noun
- A naturally occurring mineral form of calcium phosphate that is the primary inorganic component of bone and tooth enamel; used in biomedical applications and bone grafts.
Usage: technical; medical/dental; also spelled hydroxyl apatite
Examples
- Hydroxylapatite is the main mineral constituent of human bones and teeth.
- Dentists use hydroxylapatite in toothpaste to strengthen tooth enamel.
- The synthetic hydroxylapatite scaffold was designed to promote bone regeneration.
- Researchers studied how hydroxylapatite crystals form in developing teeth.
- Hydroxylapatite coatings on implants improve their integration with bone tissue.