Vertical osteoconductive characteristics of titanium implants with calcium-phosphate-coated surfaces - a pilot study in rabbits.

Introduction: Osteoconductive characteristics of different implant surface coatings are in the focus of current interest. The aim of the present study was to compare the vertical osteoconductivity at the implant shoulder of supracrestal inserted calcium-phosphate coated implants (SLA-CaP) with conventional sand-blasted/acid-etched (SLA) implants in a rabbit model.

Materials And Methods: SLA-CaP and SLA implants were inserted bilaterally in the mandible of four rabbits in a split-mouth design. The implants were placed 2 mm supracrestal. After 3 weeks, at the left and right implant shoulder, the percentage of linear bone fill (PLF) as well as bone-implant contact (BIC-D) were determined.

Results: After 3 weeks, newly formed woven bone could be found at the shoulder of the most of both surface-treated implants (75%). PLF was significantly higher in SLA-CaP implants (11.2% vs. 46.5%; n = 8, p = .008). BIC-D was significantly increased in the SLA-CaP implants (13.0% vs. 71.4%; n = 8, p < .001) as well.

Conclusion: The results of this study show for the first time that calcium-phosphate coated surfaces on supracrestal inserted implants have vertical osteoconductive characteristics and increase the bone-implant contact at the implant shoulder significantly in a rabbit model. In clinical long-term settings, these implants may contribute to a better vertical bone height.