Filling bone defects with β-TCP in maxillofacial surgery: A review

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Bone defects often require reconstruction before implant placement.
• Synthetic bone substitutes offer an alternative to autogenous bone grafts.
• Beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) is a synthetic material with bone regenerative properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the primary applications of β-TCP in maxillofacial surgery.
• To highlight the benefits of β-TCP in dental, periodontal, and implant surgery.
• To discuss the role of β-TCP in bone defect reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on β-TCP in maxillofacial surgery.
• Analysis of clinical indications for β-TCP use.
• Evaluation of β-TCP's bone remodeling and substitution capacity.

Main Results:

• β-TCP effectively promotes bone remodeling and regeneration.
• It can be progressively substituted by host bone, leading to dense bone volume.
• β-TCP avoids the morbidity associated with autogenous bone harvesting.

Conclusions:

• β-TCP is a valuable synthetic substitute for bone defect reconstruction in maxillofacial surgery.
• Key indications include periodontal bone disease, bone disjunction, and pre-implant surgeries like sinus floor elevation and nerve lateralization.
• Its use expands operative possibilities by providing a readily available, effective bone grafting alternative.