Histological assessment of human periodontal defect after durapatite ceramic implant. Report of a case.

Durapatite particles were employed along with autogenous bone chips to treat an extensive periodontal defect on a mandibular first molar which involved the bifurcation area and the distal root. Nine weeks after treatment the tooth was found to be cracked and was extracted along with tissue containing the grafted sites. The histologic specimen demonstrated that the ceramic graft particles were compatible with the periodontal tissues and showed no evidence of rejection or extrusion. They appeared completely encapsulated by connective tissue fibers while active osteogenesis was noted on the bone fragments implanted with them. Cementogenesis and connective tissue attachment to the root were seen adjacent to the durapatite particles. This healing was believed to be related to the earlier surgical denudation of this portion of the root during treatment and was unrelated to the placement of the graft.