Guided bone regeneration around dental implants in the atrophic alveolar ridge using a bioresorbable barrier. An experimental study in the monkey.

The aim of this study was to evaluate guided bone regeneration (GBR) around dental implants placed in atrophic alveolar ridges using an experimental, nonporous bioresorbable barrier. In 8 Rhesus monkeys, the maxillary canines and lateral incisors were extracted bilaterally and the remaining alveoli were reduced to create atrophic ridges. After a healing period of 3 months, soft tissue expansion was performed using a subperiosteal tissue expander. After 1 month of tissue expansion, an IMZ implant was placed in the atrophic ridge on each side in such a way that its coronal 4 mm to 5 mm remained circumferentially exposed above the bone level. The test implants were covered with a bioresorbable barrier made of poly (D,L‐lactid‐co‐tri‐methylencarbonate) in a 70/30 ratio, whereas the control implants were covered with a nonresorbable expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e‐PTFE) barrier. The e‐FTFE barriers were stabilized with titanium minipins while the bioresorbable barriers were analogously fixed using bioresorbable minipins made of poly (L‐lactid‐co‐D,L‐lactid) 70/30. Clinical healing progressed uneventfully in both groups and no soft tissue dehiscences occurred. Histometric and histomorphometric analyses were performed 5 months post surgery. Both test and control implants exhibited direct bone‐to‐implant contact to variable extents. The mean direct mineralized bone‐to‐implant contact length fraction was 32% of the total implant length in the test sites and 58% in the control sites. Control sites exhibited significantly greater bone fill compared to the experimental sites ( P <0.00l). Histologic observations of test specimens demonstrated a moderate inflammatory reaction related to the degradation and resorption products of the barrier. In conclusion, the nonresorbable e FTFE GBR barrier was found to be superior to the bioresorbable barriers tested in the present investigation.     

Significance of primary stability for osseointegration of dental implants

AIM: To investigate the significance of the initial stability of dental implants for the establishment of osseointegration in an experimental capsule model for bone augmentation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixteen male rats were used in the study. In each rat, muscle-periosteal flaps were elevated on the lateral aspect of the mandibular ramus on both sides, resulting in exposure of the bone surface. Small perforations were then produced in the ramus. A rigid, hemispherical Teflon capsule with a diameter of 6 mm and a height of 4 mm and with a hole in its middle portion, prepared to fit the circumference of an ITI HC titanium implant of 2.8 mm in diameter, was fixed to the ramus using 4 mini-screws. On one side of the jaw, the implant was placed through the hole in such a way that its apex did not make contact with the mandibular ramus (test). This placement of the implant did not ensure primary stability. On the other side of the jaw, a similar implant was placed through the hole of the capsule in such a way that contact was made between the implant and the surface of the ramus (control). This provided primary stability of the implant. After placement of the implants, the soft tissues were repositioned over the capsules and sutured. After 1, 3, 6 and 9 months, four animals were sacrificed and subjected to histometric analysis. RESULTS: The mean height of direct bone-to-implant contact of implants with primary stability was 38.8%, 52.9%, 64.6% and 81.3% of the implant length at 1, 3, 6 and 9 months, respectively. Of the bone adjacent to the implant surface, 28.1%, 28.9%, 52.6% and 69.6%, respectively, consisted of mineralized bone. At the test implants, no bone-to-implant contact was observed at any observation time or in any of these non-stabilized specimens. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study indicate that primary implant stability is a prerequisite for successful osseointegration, and that implant instability results in fibrous encapsulation, thus confirming previously made clinical observations.     

Custom‐made root analogue titanium implants placed into extraction sockets. An experimental study in monkeys.

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate clinically and histologically a new custom‐made, root analogue titanium implant placed into extraction sockets in monkeys ( Macaca fascicularis ). Three adult monkeys were used in this investigation. After raising full thickness flaps on the buccal and lingual side, the upper central and lateral incisors were extracted. Each tooth root was machine copied to 1 titanium analogue using a new CAD/CAM‐system. The implants were installed in the respective extraction sockets and the flaps sutured back. After 6 months of healing biopsies were taken and processed according to the cutting‐grinding technique. The percentage of mineralized bone‐to‐implant contact was measured as a fraction of the rough implant surface using computer‐assisted analysis. The main clinical problem that occurred during implant placement was the fracture of the buccal alveolar wall. The histometric evaluation showed a mean mineralized bone‐to‐implant contact of 41.2±20.6%. In this investigation it could be shown that implants fabricated by laser copying will osseointegrate. The presented data encourage the performance of clinical and experimental trials evaluating the new system utilizing improved second generation CAD/CAM equipment. Such studies are currently underway.     

