Spherical hydroxyapatite particles and process for the production thereof

Abstract

A process for producing spherical, non-porous hydroxyapatite particles having a size which does not exceed 250 microns and having a density of at least 3.00 g/cc. The process comprises agglomerating in the presence of water as the only additive hydoxyapatite powder feedstock having a purity of at least 97%, and having metallic impurities which do not exceed 500 ppm, to form hydroxyapatite particles having a size which does not exceed 350 microns. The particles are then dried and then sintered at a temperature from about 1,100.degree. C. to about 1,200.degree. C. to provide spherical, non-porous hydoxyapatite particles which do not exceed 250 microns and having a density of at least 3.00 g/cc. Such particles have a variety of medical uses, including bone replacement, implant coatings, and dental applications such as alveolar ridge augmentation, root extraction site fillings, restoration of periodontal osseous lesions, and soft tissue augmentations.

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