Mandibular augmentation with hydroxyapatite.

This study investigated the success of hydroxyapatite mandibular augmentation in nine patients, the histologic response around hydroxyapatite, and the effect of collagen in localizing hydroxyapatite. It can be concluded that hydroxyapatite is biocompatible, causes minimal inflammatory response, and can increase denture retention. However, a large number of patients develop lip paresthesia, and hydroxyapatite migrates. Paresthesia might be avoided by altering the surgical technique to avoid manipulation of the mental nerve, and collagen might be a useful binder to confine hydroxyapatite particles. Further studies are in progress to develop new methods to place the hydroxyapatite and materials to confine it.