Facial bone augmentation using Bioglass in dogs.

In the quest for a material other than autograft and homograft bone for use in facial augmentation and replacement, materials scientists have developed numerous inert materials, some of which have a porous structure allowing scar tissue ingrowth to aid in stabilization of the implant. This study investigates a bioactive, nonporous, transparent glass (Bioglass) in a dog model for use in facial bone augmentation. In 18 dogs studied in three groups at 1, 3, and 6 months, Bioglass implants developed a bond to bone or soft tissue in 54 of 72 instances (75% of the time). Poor bonding of mobile chin implants and the loss of three implants due to infection accounted for all but three of the 18 failures. Histologic evaluation revealed no untoward tissue response. Because of the tissue bonding ability and amenability to contouring with a diamond bur at the time of surgery, Bioglass is promising as a graft material for facial bone augmentation.