ABSTRACT
This article presents a histologic evaluation of three hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated root-form implants retrieved from humans after being in function for 3.5 to 11 years. If the coronal portion, where bone loss was observed clinically and radiographically, is excluded, all implants appeared to be well osseointegrated, with intimate contact between the surrounding bone and the coating. There was no sign of resorption or dissolution of the HA coating. The coating had a uniform thickness (50 microm) equal to the thickness originally provided by the manufacturer In the few areas where there was no bone contact, the HA coating appeared to line the implant with no sign of dissolution. The few detached particles had tight contact with the bone, demonstrating the biocompatibility of the HA. The observations from the three reported cases suggest that the HA coating of dental implants may not be susceptible to resorption or dissolution under long-term function.
Subject(s)
Coated Materials, Biocompatible , Dental Implants, Single-Tooth , Durapatite , Maxilla/pathology , Tooth Root , Adult , Alveolar Bone Loss/diagnostic imaging , Biocompatible Materials/chemistry , Bone Remodeling , Bone Resorption/diagnostic imaging , Coated Materials, Biocompatible/chemistry , Dental Restoration Failure , Device Removal , Durapatite/chemistry , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Male , Maxilla/diagnostic imaging , Maxilla/surgery , Microscopy, Polarization , Middle Aged , Osseointegration , Radiography, Bitewing , Radiography, Panoramic , Solubility , Surface PropertiesABSTRACT
Full-thickness periosteal flap surgery is often accompanied by potential marginal bone loss and/or soft tissue recession. This is critical, particularly for the single-unit implant-supported restoration in the anterior maxilla, where the harmony of the soft and hard tissue architecture is of paramount importance to the development of natural aesthetics and function. This article demonstrates a flapless implant surgery technique in the anterior maxilla for optimal aesthetic results. The indications and limitations of this procedure are also discussed.
