Biomedical subjects

Giovanna Orsini

Publications and source records attributed to Giovanna Orsini.

17 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Tissue healing under provisional restorations with ovate pontics: a pilot human histological study.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Ovate pontics mimic the natural tooth contour and provide an esthetic result however, few studies have evaluated the histological changes in underlying tissues. PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot study was to histologically evaluate the healing of gingival tissues in contact with provisional ovate pontics after 2 weeks. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three patients requiring fixed partial dentures participated in this study. The provisional restorations consisted of a fixed partial denture having 2 ovate pontics: one in acrylic resin (Jet), with an ovate shell made of low-fusing ceramic (Duceram LFC); the other made completely of the same acrylic resin (control). After 2 weeks, biopsies of the gingival tissues beneath the pontics were retrieved for histological examination, and immunohistochemistry for evaluation of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was performed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Clinically, all of the ovate pontic-prepared sites showed partial healing. Histologically, the thickness of the entire mucosa was similar in both specimens; however, in some regions, the epithelium presented ulcerations that were generally deeper and more frequent in control sites than in test sites. Immunohistochemical results showed that tissues beneath LFC pontics seemed to be less inflamed since they demonstrated a lower expression of VEGF (10.7 +/- .8) compared to those beneath acrylic resin ovate pontics (33.9 +/- 2.5). CONCLUSION: This pilot study demonstrated that the placement of provisional LFC ovate pontics may be advantageous for the reparative processes of the underlying tissues.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMed2006

Maxillary sinus augmentation with different biomaterials: a comparative histologic and histomorphometric study in man.

OBJECTIVE: Rehabilitation of the edentulous posterior maxilla with dental implants can be difficult because of insufficient bone volume caused by pneumatization of the maxillary sinus and crestal bone resorption. Different biomaterials have been used for sinus augmentation. The aim of the study was to compare different materials in maxillary sinus augmentation in man. METHODS: A total of 94 patients participated in this study. Inclusion criteria were maxillary partial (unilateral or bilateral) edentulism involving the premolar/molar areas, and the presence of 3-5-mm crestal bone between the sinus floor and alveolar ridge. A total of 362 implants were inserted. There were 9 biomaterials used in the sinus augmentation procedures. Each patient underwent 1 biopsy after 6 months. A total of 144 specimens were retrieved. RESULTS: None of the 94 patients had complications. All implants were stable, and x-ray examination showed dense bone around the implants. Mean follow-up was 4 years. There were 7 implants that failed. Histologic resultsshowed that almost all the particles of the different biomaterials (i.e., autologous bone, demineralized freeze-dried bone allograft Biocoral [Inoteb, St. Gonnery, France], Bioglass [US Biomaterials, Alachua, FL], Fisiograft [Ghimas, Bologna, Italy], PepGen P-15 [Dentsply Friadent CeraMed, Lakewood, CO], calcium sulfate, Bio-Oss [Geistlich Pharma AG, Wohlhusen, Switzerland], and hydroxyapatite) were surrounded by bone. Some biomaterials were more resorbable than others. Included are the histomorphometry clarified features of the newly formed bone around the different grafted particles. CONCLUSION: All biomaterials examined resulted in being biocompatible and seemed to improve new bone formation in maxillary sinus lift. No signs of inflammation were present. The data are very encouraging because of the high number of successfully treated patients and the good quality of bone found in the retrieved specimens.

Aged↗

PubMed2006

Intra-articular and muscle symptoms and subjective relief during TMJ internal derangement treatment with maxillary anterior repositioning splint or SVED and MORA splints: A comparison with untreated control subjects.

Discomfort associated with wearing an intraoral splint represents a problem in the management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement. This study evaluated whether the use of a mandibular splint during the day and a maxillary splint at night could be more comfortable and therefore as efficacious in internal derangement treatment as a maxillary splint (AR splint). Fifty (50) patients (average age 28.8; range 14-63) with confirmed internal derangement in at least one TMJ were divided into three groups: 20 patients treated with AR splint (Group I); 20 patients treated with a SVED (Sagittal Vertical Extrusion Device) and a MORA (Mandibular Anterior Repositioning Splint) (Group II); and 10 patients who underwent no treatment (Control Group). Joint noise, pain intensity and its character (as constant or chewing/biting pain), muscular pain, and subjective relief were evaluated monthly before treatment began (T0) and for six months thereafter. The following results were found: 1. Subjects in Group I and Group II displayed a significant decrease in joint pain (p<0.001), constant pain (p<0.001), chewing/biting pain (p<0.001), joint noise and muscle pain from the beginning through the sixth month follow-ups; 2. At T1 and T2, subjects in Group II reported significantly lower discomfort associated with the devices than subjects in Group I. The use of two splints seems to be as efficacious as the use of an AR maxillary splint; however an AR splint is considered more comfortable by patients, especially during the first months of therapy.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2006

