A comparative study of osseointegration of titanium implants in corticocancellous block and corticocancellous chip grafts in canine ilium.

PURPOSE

This study was undertaken to compare the relative rates and extent of osseointegration of dental implants when placed simultaneously with either corticocancellous block or particulate corticocancellous bone grafts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using the canine ilium as a model site, the implants were placed so that each served as its own control. The implants were harvested at 1, 2, or 3 months for evaluation by light microscopy, microradiography, and histomorphometry.

RESULTS

Both types of grafts were determined to be viable by microscopic evaluation of fluorescent labels. Qualitatively there appeared to be greater bone density in the corticocancellous block graft implant sites. At 3 months, the block graft implant sites had a level of osseointegration (59.6%) that approximated the control implant sites (65.2%), but was significantly greater than the particulate graft sites (39.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

These results indicate that implants in corticocancellous block grafts develop osseointegration more rapidly than those in particulate bone grafts. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.