Histologic study of hydroxylapatite as an implant material for mandibular augmentation

Dogs were used to compare supraperiosteal implantation of hydroxylapatite with subperiosteal implantation with and without partial decortication of the underlying bone. Whereas supraperiosteal implants were unstable, nine months of observation indicated that the subperiosteal implants developed a strong attachment and mechanical stabilization as a result of formation of investing fibrous and osseous tissues. These results provide a basis for a technique of alveolar augmentation and denture construction.