Abstract
Anorganic bovine bone mineral matrix (ABBMM) has been reported to have osteoconductive properties and no inflammatory or adverse responses when used as grafting material in sinus augmentation procedures. However, controversy remains in regard to degradation rate of ABBMM. The aim of this study was to histologically and histomorphometrically evaluate the degradation of ABBMM in human bone samples obtained in one patient 24 months after sinus augmentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The histologic and histomorphometric analysis was performed by means of light microscopy in three specimens harvested from the same patient, Results: After 24 months the tissue pattern appeared to be composed of residual particles, some in close contact with the newly formed bone, others separated by translucent areas and osteoid tissues. Newly-formed bone presented different levels of maturation and numerous osteocytes, with greater numbers in bone closer to the grafted particles (27.3% vs. 11.2%, p < 0.05). The histomorphometric analysis showed mean values of 40.84% newly-formed bone, 33.58% residual graft material, 23.84% marrow spaces, and 1.69% osteoid tissue, Conclusions: Even though ABBMM underwent considerable resorption, a great amount of residual grafting material was still present after two years of healing following sinus augmentation. This study confirms that the bovine grafts can be classified as long-term degradation materials.