Augmentation of the edentulous mandible using bone and hydroxyapatite: a comparative study in dogs.

This study compared autogenous bone, freeze-dried homografts, and hydroxyapatite in interpositional grafting of the mandible in beagle dogs. Healing was assessed radiologically and histologically. Results showed that the rate of incorporation of the autografts was greater than that of the homografts, and at both 4 and 12 weeks healing was more advanced. There was also rapid healing around the hydroxyapatite grafts, which became firmly bonded to the surrounding bone. The apatite was not resorbed, and new trabeculae of bone had been deposited onto much of its surface. This investigation confirms that hydroxyapatite is well tolerated and may be a suitable substitute for autogenous bone for augmentation of the atrophic mandible.