Regenerative properties of collagenated porcine bone grafts in human maxilla: demonstrative study of the kinetics by synchrotron radiation microtomography and light microscopy

Objectives: Recently, it has been reported that heterologous biomaterials, where the collagen matrix is preserved, seem to facilitate blood clotting and the subsequent invasion of repairing and regenerative cells. This study aimed at evaluating the healing of human extraction sockets grafted with a collagenated cortico-cancellous porcine bone (mp3®, OsteoBiol®, Tecnoss®, Giaveno, Italy) by Synchrotron Radiation X-ray microtomography (microCT) and histology in order to have a 3D quantitative characterization over time. Materials and Methods: Ridge preservation with porcine bone and collagen membrane was performed on 21 patients using a flapless approach and a secondary soft tissue closure. At the time of implant placement, 6 bone samples were harvested, two in the 3-month group, two in the 6-month group, one in the 12-month group post-surgery, and evaluated by microCT and histology. Results: MicroCT revealed that in the grafted sites there was a greater number of trabeculae, although they appeared thinner than in the control sites (spontaneously healed sockets); these trabeculae homogenously filled the defects, suggesting an improved strength of the socket. Histology showed that over time the amount of biomaterial decreased and the newly formed bone increased, whilst less dense bone with wider marrow spaces was detected in the control sample, supporting Synchrotron findings. Conclusions: The morphometric data converge to indicate the suitability of porcine bone for the preservation of post-extraction sockets. Clinical Relevance: The use of mp3 is encouraged to preserve and heal sockets.