title: Human cadaveric histomorphological and metallurgical analysis of dental implants following 12.5 years of service.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide a metallurgical and histomorphological analysis of hybrid bridgework and associated dental implants which have been in a clinical load bearing situation for a period of 12.5 years.
  
  
  METHODS
  The physical integrity of the hybrid framework was examined with stereoimaging microscopy and scanning electron microscopy for signs of wear, fatigue cracks, corrosion. Elemental spectra and maps of the surface were analysed with an EDAX Detecting Unit (AMETEK, Inc, Mahwah, NJ, USA). Similarly, the supporting titanium abutments screwed into the implants were examined for fatigue and corrosion. Bone density scans and bone trabecular patterns were obtained from radiographs. Microcomputer tomography was used to assess the bone-implant interface and bone architecture around the implants. Histological sections were stained with 1% basic fuchsin to assess osseous microdamage.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study demonstrated that the gold alloy framework to be in satisfactory condition with little indication of corrosion or cracking. The interface between the gold alloy and the titanium abutments likewise demonstrated no obvious corrosion cells. No radiographic evidence of any adverse loss of bone around the implants was noted. Bone mineral density was related to implant position, being higher between the implants. Scanning electron micrograph images confirmed the good bone integration with the implant threads with a high level of organisation, maturation and adaptation for the entire length of the implant. There was no evidence of any microdamage.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The implants, abutments and hybrid framework were in remarkably good condition considering their length of service.
authors.affiliation: Colgate Australian Clinical Dental Research Centre, Dental School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Abbott
authors.forename: Victor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Marino
authors.forename: P Mark
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Bartold
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D015519:Bone Density; D002102:Cadaver; D003343:Corrosion; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous; D015921:Dental Implants; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D006047:Gold Alloys; D006801:Humans; D007568:Jaw / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008422:Materials Testing; D008669:Metallurgy; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D056948:Orthognathic Surgical Procedures; D016348:Osseointegration / Q000502:physiology; D013499:Surface Properties; D014025:Titanium; D055114:X-Ray Microtomography
chemical_list: D015921:Dental Implants; D006047:Gold Alloys; D014025:Titanium