Interface reaction at dental implants inserted in condensed bone

Purpose: The influence of the osteotome technique on the interface reaction of cylinder implants (SLA, ITI^®) was compared with the interface reaction of conventional implant insertion in an animal model. Material and methods: A total of 64 implants were placed in the cranial and caudal tibia of 8 Göttinger minipigs. The implant site was prepared either by a conventional technique with drills (control group A) or by the osteotome technique (experimental group B). Bone tissue responses were evaluated by histomorphometry, fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy after 7 and 28 days of osseointegration. Results: The average initial (7 days) bone‐to‐implant contact ratio was not statistically significantly different for the osteotome technique (35.88±2.94%) than for the control group (43.78±3.39%, P<0.095). After 28 days, the bone‐to‐implant contact ratio became statistically significantly higher when implants were inserted by conventional preparation (44.81±3.07% (group B), 63.47±4.87% (group A), P=0.003). Whereas fluorescence and immunhistologic examination revealed new bone formation with osteocalcin deposition directly at the implant surface in both groups, the extent of direct bone/implant contact was enhanced in conventionally prepared implant sites. SEM analysis confirmed an intimate bone to implant bond without fibrous tissue formation in places of direct contact at an ultrastructured level. Conclusion: Implant placement in conventionally prepared implantation sites is accompanied by an improved interface formation at an early stage of implantation.