after socket grafting.
His tologica l Analysis
The core was fixed in 10% formalin and then
transferred to different gradients of alcohol
concentrations (70% Ethanol for 24hrs,
95% Ethanol for 24hrs, 100% Ethanol (x2)
48hrs). After dehydration, the sample was infiltrated
and embedded in PMMA. Sectioning
was performed with a low-speed saw (Isom-
Figure 10a: Clinical photograph of prosthetic restoration,
4-months after implant placement.
Figure 10b: Periapical radiograph showing implant,
abutment and crown 4-months after implant placement.
Good bone density and height observed.
Figure 11a: Periapical radiograph showing stable implant,
abutment and crown10-months after implant placement.
Figure 11b: Clinical photograph of the restored site with
crown: 10-months after implant placement.
XX • Vol. 3, No. X • XX 2011
Mazor et al
etTM, Buehler, Lake Bluff, IL). The slide was
ground and polished to a thickness of 100μm
and then stained with Stevenel’s blue and Van
Gieson’s picro fuchsine stain. A slide scanner
(ScanScope GL, Aperio, Vista, CA) was
used to image the sample and Leica QWin
software was used for the histomorphometrical
assessment of bone formation. Histomorphometrical
analysis was conducted to quantify the
amount of total vital bone present in the core.
Res ults
Immediate post-grafting radiographs showed
the defect was completely filled with granules
of nanocrystalline CS. Wound margins
presented as clean and almost adjoined
at the coronal part with no sign of inflammation
one month post-grafting. Radiographic
analysis over the next few months
showed graft resorption and the appearance
of new bone formation in the treated site.
At 6 months post-grafting, clinical inspection
revealed a healed site with fully keratinized soft
tissue. The clinical examination of the newly
formed bone showed a ridge with bone suitable
to support the placement of a single two-stage
implant; there was no sign of grafted material or
granulation tissue remaining. CT scan and additional
radiographic examination of the extraction
area at the 6-month time-point showed a fully
healed socket with suitable bone height and
bone density similar to the surrounding bone.
Histological analysis of the core extracted
from the healed socket showed formation
of new trabecular bone and osteoid
tissue (Figure 9a) with marked bone turnover,
evidently due to the presence of osteoclasts,
and also active osteoblasts (Figure
9b). Quantitative analysis of the bone core
collected 6 months following socket grafting
revealed a 47% vital bone content.
At 4 months following implant placement,
clinical inspection and radiographs showed
that alveolar bone height and soft tissue was
retained around the implant (Figures 10a,
10b). Prosthetic restoration was then completed.
Radiographs 10 months after the
implant was placed, showed minimal marginal
bone loss and intimate contact between the
bone and implant surface (Figures 11a, 11b).
Disc ussio n
A satisfactory esthetic profile in implant dentistry
depends on several factors, such as the
thickness of the underlying bone and the gingival
biotype.30 However, determining the
adequate thickness of the buccal plate and
biotype is difficult. Due to the anatomical characteristics
of the alveolar bone, the thin labial
walls of the alveoli resorb the fastest; more
so in the maxilla than the mandible.31 Gingival
soft tissue contour is strictly dependent
on the underlying bone. A 12-month prospective
study by Schropp et al.32 reported
a decrease of 50% in bone width following
single-tooth extraction when the alveolar site
was not grafted. In order to prevent future tissue
loss, most clinicians opt for grafting in
extraction sockets before placing implants.
Vital bone-to-implant contact (BIC) is one criterion
affected by vital bone content in a site,
and used for selecting different bone-grafting
materials. Becker et al,. showed that 36 months
after implanting xenografts or DFDBA in extraction
sockets, minimal vital bone formation was
achieved.7 A different study looking at healing
The Journal of Implant & Advanced Clinical Dentistry • XX
Mazor et al
of an extraction socket grafted with bioactive
glass showed that the material was present at
the site for up to 2–3 years.33 Synthetic materials
such as Ca3(PO4)2 and CaSO4-based
materials have been successfully used for bone
regeneration. They degrade completely at a
faster rate and can influence bone remodeling.
