Early soft tissue ingrowth into porous block hydroxyapatite.

A dog model was used to determine the rate of soft tissue infiltration into porous block hydroxyapatite (PBHA) in order to provide a scientific basis for treatment of exposed implants. Ten mongrel dogs underwent alveolar ridge augmentation with PBHA and were killed at various times up to 21 days. Significant soft tissue ingrowth had occurred by 14 days and was complete by day 21. Bone formation was also seen as early as 14 days.