Autogenous bone versus beta-tricalcium phosphate graft alone for bilateralsinus elevations (2-and 3-dimensional computed tomographic, histologic, and histomorphometric evaluations): Preliminary results

The aim of this research was to compare 2 different graft materials, beta - tricalcium phosphate (Cerasorb) and autogenous bone, used in the same patie nt. Bilateral sinus grafting was performed on 4 selected patients; Cerasorb only was used on the experimental side, and autogenous bone only was used on the control side. In all 4 patients, the maxilla was atrophied to such a n extent that the reconstruction included not only sinus grafting but also onlay plasty. The procedure was followed by implant placement 6 months late r. In addition to routine panoramic radiographs, 2- and 3-dimensional compu ted tomographic (CT) examinations were performed pre- and postoperatively a nd after implantation. Information from CTs is necessary when alveolar bone atrophy is extensive, complications appear probable, and in difficult case s, when exact documentation is important. A total of 16 bone biopsies were taken at the time of implant placement. The histologic and histomorphometri c results indicated that when the formation of new bone was slow, it was sl ow on both sides; when it was fast, then it was fast on both sides. Individ ual patient factors strongly influenced the fates of the various graft mate rials in the organism. Comparisons of the present results with the findings of other investigators demonstrated that beta -tricalcium phosphate is a s atisfactory graft material, even without autogenous bone.