Bone regeneration in dehiscence-type defects at non-submerged and submerged chemically modified (SLActive) and conventional SLA titanium implants: an immunohistochemical study in dogs

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate bone regeneration in dehiscence‐type defects at non‐submerged and submerged titanium implants with chemically modified (mod) and conventional sandblasted/acid‐etched (SLA) surfaces. Material and Methods: Standardized buccal dehiscence defects were surgically created following implant site preparation in both the upper and lower jaws of 12 beagle dogs. Both types of implants were randomly assigned to either a non‐submerged or a submerged healing procedure. After 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks, dissected blocks were processed for histomorphometrical [e.g. new bone height (NBH), per cent linear fill (PLF), percentage of bone to implant contact (BIC‐D), area of new bone fill (BF)] and immunohistochemical analysis. Results: At 8 weeks, non‐submerged and submerged SLA implants revealed significantly lower mean NBH (1.1±0.8–1.9±1.2 mm), PLF (27.7±20.3–46.0±28.5%), BIC‐D (26.8±10.4–46.2±16.2%), and BF (1.3±0.9–3.4±2.8 mm²) values than respective modSLA implants [NBH (2.6±0.8–4.3±0.1 mm), PLF (64.2±19.4–107.2±4.7%), BIC‐D (67.5±18.8–82.1±14.8%), BF (2.9±1.0–6.7±1.1 mm²)]. Within modSLA groups, significantly highest BF values were observed at submerged implants. Conclusion: It was concluded that (i) modSLA titanium surfaces promoted bone regeneration in acute‐type buccal dehiscence defects and (ii) a submerged healing procedure improved the outcome of healing additionally.     

Immunohistochemical characterization of guided bone regeneration at a dehiscence-type defect using different barrier membranes: an experimental study in dogs

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate immunohistochemically the pattern of guided bone regeneration (GBR) using different types of barrier membranes. Material and methods: Standardized buccal dehiscence defects were surgically created following implant bed preparation in 12 beagle dogs. Defects were randomly assigned to six different GBR procedures: a collagen‐coated bone grafting material (BOC) in combination with either a native, three cross‐linked, a titanium‐reinforced collagen membrane, or expanded polytetrafluorethylene (ePTFE), or BOC alone. After 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 weeks of submerged healing, dissected blocks were processed for immunohistochemical (osteocalcin – OC, transglutaminase II – angiogenesis) and histomorphometrical analysis [e.g., bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC), area of new bone fill (BF)]. Results: In general, angiogenesis, OC antigen reactivity, and new bone formation mainly arose from open bone marrow spaces at the bottom of the defect and invaded the dehiscence areas along the implant surface and BOC. At 4 weeks, membranes supporting an early transmembraneous angiogenesis also exhibited some localized peripheral areas of new bone formation. However, significantly increasing BIC and BF values over time were observed in all groups. Membrane exposure after 10–12 weeks was associated with a loss of the supporting alveolar bone in the ePTFE group. Conclusion: Within the limits of the present study, it was concluded that (i) angiogenesis plays a crucial role in GBR and (ii) all membranes investigated supported bone regeneration on an equivalent level.     

Bone apposition around two different sandblasted, large-grit and acid-etched implant surfaces at sites with coronal circumferential defects: an experimental study in dogs

Objective: The study was designed to evaluate bone apposition around SLA (sandblasted, large-grit and acid-etched) implants compared with modified SLA (modSLA) ones at sites with different sizes of circumferential gaps.
Material and methods: All mandibular premolars and first molars of six beagle dogs were extracted. After a healing period of 3 months, three 10-mm-long implants were inserted in each side of the mandible. One implant was inserted with a 0.5-mm and one with a 1-mm gap between the implants and bone around the coronal 5 mm of the implants. The third implant was inserted without a gap as a control. The dogs were sacrificed respectively at weeks 2, 4 and 8 after implant placement for histological and histomorphometric analyses.
Results: The histomorphometric results showed similar pattern of bone apposition for the two surfaces. At 2 and 4 weeks of healing, the percentage of newly formed bone-to-implant contact (BIC%), new bone fill (NBF%) and the distance between the most coronal position of BIC and the defect bottom (B–D) were significantly higher for modSLA ( P <0.05). At 8 weeks of healing, this difference was not significant ( P >0.05). With regard to the defect size, the histological analyses showed no significant differences between the two defect sizes at all time points ( P >0.05).
Conclusion: Significantly more bone apposition was found for the modSLA surface than for the SLA surface at early stage of healing, indicating that modSLA surface may enhance bone apposition in coronal circumferential defects at non-submerged implants. Gap size within 1 mm may not need any kind of regenerative procedures.     

