Use of BioGran and Calcitite in bone defects: Histologic study in monkeys (Cebus apella)

The present study compares the biologic behavior of BioGran and Calcitite a s fillers for surgical cavities in the mandibles of 4 adult monkeys (Cebus apella). The surgical cavities were prepared through both mandibular cortic es, with a diameter of 5 mm, in the angle region. Two cavities were prepare d on the right side and 1 on the left and divided into 3 groups: R-1 sites were filled with bioglass (BioGran), R, sites were not filled, and L sites were filled with hydroxyapatite (Calcitite). After 180 days the animals wer e sacrificed and the specimens were removed for histologic processing. Resu lts showed no bone formation in group R, (empty cavities). BioGran-treated sites showed bone formation and total repair of the bone defect, and the bi oglass particles were almost totally resorbed and substituted by bone. The few remaining crystals were in intimate contact with newly formed bone. Cal citite did not allow bone formation, and granules inside the cavities were involved by connective tissue. Based upon those results, the authors conclu ded that bioglass resulted in total obliteration of the surgical cavity wit h bone and hydroxyapatite was present in a large amount and involved by con nective tissue, without bone formation.