ABSTRACT
STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Many studies have been conducted to improve the primary stability of implants by providing bioactive surfaces via surface treatments. Increase of surface roughness may increase osteoblast activity and promote stronger bonding between bone and implant surface and it has been reported that bioactive surface or titanium can be obtained through alkali and heat treatment. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stability of alkali and heat treated implants via histomorphometric analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Specimens were divided into three groups; group 1 was the control group with machined surface, the other groups were treated for 24 hours in 5 M NaOH solution and heat treated for 1 hour at 600degrees C in the atmosphere (group 2) and vacuum (group 3) conditions respectively. Surface characteristics were analyzed and fixtures were implanted into rabbits. The specimens were histologically and histomorphometrically compared according to healing periods and change in bone composition were analyzed with EPMA (Electron Probe Micro Analyzer). RESULTS: 1. Groups treated with alkali and heat showed increase of oxidization layer and Na ions. Groups 2 which was heat treated in atmosphere showed significant increase of surface roughness (P<.05). 2. Histomorphometric analysis showed significant increase in BIC (bone to implant contact) according to increase in healing period and there was significant increases in groups 2 and 3 (P<.05). 3. BA(bone area) ratio showed similar results as contact ratio, but according to statistical analysis there was significant increase according to increase in healing period in group 2 only (P<.05). 4. EPMA analysis revealed no difference in gradation of bone composition of K, P, Ca, Ti in surrounding bone of implants according to healing periods but groups 2 and 3 showed increase of Ca and P in the initial stages. CONCLUSION: From the results above, it can be considered that alkali and heat treated implants in the atmosphere have advantages in osseointegration in early stages and may decrease the time interval between implantation and functional adaptation.