Histomorphometric analysis of the osseointegration of four different implant surfaces in the femoral epiphyses of rabbits.
OBJECTIVE
The surface properties of titanium dental implants are key parameters for rapid and intimate bone-implant contact. The osseointegration of four implant surfaces was studied in the femoral epiphyses of rabbits.


METHODS
Titanium implants were either grit-blasted with alumina or biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramic particles, coated with a thin octacalcium phosphate (OCP) layer, or prepared by large-grit sand blasting and acid-etched (SLA). After 2 and 8 weeks of implantation, the bone-implant contact and bone growth inside the chambers were compared. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and profilometry showed distinct microtopographies.


RESULTS
The alumina-Ti, BCP-Ti and OCP-Ti groups had similar average surface roughness in the 1-2 mum range whereas the SLA surface was significantly higher with a roughness averaging 4.5 microm. Concerning the osseointegration, the study demonstrated a significantly greater bone-to-implant contact for both the SLA and OCP-Ti surfaces as compared with the grit-blasted surfaces, alumina- and BCP-Ti at both 2 and 8 weeks of healing.


CONCLUSIONS
In this animal model, a biomimetic calcium phosphate coating gave similar osseointegration to the SLA surface. This biomimetic coating method may enhance the apposition of bone onto titanium dental implants.
Le Guehennec
Laurent
L
INSERM U791, Laboratory for Osteo-Articular and Dental Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Dental Surgery, 1 Place Alexis Ricordeau, Nantes, France.
Goyenvalle
Eric
E
Lopez-Heredia
Marco-Antonio
MA
Weiss
Pierre
P
Amouriq
Yves
Y
Layrolle
Pierre
P
D000134:Acid Etching, Dental; D000818:Animals; D002130:Calcium Phosphates; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous; D015921:Dental Implants; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D004838:Epiphyses / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005269:Femur / Q000601:surgery; D020007:Implants, Experimental; D016348:Osseointegration; D011817:Rabbits; D013499:Surface Properties; D014025:Titanium
D002130:Calcium Phosphates; D020099:Coated Materials, Biocompatible; D015921:Dental Implants; C022045:octacalcium phosphate; D014025:Titanium