[Ultrastructural study of bone formation after bioapatite implantation in man]

Synthetic hydroxyapatite crystals (Bioapatite) were implanted in a vestibular longitudinal groove made in the alveolar bone, the periodontal membrane and the superficial root dentine of 2 human canines in the absence of periodontal disease. The healing process was followed in scanning as well as in transmission electron microscopy. At 6 months, the aggregate of synthetic hydroxyapatite crystals was surrounded by a fibrous connective tissue, devoid of inflammatory cells. Small apatite crystals, similar to the neighbouring bone crystals, were deposited between the Bioapatite crystals in the central area of the aggregates. These small crystals filled the intercrystalline spaces from the center to the periphery. The mineralization extended then directly in the collagen matrix (osteoid tissue) surrounding the synthetic apatite aggregates. Bone tissue was thus formed around the apatite implants. At 1 year, the thickness of the bone tissue formed around the synthetic hydroxyapatite aggregates was increased. It consisted of bone with a well-oriented collagen matrix, with osteocyte lacunae, osteocytes and interosteocytic canaliculi, with normal ultrastructure.