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® 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.
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® 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.