Maxillary sinus augmentation using an engineered porous hydroxyapatite: a clinical, histological, and transmission electron microscopy study in man.

Porous hydroxyapatite (HA) is a calcium-phosphate-based material that is biocompatible, nonimmunological, and osteoconductive, and has a macroporosity of about 200 to 800 microm. The pores seem to be able to induce migration, adhesion, and proliferation of osteoblasts inside the pore network and to promote angiogenesis inside the pore system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical behavior and the histological and ultrastructural aspects of porous HA in maxillary sinus augmentation procedures. Twenty-four patients (19 men, 5 women; average age 53.4 years) in good general physical and mental health and with partially or completely edentulous maxillae were selected for this study. Six months after sinus floor elevation, at the time of dental implant placement, biopsies were carried out under local anesthesia. These bone cores were cut in half and were processed for light and transmission electron microscopy. After a mean 3 years after implantation, all implants are clinically in function and no surgical or prosthetic complications have occurred. Under light microscopy, newly formed bone was 38.5% +/- 4.5%, whereas the residual biomaterial represented 12% +/- 2.3% and the marrow spaces represented 44.6% +/- 4.2%. In addition, in the majority of cases, the biomaterial particles were in close contact with the bone, which appeared compact with the characteristic features of well-organized lamellar bone. A cement-like line was slightly visible at the bone-biomaterial interface, but there were no gaps or interposed connective tissue in between. A high quantity (about 40%) of newly formed bone was present. Bone was closely apposed to the biomaterials particles as shown in light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, no signs of inflammatory cell infiltrate or foreign body reaction were present. Also, most of the biomaterial was resorbed and only a small quantity (a little more than 10%) was still present. The results of our study show that porous HA can be a suitable synthetic material for bone regeneration in maxillary sinus augmentation procedures.

Absorbable Implants↗

PubMed2006

Bone contact around osseointegrated implants: a histologic study of acid-etched and machined surfaces.

Current literature reports that surface acid etching can improve bone--implant contact (BIC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences of BIC between acid-etched (Osseotite) and machined surface implants. Six white New Zealand mature rabbits were used in the present investigation. Each rabbit received two implants, specially made with two surfaces on it (one acid-etched and one machined) into each tibia. A total of 24 implants were inserted. Two animals each were killed at 15, 30, and 60 days after implant placement. Histomorphometry of BIC was statistically evaluated. The acid-etched surfaces showed a greater bone contact percentage than the machined ones during the early phase of healing (15 days), which was not statistically significant. On the other hand, after 30 and 60 days, the differences of BIC between acid-etched and machined surfaces were statistically significant. The acid-etched surface appears to improve BIC at a later stage of healing.

Acids↗

PubMed2006

Histologic and ultrastructural analysis of regenerated bone in maxillary sinus augmentation using a porcine bone-derived biomaterial.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was the histologic and ultrastructural evaluation of a biomaterial composed of cortical pig bone in the form of granules. METHODS: After maxillary sinus augmentation using this biomaterial, 10 specimens were retrieved after 5 months in 10 patients using this biomaterial. The specimens were processed to be observed under light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Histomorphometric measurements were presented by means +/- standard deviations. RESULTS: LM showed that most of the particles were surrounded by newly formed bone. In some areas, the osteoid matrix was present; however, mainly compact bone was present at the interface. There was no evidence of an acute inflammatory infiltrate. The newly formed bone was 36% +/- 2.8% and marrow spaces were 38% +/- 1.6%, whereas residual grafted material was 31% +/- 1.6%. Under TEM, all phases of bone formation (osteoid matrix, woven, and lamellar bone) were observed in proximity with the biomaterial particles. The bone-biomaterial interface showed a close contact between the porcine bone particles and the surrounding bone that had mainly features of mature bone with numerous osteocytes. A lamina limitans was sometimes present at this interface. CONCLUSIONS: According to our knowledge, this is the first study presenting data on TEM of a porcine bone-derived biomaterial used in sinus augmentation procedures in humans. Our findings show that this is a biocompatible biomaterial that can be used for maxillary sinus augmentation procedures without interfering with the normal reparative bone processes.

