Socket preservation following tooth extraction: an experimental study comparing β-Tricalcium phosphate and F18 bioglass in rats.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of two third-generation resorbable biomaterials-F18 bioglass and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP)-in promoting new bone formation in post-extraction sockets in rats. β-TCP, a synthetic porous ceramic, is well-established in clinical use, while F18 bioglass, a novel silica based bioglass.

Methods: After extraction of the right upper incisor of 45 rats, the sockets were filled either with F18 or β-TCP, or left to naturally fill with a blood clot in control group. To quantify new bone formation, five animals from each group were euthanized at 7, 14, and 28 days post-extraction. Subsequently, the hemi-maxillae were analyzed using microtomography and histomorphometry.

Results: Two-way ANOVA revealed significant differences in bone neoformation. β-TCP induced notably higher levels of new bone growth compared to the control group, as evidenced by microtomographic parameters such as bone volume (p = 0.033), bone surface (p = 0.039), and trabecular thickness (p = 0.002). F18 bioglass also induced higher new bone growth compared to the control group, evidenced by bone volume (p = 0.039). Although F18 bioglass did not significantly differ from the control group in other microtomographic parameters of new bone formation, its overall performance was comparable to that of β-TCP.

Conclusion: β-TCP has proven to be effective in promoting new bone formation. Although F18 bioglass did not significantly differ from the control group in several microtomographic parameters, its overall capacity to promote new bone growth was comparable to that of β-TCP. This outcome supports the use of F18 bioglass as a promising alternative biomaterial for alveolar ridge preservation.