Bone regeneration and graft material resorption in extraction sockets grafted with bioactive silica-calcium phosphate composite (SCPC) versus non-grafted sockets: clinical, radiographic, and histological findings

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of silica-calcium phosphate composite (SCPC) granules on bone regeneration in extraction sockets. Methods: Ten patients were selected fora split-model study. In each patient, bone healing in SCPC-grafted and control ungrafted sockets was analyzed through clinical, radiographic, histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical assessments 6 months postoperatively. Results: A radiographic assessment using cone-beam computed tomography showed minimal ridge dimension changes in SCPC-grafted sockets, with 0.39 mm and 1.79 mm decreases in height and width, respectively. Core bone biopsy samples were obtained 6 months post-extraction during implant placement and analyzed. The average percent areas occupied by mature bone, woven bone, and remnant particles in the SCPC-grafted sockets were 41.3%+/- 12%, 20.1%+/- 9.5%, and 5.3%+/- 4.4%, respectively. The percent areas of mature bone and woven bone formed in the control ungrafted sockets at the same time point were 31%+/- 14% and 24.1%+/- 9.4%, respectively. Histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses showed dense mineralized bundles of type I collagen with high osteopontin expression intensity in the grafted sockets. The newly formed bone was well vascularized, with numerous active osteoblasts, Haversian systems, and osteocytes indicating maturation. In contrast, the new bone in the control ungrafted sockets was immature, rich in type III collagen, and had a low osteocyte density. Conclusions: The resorption of SCPC granules in 6 months was coordinated with better new bone formation than was observed in untreated sockets. SCPC is a resorbable bone graft material that enhances bone formation and maturation through its stimulatory effect on bone cell function.