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Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Biological Compatibility Profile on Biomaterials for Bone Regeneration
Published on: November 16, 2018
Alpha-tricalcium phosphate cement in the reconstruction of bone defects in rats
João Gabriel Souza Pinto1, Bruno Tochetto Primo, Humberto Thomazi Gassen
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, ULBRA, Canoas, RS, Brazil.
Purpose:
To evaluate the ability of a mixture of α-TCP and autogenous bone (AB) vs. α-TCP alone and AB alone to promote new bone formation and tissue repair in bone defects.
Methods:
Bone defects surgically created in 15 male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Group I (AB), Group II (α-TCP), Group III (α-TCP+AB assessed by light microscopy), and Group IV (α-TCP+AB assessed by scanning electron microscopy). Bone repair findings were assessed at 30, 60, and 120 days postoperatively.
Results:
The histological findings obtained in Groups I (p=0.459), II (p=0.368), and III (p=0.459) and at 30 days (p=0.717), 60 days (p=0.717), and 120 days (p=0.779) did not show statistically significant differences. Scanning electron microscopy revealed direct contact between the α-TCP+AB implant and the bone tissue at 120 days.
Conclusion:
The α-TCP implant is effective alternative bone substitutes for the treatment of critical size bone defects.