Bone regeneration at implants placed into extraction sockets of maxillary incisors in dogs

Aim: To compare the influence of autologous or deproteinized bovine bone mineral as grafting material on healing of buccal dehiscence defects at implants installed immediately into the maxillary second incisor extraction socket in dogs. Material and methods: In the maxillary second incisor sockets of 12 Labrador dogs, implants were installed immediately following tooth extraction. A standardized buccal defect was created and autologous bone particles or deproteinized bovine bone mineral were used to fill the defects. A collagen membrane was placed to cover the graft material, and the flaps were sutured to fully submerge the experimental areas. Six animals were sacrificed after 2 months, and six after 4 months of healing. Ground sections were obtained for histological evaluation. Results: After 2 months of healing, all implants were osseointegrated. All buccal dehiscence defects were completely filled after 2 months irrespective of the augmentation material (autologous bone or Bio‐Oss^®) applied. Bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) on the denuded implant surfaces was within a normal range of 30–40%. However, the newly formed tissue at 2 months was partially resorbed (>50% of the area measurements) after 4 months. Conclusions: Applying either autologous bone or deproteinized bovine bone mineral to dehiscences at implants installed immediately into extraction sockets resulted in high degree of regeneration of the defects with satisfactory BIC on the denuded implant surface. To cite this article:
De Santis E, Botticelli D, Pantani F, Pereira FP, Beolchini M, Lang NP. Bone regeneration at implants placed into extraction sockets of maxillary incisors in dogs.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 22 , 2011; 430–437.     

Healing of marginal defects at implants placed in fresh extraction sockets or after 4-6 weeks of healing. A comparative study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical healing of buccal marginal defects around implants placed in fresh extraction sockets or after several weeks together with barrier membranes and bone graft. Two implant placement protocols were compared: delayed-immediate sites primarily closed by a rotated (full thickness) palatal flap (RPF) at the time of tooth extraction and implantation after 4-6 weeks (Group 1, 24 patients, n = 31 implants) and immediate procedures (into fresh extraction sockets) primarily closed by a rotated split palatal flap (RSPF) (Group 2, 19 patients, n = 23 implants). One or two proximal maxillary implants were simultaneously placed. Height and width of the marginal defect were measured at the time of implant placement and after 6-8 months, at second stage surgery. For Groups 1 and 2, the mean percentage of the reduced defect height was 91.2% (+/- 9.12) and 77.4% (+/- 16.92), respectively, and the mean percentage area of the reduced defect was 97.2% (+/- 3.85) and 90.2% (+/- 9.15), respectively. Differences between groups were statistically significant. Groups were subdivided according to number of implants placed (one or two). Spontaneous implant cover screw exposure was seen only in Group 2. There was an association between the number of implants simultaneously placed and the occurrence of spontaneous exposure. The mean percentage reduction of the defect height and area was significantly smaller where there was spontaneous exposure. Significant differences were found for mean percentage reduction of the defect height and area only between the two implant subgroups within each group.     

Bone tissue formation adjacent to implants placed in fresh extraction sockets: an experimental study in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To study the healing of marginal defects that occurred at implants placed in a healed ridge or in fresh extraction sockets. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six dogs were used. The right side of the mandible was used in the first part of the study. The first, second premolars and first molars were extracted. After 3 months of healing the bone was prepared for implant installation in these premolar and molar sites. The marginal 5 mm of each recipient site was widened with a conical drill. Following implant installation a gap of varying dimension occurred around the titanium rod (artificial defect (A) sites). At this interval the third and fourth premolars were extracted and implants were installed in the distal socket of the two teeth (natural defect (N) sites). The flaps were sutured to allow non-submerged healing. After 2 months, the procedures were repeated in the left side. Two months later the animals were euthanized, and biopsies were obtained and prepared for histological examination. RESULTS: The length of the zone of de novo'bone-to-implant contact' in the defect region was longer at the A sites than at the N sites both at the 2- and the 4-month interval. Further, while after 4 months of healing the marginal bone crest at the A sites was located close to the abutment/fixture junction, at the N sites a marked reduction of the height of the bone crest was documented. Hence, most A site defects became completely resolved whereas healing of the N site defects was incomplete. CONCLUSION: The process of bone modeling and remodeling at an implant placed in a fresh extraction socket differs from the resolution of marginal defects that may occur following implant installation in a healed ridge.     

Effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 on bone regeneration and osseointegration of dental implants

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) induced bone regeneration and osseointegration was evaluated in bony defects created within the hollow chamber of endosseous dental implants in 14 foxhound dogs. Bilateral extractions of mandibular premolars were performed and surgical implantation of 104 hollow cylinder implants followed after 8 weeks of healing. Experimental implants had their hollow chamber filled with 20 microg of rhBMP-2 delivered with a bovine collagen carrier, whereas the control implants had their apical chamber left empty. Dogs were followed for 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Histomorphometric evaluation and immunohistochemical analysis were performed. Minimal bone was regenerated at 2 weeks for both groups. At 4 weeks, bone fill averaged 23.48% for the rhBMP-2 and 5.98% for the control group (P<0.05). At 8 weeks, mean bone fill was 20.94% and 7.75% for the rhBMP-2 and the controls, respectively (P<0.05). At 12 weeks, mean bone fill was 31.39% and 24.31% for the rhBMP-2 and control implants, respectively (P>0.05). Bone-implant contact (BIC) increased for both groups over time and at 8 weeks the rhBMP-2 BIC value was 18.65% and for the control 7.22% (P<0.05). At 12 weeks, the BIC was 43.78% and 21.05% for the rhBMP-2 and the control group, respectively (P<0.05). Immunohistochemical staining for type II collagen was positive only for parts of the collagen carrier and formation of cartilaginous intermediate was not observed in any of the specimens. The results suggest that, in confined defects adjacent to dental implants, rhBMP-2 can induce bone regeneration in close apposition to the implant surface.     

Bone remodelling after regenerative procedures around implants placed in fresh extraction sockets: an experimental study in Beagle dogs

Introduction: After a tooth extraction, the height of the buccal wall tends to decrease. The literature indicates that regenerative techniques (guided bone regenerative [GBR] techniques) have succeeded in improving the bone levels. Therefore, this experiment set out to compare the physiological bone remodelling in Beagle dog models after implant placement in a fresh extraction socket, with and without the application of regenerative procedure. Materials and methods: Five dogs were used in this study. Test and control sites were randomly selected. The experimental teeth (fourth pre‐molar and first molar) were hemi‐sected removing the distal roots and placing implants. Porcine bone was placed to fill the gap around the implant on the test sites and a reabsorbable membrane was used to cover the area. The dogs were put down at different times (2 weeks, 1 month and 3 months). The measurements were taken immediately and at 2, 4, 12 weeks after implant placement. Student's test for paired data was used to compare the means of the clinical measurements. Results: At 2 weeks: On the control sites, few signs of resorption were detected at the first molar only, while at the test sites bone levels were placed at the implant shoulder or above. At 4 weeks: On the control site, slight bone remodelling was observed, while on the test site minor signs of resorption or an increase of bone levels were detected. At 12 weeks: The alveolar crest on the control sites showed various degrees of remodelling. On the test sites stable bone levels or an increase of bone crest was observed. Conclusion: With the limits of this study, the findings showed that GBR techniques were able to limit resorption of the alveolar crest after tooth extraction. A pattern of bone remodelling after tooth extraction and implant placement was observed in the control sites (no GBR) as well as in test sites (GBR), and although the exact cause of this is unclear, surgical trauma could play a role. Further studies are necessary to confirm these results and to clarify the precise causes of bone remodelling in fresh extraction sockets. To cite this article:
Barone A, Ricci M, Calvo‐Guirado JL, Covani U. Bone remodelling after regenerative procedures around implants placed in fresh extraction sockets: an experimental study in the Beagle dogs.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 22 , 2011; 1131–1137
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.02084.x     

Effect of membranes and porous hydroxyapatite on healing in bone defects around titanium dental implants. An experimental study in monkeys.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of treating bony craters around titanium dental implants with polytetrafluoroethylene membranes PTFE, with and without grafting of hydroxyapatite (HA), and with HA alone. 4 standardized bone defects were prepared in the alveolar ridge of edentulous areas in each of 7 monkeys. A titanium implant was then placed centrally in each defect, and in each monkey, the defects were treated with 1 of the following 4 treament modalities: 1 coverage with PTFE membrane;(2) grafting of HA and covering with a PTFE membrane;(3) HA grafting;(4) no treatment. Following a healing period of 12 weeks, all animals were sacrificed and mesiodistal ground sections of the treated areas were prepared. The histological analysis showed that all bone defects around the implants treated with PTFE membranes and 5 of the defects treated with HA and PTFE membranes were completely filled with new bone. The defects treated with HA alone and the control defects with no treatment only demonstrated new bone formation in the bottom of the defects. The results suggest that bone defects around titanium implants can be 1 treated successfully with PTFE membranes.     

