Preformed hydroxylapatite blocks for palatal grafting in orthognathic surgery

Hydroxylapatite has been used as a bone substitute for ridge augmentation, ridge maintenance and periodontal defects for many years. This is a preliminary report of the use of hydroxylapatite blocks as a grafting material in midpalatal splits in orthognathic surgery. With the advent of hydroxylapatite blocks, the need for autogenous bone grafting will, in most cases, be obviated.