Distinct healing pattern of maxillary sinus augmentation using the vitroceramic Biosilicate®: Study in rabbits

To follow healing process of augmented maxillary sinus in rabbits analyzing the histological pattern of bone tissue formation, along with the osteogenic activity and vascularization using a bioactive vitroceramic in comparison to deproteinized bovine bone associated or not with autogenous bone graft.

Forty five male adult New Zealand rabbits, 5 months of age, mean weight of 4 Kg, underwent bilateral sinus augmentation surgeries to be divided in five groups: G - (Control) particulate autogenous bone graft (AG), BO - deproteinized bovine bone, BO+G - deproteinized bovine bone + AG, BSi -vitroceramic, and BSi + G - vitroceramic +AG. After 15, 45 and 90 days, all animals were euthanized for specimen's removal to be analyzed under light microscopy, histomorphometry, and immunohistochemistry for Runx2 and VEGF labeling.

G, BO and BO+G groups healed uneventfully, allowing the formation of mature remodeling bone at day 90, regarding the association of AG with the biomaterial. On the other hand, BSi and BSi + G groups showed an important cellular reaction and granulation/fibrous tissue formation from the first to the last period of observation. Runx-2 and VEGF immunolabeling were coherent with this result. However, histomorphometry did not reveal significant differences considering new bone formation.

Reconstructed maxillary sinuses using Biosilicate® permitted satisfactory new bone formation in comparison to the deproteinized bovine bone and AG. However, the presence of granulation/fibrous tissue and inflammatory cells associated to the degrading biomaterial indicate that further studies should be careful performed considering the immunological aspect of this new biomaterial.