Efficacy of pure beta tricalcium phosphate graft in dentoalveolar surgery: a retrospective evaluation based on serial radiographic images

BACKGROUND: The use of beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) in dental surgery is limited owing to its rapid absorption compared to mixed formulations of hydroxyapatite. However, newly developed pure beta-TCP crystals have demonstrated slow absorption; hence, they last longer within the defect and act as a scaffold until new bone formation. The oral environment is unique and can prove unfavorable for bone grafts due to the high infection rate in the oral cavity and the fragile condition of the oral mucosa. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using pure beta-TCP bone grafts in various dental treatments. METHODS: Panoramic X-ray images of 25 patients who underwent bone grafting during dental surgery were analyzed. A specially treated pure beta-TCP crystal, Neo Bone® (Neo Bone®, SN Biologics Co., Ltd, Seoul, Korea), was used in this study. The bone density at the graft site was compared with that of the surrounding bone using the ImageJ software (Wayne Rasband, NIH USA). RESULTS: Six months after surgery, the bone graft density was similar to that of the surrounding bone in 20 patients and increased in 5 patients. No adverse effects, such as infection, dehiscence, or graft failure, were observed. CONCLUSION: The newly developed pure beta-TCP crystal was slowly absorbed and served as support until new bone formation at the defect site, thus demonstrating its potential for use in various oral conditions requiring bone grafting.