Investigation on structurally reinforced synthetic bone grafts via tricalcium silicate

Abstract

Tricalcium silicate (C3S) is one of the main components of mineral trioxide aggregates, which is used in dental endodontic treatment. C3S provides workable viscosity itself and fast hydration when water is added, and it is known to be nontoxic, noncarcinogenic, nongenotoxic, biocompatible, and insoluble in tissue fluids. In this study, C3S is added to synthetic bone-graft materials from 30% to 60% to deliver viscosity to increase workability in the early stage of implant surgical procedure and to attain some degree of compressive strength after the hydration. Additionally, the porosity is not overly reduced to maintain the ability for bone regeneration. The porosity of the samples was confirmed to be 40%–50% with the formation of the C3S matrices. Simultaneously, the maximum compressive strength was ensured at 14.9 MPa within 24 h of curing time. The radiopacity required for post-procedural diagnosis was evaluated. The radiopacity of the samples with 50% and 60% C3S was 1.0 mm Al and 1.1 mm Al, respectively. When ZrO₂ was added, the radiopacity was enhanced to 1.6 mm Al. Overall, the experimental results showed that the bone-graft added C3S would be suitable for alveolar bone support and rigid matrix formation in implant surgery.