2007 Volume 16 Issue 2 Pages 91-93
The aim of this study is to observe the three-dimensional structure of cancellous bone formed around dental implants using micro-CT. Methods: Ti implants (Ti-15%Zr-4%Nb-4%Ta alloy, 2.8mm diameter, 10mm length, machine-polished) were placed in surgically created bone defects in rabbit femurs (New Zealand White Rabbits). The rabbit femurs with the implants were removed 6 weeks after implantation and preserved in formalin. Micro-CT analysis was performed using three types of machine, TOSCANER-31300 mhd® (Voltage: 80 kV, Current: 120 ìA, Focus size: 45ìm, Toshiba Co., Japan), TDM1000® (Voltage: 95 kV, Current: 6 ìA, Focus size: 5 ìm, Yamato Kagaku, Japan) and SkyScan-2011® (Voltage: 80 kV, Current: 200 ìA, Focus size: 0.4ìm, Tohken Co., Japan) and data obtained were compared. The best conditions were taken to obtain the best images for each equipment. Results: Critical conditions for micro-CT analyses included: slice pitch, slice thickness, voltage, current and type of equipment. The smaller the slice spacing and the smaller the slice thickness, the clearer the micro-CT images obtained. Many artifacts appeared with TOSCANER-31300 mhd®, but disappeared with TDM1000®. SkyScan-2011® provided the most detailed images. Micro-CT made possible quantitative analysis of newly formed bone surrounding the dental implants. Conclusion: Micro-CT analysis is a good non-destructive method to obtain three-dimensional structure of trabecular bone with maximum resolution (10 ìm).