34 The use of CS for bone grafting purposes
showed better results than other graft materials
used alone.35 As CS dissolves, it leads to formation
of calcium phosphate and also causes
a local release of growth factors from the surrounding
bone. Both of these mechanisms
help in bone regeneration in the extraction site.
CS is the only bone graft known to have barrier,
hemostatic and angiogenic properties and
possibly effect a local release of growth factors.
23 This novel version of CS was developed
to preserve these unique properties of
CS while overcoming its fast degradation rate.
This case shows that using novel CS, in the
form of granules made up of nano-crystals of
CS, to regenerate extraction socket can offer
an alternative to other currently investigated
graft materials in treating dental bone defects.
The final goal when using any bone graft material
should be the complete resorption of the
grafted material and bone regeneration in the
defect site prior to, or at the time of implant
placement. As reported by others,7,33,36 materials
such as DFDBA, xenografts, and bioactive
glass render a smaller amount of vital bone and
the resorption rate is more than 6 months, if
they resorb at all. In contrast, CS pre-hardened
particles grafted in fresh extraction sockets
were shown to allow for full material resorption
and vital bone regeneration has been observed
as early as 3 months after placement.26 CS
has been documented extensively for different
procedures such as socket grafting,26
sinus augmentation,37 and as a membrane.25
The microscopic structure of nCS is nanocrystalline
CS. The nano-crystals are tightly
compressed together forming a granule. This
structural pattern results in controlled degradation
of the CS granules. Rapid degradation
of traditional forms of CS was a limiting factor
for its use in bone grafting applications. The
unique nanocrystalline structure of CS granules
used in this study allows the material to have
a controlled degradation over 10 to 12 weeks
(compared to traditional CS, which degrades
in 4 to 6 weeks). Radiographic and histological
investigations showed that the extraction
socket grafted with nCS had fully regenerated
with vital bone by 6 months. Therefore,
it helped provide the ideal bone volume for
implant placement. The combination between
the controlled degradation of nCS and the
excellent properties of CS adequately supports
graft resorption and bone remodeling. nCS can
be a suitable dental bone-grafting option when
a shorter healing time is desired. Its properties
to generate vital bone and to completely resorb
are qualities much needed in the clinical field.
Conclusio n
The material investigated in this case report,
nCS, is calcium sulfate (CS) with a unique
nanocrystalline granular structure that allows
for a controlled dissolution that leads to complete
graft resorption. The granules that form
the material consist of smaller, agglomerated
particles that increase the surface area of
the material. As the calcium sulfate granules
undergo controlled degradation, the formation
XX • Vol. 3, No. X • XX 2011
Mazor et al
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of a calcium phosphate layer on their surface
stimulates bone regeneration. An extraction
socket grafted with this granular material prevented
the resorption of the alveolar bone and
provided an ideal vital bone volume for implant
placement. At the one-year follow-up the
patient presents good implant osseointegration
with esthetically satisfactory gingival profile.
This case demonstrates clinical success
when using nCS and a dense PTFE barrier for
extraction socket alveolar regeneration procedures.
Future studies will be undertaken to follow
alveolar volume preservation and vital bone
formation in similar extraction socket defects. ●
Correspondence:
Sachin Mamidwar
505 Morris Avenue, Suite 104
Springfield, NJ, 07081
P: 973-467-2404
F: 973-467-1218
e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
The Journal of Implant & Advanced Clinical Dentistry • XX
Mazor et al
Disclosure:
Drs. Alexander and Mamidwar are employees of Orthogen.
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Horizontal Ridge Augmentation Utilizing a Composite Graft of Demineralized Freeze Dried Allograft, Mineralized Cortital Cancellous Chips and a Biologically Degradable Thermoplastic Carrier Cobined With a Resorbable Membrane