Absorbable Implants↗

PubMed2005

Ultrastructure of bone healing in defects grafted with a copolymer of polylactic/polyglycolic acids.

Bone substitutes have been used for the treatment of bone defects. The objective of this study was to ultrastructurally evaluate the healing pattern of bone defects filled with a copolymer of polylactic/polyglycolic acid (FisiograftR) at a time point in which it is expected to be only partially degraded, with the purpose to ultrastructurally analyze how the bone is forming around the grafting material. Three 5-mm-diameter bone defects were created in each tibia from 5 rabbits (average weight 2.5 kg) in which the material was randomly implanted. Animals were sacrificed 30 days after surgery and the 30 bone defects were fixed in 2% glutaraldehyde-2.5% formaldehyde, under microwave irradiation, decalcified in EDTA, embedded in Spurr resin, and examined in a Jeol 1010 TEM. All the bone defects were filled with connective tissue, interspersed with different amounts of the filling material and newly formed bone trabeculae. In areas where the degrading copolymer was present in small amounts, newly formed bone matrix was detected; it was deposited by osteoblast-like cells in close relation to the copolymer. In areas where the degrading copolymer formed accumulates, an amorphous multilayered material was identified between the connective tissue and the copolymer. In summary, the copolymer of PLA/PGA studied appears to be an osteoconductive material when it is used to fill bone defects.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

Maxillary sinus augmentation with Bio-Oss particles: a light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy study in man.

Biological interactions occurring at the bone-biomaterial interface are critical for long-term clinical success. Bio-Oss is a deproteinized, sterilized bovine bone that has been extensively used in bone regeneration procedures. The aim of the present study was a comparative light, scanning, and electron microscopy evaluation of the interface between Bio-Oss and bone in specimens retrieved after sinus augmentation procedures. Under light microscopy, most of the particles were surrounded by newly formed bone, while in a few cases, at the interface of some particles it was possible to observe marrow spaces and biological fluids. Under scanning electron microscopy, in most cases, the particle perimeter appeared lined by bone that was tightly adherent to the biomaterial surface. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the bone tissue around the biomaterial showed all the phases of the bone healing process. In some areas, randomly organized collagen fibers were present, while in other areas, newly formed compact bone was present. In the first bone lamella collagen fibers contacting the Bio-Oss surface were oriented at 243.73 +/- 7.12 degrees (mean +/- SD), while in the rest of the lamella they were oriented at 288.05 +/- 4.86 degrees (mean +/- SD) with a statistically significant difference of 44.32 degrees (p < 0.001). In the same areas the intensity of gray value was 172.56 +/- 18.15 (mean +/- SD) near the biomaterial surface and 158.71 +/- 21.95 (mean +/- SD) in the other part of the lamella with an unstatistically significant difference of 13.79 (p = 0.071). At the bone-biomaterial interface there was also an electron-dense layer similar to cement lines. This layer had a variable morphology being, in some areas, a thin line, and in other areas, a thick irregular band. The analyses showed that Bio-Oss particles do not interfere with the normal osseous healing process after sinus lift procedures and promote new bone formation. In conclusion, this study serves as a better understanding of the morphologic characteristics of Bio-Oss and its interaction with the surrounding tissues.

Absorbable Implants↗

PubMed2005

Maxillary sinus augmentation using a synthetic cell-binding peptide: a histologic and transmission electron microscopy case study in man.

