Abstract

Investigations on hydroxyapatite inplantation materials have been carried out at the University of Mining and Metallurgy, Faculty of Materials Science and Ceramies and at the Collegium Medicum, Jagiellonian University, Cracow, Poland for over 10 years. Hydroxyapatite implants in the from of granules as well as dense and porous blocks were developed (Polish patents: P-154 957, P-154 958, P-165 041, P-168 078). Cracow Hydroxyapatite Ceramics, because of the close chemical and crystallographic similarity to bone and tooth minerals, can be utilized as a highly biocompatibile and bioactive implantation material in medicine. Biological studies 'in vitro', 'in vivo' and long-term clinical tests have confirmed the high quality and therapeutic activity of our biomaterial. 'Cracow Hydroxyapatite Ceramics' in the from of granules is used in dentistry for treatment of periodontal osseous defects, for alveolar ridge augmentation and for corrections of alveolar bone defects in maxillofacial surgery. Hydroxyapatite powder (Hap) is used in the biological treatment of tooth pulp, in treatment of enamel hypoplasia as well hypersensitivity of dentine in the neck region. The positive effect of Hap powder in inhibition of pathologic teeth abrasion was also examined. Dentifrices (toothpastes and toothpowders) containig hydroxyapatite are very effective in the prevention of periodontal disease and caries.

Keywords: dental applications of Hap, hydroxyapatite implants