A histologic evaluation of the effect of electrical stimulation on osteogenic changes following placement of blade-vent implants in the mandible of rabbits.

Abstract

Bone formation is associated with certain bioelectrical phenomena. External electrical stimuli have been found to encourage bone formation, and it has been concluded that positive osteogenicity is produced by external negative stimulation. The present investigation shows the feasibility of employing the mandible of the New Zealand white rabbit as a site for placement of implants in order to study the effect of electrical stimulation. Appropriate procedures were developed for extraction of teeth from these animals and the surgical placement of the implants. A blade-vent implant was prepared to provide an electrical stimulation in the form of a constant direct current within a range of 0-100 microA. The chosen current levels were 20, 40,and 100 microA. In this study, the best results were obtained for two groups: (1) animals undergoing 40 microA stimulus over periods of 35 and 50 days, and (2) those undergoing 100 microA stimulus over a period of 35 days. After placement of dental implants, a waiting period of 6-9 months is considered necessary to provide time for bone maturation. Attempts have been made by scientists to find different methods to accelerate bone formation in order to reduce the waiting period. It is felt that the results of this study will contribute to the establishment of an optimal dosage of electrical stimulus and period of treatment, with the final aim being the more rapid mineralization of the bone supporting dental implants in humans.