RESUMEN
AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the de novo bone formation ability and osteoconductive effects of three different ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) graft materials. The micro-architectural parameters of the newly formed bone tissues were also compared among the different graft materials. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight male Swiss domestic pigs were used in the study. Five bony defects were made with a trephine bur. Three of the defects were filled with Cerasorb®, Kasios® and Poresorb®. The fourth defect was filled with an autogenous bone graft. The last defect remained empty. All subjects were sacrificed after 8 weeks. RESULTS: When compared to a negative control group, significant healing was observed in all the groups except the Cerasorb group. The osteoconductivity of the Poresorb group was better than that of the other groups (p < 0.05). The difference in the osteoconductivity of the Kasios and Cerasorb groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Comparison of the micro-architectural properties of newly formed bone tissues retrieved from the defects showed that those filled with Poresorb were the best. CONCLUSION: ß-TCP materials show different results in terms of the volume and characteristics of new bone formation, although they have a similar chemical structure.