Human histologic evidence of a connective tissue attachment to a dental implant.
This human proof-of-principle study was designed to investigate the possibility of achieving a physical connective tissue attachment to the Laser-Lok microchannel collar of a dental implant. Its 2-mm collar has been micromachined to encourage bone and connective tissue attachment while preventing apical migration of the epithelium. Implants were harvested with the surrounding implant soft and hard tissues after 6 months. The histologic investigation was conducted with light microscopy, polarized light, and scanning electron microscopy.
Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. Nevinsperimp@aol.com
Myron
M
Nevins
Marc L
ML
Nevins
Marcelo
M
Camelo
Janie Lee
JL
Boyesen
David M
DM
Kim
D000539:Alveolar Process / Q000473:pathology; D003094:Collagen / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003238:Connective Tissue / Q000473:pathology; D000044:Dental Abutments; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000379:methods; D015921:Dental Implants; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D004846:Epithelial Attachment / Q000473:pathology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008859:Microscopy, Polarization; D016348:Osseointegration / Q000502:physiology; D010513:Periodontal Ligament / Q000473:pathology*; D013499:Surface Properties; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D015921:Dental Implants; D003094:Collagen