Influence of argon plasma on the incorporation of HA / TCP graft: histomorphometric and microtomographic study in maxillary sinuses of rabbits

Abstract

Twenty male New Zealand rabbits (3.5-4.0 kg) will be used to raise the maxillary sinus and divided into 2 groups composed of 10 animals each, according to the experimental times: 2 and 10 weeks. Following bilateral sinus membrane elevation, a similar amount (50 mg) of HA / bTCP (60% hydroxyapatite, 40% beta-tricalcium phosphate, GUIDOR calc-iOSs CRYSTAL +, Sunstar, Etoy, Switzerland), with granulation of 450 - 1000 micrometers will be introduced into the raised spaces. According to the randomization, on the test side, the grafting material will be previously submitted to a treatment with plasma reactor (10W, 1 bar for 12 min, Plasma R, Sweden and Martina). On the control side, the grafting material will not be treated. The animals will be euthanized according to the experimental times proposed. The specimens removed will be routed to microtomographic processing so that it is possible to investigate the influence of argon plasma on the HA / ²TCP graft in terms of bone incorporation and remodeling.