Bone apposition around two different sandblasted and acid-etched titanium implant surfaces: a histomorphometric study in canine mandibles

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate bone apposition to a modified sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) implant surface (modSLA) in the canine mandible as compared with the standard SLA surface. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this experimental study, all mandibular premolars and first molars were extracted bilaterally in five foxhounds. After a healing period of 6 months, each side of the mandible received six randomly assigned dental implants alternating between the standard SLA and modSLA surface. The dogs were sacrificed at 2 weeks (n=2) or 4 weeks (n=3) after implant placement. Histologic and histomorphometric analyses were then performed for each implant. RESULTS: The microscopic healing patterns at weeks 2 and 4 for the two implant types with the standard SLA and modSLA surfaces showed similar qualitative findings. New bone tissue had already established direct contact with implant surfaces after 2 weeks of healing. The mean percentage of newly formed bone in contact with the implant (BIC) was significantly greater for modSLA (28.2+/-7.9%) than for SLA (22.2+/-7.3%) (P<0.05). This difference was no longer evident after 4 weeks. An increase in BIC for both implant surface types occurred from weeks 2 to 4. This increase was statistically significant when compared with SLA at 2 weeks (P<0.05), but not when compared with modSLA at 2 weeks. CONCLUSION: The data from the present study demonstrate significantly more bone apposition for the modSLA surface than the standard SLA surface after 2 weeks of healing. This increased bone apposition may allow a further reduction of the healing period following implant placement for patients undergoing early loading procedures.     

Rehabilitation of irradiated patients with modified and conventional sandblasted acid-etched implants: preliminary results of a split-mouth study

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the success rate of chemically modified and conventional sandblasted acid‐etched surface (SLA) titanium implants in irradiated oral squamous cell carcinoma patients. Material and methods: Twenty patients with a mean age of 61.1 years were treated with dental implants after ablative surgery and radio‐chemotherapy of oral cancer. All patients were non‐smokers. The placement of SLA and modSLA implants was performed bilaterally according to a split‐mouth design. All 102 implants (50 SLA, 52 modSLA) placed showed an unloaded healing time of 6 weeks in the mandible and 10 weeks in the maxilla. Mean crestal bone changes using standardized orthopantomographies and clinical parameters like pocket depths, mPII and mBI were evaluated. Results: Of 102 implants, 55 implants (27 SLA implants, 28 modSLA) were located in the maxilla and 47 implants (23 SLA, 24 modSLA) in the mandible. The average observation period was 14.4 months. The amount of bone loss at the implant shoulder of SLA implants was 0.4 mm mesial and 0.4 mm distal. The modSLA implants displayed a bone loss of mesial 0.3 mm and distal 0.3 mm. Two SLA implants were lost resulting in a success rate of 96%. The success rate of modSLA implants was 100%. Conclusion: Regarding the data found in this investigation, we can conclude that implants with chemically modified and conventional SLA titanium surface show high success rates in irradiated patients. SLA implants with or without a chemically modified surface regardless of the location can be restored with a high predictability of success at least in the short time range observed. To cite this article:
Heberer S, Kilic S, Hossamo J, Raguse J‐D, Nelson K. Rehabilitation of irradiated patients with modified and conventional sandblasted, acid‐etched implants: preliminary results of a split‐mouth study.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 22 , 2011; 546–551
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.02050.x     

Bone regeneration around implants in the canine mandible with cultured fibroblasts in polyglactin mesh

