X-RAY RADIOGRAPHIC STUDY OF β-TRICALCIUM PHOSPHATE BIOCERAMICS AS A TOOTH FILLER

Abstract

Preservation of alveolar bone following tooth extraction is an  important step in dental practices before dental implant placement. This study reported the use of β-TCP as a tooth filler to maintain the desired alveolar ridge dimension and stimulate the bone healing processes in the area of tooth loss. The β-TCP used in this study is pure β-TCP made of chicken eggshells. The corresponding β-TCP was mixed with chitosan 2% to get β-TCP pellet for biocompatibility testing. Biocompatibility testing of β-TCP on  lower  incisor  was  performed  in  rabbits  and  sheep  as  animal  model.  Animal models  (rabbits  and  sheep)  implanted  with  β-TCP  demonstrated  the  expected results. The x-ray radiograph of rabbit’s jaw showed the formation of complete tooth and tooth growth at D+30 PO on alveolar socket. Moreover, the x-ray radiographs of sheep’s  jaw  indicated  no  change  on  mesiodistal  of  the  edentulous  area.  It  was obvious  that  the  corresponding  β-TCP  could  accelerate  the  formation  of  complete tooth on rabbit, minimize the postextraction bone loss and maintain the alveolar ridge dimension on sheep.