Histomorphometric study of rabbit's maxillary sinus augmentation with various graft materials

The purpose of this animal study is to evaluate, by histomorphometric analysis, bone regeneration in rabbit's maxillary sinuses with blood clots alone, Bio-Oss, β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), and demineralized tooth dentin (DTD) grafting. Bilateral sinus augmentation procedures were performed in 18 adult male rabbits. Rectangular replaceable bony windows were made with a piezoelectric thin saw insert. In the group 1, blood clots were filled; group 2, anorganic bovine graft (Bio-Oss) was grafted; group 3, β-TCP was grafted; group 4, DTD was grafted, and covered by replaceable bony windows. Animals were sacrificed at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgical procedure. The augmented sinuses were evaluated by histomorphometric analysis using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson's trichrome stains. Histologically, new bone formation was revealed along the elevated sinus membrane and all graft materials. The new bone area of the group 2 was significantly greater than the group 1, and of the group 3 was significantly greater than the group 2, and of the group 4 was significantly greater than the group 3 at 8 weeks with P<0.05. The bone marrow area of group 1 was significantly greater than other groups at 8 weeks. The DTD area was significantly lesser than Bio-Oss or β-TCP particles area at 8 weeks. This present study suggests that DTD can be effective graft materials for bone regeneration of the maxillary sinus augmentation.