Bone Formation Around One-Stage Implants with a Modified Sandblasted and Acid-Etched Surface: Human Histologic Results at 4 Weeks

The aim of this histologic and histomorphometric study was to evaluate the peri-implant bone formation around one-stage surface-modified implants that were retrieved after a healing period of 4 weeks in humans. Three patients with mandibular partial edentulism participated in the study. An implant was inserted in the posterior mandible of each patient. All implants were retrieved after a 4-week healing period. Before retrieval, all the implants were clinically osseointegrated and immobile. Around all implants, mature compact preexisting bone, lined by newly formed strongly stained bone, was found. The bone-implant contact percentages were 52.0% +/- 2.5%, 61.0% +/- 2.9%, and 42.0% +/- 6.9%, respectively, in the three included patients. These high bone-implant contact percentages observed in an early phase of healing are probably related to the microporous structure of both surfaces and their high hydrophilicity. (Int J Periodontics Restorative Dent 2009; 29: 607-613.)