Comparative in vivo study of alloy titanium implants with two different surfaces: biomechanical and SEM analysis

An Evaluation of the Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy on the Peri-Implant Bone Healing of Implants with Different Surfaces: An In Vivo Study

(1) Background: This study evaluates the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy on the peri-implant bone healing of implants with a machined surface (MS) and treated surface (TS). (2) Methods: Topographic characterization of the surfaces (scanning electron microscopy [SEM]- energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy [EDX]) was performed before and after implant removal. Twenty rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: MS and TS groups (without PBM therapy) and LMS and LTS groups (with PBM therapy). After implant placement, the stability coefficient (ISQ) was measured. In the periods of 21 and 42 days, the ISQ was measured again, followed by biomechanical analysis. (3) Results: The surfaces of the TS implants showed topographic differences compared with MS implants. The ISQ values of the LMS were statistically significant when compared with those of the MS at 42 days (p < 0.001). The removal torque values of the LMS were statistically significant when compared with those of the MS at 21 days (p = 0.023) and 42 days (p = 0.023). For SEM, in general, the LMS, TS and LTS presented high bone tissue coverage when compared to MS. (4) Conclusions: The PBM therapy modulated the osseointegration process and was evidenced mainly on the machined surface.

Osseointegration of Sandblasted and Acid-Etched Implant Surfaces. A Histological and Histomorphometric Study in the Rabbit

Titanium surface is an important factor in achieving osseointegration during the early wound healing of dental implants in alveolar bone. The purpose of this study was to evaluate sandblasted-etched surface implants to investigate the osseointegration. In the present study, we used two different types of sandblasted-etched surface implants, an SLA™ surface and a Nanoblast Plus™ surface. Roughness and chemical composition were evaluated by a white light interferometer microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. The SLA™ surface exhibited the higher values (Ra 3.05 μm) of rugosity compared to the Nanoblast Plus™ surface (Ra 1.78 μm). Both types of implants were inserted in the femoral condyles of ten New Zealand white rabbits. After 12 weeks, histological and histomorphometric analysis was performed. All the implants were osseointegrated and no signs of infection were observed. Histomorphometric analysis revealed that the bone–implant contact % (BIC) ratio was similar around the SLA™ implants (63.74 ± 13.61) than around the Nanoblast Plus™ implants (62.83 ± 9.91). Both implant surfaces demonstrated a favorable bone response, confirming the relevance of the sandblasted-etched surface on implant osseointegration.

Effect of macro-design in the primary stability of short and extra-short implants using resonance frequency analysis. An ex vivo study

Objective

This study aimed to determine the effect of macro design in the primary stability of short and extra-short implants using resonance frequency analysis (RFA).

Material and methods

On an ex-vivo model using pig's ribs, we inserted 80 short and extra-short dental implants (20 implants per brand): Biohorizons®(B) 4.6 × 6mm; Intralock®(I) 4.75 × 6.5 mm; Straumann®(S) 4.1 × 4mm; and Tixos®(T) 5 × 5mm. Primary implant stability was measured using an RFA device. We compared mean ISQ values through ANOVA test.

Results

Mean ISQ values: B = 73.36 (±3.39); I = 75.13 (±3.88); S = 65.38 (±8.38); T = 72.13 (±11). B and I showed higher ISQ than S (p-value < 0.001). Short (I) showed higher ISQ than extra-short (B,S,T) implants (p-value = 0.001). Tapered (B,I) had higher ISQ than parallel (S,T) implants (p-value < 0.001). There was a moderate positive correlation between ISQ and length (r = 0.52), and a weak correlation with diameter (r = 0.33).

Discussion

The final result is a combination of implant design, length, and diameter. Tapered design (B and I) and larger implants (I) showed better primary stability in terms of ISQ values. This information could be beneficial at implant selection in a severely reabsorbed low-quality bone, privileging length (as long as it is safe), and conical walls design.