Guided tissue regeneration for implants placed into extraction sockets: a study in dogs.

Twelve 10 mm implants were placed into immediate extraction sockets in dogs. Six implants were isolated with PTFE membranes and 6 sites served as controls. Standardized clinical measurements were taken at test and control sites. At 18 weeks the dogs were anesthetized and flaps were laid for the purpose of obtaining clinical measurements. The average gain of bone around augmented implants was 2.6 mm, while control sites had an average bone gain of 1.0 mm. Ridge width adjacent to augmented sites increased by 1.2 mm and control sites had an increased width of 0.6 mm. Histologic evaluation of test and control specimens showed greater bone formation around augmented implants. Implants augmented with PTFE membranes had clinically significant amounts of bone regeneration when compared with controls.     

Implant placement in bone formed beyond the skeletal envelope by means of guided tissue regeneration: an experimental study in the rat

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the placement of implants in bone formed by means of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) beyond the skeletal envelope may influence bone volume and/or structure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Rigid, hemispherical, Teflon capsules were placed with their open part facing the lateral surface of the ramus in both sides of the mandible in 18 rats. After 1 year, the capsules were removed by a re-entry operation, and a custom-made titanium implant was placed in the augmented ramus in only one side of the jaw. Six animals were sacrificed shortly after implant surgery, another six after 3 months, and the last six after 6 months. Histological specimens of the augmented sites including the implants were prepared, and the volumes of (1) the newly formed bone (mineralized bone and marrow) (2) the soft connective tissue, and (3) the implant, in the space originally created by the capsule were estimated by a point-counting technique. Additionally the height of the augmented bone was measured. RESULTS: One year after capsule placement, the major portion of the space originally created by the capsules was filled with newly formed bone. In the test specimens, implant placement seemed to result in a denser arrangement of the augmented bone, but this event did not influence its long-term stability. Although some resorption occurred after 3 and 6 months, the vast portion of the generated bone remained stable over time in both tests and controls, and there were no differences between tests and controls at any observation periods. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that large amounts of bone can be formed beyond the skeletal envelope by means of GTR, and that this bone remains stable on a long-term basis both with and without the placement of titanium implants.     

Prognostic factors for alveolar regeneration: bone formation at teeth and titanium implants

OBJECTIVES: There is a limited understanding of the effect of defect characteristics on alveolar bone healing. The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of alveolar bone width and space provision on bone regeneration at teeth and titanium implants, and to test the hypothesis that the regenerative potentials at teeth and implants are not significantly different. METHODS: Critical size, 5-6-mm, supra-alveolar, periodontal defects were surgically created in 10 young adult dogs. Similarly, critical size, 5-mm, supra-alveolar, peri-implant defects were created in four dogs. A space-providing expanded polytetrafluoroethylene device was implanted for guided tissue regeneration/guided bone regeneration. The animals were euthanized at 8 weeks postsurgery. Histometric analysis assessed alveolar bone regeneration (height) relative to space provision by the device and the width of the alveolar crest at the base of the defect. Statistical analysis used the linear mixed models. RESULTS: A significant correlation was found between bone width and wound area (r=0.55892, p<0.0001). Generally, bone width and wound area had statistically significant effects on the extent of bone regeneration (p<0.0005 and p<0.0001, respectively). Bone regeneration was linearly correlated with the bone width at periodontal (p<0.001) and implant (p=0.04) sites, and with the wound area at periodontal (p<0.0001) and implant (p=0.03) sites. The relationships of bone regeneration with these two variables were not significantly different between teeth and implants (bone width: p=0.83; wound area: p=0.09). When adjusted for wound area, bone regeneration was significantly greater at periodontal than at implant sites (p=0.047). CONCLUSIONS: The horizontal dimension of the alveolar bone influences space provision. Space provision and horizontal dimension of the alveolar bone appear to be important determinants of bone regeneration at teeth and implants. The extent of alveolar bone formation at implant sites is limited compared with that at periodontal sites.     