BACKGROUND: Human fibroblast-derived dermal substitute (HFDDS) is a tissue-engineered material that consists of polyglactin mesh seeded with cultured fibroblasts. Cultured fibroblasts are not as differentiated as tissue fibroblasts and retain the ability to differentiate into other cells types. HFDDS also is capable of stimulating angiogenesis and wound healing. The purpose of this study was to attempt to evaluate the effects of HFDDS on guided bone regeneration at sites with 1.5-mm peri-implant defects in the canine mandible. METHODS: Fifty sand-blasted acid-etched test implants were placed into the edentulous areas of mandibular ridges of five American foxhounds. Each site had a standardized 1.5-mm circumferential peri-implant defect in the coronal half of the implant, created by a specialized drill at the time of osteotomy. In each canine two implants received no treatment of the defects, four implants were treated with polyglactin mesh (carrier only) wrapped around the circumference of the defect wall, and four implants were treated with HFDDS placed in a similar fashion to the mesh. Implant sites healed submerged for 10 weeks, at which time sacrifice took place and sections were prepared, processed, and analyzed histomorphometrically. RESULTS: The mean distance from the top of the fixture to the first point of bone-implant contact was 2.20 mm, 2.25 mm, and 2.60 mm for the HFDDS, carrier, and control sites, respectively (P = 0.202). Overall mean percentage of bone-to-implant contact (BIC) in the defects was 32.8%, 31.0%, and 22.8% for the HFDDS, carrier, and control groups, respectively. These differences were not statistically significant, but approached statistical significance for the control group compared to HFDDS and carrier (P = 0.057). Overall mean bone fill in the defects calculated histometrically was 36.0%, 35.8%, and 33.9% for the HFDDS, carrier, and control groups, respectively. These differences were not statistically significant. Sites with dehiscence at the time of implant placement had significantly greater distance to first bone-implant contact (P = 0.002), a smaller percentage of BIC (P = 0.006), and significantly less bone fill (P = 0.006) in the defects. It was consistently found that when dehiscence occurred on the buccal side of the implant, the outcomes for all parameters measured were significantly inferior on the lingual side as well. Factorial analysis, which grouped outcomes by dehiscence categories (none, partial, or full dehiscence), revealed that with intact defects without dehiscence, HFDDS had less bone fill compared to the carrier. However, in defects with partial or full dehiscence, HFDDS had more bone fill compared to carrier sites. These differences were statistically significant (P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: In intact sites without dehiscence, the presence of cultured fibroblasts in 1.5-mm-wide peri-implant defects did not significantly enhance bone regeneration compared to the carrier, polyglactin mesh. However, sites with partial or full dehiscence treated with HFDDS had significantly greater bone fill compared to the carrier (P = 0.034). When dehiscence occurs during immediate implant placement on narrow ridges without the use of membranes, bone regeneration tends to be inferior on the side of the dehiscence as well as the opposite side of the implant.     

Stability, marginal bone loss and survival of standard and modified sand-blasted, acid-etched implants in bilateral edentulous spaces: a prospective 15-month evaluation