PepGen P-15 is a combination natural anorganic bovine-derived hydroxyapatite matrix coupled with a synthetic cell-binding peptide (P-15). This material has improved bone formation in periodontal osseous defects and bone regenerative procedures. There were 3 specimens retrieved 18 months after a sinus lifting procedure using PepGen P-15. These specimens were treated to be observed under light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Light microscopy showed that most of the particles were surrounded by newly formed bone. In some areas, osteoid matrix was present. No acute inflammatory infiltrate was present. In transmission electron microscopy, all phases of bone formation (i.e., osteoid matrix, woven bone, and lamellar bone) were observed in the newly formed bone around the biomaterial particles. In some regions, this newly formed bone seemed to present interdigitations connecting to or entering into the particle surface. To our knowledge, this is the first report presenting data on transmission electron microscopy of PepGen P-15 used in a sinus augmentation procedure in man. Our results confirm previous reports on the clinical effectiveness of this material.

Alveolar Ridge Augmentation↗

PubMed2004

Bone-defect healing with calcium-sulfate particles and cement: an experimental study in rabbit.

Calcium sulfate (CaS) has been shown to be a reasonable alternative to autogenous bone graft for treating bone lesions in dentistry. The aim of this work was an histological study of the bone healing of defects treated with calcium sulfate in the form of cement or beads, in animal. Eight New Zealand rabbits, weighing about 2.5 Kg were used in this study. In each rabbit, four 6 mm bone defects were created in the tibial metaphysis. The 2 defects in the right tibia were filled with calcium sulfate as cement, while the 2 defects in the left one were filled with calcium sulfate as beads. Four rabbits were killed after respectively 2 and 4 weeks, with an intravenous injection of Tanax, and the block sections, containing the bone defects, were retrieved. A total of 16 defects filled by cement and a total of 16 defects filled by beads were retrieved. The specimens were processed to obtain thin ground sections with the Precise 1 Automated System. In the first phases of healing it was possible to observe an intense osteoblastic activity, and in some areas osteoid matrix was present. After two weeks the calcium sulfate (both cement and beads) was still present, and biological fluids and cells were present inside the material. Newly formed bone surrounded the calcium sulfate and filled about 10% of the defect. After four weeks the calcium sulfate was almost completely resorbed and substituted by new bone. Approximately 34% of the defects were filled by newly formed bone. BEI and XRM evaluations showed the structural components of the filled defects. In none of the specimens were inflammatory cells present. No significant differences were found using both calcium sulfate as cement and beads, and they both have shown a high biocompatibility, appearing to promote newly bone formation in the rabbit model, and they did not induce any untoward effect on the bone regeneration processes.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed2004

Esthetic and dimensional evaluation of free connective tissue grafts in prosthetically treated patients: a 1-year clinical study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictability of the free connective tissue graft in prosthetically treated patients needing gingival augmentation. The following outcome variables were studied 1) dimensional changes of free connective gingival grafts; 2) color blending with adjacent tissues; and 3) periodontal and marginal health status, when compared to a non-surgical control group. METHODS: Two groups of patients without periodontitis were investigated. The test group (group A) consisted of 16 patients. The inclusion criteria for surgical correction were: 1) at least 1 site lacking (<1 mm) keratinized tissue and/or lacking vestibular depth; 2) insufficient plaque control; and 3) the selected site was scheduled to undergo or had already received a fixed prosthetic restoration. The control group (group B) included 14 patients with the same inclusion criteria, but declining to undergo surgery. Group A patients were treated with a free connective tissue graft to augment the keratinized tissue at the selected sites. The size of the graft was recorded at baseline (surgical intervention) and the width of keratinized tissue was measured at 1, 4, 26, and 52 weeks. Gingival inflammation and plaque accumulation were assessed at baseline and 52 weeks in both groups. Probing depth and clinical attachment levels were recorded at baseline and 26 and 52 weeks in both groups. Evaluation of the esthetic results was carried out at the end of the study. All patients in both groups received oral hygiene instructions and supragingival plaque and calculus removal before and at the end of the investigation. RESULTS: In group A, the results showed a mean amount of keratinized tissue of 5.81 +/- 1.42 mm at 26 weeks and 5.25 +/- 1.34 mm at 52 weeks. Mean shrinkage of the graft was 10.2% (P = 0.001) at 1 week, 28.4% (P = 0.0004) at 4 weeks, 37.2% (P = 0.0004) at 26 weeks, and 43.25% (P = 0.0004) at 52 weeks. All the dimensional changes were statistically significant, when compared to baseline. Evaluation of color blending with the surrounding gingiva demonstrated an "excellent result" at 52 weeks with an 87.5% agreement among the three masked examiners. In the test group, the periodontal indices improved or remained stable; in the control group, there was a minor improvement of the indices, with three patients showing a worse gingival inflammation score and two a worse plaque score. CONCLUSION: Although these results are not conclusive, mostly due to a lack of a large enough sample population, the statistically significant results shown in this investigation tend to support the use of gingival augmentation procedures in prosthetic patients with insufficient keratinized gingiva and/or shallow or absent vestibules, when they cannot demonstrate adequate plaque control.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Medical grade calcium sulfate hemihydrate in healing of human extraction sockets: clinical and histological observations at 3 months.

