Jaw defects are often caused by cysts, odontogenic tumors or atrophy after tooth extractions. For defect filling either bone substitution materials or autologous bone are used. The aim was, to examine retrospectively which advantages and disadvantages of a synthetic, nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite could be found.

In the time period between 2006 and 2010 in128 patients synthetic nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (Ostim ^® , Heraeus) was used in cases of removal of odontogenic cysts and teeth, periodontal defects or augmentation of the jaw with implant insertion. In cases of cysts defect filling and periodontal surgery hydroxyapatite without autologous bone and in jaw augmentation and implants a mixture of hydroxyapatite and autologous bone was used. All patients got an antibiosis prophylaxis, postoperatively. 6–8 month postoperatively clinical and X-ray control were performed. In 71 patients with cyst or teeth removal 125 defects were filled, jaw augmentations were carried out in 87 defects (57 patients) (only single or two wall defects). In both groups after 6–8 months a good bone healing could be found. In the first 5 days postoperatively nearly in all patients a significantly edema due to the hydrophilicity and in 8% all over of the patients a haematoma were documented. In 4% of the patients with additional resection of the root of the teeth and cystectomy the teeth have to be removed. A progressive loss of the implanted material was not seen, because of the defect anatomy.

Clinically, this hydroxyapatite can be recommended for bone defect regeneration.

Conflict of interest: None declared.