A comparative experimental investigation in monkeys between three different implant materials

Zirconia dental implants: a literature review

Titanium and titanium alloys are widely used for fabrication of dental implants. Because of potential immunologic and possible esthetic compromises with titanium implants, novel implant technologies are being developed. However, these novel technologies must maintain the characteristics that provide titanium implants with their high success rates. Zirconia implants were introduced into dental implantology as an alternative to titanium implants. Zirconia seems to be a suitable implant material because of its toothlike color, mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and low plaque affinity. The aim of this study is to review clinical and research articles conducted on zirconia dental implants, compare them with titanium dental implants, and provide information on zirconia dental implant osseointegration and mechanical strength. Zirconia dental implants have the potential to become alternative dental implants to titanium dental implants, but they are not yet in routine clinical use.

Tissue reactions to titanium implants containing bovine bone morphogenetic protein: a scanning electron microscopic investigation

Cylindric titanium implants treated with bovine bone morphogenetic protein (bBMP) (Group I) and with bovine serum albumin (BSA) (Group II) were implanted in the edentulous mandibles of 15 adult dogs. They were examined 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after insertion of the implants by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In all specimens from Group I, active bone formation had occurred between the implant and host bone, with a well-adapted fit between the implant and the newly formed bone 4 weeks after implantation. The surrounding bone was of normal structure by week 8. However, 3 months after implantation, fibrous tissue was consistently seen surrounding parts of the implants in Group II. The results of this study suggest that the implants treated with bBMP are capable of forming new bone of normal structure at a faster rate than BSA controls and that this new bone is closely adapted to the implant surface.

Early histologic response to titanium implants complexed with bovine bone morphogenetic protein

This study established a method for combining bovine bone morphogenetic protein (bBMP) with titanium and evaluated the early bone formation induced by the bBMP/titanium complex in edentulous dogs. Results showed newly formed bone within the interface bone 2 weeks after implantation and nearly complete osseointegration 4 weeks after implantation. Bone formed with the apical opening of the implant within 1 month. This study indicates that osseointegration can be enhanced by bBMP-bone induction. The apical opening of the implant may provide a site in which osteogenesis can occur with protection from implant stress before and after loading.

The effect of bone morphogenetic protein on osseointegration of titanium implants

This study evaluated the osteointegration of threaded cylindrical uncoated endosseous implants in combination with either bovine bone morphogenetic protein (bBMP) (group 1) or bovine serum albumin (BSA) (group 2) in edentulous dogs. Histologic observations showed that new bone formation was markedly increased by bBMP. The screw-surfaced implants in combination with bBMP exhibited apparent direct bone apposition 4 weeks postimplantation with no evidence of a connective tissue capsule. Thick fibrous connective tissue still encapsulated the control implants, although some new bone was observed slowly growing from the margins of the host bed. Eight weeks after implantation, there was an exact fit between the implant and the bone in group 1, and the surrounding bone was arranged in a regular manner. In group 2, there were still a few areas of thin fibrous tissue surrounding the implants. The results indicate that the rate of osteointegration was increased by bBMP.