In vivo testing of an experimental endosseous implant design.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test a new implant system with apically expanding, double-hinged wing stabilizers in dogs before human testing.

Methods: Twenty-seven HA-coated endosseous implants were placed in five dog mandibles. The implants were placed into function for 12-weeks after a 12-week healing period. At the end of this period, the implants were evaluated clinically and radiographically. The animals then were killed, allowing for the implants to be evaluated mechanically and histologically.

Results: After the initial healing period, 24 of 27 implants demonstrated osseointegration. Seven of eight implants restored with acrylic resin-fixed partial dentures were stable after the 12-week period of function. However, 17 of 27 implants failed to satisfactorily deploy the apical wing stabilizer system.

Conclusion: This new implant system has a number of design flaws that must be addressed before testing in humans.