Undecalcified bone samples: a description of the technique and its utility based on the literature

Abstract

The evaluation of bone regeneration and peri-implantary bone apposition requires laboratory techniques that allow the evaluation of hard tissues without needing to decalcify them. In this study, we describe the cutting-grinding procedure (EXAKT system) for obtaining samples of undecalcified bone and aim to establish the procedures for their histological and histomorphometric evaluation. A review is made of the literature on histological and histomorphometric evaluation using undecalcified samples in surgical and oral implantology procedures in which bone regeneration or bone apposition is produced on the dental implants. The technique is a lengthy process, and is principally indicated in the investigation of bone biology. The use of undecalcified samples allows the differentiation of immature from mature bone, and the quantification of variables such as the bone-implant interface, the density of the bone area and the speed of bone apposition.