Horizontal Ridge Augmentation Utilizing
a Composite Graft of Demineralized
Freeze-Dried Allograft, Mineralized
Cortical Cancellous Chips, and a
Biologically Degradable Thermoplastic
Carrier Combined With a Resorbable
Membrane: A Retrospective Evaluation of
73 Consecutively Treated Cases From
Private Practices
Nicholas Toscano, DDS, MS1*
Danny Holtzclaw, DDS, MS2
Ziv Mazor, DMD3
Paul Rosen, DMD, MS4
Robert Horowitz, DDS5
Michael Toffler, DDS6
Ridge deficiency is an unfortunate obstacle in the field of implant dentistry. Many techniques
are available to rebuild the deficient ridge. Some of these techniques are associated with
significant morbidity and often require a second surgical site. With the advent of guided
bone regeneration (GBR), one may now graft the deficient ridge with decreased morbidity
and without a second surgical site. The purpose of this retrospective consecutive case series
from 5 private practices is to report on the outcomes of a composite material of
demineralized freeze-dried allograft, mineralized cortical cancellous chips, and a biologically
degradable thermoplastic carrier (Regenaform RT) when combined with a resorbable
1 Private practice, periodontics, New York, NY.
2 Private practice, periodontics, Austin, Tex.
3 Private practice, periodontics, Raanana, Israel.
4 Private practice, periodontics, Yardley, Pa.
5 Private practice, periodontics, Scarsdale, NY.
6 Private practice, periodontics, New York, NY.
* Corresponding author, e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
DOI: 10.1563/AAID-JOI-D-09-00100
CLINICAL
Journal of Oral Implantology 467
membrane for GBR of lateral ridge defects in human patients. The specific aim was to quantify
clinical results through direct measurement. Data were obtained from 73 consecutively treated
lateral ridge augmentations performed on 67 partial and/or completely edentate patients.
Clinical data (presurgical ridge width, ridge width at implant placement, and bone density at
implant placement) were obtained retrospectively from 5 private practices via an exhaustive
retrospective chart review, which was pooled and averaged for analysis. The average gain in
horizontal ridge width was 3.5 mm (range, 3–6 mm). The density of the bone was noted to be
type 2 to 3, with type 3 being the predominant finding. This retrospective case series from 5
clinical private practices suggests that the use of a composite material of demineralized freezedried
allograft, mineralized cortical cancellous chips, and a biologically degradable
thermoplastic carrier, when covered by a resorbable collagen membrane for GBR, is an
effective means of horizontal ridge augmentation.
Key Words: ridge augmentation, bone graft, particulate graft, dental implant
INTRODUCTION
Advances in surgical and implant
technology have enabled
dentists to meet the treatment
needs of an esthetically demanding
patient population.
Historically,1 Albrektsson’s criteria have
served as the benchmark by which dental
implant success has been measured.2 Although
these criteria have remained the
gold standard, with a strict focus on
osseointegration and function, they do not
address contemporary concerns such as
esthetics or restorability secondary to implant
positioning. For example, implants may
be suboptimally placed because of anatomic
limitations, developmental defects, pathology,
bone resorption, and long-standing
ridge deficiencies, which when restored
may satisfy all of Albrektsson’s criteria for
success. Yet the implant may be a failure, as
seen in an undesirable esthetic outcome.
Implant malpositioning has been an
unfortunate complication of our profession.
The consequence of this can be off-axial
loading, which may result in biomechanical
problems, loosening, and/or fracturing of the
cover screw, implant, or implant collar.3,4
Implant malpositioning can adversely affect
clinical and prosthetic outcomes by creating
a suboptimal emergence profile, fracture of
the restoration, poor screw-hole positioning,
occlusal discrepancies, and compromised
esthetics and phonetics.
An ideal volume of bone is essential for
proper implant placement in the buccal/
palatal, apical/coronal, or mesial/distal dimension.
Studies have demonstrated that
bone resorption will occur secondary to
tooth extraction5–12 (Figure 1). This tends
to occur over a 12 month period, most
notably in the first 4 months following
extraction5–11 and, depending upon location,
may range up to 5–7 mm buccolingually.8–12
In addition, 2–4 mm of vertical height loss
frequently accompanies the horizontal loss
and usually is seen when multiple adjacent
extraction sites are combined.8–12 To combat
this dimensional loss of bone volume, ridge
preservation techniques have been used to
maintain the alveolar ridge secondary to
