Main properties of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite as a bone graft material in treatment of periodontal defects. A review of literature

Abstract

This study aims to provide a literature review on nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (n-HA). n-HA constitutes the principle inorganic part of hard tissues. Therefore, preparation of commercial synthetic analogues, the so-called ‘biomimetic’, has gained a lot of attention since it can precisely mimic the physicochemical features of biological apatite compounds. Due to its improved osseointegrative properties, n-HA may represent a promising class of bone graft materials. n-HA binds to the bone and by stimulation of osteoblast activity and enhancing local growth factors it improves bone healing. Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition in response to microbial plaque that leads to periodontal tissue destruction and osseous defects in alveolar bone. A review of the extant literature reveals that n-HA has certain advantages in periodontal tissue regeneration including minimal patient morbidity, better biocompatibility, and lack of toxicity.