Titanium dioxide as an osteoconductive material: an animal study.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the biocompatibility and osteoconductive potential of pure and pigment forms of titanium dioxide. Pure and pigment forms of titanium dioxide were incorporated into prepared bur holes in the femur bone of rabbits. Implantation was done on six Albino rabbits which were sacrificed at the end of 3rd, 4th and 5th months after implantation. Radiographic, histologic and scanning electron microscopic evaluations of the implanted sites were performed. Heamatologic and soft tissue response to these materials were also evaluated. The results showed that both pure and pigment forms of titanium dioxide are biocompatible and have good osteoconductive properties. It was concluded that titanium dioxide can be effectively used in the augmentation of osseous defects and inadequate ridge forms.