Abstract :
In early 1980s, researchers discovered selfsetting
calcium orthophosphate cements, which are a bioactive
and biodegradable grafting material in the form of a
powder and a liquid. Both phases after mixing form a
viscous paste that after being implanted sets and hardens
within the body as either a non-stoichiometric calcium
deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) or brushite, sometimes
blended with unreacted particles and other phases. As both
CDHA and brushite are remarkably biocompartible and
bioresorbable (therefore, in vivo they can be replaced with
a newly forming bone), calcium orthophosphate cements
represent a good correction technique of non-weightbearing
bone fractures or defects and appear to be very
promising materials for bone grafting applications.
Besides, these cements possess an excellent osteoconductivity,
molding capabilities, and easy manipulation. Nearly
perfect adaptation to the tissue surfaces in bone defects and
a gradual bioresorption followed by new bone formation
are additional distinctive advantages of calcium orthophosphate
cements. Besides, reinforced formulations are
available; those are described as calcium orthophosphate
composites. The discovery of self-setting cements has
opened up a new era in the medical application of calcium
orthophosphates; several commercial formulations have
already been introduced as a result. Many more compositions
are in experimental stages. In this review, an insight
into calcium orthophosphate cements, as excellent biomaterials
suitable for both dental and bone grafting
application, has been provided