BACKGROUND: Following tooth extraction, remodeling and resorption of the alveolar bone at the extraction site characterize wound healing. This produces a reduction in ridge volume and difficulties in delayed placement of implants in an ideal position. Medical grade calcium sulfate hemihydrate (MGCSH) has been proposed as a graft material in extraction sockets to minimize the reduction in ridge volume. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of MGCSH on the histopathologic pattern of intrasocket regenerated bone and to evaluate histologically the healed MGCSH grafted extraction socket site 3 months postextraction METHODS: MGCSH was grafted in 10 fresh human extraction sockets in 10 patients. Five post-extraction sockets were used as controls. At 3 months a cylindrical tissue specimen, 2.5 mm in diameter, was trephined from the previously grafted site followed by implant placement. Non-decalcified specimens were sectioned at a cross-horizontal plane and stained with fast green, toluidine blue, and Van Kossa stains for histological and histomorphometrical examination. RESULTS: Histologically, MGCSH was not observed in most of the specimens. Newly formed bone with lamellar arrangements was identified in all the horizontal sections with no difference between apical, medium, and coronal areas. The mean trabecular area in the coronal sections was 58.6% +/- 9.2%; in the medium sections, 58.1% +/- 6.2%; and in the apical sections, 58.3% +/- 7.8%. The differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: MGCSH seems to be an ideal graft material in extraction socket bone regeneration because it is almost completely resorbable, and it allows a new trabecular bone arrangement at 3 months.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Direct capping with four different materials in humans: histological analysis of odontoblast activity.

Pulp inflammation in restored teeth is mainly due to the presence of bacteria or bacterial products introduced by microleakage around the restoration or to the material toxicity. Recent knowledge has permitted a precise identification of the risks for pulpal irritation associated with adhesive materials and procedures. The purpose of this work was to evaluate the cellular events that occur in direct pulp exposure capped using different materials. Twenty-four vital teeth without caries, scheduled for extraction for orthodontic reasons, were selected. After a control of the hemostasis, each pulp was directly capped with a different material. The samples were randomly divided into four groups of six specimens each: group I: dental-bonding agent (Solist) followed by resin composite (Ecusit); group II: dental adhesive (Prompt) and resin composite (Pertac II); group III: traditional calcium hydroxide (Dycal) plus resin composite (Ecusit); group IV: light-curing calcium hydroxide (Ultrablend Plus) and amalgam (Dentsply). After 15 days the teeth were extracted, immediately fixed in 10% buffered formalin, embedded in resin (7200 Technovit), and prepared for thin ground sections with Precise 1 System. In the specimens of all groups, there were active odontoblasts near the composite resins and no newly formed dentin. Small quantities of inflammatory cells were present. A 1- to 3-microm layer zone of necrosis was present. In conclusion, all materials tested in this study induced similar tissue responses.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2003

Cortical bone regeneration with a synthetic cell-binding peptide: a histologic and histomorphometric pilot study.

PepGen P-15 is a combination natural anorganic bovine-derived hydroxyapatite matrix (ABM) coupled with a synthetic cell-binding peptide (P-15). This material has been reported to enhance bone formation in periodontal osseous defects. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of ABM/P-15 on the healing of cortical bone defects in rabbits. Five New Zealand rabbits were used. Two 8-mm bone defects were created in each tibia. Eight defects were filled with PepGen P-15, 8 defects with PepGen P-15 Flow, and 4 defects were used as a control group. A total of 20 defects were created. All rabbits were killed at 4 weeks. Block sections containing the defects were retrieved and the specimens processed for light microscopy examination. Newly formed bone was present in both test groups, whereas, in the control-group, only a scarce quantity of newly formed bone was present and the cortical defects had not been filled by the regenerated bone. Statistical evaluation showed that there were statistically significant differences between control sites and sites treated with P-15 and P-15 Flow (P = 0.0001), and also between sites treated with P-15 and P-15 Flow (P = 0.0001), respectively. No acute inflammatory infiltrate cells were visible in both of these groups. Both PepGen P-15 and PepGen P-15 Flow enhanced new bone formation in the cortical drilled defects, whereas control defects showed very little newly formed bone.

