Tissue-implant Interface Research Articles

Piezoelectric ceramic implants: in vivo results.

The suitability of barium titanate (BaTiO3) ceramic for direct substitution of hard tissues was evaluated using both electrically stimulated (piezoelectric) and inactive (nonpolarized) test implants. Textured cylindrical specimens, half of them made piezoelectric by polarization in a high electric field, were implanted into the cortex of the midshaft region of the femora of dogs for various periods of time. Interfacial healing and bio-compatibility of the implant material were studied using mechanical, microradiographical, and histological techniques. Our results indicate that barium titanate ceramic shows a very high degree of biocompatibility as evidenced by the absence of inflammatory or foreign body reactions at the implant-tissue interface. Furthermore, the material and its surface porosity allowed a high degree of bone ingrowth as evidenced by microradiography and a high degree of interfacial tensile strength. No difference was found between the piezoelectric and the electrically neutral implant-tissue interfaces. Possible reasons for this are discussed. The excellent mechanical properties of barium titanate, its superior biocompatibility, and the ability of bone to form a strong mechanical interfacial bond with it, makes this material a new candidate for further tests for hard tissue replacement.

The Influence of Functional Use of Endosseous Dental Implants on the Tissue-implant Interface. II. Clinical Aspects

Functional and non-functional endosseous dental implants were clinically compared in beagle mandibles for up to one year post-operatively. Differing biomechanical conditions led to clinical differences between functional and non-functional implants. Typical clinical tests, however, did not always reveal detailed histological differences between implant-tissue interfaces of functional and non-funcional implants.

Clinical, Radiographical, and Histological Evaluation of Porous Rooted Polymethylmethacrylate Dental Implants

Forty-three porous rooted polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) dental implants were inserted into twenty-four dogs. Successful implants were maintained for up to three years. Histological sections with the implants in situ of implants revealed a soft tissue-implant interface similar to natural teeth. Bone and fibrous tissue ingrowth into the pores attached the implant to the bone. Failures were attributed to mechanical weakness of the implant, thin buccal cortical bone, and excessive implant-gingiva interface.