Use of a self-curing resorbable polymer in vertical ridge augmentations a pilot study in dogs

Aim The aim of the present study was to evaluate bone formation in vertical ridge augmentations using particulate bone grafting material stabilized by a resorbable polymer. Material and methods Three vertical defects were created in the maxillary alveolar ridge of six Beagle dogs 3months after the removal of all premolars. One defect in each dog was filled with tricalciumphosphate/hydroxylapatite (TCP/HA) grafting material and stabilized using a poloxamer hydrogel (test group). Defects filled with grafting material only and covered with a collagen membrane as well as empty defects served as controls (controls 1 & 2). Bone formation in the defects was evaluated after 14weeks of healing using histomorphometry on undecalcified thick-section specimens. Results There was no difference between the test group and the controls with respect to the amount of newly formed bone, percentage of bone fill, and bone density. The mean maximum bone height within the augmented area was the only parameter that was significantly higher in the test group compared with empty defects. The use of the poloxamer gel did not result in a better preservation of ridge shape compared with the group of augmentations covered with a collagen membrane. Conclusions The use of a poloxamer gel for the stabilization of particulate bone grafting material in vertical ridge augmentations had no advantage compared with coverage of grafting materials with a collagen membrane.