Localisation of osteogenic and osteoclastic cells in porous β-tricalcium phosphate particles used for human maxillary sinus floor elevation

This data suggests that the TCP particles attract osteoprogenitor cells that migrate into the interconnecting micropores of the bone substitute material by 6 months. The lack of large multinucleate TRAP positive cells suggests that resorption of the TCP material by osteoclasts plays only a minor role in its replacement by bone. Chemical dissolution, possibly favoured by a high cell metabolism in the particles, seems the predominant cause of TCP degradation. The abundance of Runx2/Cbfa1 positive cells would indicate that with a greater time of healing there will be further bone deposition into these particles.