Objectives: To develop an in vitro assay for quantitative analysis of the degradation to which a bone substitute is exposed by osteoclasts. The aim of establishing this method was to improve the predictability of carrying out tooth movements via bone substitutes and to provide a basis for verification in exemplary clinical cases.
Methods: After populating a bone substitute (NanoBone®; ArtOss, Germany) with osteoclastic cells, inductively-coupled mass spectrometry was used to evaluate changing calcium levels in the culture medium as a marker of resorption activity.
Results: It was observed that calcium levels increased substantially in the culture medium with the cells populating the bone substitute.
Conclusions: This in vitro assay is a valid method that can assist clinicians in selecting the appropriate materials for certain patients. While tooth movements occurring through this material were successful, uncertainty about the approach will remain as long-term results are not available.