The synthetic hydroxyapatite was evaluated as bone substitute in the regeneration of the alveolar process. Twenty-eight healthy adult dogs weighing from 10 to 15kg were divided into two groups. Defects around 6 x 5mm were provoked on the vestibular surface of the alveolar process until reaching the root of the fourth right mandibular premolar tooth. In one group the defect was totally infilled with synthetic hydroxyapatite, whereas the other untreated one was used as control. On days 8, 15, 21, 42, 60, 90 and 120, bone fragments were collected for the histological analysis under optical microscopy. The following results were observed: both bone and vascular growth inside the hydroxyapatite pores, intense osteoblast proliferations and neovascularization at the presence of the implant. The biocompatibility of the hydroxyapatite allowed its integration with the alveolar process by direct formation of a lamellar bone. The bone neoformation occurred as the hydroxyapatite was degraded.
dog; bone regeneration; hydroxyapatite; osteoconduction; osteoinduction