Objectives: Chemical modification of the already proven sand‐blasted and acid‐etched (SLA) implant had increased its surface wettability and consequent early‐term osseointegration characteristics. The aim of this clinical trial was to compare the stability changes, success, survival, peri‐implant parameters and marginal bone loss (MBL) of the early‐loaded standard (SLA) and modified sand‐blasted, acid‐etched (modSLA) implants. Material and methods: A total of 96 SLA and modSLA implants were placed in a bi‐lateral, cross‐arch position to the jaws of 22 patients. Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was used to measure the implant stability in the surgery and following healing after 1, 3 and 6 weeks. At the stage of loading, a panoramic X‐ray was obtained and RFA measurement was repeated for all implants. Implants were restored by metal–ceramic crowns and followed for 1 year to determine the success, survival rate, peri‐implant parameters and MBL. Results were compared by one‐ and two‐way ANOVA, log‐rank test and generalized linear mixed models (P<0.05). Results: One modSLA implant was lost after 3 weeks following the surgery yielding to a 100 and 97.91% success rate for SLA and modSLA implants, respectively (P=0.323). At the loading stage, modSLA implants showed significantly lower MBL (0.18 ± 0.05 mm) than SLA implants (0.22 ± 0.06 mm; P=0.002). In the loading stage, RFA value of the modSLA implants (60.42 ± 6.82) was significantly higher than the both implant types in the surgical stage (55.46 ± 8.29 and 56.68 ± 8.19), and following 1 (56.08 ± 7.01 and 55.60 ± 9.07) and 3 weeks of healing (55.94 ± 5.95 and 55.40 ± 6.50 for SLA and modSLA implants, respectively). Conclusions: modSLA implants demonstrated a better stability and a reduced MBL at the loading stage. Both SLA and modSLA implants demonstrated a favorable success and survival at the end of 15‐month follow‐up. To cite this article :
Karabuda ZC, Abdel‐Haq J. Arιsan V. Stability, marginal bone loss and survival of standard and modified sand‐blasted, acid‐etched implants in bilateral edentulous spaces: a prospective 15‐month evaluation.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 22 , 2011; 840–849
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.02065.x     

Enhanced bone apposition to a chemically modified SLA titanium surface

Increased surface roughness of dental implants has demonstrated greater bone apposition; however, the effect of modifying surface chemistry remains unknown. In the present study, we evaluated bone apposition to a modified sandblasted/acid-etched (modSLA) titanium surface, as compared with a standard SLA surface, during early stages of bone regeneration. Experimental implants were placed in miniature pigs, creating 2 circular bone defects. Test and control implants had the same topography, but differed in surface chemistry. We created the test surface by submerging the implant in an isotonic NaCl solution following acid-etching to avoid contamination with molecules from the atmosphere. Test implants demonstrated a significantly greater mean percentage of bone-implant contact as compared with controls at 2 (49.30 vs. 29.42%; p = 0.017) and 4 wks (81.91 vs. 66.57%; p = 0.011) of healing. At 8 wks, similar results were observed. It is concluded that the modSLA surface promoted enhanced bone apposition during early stages of bone regeneration.     

Alveolar bone formation at dental implant dehiscence defects following guided bone regeneration and xenogeneic freeze-dried demineralized bone matrix.

The present study evaluated rate and extent of alveolar bone formation in dental implant dehiscence defects following guided bone regeneration (GBR) and implantation of xenogeneic freeze-dried demineralized bone matrix (xDBM). A total of 16 titanium plasma-sprayed (TPS) and 16 hydroxyapatite-coated (HA) titanium cylinder implants were inserted in 4 mongrel dogs following extraction of the mandibular premolar teeth. Four implant sites per jaw quadrant (2 TPS and 2 HA implant sites) were prepared into extraction sockets in each dog. Buccal alveolar bone was removed to create 3 x 5 mm dehiscence defects. Two jaw quadrants in separate animals received GBR, GBR + xDBM, xDBM (control), or gingival flap surgery alone (GFS; control). Thus, four conditions were available for each implant type (TPS or HA): GBR, GBR + xDBM; xDBM and GFS. The animals received fluorescent bone labels to allow observations of rate and extent of bone formation. Animals were sacrificed at 12 weeks postsurgery and block sections were harvested for histologic analysis. There were no apparent histologic differences between TPS and HA implant defects. GBR and GBR + xDBM resulted in almost complete bone closure of the dental implant dehiscence defect. Rate of bone formation appeared higher following GBR alone. Extent of bone formation appeared somewhat greater following GBR + xDBM; however, delayed. xDBM alone did not adequately resolve the bony defect. In conclusion, GBR results in rapid, clinically relevant bone closure of dental implant dehiscence defects. Adjunctive implantation of xDBM does not appear to significantly improve the healing response in the model used.     

