A Comparative Evaluation of Decalcified Freeze Dried Bone Allograft, Hydroxyapatite and Their Combination in Osseous Defects of the Jaws

Objectives To evaluate decalcified freeze dried allograft or hydroxyapatite and a combination of both as bone autograft substitutes in the healing of osseous jaw defects. Materials and Methods 24 patients participated in the study which involved the filling of osseous defects in the maxilla/mandible with decalcified freeze dried bone allograft (DFDBA) or hydroxyapatite (HA) or a combined graft composed of these two in equal proportions. Results Bone formation occurred as early as 4 weeks in the DFDBA and combination groups and 12 weeks in the HA group which was verified by radiographs, Dentascans (DentaScan (R) Software Program, General Electric, USA) and bone scintigraphy. Conclusion Both these materials can be used as bone graft substitutes in smaller defects although their suitability in large defects is yet to be studied.