Hydroxyapatite Block Produced by Sponge Replica Method: Mechanical, Clinical and Histologic Observations

PURPOSE: The grafting procedure for the anthropic ridges of jaws represents a surgical technique for increasing the bone volume to permit the placement of dental implants for oral rehabilitations. The aim of this study was to evaluate a hydroxyapatite (HA) porous scaffold produced via a sponge replica method for the treatment of maxillary bone defects in a human model. METHODS: A total of thirteen patients were treated for sinus lifting in the posterior maxilla for a total of 16 defects treated with cylindrical HA Block. The experimental sites were evaluated by a 3D Cone Beam Computer Tomography scan (CBCT), and the histological analysis was performed after 3 months of healing. RESULTS: Conclusions: The study findings support that HA porous scaffolds produced by sponge replica were effective for the treatment of maxillary bone defects in humans.