Evaluation of Hydroxyapatite-β-Tricalcium Phosphate Collagen Composites for Socket Preservation in a Canine Model

This study aimed to compare the performance of three hydroxyapatite-β-tricalcium phosphate (HA-β-TCP) collagen composite grafts in a canine model for extraction socket preservation. Eight mongrel dogs underwent atraumatic bilateral mandibular premolar extraction, and sockets were randomly grafted with HBC28 (20% high-crystalline HA, 80% β-TCP bovine collagen), HBC37 (30% HA, 70% β-TCP, bovine collagen), or HPC64 (60% HA, 40% β-TCP, porcine collagen). Grafts differed in their HA-β-TCP ratio and collagen origin and content. Animals were sacrificed at 4 and 12 weeks, and the healing sites were evaluated using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histological analysis. At 12 weeks, all groups showed good socket maintenance with comparable new bone formation. However, histological analysis revealed that HBC28 had significantly higher residual graft volume, while HPC64 demonstrated more extensive graft resorption. Histomorphometric analysis confirmed these findings, with statistically significant differences in residual graft area and bone volume fraction. No inflammatory response or adverse tissue reactions were observed in any group. These results suggest that all three HA-β-TCP collagen composites are biocompatible and suitable for socket preservation, with varying resorption kinetics influenced by graft composition. Selection of graft material may thus be guided by the desired rate of replacement by new bone.