tooth extraction.5,12–15 However, even with
current techniques, postextraction resorption
may occur, mandating surgical management
of the ridge deficiency.12
Ridge splitting and expansion techniques
concurrent with bone grafting have
been well documented for treating horizontal
deficiencies. Included in these categories
are ridge splitting and expansion,16,17
guided bone regeneration (GBR),18–21 distraction
osteogenesis,22 and block graft-
Horizontal Ridge Augmentation Utilizing a Composite Graft
468 Vol. XXXVI/No. Six/2010
ing.23–28 The purpose of this retrospective
consecutive case series from 5 private
practices is to report on the outcomes of
a composite material of demineralized
freeze-dried allograft, mineralized cortical
cancellous chips, and a biologically degradable
thermoplastic carrier (Regenaform RT,
Exactech Dental Biologics, Gainesville, Fla)
when combined with a resorbable membrane
for GBR of lateral ridge defects in
human patients. The specific aim was to
quantify the clinical results through direct
measurement.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Clinical data (presurgical ridge width, ridge
width at implant placement, and bone
density at implant placement) were obtained
retrospectively from 5 private practices via
an exhaustive retrospective chart review,
which was pooled and averaged for analysis.
A total of 73 consecutively treated lateral
ridge augmentations were performed on 67
partial and/or completely edentate patients
with a composite material of demineralized
freeze-dried allograft, mineralized cortical
cancellous chips, and a biologically degradable
thermoplastic carrier (Regenaform RT)
that was covered by a resorbable collagen
membrane (Ossix, Oropharma Inc, Langhorne,
Pa). All patients were free of systemic disease
that might compromise the results, such as
uncontrolled diabetes or thyroid disease,
osteopenia or osteoporosis, and blood dyscrasias
such as anemia, and all were smokers
of less than 1 pack of cigarettes per day. A
total of 43 augmentations were performed in
the maxilla and 40 in the mandible. Three
patients underwent bilateral grafts of the
mandible. Patients were treated under local
anesthesia using 2% lidocaine with 1:100 000
epinephrine or articaine 4% with 1:100 000
epinephrine. A beveled crestal incision was
made slightly to the palate or lingual of the
treatment site and was extended at least 1
tooth beyond in both mesial and distal
directions. After elevation of full-thickness
flaps, measurements were made near the
crest of the ridge using a UNC-15 probe to
record the preaugmentation ridge width.
Measurements were rounded up to the
nearest millimeter at pretreatment and at
posttreatment. The bone defect was decorticated
using a #4 round bur through the
cortical plate to enhance revascularization of
the site. The membrane (Ossix, Orapharma,
Inc, Warminster, Pa) was soaked in sterile
water or sterile saline, according to the
manufacturer’s instructions, and was trimmed
to fit the site. Further periosteal release was
performed to allow for tension-free closure of
the flap over the membrane and graft. The
thermoplastic composite graft was mixed
according to the manufacturer’s instructions
and was molded to fit the ridge defect. The
graft was covered with the pretrimmed
resorbable collagen membrane, and tensionfree
closure was provided utilizing a combination
of horizontal and vertical mattress
sutures (Figures 2 through 6). Patients were
placed on postoperative Motrin 800 mg 3 to 4
times daily for up to 10 days to provide both
anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits, as
well as amoxicillin 500 mg 3 times a day or
875 mg 2 times daily for 10 days. Patients
were also instructed to use 0.12% chlorhexidine
rinse, starting on the day after surgery,
twice daily for the first 2 weeks when the
sutures were removed, and for up to 4 weeks
if the membrane became exposed. Patients
were subsequently seen at 1 month,
3 months, and 6 months after the implants
had been placed.
All cases were allowed to heal for a
minimum of 6 months before implants were
placed. At this time, a second measurement
was made following the elevation of a fullthickness
flap. Again, a UNC-15 probe was
used to record ridge width postaugmentation.
This was done close to where the first
measurement was made. All clinicians noted
Toscano et al
Journal of Oral Implantology 469
bone density according to the Lekholm
and Zarb scale at the time of implant
placement.
RESULTS
Average presurgical ridge width was 4 mm,
and it was noted that maxillary sites tended
to have more advanced ridge defects then
mandibular sites. At stage I implant placement,
ridge width postaugmentation was
recorded at an average of 7.5 mm. The
average gain in horizontal ridge width was
