title: Surgical retrieval and histologic evaluation of an endosteal implant: a case report with clinical, radiographic and microscopic observations.
abstract: An uncommon opportunity to study an endosteal implant after four months of normal healing is presented. After placement of titanium plasma-spray-coated, apical-vent implants in the mandibular molar area, a 55-year-old female reported discomfort around one implant. This implant was removed, despite normal healing, because of continued symptomatology. Radiologic findings, and remission of symptoms after surgical removal, supported the possible etiologic mechanism of canal roof compression. Histologic preparation and imaging of the specimen permitted the evaluation and measurement of the bone growth between the apical vents and bone apposition against the internal vent surfaces. The bone growth was fiber bone, well-mineralized, and occupied 33.8% of the area within the implant perimeter. The bone apposition against the titanium coating was intimate, and 41.1% of the internal vent surfaces were covered with bone ingrowth. The presence of bone healing sufficient to absorb the loads of prosthetic abutment reconstruction is supported by these histologic and histometric findings.
authors.forename: H N
authors.initials: HN
authors.lastname: Gross
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Holmes
mesh_terms: D001861:Bone Regeneration; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous; D015921:Dental Implants; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants