Guided bone regeneration at dehiscence-type defects using biphasic hydroxyapatite plus beta tricalcium phosphate (Bone Ceramic®) or a collagen-coated natural bone mineral (BioOss Collagen®):: an inummohistochemical study in dogs

The aim of this study was to immunohistochemically investigate bone regeneration following application of either hydroxyapatite + beta tricalcium phosphate (BCG) or a collagen-coated natural bone mineral (BOC) in combination with a collagen membrane at dehiscence-type defects in dogs. Standardized buccal dehiscence defects were surgically created following implant bed preparation in six beagle dogs. Defects were randomly filled with either BOC (BioOss Collagen((R))) or BCG (Bone Ceramic((R))) according to a split-mouth design, and covered with a native porcine derived collagen membrane (BioGide((R))). After 1, 4 and 9 weeks of submerged healing, dissected blocks were processed for immunohistochemical (osteocalcin) and histomorphometrical analysis (residual defect length, new bone-implant contact, area of new bone fill, percentage of osseointegrated bone-graft particles). Both groups revealed a significant decrease in mean residual defect length, and increases in mean new bone-implant contact, bone fill and percentage of osseointegrated bone-graft particles after 4 and 9 weeks of healing. Remaining BCG and BOC granules were completely integrated into a secondarily formed network of spongiosa, but there was no osteoclastic activity at the surface of either type of bone-graft particle. Both BCG and BOC may provide an osteoconductive scaffold to support guided bone regeneration procedures at dehiscence-type defects.