In the United States, hydroxyapatite has been approved by the FDA as a material for orbital implants after extensive animal testing over a period of 5 years.

In current laboratory research, crystals for tooth and bone regeneration utilise hydroxyapatite, which makes up 97% of their composition.

A 2021 study confirmed that hydroxyapatite, a biocompatible and stable calcium phosphate, has low solubility, making it suitable for various dental applications, including teeth whitening, oral biofilm control, and more.

Hydroxyapatite naturally occurs in geological formations like metamorphic rocks and can also be found in living tissues, including those of corals, starfish, and similar organisms.

Hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring mineral that is a major component of bones and teeth, has a wide range of applications in various fields, including medicine, dentistry, and materials science. Some of the notable applications of hydroxyapatite include:

• Dental Implants: Hydroxyapatite is used as a coating on dental implants to enhance their integration with the surrounding bone tissue. This promotes osseointegration, where the implant fuses with the jawbone, providing a stable and long-lasting foundation for prosthetic teeth.

• Bone Grafts: Hydroxyapatite is used as a bone graft material in orthopedic and dental surgeries. It can fill bone defects, aid in bone regeneration, and facilitate the healing of fractures.

• Orthopaedic Implants: Hydroxyapatite coatings are applied to orthopaedic implants, such as hip and knee joint replacements, to improve their biocompatibility and reduce wear and tear on the surrounding bone tissue.

• Dental Fillings and Restorations: In dentistry, hydroxyapatite-based materials are used for dental fillings, crowns, and bridges. These materials mimic the natural structure of teeth and provide good aesthetics and durability.

• Drug Delivery: Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles can be used as drug carriers in medical applications. They have a high surface area and can slowly release drugs or therapeutic agents at a controlled rate, making them suitable for targeted drug delivery.

• Bone Tissue Engineering: Researchers use hydroxyapatite-based scaffolds in tissue engineering to promote the growth and regeneration of bone tissue. These scaffolds provide a three-dimensional structure that supports cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation.

• Orthodontic Brackets: Hydroxyapatite coatings on orthodontic brackets can reduce friction and discomfort during orthodontic treatment.

• Coatings and Surface Modification: Hydroxyapatite coatings are applied to various medical devices and implants to improve their biocompatibility and reduce the risk of infection. They are also used in coating stents and other cardiovascular devices.

• Bioactive Fillers: In the field of materials science, hydroxyapatite is used as a bioactive filler in composite materials and coatings for bone-like implants, dental materials, and prosthetics.

• Cosmetics and Skin Care: Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles are used in some cosmetics and skin care products for their potential to improve skin health and appearance. They are believed to have exfoliating and anti-aging properties.

• Water Treatment: Hydroxyapatite can be used in water treatment processes to remove heavy metals, fluoride, and other contaminants from drinking water.

• Research and Development: Hydroxyapatite is widely used in laboratory research and studies related to bone and dental health, tissue engineering, and drug delivery systems.

The biocompatibility and similarity to natural bone and teeth make hydroxyapatite a valuable material for various medical and dental applications, with the potential to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.