SYNOPSIS
The purpose of the present study was to examine effects of hydroxyapatite fiber material (HF) on the socket healing after tooth extraction. Right mandibular incisors of 12-week-old male Wistar rats were extracted and the sockets were filled with 60mg HF or left empty. The animals were injected with fluorescence dyes for histomorphometrical analysis and they were sacrificed at 0, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks after tooth extraction. Socket healing was radiologically evaluated with micro CT and dual energy x-ray absorptiometer and histologically examined. Although there was no significant difference in mineral apposition rate, the bone volume and bone mineral content of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group at all time points (p<0.05). The amount of HF in the socket gradually decreased from 4 weeks to 8 weeks, and disappeared almost completely at 12 weeks. HF not only allowed but also promoted the bone healing of the socket and it could be applicable for alveolar bone preservation after tooth extraction.

Key words: hydroxyapatite fiber material, alveolar bone regeneration, dental implant