Surface area analysis of dental implants using micro-computed tomography.
OBJECTIVE
In this study, we present and evaluate a micro-computed tomography (micro-CT)-based method for the calculation of the potential bone/implant contact area (p-BICA) on the surface of dental implants.


METHODS
For seven commercially available implants (Ankylos implant, Brånemark System, Frialit CELLplus, Replace((R)) Select Tapered, Straumann Solid screw, XiVE S CELLplus, 3i Osseotite XP Threaded Miniplant, the p-BICA surface is determined by means of three-dimensional X-ray computed-tomography and computer-based data processing. Measurements were repeated two times, and the stability and repeatability of the measurement method were evaluated.


RESULTS
Our analysis revealed a p-BICA of 118 mm(2) for the XiVE S CELLplus implant, 134 mm(2) for the Ankylos, 136 mm(2) for the Frialit CELLplus, 138 mm(2) for the Brånemark System, 139 mm(2) for the Replace((R)), 159 mm(2) for the 3i Osseotite XP and 199 mm(2) for the Straumann Solid screw implant. The measurement method proved to be stable and led to reproducible results.


CONCLUSIONS
The micro- and macrostructure of dental implants define the surface and the p-BICA. Precise determination of this parameter can be achieved by means of the micro-CT-based method as presented in this study. The value of p-BICA lies in the predictability of industrial design before preclinical and clinical testing. Based on this method, dental implant properties become comparable even if geometrical details are not disclosed by the manufacturer.
Schicho
Kurt
K
2University Hospital of Cranio-Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. kurt.schicho@meduniwien.ac.at
Kastner
Johann
J
Klingesberger
Roman
R
Seemann
Rudolf
R
Enislidis
Georg
G
Undt
Gerhard
G
Wanschitz
Felix
F
Figl
Michael
M
Wagner
Arne
A
Ewers
Rolf
R
D015921:Dental Implants; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D013499:Surface Properties; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods
D015921:Dental Implants