Benchmark performance of anodized vs. sandblasted implant surfaces in an acute dehiscence type defect animal model

Objectives

Crestal bone formation represents a crucial aspect of the esthetic and biological success of dental implants. This controlled preclinical study analyzed the effect of implant surface and implant geometry on de novo crestal bone formation and osseointegration.

Materials and methods

Histological and histomorphometrical analysis was performed to compare three implant groups, i.e., (1) a novel, commercially available, gradient anodized implant, (2) a custom made geometric replica of implant “1”, displaying a superhydrophilic micro-rough large-grit sandblasted and acid-etched surface and (3) a commercially available implant, having the same surface as “2” but a different implant geometry. The study applied a standardized buccal acute-type dehiscence model in minipigs with observation periods of 2 and 8 weeks of healing.

Results

The amount of newly formed crestal bone (BATA) around control group (2) and (3) was significantly increased when compared to the test group (1) at the 8-weeks healing time point. Similar results were obtained for all parameters related to osseointegration and direct bone apposition, to the implant surface (dBIC, VBC, and fBIC), demonstrating superior osseointegration of the moderately rough, compared to the gradient anodized functionalization. After 2 weeks, the osseointegration (nBIC) was found to be influenced by implant geometry with group (3) outperforming group (1) and (2) on this parameter. At 8 weeks, nBIC was significantly higher for group (2) and (3) compared to (1).

Acute dehiscence defect:
Roxolid® SLActive®

Bone healing after 8 weeks:
Roxolid® SLActive®

Acute dehiscence defect:
NobelActive® TiUltra™

Bone healing after 8 weeks:
NobelActive® TiUltra™

Conclusions

The extent (BATA) of de novo crestal bone formation in the acute-type dehiscence defects was primarily influenced by implant surface characteristics and their ability to promote osseointegration and direct bone apposition.
Osseointegration (nBIC) of the apical part was found to be influenced by a combination of surface characteristics and implant geometry. For early healing, implant geometry may have a more pronounced effect on facilitating osseointegration, relative to the specific surface characteristics.