Influence of implantation side on the integration of dental implants

Abstract

The present work aimed to describe the incidental findings in a study of immediate loading of dental implants in pigs, i.e., the correlation between implant integration and the side of implantation. In 11 adult miniature pigs, maxillary and mandibular premolars and the first molar were bilaterally extracted. A total of 100 dental implants with different surface characteristics were evaluated in the first stage. In the second stage, the two types of implants that yielded the best results were tested under loading conditions for 6 months. Statistical analysis included a one-way analysis of variance and a Holm–Sidak test. Histometric results showed significant differences in the bone-to-implant contact depending on the side of implantation. Higher rates of contact were found for implants placed in the left side; this was not related to the type of implant used. Our results indicate that the side of implantation is important in dental implant research, at least in miniature pigs. We recommend that for each surgical procedure notes should be made about the side first operated on and whether the dentist was right- or left-handed. Moreover, special attention should be paid to objects placed in the animal pens so as to avoid the development of inappropriate behaviors in animals.