Implants of acrylic teeth in human beings and experimental animals: Clinical and microscopic studies

Abstract

A gnew and Fong,l who studied the histologic features of transplanted teeth and their supporting tissues, found that some of their transplants were successful and some were exfoliated or ankylosed and subsequently exfoliated. On the basis of experiences with implants of natural teeth, Flohr,6 Waerhaug and Zander,20 Iwaschenko13 and Tobon WhiteI explored plastic material as a possible substitute for natural teeth. Flohr, using the technique of Rottenberg, placed screwtype acrylic roots into surgically created alveolar sockets. Later, histologically normal connective tissue formed against the acrylic, and only minimal inflammatory infiltration occurred. Yet, Iwaschenko,13 in spite of careful splinting, found epithelial proliferation and subsequent exfoliation of acrylic teeth. Waerhaug and ZanderzO studied the reaction of the periodontal tissues to the implantation of acrylic roots into the alveoli of dogs. These acrylic roots were made of denture base material modeled from the extracted teeth. Indentations were made on the root to enhance retention; some of the roots were polished, whereas others were finished with a coarse Carborundum stone. The root implants were pounded into the alveolus with a hammer until they were firmly fixed; having no coronal portion, their surfaces were level with the surface of the gingiva. New bone formation occurred within 13 days, with no inflammation, and there was wellformed connective tissue. In all cases, however, epithelial sheets grew down along the implant, and all implants eventually fell out. These experiences prompted Waerhaug and Zander to conclude that the “lifetime of an implant is limited and