Distinct healing pattern of maxillary sinus augmentation using the vitroceramic Biosilicate®: Study in rabbits.

Objectives: To follow healing process of augmented maxillary sinus in rabbits analyzing the histological pattern of bone tissue formation, along with the osteogenic activity and vascularization using a bioactive vitroceramic in comparison to deproteinized bovine bone associated or not with autogenous bone graft.

Design: Forty five male adult New Zealand rabbits, 5 months of age, mean weight of 4 Kg, underwent bilateral sinus augmentation surgeries to be divided in five groups: G - (Control) particulate autogenous bone graft (AG), BO - deproteinized bovine bone, BO+G - deproteinized bovine bone + AG, BSi -vitroceramic, and BSi + G - vitroceramic +AG. After 15, 45 and 90 days, all animals were euthanized for specimen's removal to be analyzed under light microscopy, histomorphometry, and immunohistochemistry for Runx2 and VEGF labeling.