Hard tissue formation adjacent to implants of various size and configuration immediately placed into extraction sockets: an experimental study in dogs

Objectives: To evaluate the influence of implant size and configuration on osseointegration in implants immediately placed into extraction sockets. Material and methods: Implants were installed immediately into extraction sockets in the mandibles of six Labrador dogs. In the control sites, cylindrical transmucosal implants (3.3 mm diameter) were installed, while in the test sites, larger and conical (root formed, 5 mm diameter) implants were installed. After 4 months of healing, the resorptive patterns of the alveolar crest were evaluated histomorphometrically. Results: With one exception, all implants were integrated in mineralized bone, mainly composed of mature lamellar bone. The alveolar crest underwent resorption at the control as well as at the test implants. This resorption was more pronounced at the buccal aspects and significantly greater at the test (2.7±0.4 mm) than at the control implants (1.5±0.6 mm). However, the control implants were associated with residual defects that were deeper at the lingual than at the buccal aspects, while these defects were virtually absent at test implants. Conclusions: The installment of root formed wide implants immediately into extraction sockets will not prevent the resorption of the alveolar crest. In contrast, this resorption is more marked both at the buccal and lingual aspects of root formed wide than at standard cylindrical implants. To cite this article:
Caneva M, Salata LA, de Souza SS, Bressan E, Botticelli D, Lang NP. Hard tissue formation adjacent to implants of various size and configuration immediately placed into extraction sockets: an experimental study in dogs.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 21 , 2010; 885–895.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.01931.x     

Influence of low-level laser treatment on bone regeneration and osseointegration of dental implants following sinus augmentation. An experimental study on sheep

Objectives: The aim of this experimental study was to evaluate if low‐level laser treatment (LLLT) enhances bone regeneration and osseointegration of dental implants in a sinus graft model. Material and methods: Twelve sheep underwent a bilateral sinus floor elevation procedure with cancellous bone from the iliac crest. Implant insertion followed 4 weeks (six sheep) and 12 weeks (six sheep) later. Sixteen weeks after second‐stage surgery, animals were sacrificed. Unilaterally, the grafted sinus and during the second‐stage surgery the implant sites were irradiated intraoperatively and three times during the first postoperative week with a diode laser (75 mW, 680 nm). The overall energy density per irradiation was 3–4 J/cm². Biopsies of the augmented area were obtained during implant insertion and after scarification. Results: Bone regeneration within the grafted sinus histomorphometric analysis hardly differed between control and test side both 4 and 12 weeks after sinus grafting. Osseointegration measurements resulted in a significantly higher bone/implant contact (BIC) on the test side (P=0.045). Further evaluation of peri‐implant bone tends to amount in significant higher percentage on the laser side (P=0.053). Conclusion: The presented experimental study on sheep did not confirm a positive LLLT effect on bone regeneration within a cancellous sinus graft. Nevertheless, LLLT possibly has a positive effect on osseointegration of dental implants inserted after sinus augmentation.     

Regeneration and enlargement of jaw bone using guided tissue regeneration

The purpose of this study was to present the surgical procedures and the clinical results of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) treatment aimed at regenerating local jaw bone in situations where the anatomy of the ridge did not allow the placement of dental implants. 12 patients were selected for ridge enlargement or bony defect regeneration. A combined split- and full-thickness flap was raised in areas designated for subsequent implant placement. Following perforation of the cortical bone to create a bleeding bone surface, a PTFE membrane was adjusted to the surgical site in such a way that a secluded space was created between the membrane and the subjacent bone surface in order to increase the width of the ridge or to regenerate bony defects present. Complete tension-free closure of the soft tissue flap was emphasized. Following a healing period of 6 to 10 months, reopening procedures were performed and the gain of bone dimension was assessed. In 9 patients with 12 potential implant sites, a sufficient bone volume was obtained to allow subsequent implant placement. The gain of new bone formation varied between 1.5 and 5.5 mm. In 3 patients, acute infections developed which necessitated early removal of the membranes and no bone regeneration could be achieved. The results of the study indicate that the biological principle of GTR is highly predictable for ridge enlargement or defect regeneration under the prerequisite of a complication-free healing.     

Healing‐in of root analogue titanium implants placed in extraction sockets. An experimental study in the beagle dog.