3.5 mm (range, 3–6 mm). The density of the
bone was noted to be type 2 to 3, with type
3 being the predominant finding. All implants
were successfully placed and ultimately
restored after an average 4 months of
healing (Figures 7 through 12).
DISCUSSION
The use of autogenous iliac crest block grafts
has been associated with higher rates of
FIGURES 1–6. FIGURE 1. A horizontal defect as a result of bone loss from tooth extraction. FIGURE 2. Flap is
reflected, revealing a horizontal defect impeding implant placement. FIGURE 3. The graft is prepared via
the manufacturer’s instructions to form a block before placement within the defect. FIGURE 4. Defect
grafted. FIGURE 5. Flap released and sutured over the membrane and graft. FIGURE 6. Six months
postgrafting with implant placed in adequate ridge of bone postaugmentation.
Horizontal Ridge Augmentation Utilizing a Composite Graft
470 Vol. XXXVI/No. Six/2010
FIGURES 7–12. FIGURE 7. Nonrestorable tooth #7 with endodontic lesion noted. FIGURE 8. A large defect is
seen postremoval of tooth and lesion. FIGURE 9. Defect is grafted before membrane placement. FIGURE 10.
Six months postgraft with implant placed. FIGURE 11. #7 showing nonrestorable of implant placed in
grafted bone. FIGURE 12. Implant restored 8 months postgrafting.
Toscano et al
Journal of Oral Implantology 471
postoperative sequelae and morbidity,29
often requiring patient hospitalization. Although
iliac crest bone may present certain
advantages, such as the ability to obtain a
larger volume of graft material that would
include osteogenic material, its value has to
be questioned in light of excellent results
obtained with other graft materials and
techniques, and the significant costs and
morbidities associated with its procurement.
30 Autogenous block grafts from the
mandibular symphysis or ramus may be more
advantageous in that they can be procured
through an in-office, outpatient procedure.
Furthermore, intraoral autogenous grafts
have a lower rate of resorption and better
revascularization vs iliac crest grafts.31,32
Ramus and symphysial grafts have their own
sets of reported postoperative complications
such as pain, infection, edema, chin ptosis,
incision dehiscence, paresthesia, anesthesia,
and neurosensory changes.25,27,28,33,34
When GBR is compared with block grafting
techniques for ridge augmentation, little
difference is seen in the horizontal bone gain
that can be achieved. Studies by Buser have
demonstrated that using ramus and symphysis
blocks yielded an average ridge width gain
of 3.53 mm (range, 1–7.5 mm).35–38 More
recently, Schwartz-Arad demonstrated that
the mean ridge width increase in more than
60 onlay grafts from the symphysis and ramus
was 3.8mm, and a mean success rate of 87.5%
was defined as sufficient bone for implant
placement.30 Additionally, Triplett (1993) reported
success rates for onlay grafts at 93%.36
When this is compared with the GBR literature,
bone volume gains between techniques
appear similar. Buser showed that GBR
procedures produced a horizontal ridge width
gain of 1.5–5.5 mm.18 Studies by Feulle using
GBR techniques demonstrated a mean ridge
width gain of 3.2 mm (range, 2.2–4.2 mm).43
Success rates for GBR techniques have been
similar to those of block grafts, with studies by
Tolman, Zitmann, and Nevins reporting increases
of 81% to 97%.39–41 A meta-analysis by
Tolman concluded that in most areas, the
success of GBR was similar to that of block
grafts, with only a slight advantage favoring
block grafting in the mandibular arch.39 A
systematic review by Aghaloo and Moy
reported findings of statistically significant
reduced implant survival rates at sites grafted
with autogenous bone block, compared with
other regenerative techniques.35 Their metaanalysis
found an implant survival rate of
74.4% for iliac crest grafts, as compared with
95.5% for GBR.
Block grafts from intraoral or extraoral
sources have the advantage of allowing
reentry slightly sooner for implant placement.
Pikos suggested that block grafts can
be reentered at 3–4 months in the mandible
and at 4–5 months in the maxilla.42 However,
the disadvantages of utilizing a second
surgical site, along with the increased
morbidity associated with the graft harvest,
make GBR an attractive technique for augmentation
of alveolar defects in preparation
for dental implant placement.
In the current study, grafting with composite
material of demineralized freeze-dried
allograft, mineralized cortical cancellous chips,
and a biologically degradable thermoplastic
carrier (Regenaform RT), when combined with
a resorbable membrane for GBR, resulted in
average horizontal ridge augmentation of
3.5 mm. This compares favorably with Buser’s
study of ramus and symphysial block grafts,
resulting in an average of 3.53 mm of ridge
