Histological analysis
NB
The specimens were decalcified and cut medially along the long axis of the bone core. After paraffin embedding, 3 × 10 mm sections were produced medially from the aspect of the tissue surface. Haematoxylin and eosin staining was performed. Immunohistochemical analysis of antibodies against OCN and RUNX2 was performed. For sections involving the bone tissue located under the socket, only the upper part was defined as the ARP area for data analysis.The relative percentage of new bone (NB) formation, nonmineralized connective tissue (NMCT) area, remnant material (RM) area, OCN-positive expression area and RUNX-2-positive expression area were calculated and measured with ImageJ. The assessor was blinded to the experimental assignment and not involved in the investigation.