Histological and microradiographic evaluation of hydrated and hardened alpha-tricalcium phosphate/calcium phosphate dibasic mixtures.

Bone tissue response to pre-hardened alpha-tricalcium phosphate (alpha-TCP) and calcium phosphate dibasic (DCPD) mixture by hydration was studied histologically and microradiographically after implanting on the inferior aspect of the mandible in rabbits. In 1-month implants, new bone formation was observed along the surface of the material near the host bone, and connection of new and host bone through thin bone bridges was seen in some places. In 3-month implants, newly formed bone filled the greater part of the gap between material and host bone, and in 6-month implants, it surrounded almost all the surface of the material. New bone was in direct contact with the material in all implant periods. The bone response was essentially consistent with that to hydroxyapatite (HA). Resorption of the material was noticed in 3- and 6-month implants. It was concluded that pre-hardened alpha-TCP/DCPD mixture has good biocompatibility with bone tissue equal to HA and that it resorbs when implanted in rabbit. Further research should be performed to evaluate the material changes of resorption and formation of the white zone.