Application of newly developed interconnected porous hydroxyapatite for implant GBR

Objectives: A hydroxyapatite with interconnected porous structure (IP-CHA), which has a systematic arrangement of uniform spherical 40 µm pores with interconnected network of 75% porosity, has recently been introduced as a possible candidate for bone augmentation. This paper reports first clinical application of IP-CHA for GBR around fenestrated implant. Methods: IP-CHA (NEOBONE®, Covalent Materials Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) was used. A male patient (47 years old) voluntarily participated in this clinical application. At partially edentulous area of 12 and 13, two implants (TiUnite Mk III, Brånemark® implant, Nobel Biocare Co. Ltd. Gothenberg, Sweden) were placed and fenestration around the implant at 13 was covered by IP-CHA and covered with e-PTFE membrane. At 6 months after implant placement, the membrane was removed by second surgery. After that, esthetic superstructure was set on the implants. Clinical and dental x-ray examinations were done at 2 weeks, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 36 months after second surgery. Results: No inflammatory change on peri-implant soft tissue was found through the observation period. At second surgery, regenerated bone was observed around the fenestrated area. Clinically, sound soft tissue over the regenerated bone was maintained during 36 months with no radiographic difference. Conclusion: Based on the limited results of this study, it may suggest that IP-CHA is a possible candidate for around fenestrated implant.