Abstract
Bone substitutes should be used when sufficient amounts of autologous bone cannot be harvested from intraoral donor sites. P-15 is a highly conserved linear peptide with a 15 amino acid sequence identical to the sequence contained in the residues 766 to 780 of the alpha-chain of type I collagen. PepGen P-15 (Dentsply Friadent, Mannheim, Germany) is a combination of the mineral component of bovine bone (Osteograf/N 300) with P-15. Bio-Oss (Geistlich, Mannheim, Germany) is a deproteinized sterilized bovine bone with 75% to 80% porosity and a crystal size of approximately 10 μm in the form of cortical granules. The purpose of the present histological and histomorphometrical study was to compare maxillary sinus augmentation procedures in humans performed with PepGen P-15 with procedures associated with Bio-Oss and autologous bone. Seven patients participated in this study (3 men and 4 women; ages between 48 and 69 years, mean of 58 years) and were categorized into 3 groups. In group 1, a mixture of 50% autologous bone from an intraoral source and 50% Bio-Oss was used. In group 2, the graft materials used were 50% Bio-Oss and 50% PepGen P-15. In group 3, 50% autologous bone and 50% PepGen P-15 were used. Group 1 histomorphometry showed that the percentage of newly formed bone was 38.7% ± 3.2%, marrow spaces represented 45.6% ± 5%, and residual graft particles constituted the remaining 14.4% ± 2.1%. Group 2 histomorphometry showed that newly formed bone represented 36.7% ± 3.3%, marrow spaces represented 39.7% ± 3.4%, and residual graft particles represented 19.6% ± 2.1%. In group 3, newly formed bone represented 32.2% ± 3.2%, marrow spaces represented 38% ± 2.5%, and residual graft particles represented 28.8% ± 1.1%. Nonstatistically significant differences were found in the percentage of newly formed bone in the different groups (P = .360). Statistically significant differences were found in the percentage of residual graft materials among the different groups (group 1 vs groups 2 and 3) (P = .0001). These data demonstrate that the use of bone-replacement materials, without the addition of autologous bone, could be an alternative in sinus augmentation procedures. Such treatment would increase patient satisfaction, decrease surgical complications, and save the clinician substantial operating time.
Introduction
Insufficient bone volume in the posterior portions of the maxilla can create problems for dental implant installation, and the reduced bone quantity and quality may affect the outcome of implant treatment in this area.1 The purpose of the augmentation procedures is to provide a sufficient volume of bone for mechanical support and integration of implants.2 The maxillary sinus augmentation was first presented by Tatum in 1976.3,4 Several different materials have been used for sinus grafting, but it is still not clear which graft materials are clinically most suitable for bone regeneration.5 Autologous grafts are considered the golden standard in terms of osteogenic potential, but they present some disadvantages, such as a limited availability of material from the intraoral donor site, a tendency to be partially resorbed, and that the extraoral site requires general anesthesia with an additional surgery at the donor site and is often associated with morbidity (limping, anesthesia, paresthesia, residual defects) at the donor site.1,6–15 There is a prolonged operation time, which, in turn, leads to higher expenses for the surgery.1 These facts have led to a quest for a bone substitute that could be used in bone-regeneration techniques. These bone substitutes should be used when sufficient amounts of autologous bone cannot be harvested from intraoral donor sites.7 Moreover, because autologous bone grafts often undergo a significant resorption (up to 50%),7,16 the addition of a material that does not resorb or resorbs very slowly could help stabilize the graft. A further obvious advantage would be to use the bone substitutes alone because no donor site for harvesting of autologous bone is needed.2,5 Several types of mixture of graft materials have been proposed and reported in the literature; however, the ideal ratio of these mixtures is still unknown.1
P-15 is a highly conserved linear peptide with a 15 amino acid sequence identical to the sequence contained in the residues 766 to 780 of the alpha-1 chain of type I collagen. PepGen P-15 is a combination of the mineral component of bovine bone (Osteograf/N 300) with P-15. The anorganic bovine-derived bone-mineral component provides the necessary calcium phosphate and the natural anatomical matrix needed for osteoconduction.17–29 P-15 competes for cell-surface sites for attachment of collagen and, when immobilized on surfaces, promotes adhesion of cells. P-15 has been shown to facilitate physiological processes in a way similar to collagen, that is, exchanging mechanical signals and promoting cell differentiation.17–29 Like other bone augmentation materials, P-15 associated with anorganic-derived bone matrix has been shown to aid in the treatment of periodontal defects, alveolar ridge defects, or sinus lifting procedures.17–29
Bio-Oss is a deproteinized sterilized bovine bone with 75% to 80% porosity and a crystal size of approximately 10 μm in the form of cortical granules. It has a natural, nonantigenic porous matrix with 0.25- to 1.00-mm particles.30–48 This material is chemically and physically identical to human bone and is reported to be highly osteoconductive. The large-mesh interconnecting pore system facilitates angiogenesis and migration of osteoblasts.44 Bone formation has been reported with the use of Bio-Oss in sinus elevation procedures, critical-size bone defects, guided bone-regeneration procedures, dehiscence defects, and regenerative periodontal treatment.30–48
The purpose of the present histological and histomorphometrical study was to compare maxillary sinus augmentation procedures in humans performed with PepGen P-15 with procedures associated with Bio-Oss and autologous bone.