Animals↗

PubMed2002

Peripheral calcifying odontogenic cyst.

BACKGROUND: Calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC) is a rare lesion representing about 1% of jaw cysts. It may occur in a central (intraosseous) or peripheral (extraosseous) location. METHOD: A case of peripheral COC located on the gingiva, appearing as a painless, circumscribed, pink nodule has been reported. RESULTS: Peripheral, in contrast to central, COC tends to affect older patients. Peripheral COC is a less aggressive lesion than the central counterpart, and a simple excision biopsy is curative. CONCLUSION: The histological finding of a keratinized epithelium rich in ghost cells has helped in making the diagnosis.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Bone regeneration with calcium sulfate: evidence for increased angiogenesis in rabbits.

Autologous bone is the preferred bone graft material because it carries proteins as bone-enhancing substrates, minerals, and vital bone cells. Calcium sulfate (CS) is a well-tolerated, biodegradable, osteoconductive bone graft substitute and is a reasonable alternative to autogenous bone graft. Blood vessels are an important component of bone formation and maintenance. The process of vascular induction is called angiogenesis, and it plays a key role in all regenerative processes. Bone tissue differentiation is related to the local presence of blood vessels. One method to evaluate the presence of blood vessels in a tissue is to count the microvessels to evaluate microvessel density (MVD). The aim of the present study was to conduct a comparative evaluation of microvessel density in sites treated with CS and autologous bone in rabbits, with or without e-PTFE nonresorbable membranes (Gore-Tex, Flagstaff, Ariz). Nine New Zealand rabbits, each weighing about 2.5 kg, were used in this experiment. Three 6-mm wide defects were created in each tibial metaphysis. The defects were filled in a random way. The defects of group 1 (3 rabbits) were filled with CS granules (Surgiplaster, Classimplant, Rome, Italy) and covered with e-PTFE membranes. The defects in group 2 (3 rabbits) were filled with CS granules (Surgiplaster). The defects in group 3 (3 rabbits) were filled with autologous bone. A total of 54 defects were filled (18 with CS and e-PTFE membranes, 18 with CS alone, and 18 with autologous bone). No postoperative deaths or complications occurred. All nine animals were sacrificed at 4 weeks. MVD results were as follows: in the first group, 9.88 +/- 4.613; in the second group, 7.92 +/- 1.998; and in the third group, 5.56 +/- 1.895. P = .000 was highly significant. Statistically significant differences were found between groups 1 and 3, 1 and 2, and 2 and 3. The presence of more blood vessels in the sites treated with CS could help to explain the good results reported in the literature with the use of CS.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Histologic evaluation of autogenous calvarial bone in maxillary onlay bone grafts: a report of 2 cases.

Bone augmentation for implant dentistry has become a necessary procedure for a number of edentulous patients. Calvarial bone grafting constitutes an important tool in achieving maxillary augmentation and sinus elevation. Much effort has been directed toward improving graft survival and volumetric maintenance. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the histologic results of the calvarial onlay graft for maxillary reconstruction before implant placement. Two patients underwent maxillary augmentation using autogenous calvarial onlay grafts. After a 4-month healing period, biopsies of the augmented regions were performed and implants were placed. The implants were loaded after 5 months and then clinically examined after 15 months of function. Biopsies showed that calvarial onlay grafts were well incorporated into the preexisting bone after a 4-month period. Histologic and histomorphometric findings demonstrated a living bone that showed features characteristic of mature and compact osseous tissue. The restored Implants were stable and osseointegrated after a 15-month period of follow-up. The use of calvarial onlay grafts can be a predictable and successful method to achieve maxillary augmentation, allowing appropriate placement of implants and stable prosthetic restorations.

Aged↗