Alveolar bone formation at dental implant dehiscence defects following guided bone regeneration and xenogeneic freeze‐dried demineralized bone matrix

The present study evaluated rate and extent of alveolar bone formation in dental implant dehiscence defects following guided bone regeneration(GBR) and implantation of xenogeneic freeze‐dried demineralized bone matrix (xDBM). A total of 16 titanium plasma‐sprayed (TPS) and 16 hydroxyapatite‐coated (HA) titanium cylinder implants were inserted in 4 mongrel dogs following extraction of the mandibular premolar teeth. Four implant sites per jaw quadrant (2 TPS and 2 HA implant sites) were prepared into extraction sockets in each dog. Buccal alveolar bone was removed to create 3 x 5 mm dehiscence defects. Two jaw quadrants in separate animals received GBR, GBR+xDBM, xDBM (control), or gingival flap surgery alone (GFS; control). Thus, four conditions were available for each implant type (TPS or HA): GBR, GBR+xDBM; xDBM and GFS. The animals received fluorescent bone labels to allow observations of rate and extent of bone formation. Animals were sacrificed at 12 weeks postsurgery and block sections were harvested for histologic analysis. There were no apparent histologic differences between TPS and HA implant defects. GBR and GBR+xDBM resulted in almost complete bone closure of the dental implant dehiscence defect. Rate of bone formation appeared higher following GBR alone. Extent of bone formation appeared somewhat greater following GBR+xDBM; however, delayed. xDBM alone did not adequately resolve the bony defect. In conclusion, GBR results in rapid, clinically relevant bone closure of dental implant dehiscence defects. Adjunctive implantation of xDBM does not appear to significantly improve the healing response in the model used.     

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.     

Clinical and radiographic evaluation, following delivery of fixed reconstructions, at GBR treated titanium fixtures

Conditions following incorporation of fixed reconstructions, at endosseous titanium implants augmented at local bony dehiscence and fenestration defects using a bioabsorbable Resolut® membrane were studied in 7 patients. Fixture stability, radiographic marginal bone levels and peri‐implant soft tissue status were evaluated at 2 1 membrane treated and 17 control fixtures (installed in regions of adequate bone volume), following a 2‐year period of functional loading. Prosthetic reconstructions were removed and clinical examination and Periotest values revealed that all fixtures were stable. All peri‐implant soft tissues were clinically healthy. The mean probing depths at buccal sites for fixtures with original dehiscence ( n =10) and fenestration ( n =11) defects were 1.6 ± 0.7 mm and 1.2 ± 0.4 mm respectively. The control fixture group had a mean buccal probing depth of 1.4 ± 0.6 mm. At abutment connection radiograph membrane treated fixtures had significantly lower marginal bone levels than control fixtures, indicating that optimal bone regeneration was not achieved at all defects. Mean radiographic bone loss 23–7 months following delivery of fixed reconstructions for original dehiscence and fenestration defect fixtures was 0.7 ± 0.8 mm and 0.8 ± 0.6 mm respectively at mesial surfaces, and 0.8 ± 0.7 mm and 0.6 ± 0.5 mm at distal surfaces. In the control fixture group a mean loss of 0.7 ± 0.5 mm at mesial surfaces and 0.5 ± 0.4 mm at distal surfaces was found. Results showed no significant difference in the rate of bone loss following functional loading between membrane treated and control fixtures.     

Vertical Osteoconductive Characteristics of Titanium Implants with Calcium‐Phosphate‐Coated Surfaces – A Pilot Study in Rabbits

Introduction: Osteoconductive characteristics of different implant surface coatings are in the focus of current interest. The aim of the present study was to compare the vertical osteoconductivity at the implant shoulder of supracrestal inserted calcium‐phosphate coated implants (SLA‐CaP) with conventional sand‐blasted/acid‐etched (SLA) implants in a rabbit model. Materials and Methods: SLA‐CaP and SLA implants were inserted bilaterally in the mandible of four rabbits in a split‐mouth design. The implants were placed 2 mm supracrestal. After 3 weeks, at the left and right implant shoulder, the percentage of linear bone fill (PLF) as well as bone‐implant contact (BIC‐D) were determined. Results: After 3 weeks, newly formed woven bone could be found at the shoulder of the most of both surface‐treated implants (75%). PLF was significantly higher in SLA‐CaP implants (11.2% vs. 46.5%; n = 8, p = .008). BIC‐D was significantly increased in the SLA‐CaP implants (13.0% vs. 71.4%; n = 8, p < .001) as well. Conclusion: The results of this study show for the first time that calcium‐phosphate coated surfaces on supracrestal inserted implants have vertical osteoconductive characteristics and increase the bone‐implant contact at the implant shoulder significantly in a rabbit model. In clinical long‐term settings, these implants may contribute to a better vertical bone height.     