Materials and Methods
Seven patients participated in this study (3 men and 4 women; ages between 48 and 69 years, mean of 58 years). The Ethics Committee approved the protocol, and all patients signed a written informed consent. Inclusion criteria were presence of a maxillary partial (unilateral or bilateral) edentulism involving the premolar or molar areas and presence of a residual alveolar ridge height between 1 and 4 mm. Exclusion criteria were patients who were smokers, had systemic diseases or maxillary sinus pathology, or had recent extractions in the involved area. At the initial visit, all patients received a clinical and occlusal examination, and periapical and panoramic radiographs and computerized tomography (CT) scans were performed to evaluate any possible intrasinusal pathology as well as bony-walls morphology.
Surgical Protocol
The patients were categorized into 3 groups. In group 1, a mixture of 50% autologous bone from an intraoral source and 50% Bio-Oss was used. In group 2, the graft materials used were 50% Bio-Oss and 50% PepGen P-15. In group 3, 50% autologous bone and 50% PepGen P-15 were used. Patients were then covered to guarantee maximum asepsis. Skin was disinfected with Betadine, and the patients were asked to rinse with clorexidine mouthwash 0.2%. Under local anesthesia, a crestal incision, slightly toward the palatal aspect throughout the entire length of the edentulous segment, was performed supplemented by buccal releasing incisions mesially and distally. Full-thickness flaps were elevated to expose the alveolar crest and the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus. By using a round bur under cold (4°C–5°C) sterile saline irrigation, a trap door was made in the lateral sinus wall. The door was rotated inward and upward with a top hinge to a horizontal position. The sinus membrane was elevated with curettes of different shapes until it became completely detached from the lateral and inferior walls of the sinus.
Whenever a small tear was noted in the membrane, it was repaired with a collagen membrane (Biogide, Geistlich, Wolhusen, Switzerland). The graft material was mixed with sterile saline solution and carefully packed in the sinus cavity. Another membrane (Biogide) was positioned against the packed sinus window. The mucoperiosteal flap was then replaced and sutured with multiple horizontal mattress sutures. Amoxicillin (1 g twice daily) was prescribed for 1 week, and analgesics were prescribed as required. Sutures were removed 2 weeks after surgery. Postsurgical visits were scheduled at monthly intervals to check the course of healing.
Six months later, a second CT scan was performed in the sinuses augmented with biomaterial without autogenous bone. The dimension of the graft was evaluated and, by means of a surgical template, the implants were placed. The sinus augmentation procedure was bilateral in 4 edentulous patients and unilateral in 3 partially edentulous patients. Twelve Frialit2 and 21 XiVE implants (Dentsply, Friadent, Mannheim, Germany) were inserted (16 implants were 3.8 × 13 mm, 5 implants were 5.5 × 13 mm, and 12 implants were 4.5 × 13 mm). At the time of implant surgery, bone cores were harvested from the lateral wall with a 3.5- × 10-mm diameter trephine under a cold (4°C–5°C) sterile saline solution irrigation. Implants were then buried, and the second-stage surgery was carried out after a healing period of an additional 6 months.
Specimen processing
The specimens were immediately fixed in 10% buffered formalin and processed to obtain thin ground sections with the Precise 1 Automated System (Assing, Rome, Italy).49 The specimens were dehydrated in an ascending series of alcohol rinses and embedded in a glycolmethacrylate resin (Technovit 7200 VLC, Kulzer, Wehrheim, Germany). After polymerization, the specimens were sectioned along their longitudinal axis with a high-precision diamond disc at about 150 μm and ground down to about 30 μm with a specially designed grinding machine. The slides were stained with acid fuchsin and toluidine blue. The slides were observed in normal transmitted light under a Leitz Laborlux microscope (Laborlux S, Leitz, Wetzlar, Germany). The histomorphometry was carried out with a light microscope connected to a high-resolution video camera (3CCD, JVC KY-F55B, JVC Professional Products, Milan, Italy) and interfaced to a monitor and personal computer (Intel Pentium III 1200 MMX, Intel Ireland Ltd, Kildare, Ireland). This optical system was associated with a digitizing pad (Matrix Vision GmbH, Oppenweiler, Germany) and a histometry software package with image-capturing capabilities (Image-Pro Plus 4.5, Media Cybernetics Inc, Immagini & Computer Snc, Milano, Italy).
