Injectable calcium phosphate cement as a filler for bone defects around oral implants: an experimental study in goats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical applicability and biological behavior of a newly developed injectable calcium phosphate (Ca-P) cement as bone filler for gaps around oral implants. Twenty-four step-like implants, creating gaps of 1 and 2 mm, were inserted into the trabecular bone of the medial femoral condyles of six goats. Four different situations were tested: (1) implant + gaps; (2) implant + gaps, but covered with a polylactic acid membrane; (3) implant + gaps that were filled with Ca-P cement; and (4) implant + gaps that were filled with Ca-P cement and covered with a membrane. All implants were left in place for 12 weeks. Histological and quantitative histomorphometrical measurements demonstrated that implants + gaps had generally poor bone contact at the implant base. Furthermore, fibrous encapsulation was observed in the gap part. In contrast, the presence of a membrane promoted bone ingrowth into the gap and also the bone contact at the implant base. Injection of Ca-P cement resulted in an almost complete filling of the gaps around the implant. The cement surface was completely covered by bone. Active resorption and remodeling of cement particles was observed, suggesting a pattern of slow resorption associated with full replacement with newly formed bone. Additional use of a membrane did not result in adjunctive benefits. Bone-to-implant contact at the implant base was comparable with the implants provided only with a membrane. In conclusion, the Ca-P cement used here showed excellent clinical handling properties combined with a superior bone behavior. On the other hand, the degradation rate of the material was still very slow. This current characteristic can hamper the final clinical applicability of the material as gap filler for periimplant or periodontal defects.