The aim of these animal experiments was to characterize and evaluate the healing-in of root analogue titanium implants fitting with high precision to the alveolar wall. Four beagle dogs were used in the study. The roots of the 3rd and 4th mandibular premolars in both quadrants of 3 dogs and in 1 quadrant of 1 dog (dog 4) were extracted after hemisection. Each root was machine-copied to 1 titanium analogue. In dog 4, however, 2 titanium analogues were fabricated from each of the 4 extracted roots. This enabled insertion of analogues also into the contralateral sockets obtained by extraction of the corresponding roots immediately before implant installation, which was undertaken 2 weeks after the first extractions. Thus, in all, 32 analogues were implanted in their respective (or contralateral) sockets following ridge incision and elevation of mucoperiosteal flaps. The analogues were carefully covered by the repositioned flaps. In dog 4, 2 analogues from the immediate sockets and 2 from the 2-week sockets were surgically exposed and supplied with titanium crowns after a healing period of 2 months. The healing after implantation was evaluated by clinical, radiographic and histological measures after 2, 12 or 36 months. Two analogues (6%) were lost due to early (during the 1st week) exposure to the oral cavity. Another 2 analogues (6%) were, although not exposed, encapsulated by soft tissue and were easily removed with a surgical forceps. Twenty-eight analogues (88%) were healed-in by contact between bone and implant (osseointegration). The mean percentages of bone tissue in contact with the implant of such analogues were 30.5% after 2 months, 64.8% after 12 months and 68.1% after 36 months, as evaluated by histomorphometric analysis. The 4 analogues supplied with titanium crowns carried those with maintained bone anchorage throughout an experimental period of 36 months. The character of the interface between the analogue and the surrounding bone tissue was the same regardless of whether the implantation was performed immediately 1 or 2 weeks after extraction of the roots.     

The role of early versus late removal of GTAM® membranes on bone formation at oral implants placed into immediate extraction sockets. An experimental study in dogs.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of early versus late removal of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) membranes on bone formation at oral implants. Thirty Brånemark? fixtures were placed into immediate extraction sockets with buccal bone dehiscences augmented by e-PTFE membranes. At 4 weeks, the membranes and underlying soft tissues were removed from 5 implants, but at 16 sites only the membranes were extirpated. In 9 sites, the membranes remained in place during the healing period. Sixteen weeks after fixture insertion, the sites in which the membrane was retained (MRET) showed an average of 5.2 mm of clinical bone height increase (lOO% of bone fill). For sites where the membrane together with underlying soft tissues were removed (MRB), the corresponding value was 2.0 mm (42% of bone fill. Implants at which only the membrane was removed (MR) showed the least clinical bone height increase (1.0 mm). resulting in 21% coverage of original threads. Histometric measurements verified that the MRET sites had the least distance from the top of the fixture to the newly formed bone level (0.4 mm). However, in contrast with the clinical findings, the histometric analyses showed that the MRB group had the greatest remaining bone defect (3.3 mm). The clinical and histometric results of the MRET group were statistically better, though, compared with those of the other two groups. Biopsies, removed from beneath the membranes, revealed slightly inflamed connective tissue, containing spicules of newly formed bone, indicating that more bone might have been created if the membranes had been retained longer. The current study thus showed that maximum bone formation around oral implants was created if the membrane augmentation material remained in place during the 16-week healing period. Early removal of membranes, with or without elimination of the underlying tissues resulted, however. in less newly formed bone and an incomplete defect bone fill.     

Implant‐tissue interfaces following treatment of peri‐implantitis using guided tissue regeneration. A light and electron microscopic study.

This study details the structural and ultrastructural features of the interfaces between titanium implants and their surrounding tissues. The material stemmed from an experiment in dogs in which guided tissue regeneration with Gore‐Text membranes was used to treat peri‐implant, ligature‐induced tissue breakdown around submerged and nonsubmerged com-mercially pure titanium implants. Specimens from the nonsubmerged group were evaluated under light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. A healthy gingiva and a gingival sulcus were formed around the implant necks. A regenerated junctional epithelium provided the epithelial union between implant and gingiva. The supracrestal connective tissue was characterized by a 3‐dimensional network of collagen fibers, fibroblasts and blood vessels. Near the implant surface the collagen fibers ran parallel to the titanium surface or were orientated perpendicular to the implant. The connective tissue-implant interface was characterized by a fine fibrillar material interposed between the implant surface and the connective tissue. An unidentified material was also observed between the endings of functionally orientated collagen fibrils and the metallic surface. The apical portions of the implants were anchored in compact bone. At the bone‐implant interface, either mineralized bone matrix was intimately adapted to the titanium surface without any intervening space or a 0.5 μm wide unmineralized layer was interposed. These findings indicate that a perimucosal seal was formed around the implants consisting of a junctional epithelium‐implant union coronally and supported by the connective tissue-implant junction apically. The implants were integrated in connective tissue, but only tightly adapted to bone.