Statistical evaluation
The differences in the percentage of newly formed bone and residual graft particles in the different groups were evaluated with the analysis of variance. The significance of the differences observed was evaluated with the Bonferroni test for multiple comparisons. The percentages were expressed as a mean ± SD and SE. Statistically significant differences were set at P < .05.
Results
None of the 7 patients had major complications. Only a moderate swelling was sometimes present. All implants were clinically osseointegrated and stable and, after the abutment connection, received provisional fixed acrylic-resin prostheses. Radiographic examinations showed the presence of dense bone around the implants. After a mean of 7 months (range 6–7.5 months), all patients underwent definitive prosthetic rehabilitation with ceramometal fixed prostheses. All patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years after the prosthesis placement.
Group 1: autologous bone and Bio-Oss
A total of 12 biopsies were evaluated. At low magnification, it was possible to see that most of the Bio-Oss particles were lined by newly formed bone (Figure 1). Some of the particles appeared to be united by this newly formed bone. The material appeared to be highly osteoconductive. The newly formed bone was easily distinguished because of its higher staining affinity for dyes (Figures 2 and 3). In some specimens, a rim of osteoblasts lined the newly formed bone. Basic-fuchsin–positive, highly stained lines, similar to the cementing lines, divided the grafted bone from the newly formed bone. These lines had a higher staining than the cementing lines observed in normal bone. Autologous bone showed a pattern similar to that of host bone. Grafted particles seemed to undergo a very slow resorption process. At higher magnification, the newly formed bone presented wide osteocyic lacunae. In almost all particles, the Haversian canals appeared to be colonized by capillaries and cells. In some of the Haversian canals, it was possible to observe the presence of acid-fuchsin–positive, not-yet-mineralized material lining their inner surface. Histomorphometry showed that the percentage of newly formed bone was 38.7% ± 3.2%, marrow spaces represented 45.6% ± 5%, and residual graft particles constituted the remaining 14.4% ± 2.1%.
Group 2: Pep-Gen P-15 and Bio-Oss
A total of 12 biopsies were evaluated. In most of the PepGen P-15 particles, newly formed tissue with the staining characteristics of bone was present in the internal portion of the graft material. Around most of the particles was a 100- to 200-μm gap between newly formed bone and graft material; in this interposed tissue it was possible to find fibroblasts and cells with phagocytic activity (Figures 4 and 5). Scattered multinucleated giant cells were present in resorption lacunae in the outer portion of the graft particles. No inflammatory cell infiltrate was present. Most of the Bio-Oss particles appeared to be surrounded by newly formed mature and compact bone, with well-organized osteons (Figure 6). Some osteoblasts apposed bone directly on the particle surface. No gaps were observed at the bone-particles interface, and the bone was always in close contact with the particles. Osteocyte lacunae of the graft particles were filled by osteocytes. The Bio-Oss particles presented marked staining differences from the host bone and had a lower affinity for the stains. No inflammatory infiltrate was present around the particles or at the interface with bone. Multinucleated giant cells were apparent in only in a few areas. Histomorphometry showed that newly formed bone represented 36.7% ± 3.3%, marrow spaces represented 39.7% ± 3.4%, and residual graft particles represented 19.6% ± 2.1%.
Group 3: autologous bone and PepGen P-15
A total of 9 biopsies were evaluated. The histological data for the different graft materials have already been described. Newly formed bone represented 32.2% ± 3.2%, marrow spaces represented 38% ± 2.5%, and residual graft particles represented 28.8% ± 1.1% (Figures 7 through 9).
Statistical Evaluation
Nonstatistically significant differences were found in the percentage of newly formed bone in the different groups (P = .360). Statistically significant differences were found in the percentage of residual grafted materials among the different groups (group 1 vs groups 2 and 3, Table 1) (P = .0001).
