Efficacy of a bioactive glass–ceramic (Biosilicate®) in the maintenance of alveolar ridges and in osseointegration of titanium implants

Abstract Objectives: The aims of this research were to evaluate the efficacy of a bioactive glass–ceramic (Biosilicate ® ) and a bioactive glass (Biogran ® ) placed in dental sockets in the maintenance of alveolar ridge and in the osseointegration of Ti implants. Material and methods: Six dogs had their low premolars extracted and the sockets were implanted with Biosilicate ® , Biogran ® particles, or left untreated. After the extractions, measurements of width and height on the alveolar ridge were taken. After 12 weeks a new surgery was performed to take the final ridge measurements and to insert bilaterally three Ti implants in biomaterial‐implanted and control sites. Eight weeks post‐Ti implant placement block biopsies were processed for histological and histomorphometric analysis. The percentages of bone–implant contact (BIC), of mineralized bone area between threads (BABT), and of mineralized bone area within the mirror area (BAMA) were determined. Results: The presence of Biosilicate ® or Biogran ® particles preserved alveolar ridge height without affecting its width. No significant differences in terms of BIC, BAMA, and BABT values were detected among Biosilicate ® , Biogran ® , and the non‐implanted group. Conclusions: The results of the present study indicate that filling of sockets with either Biosilicate ® or Biogran ® particles preserves alveolar bone ridge height and allows osseointegration of Ti implants. To cite this article: Roriz VM, Rosa AL, Peitl O, Zanotto ED, Panzeri H, de Oliveira PT. Efficacy of a bioactive glass–ceramic (Biosilicate ® ) in the maintenance of alveolar ridges and in osseointegration of titanium implants. Clin. Oral Impl. Res . 21 , 2010; 148–155. doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2009.01812.x