A novel bone scraper for intraoral harvesting: a device for filling small bone defects

Aim: To evaluate histologically the morphology and characteristics of bone chips harvested intraorally by Safescraper®, a specially designed cortical bone collector. Material and methods: Bone chips harvested near a bone defect or in other intraoral sites were grafted into a post-extractive socket or applied in procedures for maxillary sinus floor augmentation or guided bone regeneration. Core biopsies were performed at implant insertion. Undecalcified specimens embedded in PMMA were studied by histology, histochemistry and SEM. Results: Intraoral harvesting by Safescraper® provided a simple, clinically effective regenerative procedure with low morbidity for collecting cortical bone chips (0.9–1.7 mm in length, roughly 100 μm thick). Chips had an oblong or quadrangular shape and contained live osteocytes (mean viability: 45–72%). Bone chip grafting produced newly formed bone tissue suitable for implant insertion. Trabecular bone volume measured on biopsies decreased with time (from 45–55% to 23%). Grafted chips made up 50% or less of the calcified tissue in biopsies. Biopsies presented remodeling activities, new bone formation by apposition and live osteocytes (35% or higher). Discussion and conclusions: In conclusion, Safescraper® is capable of collecting adequate amounts of cortical bone chips from different intraoral sites. The procedure is effective for treating alveolar defects for endosseous implant insertion and provides good healing of small bone defects after grafting with bone chips. The study indicates that Safescraper® is a very useful device for in-office bone harvesting procedures in routine peri-implant bone regeneration.