Guided bone regeneration at dehiscence-type defects using biphasic hydroxyapatite + beta tricalcium phosphate (Bone Ceramic) or a collagen-coated natural bone mineral (BioOss Collagen): an immunohistochemical study in dogs

The aim of this study was to immunohistochemically investigate bone regeneration following application of either hydroxyapatite+beta tricalcium phosphate (BCG) or a collagen-coated natural bone mineral (BOC) in combination with a collagen membrane at dehiscence-type defects in dogs. Standardized buccal dehiscence defects were surgically created following implant bed preparation in six beagle dogs. Defects were randomly filled with either BOC (BioOss Collagen) or BCG (Bone Ceramic) according to a split-mouth design, and covered with a native porcine derived collagen membrane (BioGide). After 1, 4 and 9 weeks of submerged healing, dissected blocks were processed for immunohistochemical (osteocalcin) and histomorphometrical analysis (residual defect length, new bone-implant contact, area of new bone fill, percentage of osseointegrated bone-graft particles). Both groups revealed a significant decrease in mean residual defect length, and increases in mean new bone-implant contact, bone fill and percentage of osseointegrated bone-graft particles after 4 and 9 weeks of healing. Remaining BCG and BOC granules were completely integrated into a secondarily formed network of spongiosa, but there was no osteoclastic activity at the surface of either type of bone-graft particle. Both BCG and BOC may provide an osteoconductive scaffold to support guided bone regeneration procedures at dehiscence-type defects.     

Resolution of bone defects of varying dimension and configuration in the marginal portion of the peri-implant bone. An experimental study in the dog

BACKGROUND: It was demonstrated that a marginal defect of about 1 mm between the bone wall and the metal surface after implant installation can heal with a high degree of bone fill and osseointegration. Objective: The aim of the present animal experiment was to study bone healing at implant sites with hard tissue defects of varying dimensions and configuration. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four Labrador dogs were used. All mandibular premolars and first molars were extracted. After 3 months of healing, five experimental sites, two control (C1, C2) and three test (T1, T2, T3) sites, were identified. In all five sites, custom-made implants with a sand-blasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA) surface and with an outer dimension of 3.3x10 mm, were used. In site C1, traditional implant installation was performed. In site C2, the marginal 5 mm of the canal, prepared for the implant, was widened to 5.3 mm using a step-drill. Thus, following the installation of the implant, a circumferential gap occurred between the bone tissue and the metal rod that was 5 mm deep and between 1 and 1.25 mm wide. In test site T1, the canal was widened to establish a marginal gap of 2-2.25 mm. In test sites T2 and T3, the marginal 5 mm of the canal was first widened to 5.3 mm (T2) or 7.3 mm (T3). The buccal bone wall opposite the defect was subsequently removed. Following the placement of a cover screw in sites C2, T1, T2, and T3, a resorbable membrane was placed over the defect. All implants were submerged. After 4 months of healing, block biopsies of each implant site were dissected and processed for ground sectioning. RESULTS: The observations disclosed that four-wall defects of different dimensions (1-2.25 mm wide) that occurred in the marginal portion of the recipient sites following implant installation were resolved during healing. Further, at sites where the buccal bone wall during defect preparation was intentionally removed, healing resulted in defect resolution at the mesial, distal, and lingual aspects. At the buccal aspects, healing was incomplete but the dimension of the defect was reduced by the limited amounts of new bone formation extending from the lateral and apical borders of the defect. CONCLUSION: Wide marginal defects may during healing be filled with bone. In such defects a high degree of osseointegration may occur to implants designed with an SLA surface.     

