Advances in preprosthetic surgery and implantation.

The literature during the past year reflects a decreased emphasis on the use of nonresorbable hydroxylapatite implants in preprosthetic surgery and an increase in application of resorbable, or biodegradable, bone substitutes in the form of porous bone mineral and other biodegradable materials. The use of these materials as composite grafts with autogenous particulate marrow and cancellous bone has been reported in long-range studies. The use of bone induction substances with appropriate carries materials has likewise received emphasis in developing areas of appropriate clinical application. Intraosseous titanium implants placed in deficient bone areas have involved the use of graft materials and microporous membranes. The future application of bone inductive techniques with appropriate degradable and nondegradable carrier materials and autogenous bone with microporous membranes appears to affect bone regeneration and alveolar bone maintenance.