Experimental studies of the implant-tissue interface.

This comparative study analyzed the epithelial, gingival connective tissue, and osseous tissue interface with clinically and radiographically integrated endosteal dental implants. Undecalcified interfacial tissues were sectioned for both routine transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and for High Voltage Electron Microscopy (HVEM). A protective perimucosal biological seal was formed by regenerating soft tissues (epithelium and connective tissue). Inferior to this protective soft-tissue attachment seal, the apical support complex was shown to vary in morphology. Mineralized bone was closely apposed to significant regions of the implants, separated only by an electron-dense deposit of approximately 20 nm. Osteoblasts were observed adjacent to the implant, as were osteocytes within the underlying supporting bone. Osteoblasts were observed associated with a connective tissue stroma adjacent to the existent mineralized bone. Osteocyte cellular processes extended toward adjacent osteocytes, toward vascular elements, and directly to the implant surface. These observations demonstrate the healthy interface of mineralized tissues with both root-form and blade implants. Mineralization patterns of the bone supporting the implants appeared consistent with normal mandibular maturation patterns.