[Obliteration of the maxillary sinuses with ionomer cement in the rabbit]

Ionogran is both a solid and porous bone substitute. It is based on ionomer cement, a material obtained by a neutralization reaction between a glass powder and a polymaleic acid. This material has already been used for reconstruction of large bony defects following tumor surgery. In an experimental study, the maxillary sinuses in 12 rabbits were obliterated using the ionomer-based microimplant. This granulate was placed on the intact mucosa or immediately on bone after removal of the mucoperiostal lining. After its application to intact sinus mucosa no bone regeneration was detected. In contrast, after application to exposed bone osteoneogenesis was observed 28 days later, starting from the bony sinus wall. After periods of 56-84 days, a continued increase in new bone was seen inside the obliterated cavity. These results indicate that Ionogran is suitable for obliteration of the paranasal sinuses after complete removal of the mucosal lining.