[Use of osteoconductive materials in pediatric dental medicine]

Osteoconductive materials are well known to have the ability to form a characteristic scaffold for bone replacement. The use of these agents is mostly described in periodontal procedures. The present study deals with the use of two different osteoconductive materials used for repairing bone defects following traumatic injuries. The materials used were Bio-Oss (Geistlich) an allogenic demineralised bone and Fisiograft (Ghimas) a synthetic co-polymer of polyglicolic and polylactic acid. These materials were used in five different clinical cases with the objective to compare their typical properties during application and to evaluate radiographically and clinically their healing ability. In three cases filling of the alveolus was performed after extraction of traumatised incisors as a consequence of root resorption or fracture; two patients suffered from periodontal defects. All cases were followed every three months for at least two years and maximum 6 years. Regarding the handling of the materials all products were well accepted. From our clinical experience all modalities are found to be suitable. After clinical and radiographical evaluation normal bone formation was found in all cases without any complaints nor clinical symptoms. These clinical findings support the use of osteoconductive agents in the field of Paediatric Dentistry in well-defined indications.