Stability change of chemically modified sandblasted/acid-etched titanium palatal implants. A randomized-controlled clinical trial

Aim: The aim of this randomized-controlled clinical study was to examine stability changes of palatal implants with chemically modified sandblasted/acid-etched (modSLA) titanium surface compared with a standard SLA surface, during the early stages of bone healing.
Materials and methods: Forty adult volunteers were recruited and randomly assigned to the test group (modSLA surface) and to the control group (SLA surface). The test and control implants had the same microscopic and macroscopic topography, but differed in surface chemistry. To document implant stability changes resonance frequency analysis (RFA) was performed at implant insertion, at 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 70 and 84 days thereafter. RFA values were expressed as an implant stability quotient (ISQ).
Results: Immediately after implant installation, the ISQ values for both surfaces tested were not significantly different and yielded mean values of 73.8±5 for the control and 72.7±3.9 for the test surface. In the first 2 weeks after implant installation, both groups showed only small changes and thereafter a decreasing trend in the mean ISQ levels. In the test group, after 28 days a tendency towards increasing ISQ values was observed and 42 days after surgery the ISQ values corresponded to those after implant insertion. For the SLA-control group, the trend changed after 35 days and yielded ISQ values corresponding to the baseline after 63 days. After 12 weeks of observation, the test surface yielded significantly higher stability values of 77.8±1.9 compared with the control implants of 74.5±3.9, respectively.
Conclusion: The results support the potential for chemical modification of the SLA surface to positively influence the biologic process of osseointegration and to decrease the healing time.     

Comparative analysis of collagen membranes for the treatment of implant dehiscence defects

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) evolved from the concept of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) and has been used for reconstructing sites with bone deficiencies associated with dental implants. For GBR, the use of absorbable collagen membranes has been increasing, but, at present, scientific information on the use of collagen membranes for GBR is limited. This study was aimed to clinically and histomorphometrically compare two collagen membranes, Bio-Gide(R) and BioMend ExtendTM, for the treatment of implant dehiscence defects in eight mongrel dogs. Implant dehiscence defects were surgically created in edentulous ridges, followed by the placement of three endosseous implants bilaterally in the mandible. Each implant dehiscence defect was randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: (1) control (no membrane), (2) porcine dermis collagen barrier (Bio-Gide) or (3) bovine tendon collagen barrier (BioMend Extend). Dogs were sacrificed at 4 and 16 weeks (four dogs each) after treatment. Histomorphometric analysis included percentage linear bone fill (LF), new bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and area of new bone fill (BF). The results of the study revealed no significant differences among groups for any parameter at 4 weeks. However, at 16 weeks, more LF, BIC, and BF were noted in the membrane-treated groups than controls. BioMend Extend-treated defects demonstrated significantly greater BIC than control (P < 0.05) at this time point. BIC at 16 weeks was significantly greater than 4-week BIC (P < 0.05). Membrane exposure occurred in 9 out of 15 sites examined, resulting in significantly less LF and BIC than the sites without membrane exposure (P < 0.05). The results of this study indicate that: (1) GBR treatment with collagen membranes may significantly enhance bone regeneration, manifested at late stage (16 weeks) of healing; and (2) space maintenance and membrane coverage were the two most important factors affecting GBR using bioabsorbable collagen membranes.     

