Human histologic and histomorphometric analyses of hydroxyapatite-coated implants after 10 years of function: a case report.
OBJECTIVE
No consensus exists on the long-term performance of hydroxyapatite (HA) coatings on dental implants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term stability of the HA coating in a human autopsy specimen.


METHODS
Two mandibular HA-coated implants were retrieved postmortem from a woman after 10 years of functional loading with an implant/tooth-supported fixed partial denture. After ground sectioning, the specimens were histomorphometrically analyzed.


RESULTS
Direct bone-implant contact was found at 78.48% of the implant surface. HA coating disappearance had occurred in a few areas (22.75%), but bone was in direct apposition to the titanium surface. Bone volume measured 27.66%, and expected bone-implant contact was 37.55%. No inflammatory reaction was seen in the supracrestal soft tissues or the bone compartment.


CONCLUSIONS
Most of the HA coating was maintained on the implants, and areas lacking HA were directly apposed by bone. This observation suggests that the underlying titanium surface should have a macro-texture to promote the adaptation of bone to the titanium surface in case of HA disappearance, as well as to decrease failure at the HA-titanium interface.


CONCLUSIONS
In a patient in whom prosthetic treatment was appropriately performed and proper plaque control was maintained, the HA coating was not damaged and contributed to the success of the implant over 10 years of clinical functioning.
Trisi
Paolo
P
Biomaterials Clinical Research Association, BioCRA via San Silvestro, 163/3, 65132 Pescara, Italy. paulbioc@tin.it
Keith
Daulton J
DJ
Rocco
Sabina
S
D015519:Bone Density; D002102:Cadaver; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous; D015921:Dental Implants; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed; D017886:Durapatite / Q000032:analysis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008334:Mandible; D008875:Middle Aged; D016348:Osseointegration; D014025:Titanium
D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D015921:Dental Implants; D017886:Durapatite; D014025:Titanium