Resorbable Ceramics for Augmentation of Atrophic Residual Ridges.

The purpose of the study that we have carried on since March of 1972 has been to evaluate biodegradable ceramic as an augmentation material to atrophic mandibles. We wished to investigate the effectiveness and predictability of using either tricalcium phosphate ceramic or calcium aluminate to repair skeletal defects. In particular, we attempted to increase the height of atrophic mandibular ridges such that remedial prosthetic appliances could be constructed more easily and worn more successfully. We started comparing small pieces of ceramic in small animals and progressed to larger pieces in larger animals. Each phase consisted of preparing the receptor sites, inserting ceramic implants and evaluating the acceptance of the implants over specific lengths of time. Our results show that 1 in the mandible tricalcium phosphate is a better material to use than calcium aluminate 2 it is possible to grow new bone higher than surrounding cortex when using small ceramic implants 3 it is possible to augment large sections of mandible by inserting the ceramic beneath raised osteoplastic flaps.