Bone regeneration of dental implant dehiscence defects using a cultured periosteum membrane

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of a cultured periosteum (CP) membrane for use in guided bone regeneration at sites of implant dehiscence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four healthy beagle dogs were used in this study. Implant dehiscence defects (4 x 4 x 3 mm) were surgically created at mandibular premolar sites where premolars had been extracted 3 months back. Dental implants (3.75 mm in diameter and 7 mm in length) with machined surfaces were placed into the defect sites (14 implants in total). Each dehiscence defective implant was randomly assigned to one of the following two groups: (1) PRP gel without cells (control) or (2) a periosteum membrane cultured on PRP gel (experimental). Dogs were killed 12 weeks after operation and nondecalcified histological sections were made for histomorphometric analyses including percent linear bone fill (LF) and bone-to-implant contact (BIC). RESULTS: Bone regeneration in the treatment group with a CP membrane was significantly greater than that in the control group and was confirmed by LF analysis. LF values in the experimental and the control groups were 72.36+/-3.14% and 37.03+/-4.63%, respectively (P<0.05). The BIC values in both groups were not significantly different from each other. The BIC values in the experimental and the control groups were 40.76+/-10.30% and 30.58+/-9.69%, respectively (P=0.25) and were similar to native bone. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the feasibility of a CP membrane to regenerate bone at implant dehiscence defect.     

An oxidized implant surface may improve bone-to-implant contact in pristine bone and bone defects treated with guided bone regeneration: an experimental study in dogs

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to histometrically evaluate bone healing in the absence of bone defects and in the presence of surgically created bone defects treated by guided bone regeneration at oxidized and turned implant surfaces. METHODS: Three months after dental extractions, standardized buccal dehiscence defects (height: 5 mm; width: 4 mm) were surgically created following implant site preparation in the mandible of 10 dogs. Oxidized-surface implants (OSI) and turned-surface implants (TSI) were inserted bilaterally, and the bone defects were treated by guided bone regeneration. After 3 months of healing, the animals were sacrificed, blocks were dissected, and undecalcified sections were obtained and processed for histometric analysis. The percentage of bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and bone density (BD) was evaluated inside the threads on the buccal (regenerated bone) and lingual sides (pristine bone) of the implants. Data were evaluated using two-way analysis of variance (P <0.05). RESULTS: New bone formation could be observed in OSI and TSI in the region of the defect creation. The BIC values observed in OSI for pristine and regenerated bone were 57.03% +/- 21.86% and 40.86% +/- 22.73%, respectively. TSI showed lower values of BIC in pristine bone (37.39% +/- 23.33%) and regenerated bone (3.52% +/- 4.87%). The differences between OSI and TSI were statistically significant. BD evaluation showed no statistically significant differences between OSI and TSI in pristine and regenerated bone. CONCLUSION: The oxidized implant surface promoted a higher level of BIC than the turned implant surface at pristine and regenerated bone.     

Influence of two barrier membranes on staged guided bone regeneration and osseointegration of titanium implants in dogs. Part 2: augmentation using bone graft substitutes

Objectives: To assess the influence of two barrier membranes and two bone graft substitutes on staged guided bone regeneration and osseointegration of titanium implants in dogs. Materials and methods: Saddle‐type defects were prepared in the lower jaws of 6 fox hounds and randomly filled with a natural bone mineral (NBM) and a biphasic calcium phosphate (SBC) and allocated to either an in situ gelling polyethylene glycol (PEG) or a collagen membrane (CM). At 8 weeks, modSLA titanium implants were inserted and left to heal in a submerged position. At 8+2 weeks, respectively, dissected blocks were processed for histomorphometrical analysis (e.g., mineralized tissue [MT], bone‐to‐implant contact [BIC]). Results: The mean MT values (mm²) and BIC values (%) tended to be higher in the PEG groups (MT: NBM [3.4±1.7]; SBC [4.2±2]/BIC: NBM [67.7±16.9]; SBC [66.9±17.8]) when compared with the corresponding CM groups (MT: NBM [2.5±0.8]; SBC [2.3±1.6]/BIC: NBM [54.1±22.6]; SBC [61±8.7]). These differences, however, did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: It was concluded that all augmentation procedures investigated supported bone regeneration and staged osseointegration of modSLA titanium implants. To cite this article :
Mihatovic I, Becker J, Golubovic V, Hegewald A, Schwarz F. Influence of two barrier membranes on staged guided bone regeneration and osseointegration of titanium implants in dogs. Part 2: augmentation using bone graft substitutes.
Clin Oral Impl Res. 23 , 2012; 308–315.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2011.02238.x