[Hydroxyapatite bone substitute (Ostim) in sinus floor elevation. Maxillary sinus floor augmentation: bone regeneration by means of a nanocrystalline in-phase hydroxyapatite (Ostim)].

The range of bone regeneration materials suitable for maxillar bone augmentation has increased steadily in the past few years and there is now a wide variety of materials being used. In the present case report, we analyzed the state of bone regeneration after sinus floor augmentation using a nanocrystalline in-phase synthetic anorganic hydroxyapatite bone grafting material (Ostim). A 60-year-old female patient underwent maxillary sinus floor elevation and the cavity was filled with Ostim three years before. Actually, she presented herself with loosening of the dental implant at position 17, as a result of parafunction. At the time of the insertion of a second implant at position 17, bone samples were taken by using a trepan drilling device from the previously augmented area. These samples were analyzed histologically to determine the extent of bone remodeling around the deposits of Ostim. We found that the Ostim deposits were surrounded largely by woven bone and, in parts, by lamellar bone and had facilitated osteoconductive bone regeneration. The adjacent implant, at position 16, which beared a crown exposed to proper biting forces without parafunction, showed proper clinical and radiological characteristics of complete and firm integration into the area which was also filled with Ostim three years ago. We conclude that the use of the nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite Ostim with its stable volume properties appears to be suitable for maxillary sinus floor augmentation. Furthermore, we even found osteoconductive bone regeneration under Ostim near the site of the loosened implant.