[Quantitative analysis of nFA/PEEK implant interfaces in Beagle dogs].

PURPOSE

A new synthetic nano-fluorapatite poly-ether-ether-ketone (nFA/PEEK) dental implant in screw type was developed and its biocompatibility and osseointegration ability were evaluated in Beagle dogs.

METHODS

Ten sandblasted and 10 non-sandblasted nFA/PEEK implants were placed in 6 adult Beagle dogs and the bilateral mandibular second and third premolar was extracted and the wounds were healed over 3 months. Three dogs were randomly chosen and executed at the end of 8th and 12th week. To evaluated bone to implant contact(BIC) and mineral apposition rate(MAR), tetracycline was intramuscularly given twice at 10th and 3rd day, before sacrifice respectively. The implants and the surrounding bone as a whole were collected and examined by synchrotron radiation tomography. Undecalcified implant and bone specimens were cut and stained by Van Gieson for a static histomorphometric analysis. The data was analyzed using SPSS18.0 software package.

RESULTS

The implants were demonstrated by synchrotron radiation and connected to most of their bone beds at 8th week. Some new bones were developed into threads of screw implants, while complete osseointegration were noted at 12th week. Sandblasted implants were found to be faster matured. BIC and MAR of sandblasted group (63.34%, 1.51 μm/d) were significantly higher than that of non-sandblasted group (22.97%, 1.34 μm/d) (P<0.05) at 8th week. BIC of sandblasted group (75.49%) was significantly higher than that of non-sandblasted (55.35%) (P<0.05) at 12th week, while MAR was not significantly different between the 2 groups (1.28 μm/d versus 1.27 μm/d). The static parameters showed that bone volume fraction (BV/TV) and trabecular number (Tb.N) of sandblasted group were significantly higher than that of non-sandblasted group, while trabecular spacing (Tb.Sp) was significantly lower (P<0.05); No significant difference was found in trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) between 2 groups (P>0.05). The sandblasting group was more conductive to increase their bone mass.

CONCLUSIONS

Sandblasted synthetic polymer's biomaterial nFA/PEEK has excellent biocompatibility and osteogenic properties, which is better osseointegrated to its bone bed. It will be a promising material as dental implants in the future.