Maxillary Sinus Augmentation in Humans Using Cortical Porcine Bone: A Histological and Histomorphometrical Evaluation After 4 and 6 Months

BACKGROUND: Bone substitutes, such as allografts, xenografts, and alloplasts, have been proposed in several augmentation procedures. PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was a histologic and histomorphometric evaluation of specimens retrieved 4 or 6 months after sinus augmentation using cortical porcine bone augmentation material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 77 specimens, retrieved after 4 and 6 months from augmented sinuses, were used in this study. The specimens were processed to be observed under light microscopy. Histomorphometric measurements were presented as means ± standard deviations. RESULTS: Most of the particles were surrounded by newly formed bone with large osteocyte lacunae. Histomorphometry showed that, after 4 months, the newly formed bone represented 28%, marrow spaces 36%, the residual graft material 37%, while, after 6 months, the newly formed bone represented 31%, marrow spaces 34%, while the residual graft material was 37%. CONCLUSION: The present results show that cortical porcine bone is a biocompatible, osteoconductive biomaterial that can be used for maxillary sinus augmentation procedures without interfering with the normal reparative bone processes.