Abstract
In the present study we attempted to observe the 3-dimensional morphology during the process of bone calcification at peri-implant tissue, with the use of microcomputed tomography (micro-CT). Six titanium implants were placed in the maxillary bone of 3 beagle bogs. At 4, 8 and 12 weeks after implantation, the dogs were sacrificed and the interface between new bone formation and implants in undecalcified blocks was investigated using micro-CT.
At 4 weeks after implantation, there was little bone formation between host bone and the implant. At 8 weeks after implantation, new bone formation was seen as an extension of calcification from host bone. At 12 weeks after implantation, there were increases of bone volume at the peri-implant tissue. Micro-CT could be used to observe the necked eye figures and quantify the bone remodeling system at peri-implant tissue. This technique has the advantage of enabling 3-dimensional analysis of the interface between the modeling bone and the titanium implant following surgery. In addition, the micro-CT technique allowed examination at higher magnification in this area.
