Hydroxyapatite as a biomaterial for alveolar ridge augmentation.

Hydroxyapatite is a useful biomaterial because of its excellent biocompatibility. It is extremely well tolerated by the hard and soft tissues of the mouth and jaws, and offers great potential for the future. This paper reviews the various physical forms of the material, both solid and porous, its biological behaviour in different implant sites, and the surgical techniques for its implantation. Some of the controversies and doubts about the material are discussed in relation to its use in alveolar ridge augmentation.