Combined implantation of particulate dentine, plaster of Paris, and a bonexenograft (Bio-Oss (R)) for bone regeneration in rats

The purpose of this study is to assess the combination of particulate denti ne and plaster as bone substitute material in calvarial bone defects in rat s, and to compare it with a bone xenograft (Bio-Oss(R)). Material and Metho ds: Forty rats were assigned randomly to five groups and each group was fur ther divided into two subgroups, 8 and 16 weeks after implantation. The def ect was filled with different graft materials in each group: Group 1, defec ts were filled with particulate dentine and plaster using a 2:1 ratio; Grou p 2, defects were filled with particulate dentine; plaster, and Bio-Oss(R) using a 2:1:1 ratio; Group 3, defects were filled with plaster and Bio-Oss( R) using a 1:1 ratio; Group 4, defects were filled with Bio-Oss(R) only; an d Group 5, untreated control defects. Histological sections and histomorpho metric analysis of defects were obtained at 8 and 16 weeks postoperatively. Results: New bone formation was highest in Group 4, followed by Group 3, t han Group 2, Group 1, and finally the control group. Conclusion: The combin ation of particulate dentine and plaster is an alternative bone substitute, although it is less effective than Bio-Oss(R). (C) 2001 European Associati on for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery.