[Histological observation of the interface of oral epithelium and titanium implant with titanium dioxide on the surface]
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the healing process at the interface between oral epithelium and a titanium implant with titanium dioxide on the surface and whether a good epithelial barrier could be formed. METHODS: Titanium implants with titanium dioxide on the surface were placed in the mandibular alveolar area of Beagle dogs after their premolars had been removed three months previous. On the 15th day, second month and loading second month after implantation specimens were taken and examined after HE staining as well as by transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Fifteen days after implantation the epithelial collar was formed, junctional epithelium actively regenerated and attachment to the matrix on the surface of the implant occurred by hemidesmosomes. Two months after implantation junctional epithelium was increasing, showing three to four layers consistent with each other. Junctional epithelium appeared to be generated when stimulated by inflammation and shaped into epithelium rete pegs after loading for two months. CONCLUSION: Oral junctional epithelium can attach very well to titanium implants with titanium dioxide on the surface which also provides a biological barrier.
He
Fu-Ming
FM
The Affiliated Stomatologic Hospital, College of Medical Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China.
Liu
Li
L
Zhang
Kai
K
Chen
Song
S
Hu
Ji-An
JA