width.37 The handling characteristic of the
composite graft, its combined osteoinductive
and osteoconductive nature, and the benefits
of avoiding a second surgical site make it
preferable over autogenous grafting techniques.
CONCLUSION
This retrospective case series from 5 clinical
private practices suggests that the use of
Horizontal Ridge Augmentation Utilizing a Composite Graft
472 Vol. XXXVI/No. Six/2010
composite material of demineralized freezedried
allograft, mineralized cortical cancellous
chips, and a biologically degradable
thermoplastic carrier, when covered by a
resorbable collagen membrane for GBR, is
an effective means of achieving horizontal
ridge augmentation (Figures 13 through
15). An average of 3.5 mm of horizontal
ridge width was achieved via this technique.
Additional prospective and randomized
controlled clinical trials are needed to
determine the efficacy of this technique
and to compare it with others currently
used.
ABBREVIATION
GBR: guided bone regeneration
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3. Rangert B, Jemt T, Jorneus L. Forces and
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4. Khraisat A, Abu-Hammad O, Dar-Odeh N,
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5. Nevins M, Camelo M, De Paoli S, et al. A study of
the fate of the buccal wall of extraction sockets of teeth
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6. Cardaropoli G, Araujo M, Lindhe J. Dynamics of
bone tissue formation in tooth extraction sites: an
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7. Araujo MG, Lindhe J. Dimensional ridge alterations
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8. Johnson K. A study of the dimensional changes
occurring in the maxilla after tooth extraction. Part 1:
normal healing. Aust Dent J. 1963;8:428–434.
9. Johnson K. A study of the dimensional changes
occurring in the maxilla after tooth extraction. Aust
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10. Schropp L, Wenzel A, Kostopoulos L, et al. Bone
healing and soft tissue contour changes following
single-tooth extraction: a clinical and radiographic 12-
month prospective study. Int J Periodontics Restorative
Dent. 2003;23:313–323.
FIGURES 13–15. FIGURE 13. Deficient mandibular ridge with temporary implants placed. FIGURE 14. Ridge
grafted with tenting screws before membrane placement. FIGURE 15. Implants placed 6 months
postgrafting.
Toscano et al
Journal of Oral Implantology 473
11. Lam RV. Contour changes of the alveolar processes
following extraction. J ProsthetDent. 1960;10:25–32.
12. Iasella JM, Greenwell H, Miller RI, et al. Ridge
preservation with freeze-dried bone allograft and a
collagen membrane compared to extraction alone for
implant site development: a clinical and histologic
study in humans. J Periodontol. 2003;74:990–999.
13. Fiorellini JP, Howell TH, Cochran D, et al.
Randomized study evaluating recombinant human
bone morphogenetic protein-2 for extraction socket
augmentation. J Periodontol. 2005;76:605–613.
14. Sclar AG. Preserving alveolar ridge anatomy
following tooth removal in conjunction with immediate
implant placement: the Bio-Col technique. Atlas Oral
Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 1999;7:39–59.
15. Sclar AG. Strategies for management of singletooth
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[published erratum appears in: J Oral Maxillofac Surg.
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16. Duncan JM, Westwood RM. Ridge widening for
the thin maxilla: a clinical report. Int J Oral Maxillofac
Implants. 1997;12:224–227.
17. Scipioni A, Brushi G, Calesini G. The edentulous
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Periodontics Restorative Dent. 1994;14:451–459.
18. Buser D, Dula K, Belser U, Hirt HP, Berthold H.
Localized ridge augmentation using GBR, I. Surgical
procedures in the maxilla. Int J Periodontics Restorative
Dent. 1993;13:29–45.
19. Mellonig JT, Nevins M. Guided bone regeneration
of bone defects associated with implants: an
evidence-based outcome assessment. Int J Periodontics
Restorative Dent. 1995;15:168–185.
20. Zitzmann N, Naef R, Scharer P. Resorbable versus
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21. Simion M, Jovanovic SA, Tinti C, Benfenati SP.
Long-term evaluation of osseointegrated implants
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DA. Implants in regenerated bone: long-term survival. Int
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versus nonresorbable membranes in combination with
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42. Pikos MA. Mandibular block autografts for
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Horizontal Ridge Augmentation Utilizing a Composite Graft
474 Vol. XXXVI/No. Six/2010

 
Endosseous Implant: The Journey and the Future

Endosseous Implant: The Journey and the Future

Robert A. Horowitz, DDS; and Paulo G. Coelho, DDS, PhD

In the early 1900s, dentists would insert screw-shaped metallic objects and shells into the alveolar bone to retain or replace teeth. This innovation was further developed by the addition of blades and subperiosteal implants beginning in the 1960s.1 Practitioners used full-arch impressions to have laboratory-fabricated metal frameworks prepared prior to surgical insertion in the bone.2 These were initially made of chrome cobalt and employed to support full-arch prostheses. The procedure description and preliminary clinical report, however, were published with a historical perspective in 1970.3 At that time, patients were restored to function with either segmental or full-arch treatment. Although neither solution had the same success rates as “modern” implants, thousands of patients were helped.

The next generation was comprised of various screw-shaped, biocompatible titanium implants to retain intraoral prostheses. An endosseous implant and the associated surgical technique were designed to firmly anchor the device into the alveolar process and, in ideal circumstances, osseointegrate (bone in close contact with the implant surface).1 The original protocol, in which prior to restoration no functional loading was applied to the endosseous anchor for several months, has resulted in the most reliable treatment modality in dentistry and perhaps medicine.4 While such an approach allowed for high success rates, as patients presented with multiple indications seeking site-specific solutions for anatomic regions with different bone quantity and quality, many design changes in endosseous dental implant systems began.5 Ideally, the device would allow appropriate treatment in any clinical scenario. Implant designing is multidisciplinary, and different aspects are interrelated. The past, present, and what we believe to be the future of endosseous dental implant designs will incorporate macro- and micro-structural design with micro- and nano-technological advances in the field of surface coatings.

Regarding the endosseous components, two major design features (bulk device geometry and related surgical drilling, as well as surface modifications) have been the most investigated. Because the implant surface is the first part of the device to interact with the host biomolecules, researchers have placed substantial effort into accelerating the host-to-implant response.3,4 Throughout the years, the smoother as-turned surfaces have been replaced by surfaces that, due to either chemical or physical means, are textured—so-called moderately rough surfaces.3,4 A plethora of work has shown that when compared with as-turned surfaces, textured surfaces result in higher degrees of biomechanical fixation, which has encouraged practitioners to decrease the latency period between implant surgery and final restoration. More recently, chemical modification of textured surfaces (ie, processes resulting in increased hydrophilicity or the addition of different ions on the surface or surface oxide) has been proven via in vivo laboratory models to be more effective than their textured predecessors in enhancing the host-to-implant response. Clinical trials are under way to help determine short- and long-term effects on clinical performance.6,7

For more than two decades, highly osseoconductive and bioactive ceramic-coated surfaces have been available as a plasma spray of hydroxyapatite (PSHA). However, the use of PSHA is no longer in favor relative to textured surfaces due to the processing-dependent variation in chemical and physical properties.7 No prospective nor retrospective study has shown lower clinical reliability for such surfaces. To provide benefits from the biocompatible and osseoconductive properties while avoiding potential drawbacks encountered during PSHA manufacturing, researchers have added bioactive ceramics to implant surfaces in the form of nanothickness coatings, discrete deposition, or surface impregnation.8 Relative to textured surfaces, in vivo laboratory studies have shown that bioactive ceramic incorporations have further enhanced the host-to-implant response.7,8 While the dental community is waiting for definitive answers for the clinical effectiveness of newer surface designs, research has been concentrating on two areas. The first ongoing matter concerns relating surface structure to an in vivo property in controlled experiments, which will soon provide data regarding how texture and chemistry should be blended in order to improve host-to-implant response. The second concerns further development of the host-to-implant response by incorporating biomolecules (eg, peptides and growth factors).

The second most investigated design alteration relates to bulk device geometry and related surgical drilling. The stability of the implant at the time of insertion depends on the precise preparation of the osteotomy, bone density, implant shape, and thread design.6 Throughout the years, implant systems have been varied in either the taper of the implant or the shape of and distance between the threads in order to obtain improved fit and early force transfer from the implant to the native bone.6

While healing around dental implant systems presenting diverse surgical protocol is often perceived to follow the same pathway until reaching osseointegration, recent work has shown that healing may substantially differ depending on implant geometry and its relationship with bone immediately following placement.9,10 Recent research has demonstrated that if direct physical contact between implant surface and bone occurs immediately after placement, the bone in contact with the implant surface will undergo remodeling.9,10 Other findings have shown that if voids between the implant bulk and osteotomy wall resulting in a healing chamber exist immediately after implant placement, the chamber will be rapidly filled with woven bone that is shortly replaced by lamellar bone.9,10

