Evaluation of sintered titanium fiber composite as a subperiosteal implant.

Seventy-two sintered titanium fiber composite implants were placed subperiosteally and anchored intraosseously on the lateral aspect of 12 dog mandibles. The implants were covered with either Millipore filter, silicone, or left uncovered. Analysis after the animals were killed showed that bone growth into the subperiosteal portion of the implants was maximal at three to six weeks after implantation and remained at a depth of 380 mu through 24 weeks in a majority of the implants. Bone growth into the intraosseous portion also peaked at three to six weeks and remained at 190 to 380 mu through 24 weeks. Covering the implants slowed the rate of osseous ingrowth but did not affect the depth. The implants were well tolerated and the material holds promise for use in oral and maxillofacial surgery.