Peri-implant bone response to orthodontic loading: Part 1. A histomorphometric study of the effects of implant surface design.

Introduction: Bone response to orthodontic loading was compared histomorphometrically around 2 different types of osseointegrated implants (porous surfaced and machined threaded) to determine their suitability for orthodontic anchorage.

Methods: Five beagles each received 3 implants of each design in contralateral mandibular locations. After a 6-week initial healing period, abutments were placed, and, 1 week later, the 2 mesial implants on each side were orthodontically loaded for 22 weeks. All implants remained osseointegrated throughout orthodontic loading except for 1 threaded implant that loosened. Light miscroscopy and back-scattered scanning electron microscopy were used to compare responses around the 2 implant designs.

Results: Porous-surfaced implants had higher marginal bone levels (P +/- .025) and less relative implant displacement than threaded implants.

Conclusions: Differences in implant surface design can lead to differences in peri-implant bone height and bone-to-implant contact. Porous-surfaced implants might be successful as orthodontic anchorage units.