Most implant systems are tightly fitted into often-undersized osteotomies, presenting high degrees of primary stability. However, concerns regarding long-term stability have been raised due to interfacial remodeling. The combination of implant geometry and associated surgical drilling, which would provide the highest amounts of stability over time, is desirable. Current trends point toward implant systems that present regions in which direct contact with bone coexist with healing chambers. Narrow-diameter implants take particular advantage of the “wedging” phenomenon, which enhances primary stability. Based on osteotomy size and shape and the aggressive implant taper,11,12 the initial contact of these implants to bone is excellent. The rationale is to obtain high degrees of primary stability during implantation, while attempting to maintain long-term stability as the healing chambers fill with bone during bone remodeling in regions in close contact with bone. Such design approaches are in early development. However, controlling experimental variables, such as thread design, surgical drilling dimensions, and healing chamber size and location, will provide an informed platform design for future implant systems’ macrogeometry and surgical drilling.

So where is the future taking us? Larger biologically active surfaces will help bridge the titanium–bone gap when implants are inserted into clinically challenging weak or regenerated bone. With that, thread patterns and designs will enable implants to be placed in a stable manner that is less traumatic to bone and that will unequivocally maintain and increase such stability over time. We will likely be able to fully reestablish our patients’ anatomies with greater speed and accuracy.

References

1. Ricciardi A. Fixed prosthesis employing endosseous blade implants. Dent Dig. 1971;77(4):198-205.

2. Cranin N, Cranin SL. Simplifying the subperiosteal implant denture technique. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol. 1966;22(1):7-20.

3. Linkow LI. Endosseous oral implantology: a 7-year progress report. Dent Clin North Am. 1970;14(1):185-199.

4. Brånemark PI, Hansson BO, AdellR et al. Osseointegrated implants in the treatment of the edentulous jaw. Experience from a 10-year period. Scand J Plast Reconstr Surg Suppl. 1977;16:1-132.

5. Lemons JE. Biomaterials, biomechanics, tissue healing, and immediate-function dental implants. J Oral Implantol. 2004;30(5):318-324.

6. AlbrektssonT, Sennerby L, Wennerberg A. State of the art of oral implants. Periodontol 2000. 2008;47:15-26.

7. Coelho PG, Granjeiro JM, Romanos GE, et al. Basic research methods and current trends of dental implant surfaces. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater. 2009;88(2):579-596.

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About the Authors
Robert A. Horowitz, DDS;
Clinical Professor, Departments of Periodontics, Implant Dentistry and Oral Surgery, NYU College of Dentistry, New York, New York

Paulo G. Coelho, DDS, PhD;
Assistant Professor, Department of Biomaterials and Biomimetics, New York University, New York, New York


 
Clinical Evaluation of Alveolar Ridge Preservation with a β-Tricalcium Phosphate Socket Graft
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Robert A. Horowitz, DDS; Ziv Mazor, DMD; Robert J. Miller, DDS; Jack Krauser, DMD; Hari S. Prasad, BS, MDT; and Michael D. Rohrer, DDS, MS

Abstract: PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of an alloplastic graft material, consisting of a pure-phase β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), in the preservation of ridge volume after tooth extraction and before dental implant placement. Histomorphometric analysis was completed on a few samples to determine the percentage of vital bone over a fixed healing period.

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Sinus Floor Augmentation With Simultaneous Implant Placement Using Choukroun’s Platelet-Rich Fibrin as the Sole Grafting Material: A Radiologic and Histologic Study at 6 Months
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Ziv Mazor, Robert A. Horowitz, Marco Del Corso, Hari S. Prasad, Michael D. Rohrer, and David M. Dohan Ehrenfest

Key Words: Blood platelets; bone regeneration; dental implants; fibrin; maxillary sinus; wound healing

Background: Sinus augmentation with simultaneous implant placement without bone graft material is a hotly debated technique. This technique could be improved and secured by the use of an autologous leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) (Choukroun’s technique) concentrate. The objectives of this study were to assess the relevance of PRF clots and membranes as the sole filling material during a lateral sinus lift with immediate implantation using radiologic and histologic analyses in a case series.

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