Bone augmentation using a synthetic bone graft in dogs.

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate clinically and histologically the use of a synthetic bone graft (Ionogran) alone and in combination with guided bone regeneration (GBR) for alveolar ridge augmentation. Five beagle dogs were used in this study. Prior to the augmentation procedure the maxillary and mandibular second, third and fourth premolars were extracted. Three months after the extractions, impressions from the area of the ridges were taken. Particles of Ionogran were then placed under mucoperiosteal flaps in each quadrant. On the experimental sites, an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene barrier was placed between the flap and the particles. Impressions were retaken at 1 and 3 months after surgery. Three months after surgery, the animals were sacrificed and specimens were prepared for histological evaluation. Computer-assisted volumetric analyses from the casts revealed an increase in ridge volume from baseline in both groups at 1 and 3 months. There was no difference in the height of the augmentation between the test and control sites. The histological results of this study indicate that this new synthetic bone graft appears to be a safe biocompatible grafting material. There were no apparent histological differences between the graft alone and graft/GBR sites. In both groups, however, graft particles were surrounded by dense fibrous connective tissue and bone formation was limited to the graft bone interface.