Influence of three alloplastic materials on calvarial bone healing. An experimental evaluation of HTR-polymer, lactomer beads, and a carrier gel.

This study evaluated experimentally three alloplastic materials (HTR-polymer, lactomer beads, and a resorbable gel substance). A bioassay performed in a critical size defect rat model disclosed no osteoinductive capacity of any material. A total of 72 trephine calvarial 5-mm defects were created in 18 rabbits. The inlays were tested relative to control (empty) defects in a varied pattern, and the results were assessed by light microscopy and contact radiography after 4 and 15 weeks. The HTR-polymer alone or combined with bone chips displayed the most rapid early bone regeneration and more mature bone marrow redevelopment. The present form of the gel material seems to be less suitable for use as a carrier substance because of the intense inflammatory response produced.