Discussion
Autologous bone is the most predictable and successful graft material available. Because the main problem concerning the use of autologous bone is its availability, many other types of materials have been proposed and used as a substitute. It has been reported that the addition of osteoconductive materials can expand the volume, induce dense new bone formation, and prevent premature resorption of the augmented site.1 Bio-Oss is obtained from cortical and cancellous bone and has 2 particle sizes (0.25–1 mm and 1–2 mm). It is constituted by a calcium-deficient carbonate apatite with a crystal size of about 10 nm; the material is identical to human bone from a chemical and physical point of view.5 Bio-Oss has a compressive strength of 35 Mpa, and its porous nature (75% of the total volume) serves to greatly increase the surface area of the material.41 This increased surface area provides a substratum for an increased angiogenesis and represents a scaffold for bone formation.41 It appears that 2 different mechanisms contribute to the bone regeneration by Bio-Oss.5 Bone formation begins anywhere inside the graft if autogenous bone is added to the Bio-Oss particles, whereas the bone grows upward from the pre-existing bone at the sinus floor into the grafted area when Bio-Oss is used alone.5 The advantage of using autogenous bone is the fast ingrowth of vessels from the surrounding bone, whereas the use of Bio-Oss can help prevent the unwanted early resorption that is present when using autologous bone.2,14 In fact, Hallmann et al7 reported a less than 10% resorption with the use of Bio-Oss and intramembranous bone from the chin. Tadjoedin et al5 reported data that showed a decreasing value of bone volume and bone metabolism (osteoid surface, resorption surface, and mineral apposition rate) with decreasing proportions of autologous bone in the graft: the bone value was 37.3% with 20% Bio-Oss but 22.9% with 100% Bio-Oss. A higher proportion of Bio-Oss produced less bone volume. It has also been suggested that with an increasing ratio of anorganic bone mineral to autologous bone, resorption of the bone additive decreases because of the lesser quantity of osteoclasts recruited from the autologous bone.1 Tadjoedin et al.5 showed that a mixture of 50% Bio-Oss and 50% autologous bone was adequate to obtain a primary stability of dental implants after a 6-month healing period. Also, Mayfield et al50 reported that deproteinized bovine bone in combination with autogenous bone grafts enabled implants to osseointegrate and remain stable in a 4- to 6.5-year period.
In our study, we found that newly formed bone started to form within the PepGen P-15 graft particles. Currently, we cannot assess the importance of this finding in the bone-regeneration processes; it could certainly be important in the future to have specimens with longer follow-ups to see what happens to the graft particles. Multinucleated cells were in close contact with the material surface of Bio-Oss and PepGen P-15 and were involved in the resorption of some particles. This process seems to be slow. No inflammatory cell infiltrate was present. This study has shown a good clinical outcome and no adverse effects during the healing process with all tested materials. We can conclude in this limited case series that all tested grafted materials can be successfully used in maxillary sinus augmentation procedures. Our histologic data show that, although the addition of PepGen P-15 to autologous bone seems to produce a lesser quantity of newly formed bone compared with Bio-Oss (32.2% vs 38.8%), the difference is not statistically significant; therefore, additional patients are required to determine significance. Furthermore, the clinical study design did not test whether the P-15 peptide, which is believed to stimulate cell attachment and speed the process of bone formation, promoted greater bone formation before 6 months. By the 6-month time point reported in this study, bone formation may have stabilized, and the benefit of earlier bone formation would not be observed by this protocol. Additional studies are required that take bone cores at earlier time points.
Although vital bone quantity was measured, no known correlation exists between vital bone formed and implant success. Furthermore, bone quality and bone volume were not measured in this study, both of which may affect clinical outcome and implant success. Although evidence demonstrates that autologous bone can lose up to 50% of the volume occupied in the sinus (because of its rapid resorption), it is believed that bovine-derived bone-replacement materials do not lose such substantial volumes because of their slower resorptive properties. Additional studies are required to measure bone volume at the time of graft-material placement and after implant placement.
We wish to stress that a substantial amount of bone (36.7%) is present in the specimens obtained with PepGen P-15 and Bio-Oss without the use of autologous bone and that no significant differences were in vital bone formed compared with treatments containing autologous bone. The combination of PepGen P-15 with Bio-Oss improved the amount of vital bone formed (36.7%) compared with that previously reported with 100% Bio-Oss (22.9%) at a later time period (8 months).5 These data demonstrate that the use of bone-replacement materials, without the addition of autologous bone, could be an alternative in sinus augmentation procedures. Such treatment would increase patient satisfaction, decrease surgical complications, and save the clinician substantial operating time.
Acknowledgments
This work was partially supported by the National Research Council, Rome, Italy; by the Ministry of Education, University and Research, Rome, Italy; and by Research Association for Dentistry and Dermatology, Chieti, Italy.
References
Author notes
Marco Degidi, MD, DDS, is in private practice in Bologna, Italy, and is a visiting professor, Maurizio Piattelli, MD, DDS, is an associate professor, Antonio Scarano, DDS, is a researcher, Giovanna Iezzi, DDS, is a research fellow, and Adriano Piattelli, MD, DDS, is a professor at the Dental School, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy.
Address correspondence to Prof Adriano Piattelli, Via F. Sciucchi 63, 66100 Chieti, Italy ([email protected]).