A Comparison Study of the Osseointegration of Zirconia and Titanium Dental Implants. A Biomechanical Evaluation in the Maxilla of Pigs

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the osseointegration of microstructured zirconia implants in comparison with sandblasted and acid‐etched (SLA) titanium implants in a biomechanical study. Materials: Zirconia implants (4.1 mm in diameter, 10 mm in length) were produced using a new low pressure injection molding technique. After that the implants were acid‐etched with hydrofluoric acid. Standard Ti‐SLA implants of the exact same shape served as controls. Six months after extraction of incisors 2 and 3, 16 adult pigs received a total of 64 implants in the maxillae. After 4, 8, and 12 weeks the animals were sacrificed, and 59 implants could be analyzed to removal torque (RTQ) testing. Results: The mean RTQ values for zirconia implants were 42.4 Ncm at 4 weeks, 69.6 Ncm at 8 weeks, and 69.3 Ncm at 12 weeks of healing, whereas RTQ values for the Ti‐SLA implants were 42.1 Ncm, 75.0 Ncm, and 73.1 Ncm at corresponding time intervals. There is no statistical difference in RTQ values between Ti‐SLA and zirconia implants at 8 weeks. Conclusions: Within the limits of the present study it was concluded that acid‐etching of zirconia implants enhances bone apposition resulting in RTQ values which were equivalent to that of Ti‐SLA.     

Comparison of removal torques between laser-treated and SLA-treated implant surfaces in rabbit tibiae

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare removal torques and surface topography between laser treated and sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched (SLA) treated implants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Laser-treated implants (experimental group) and SLA-treated implants (control group) 8 mm in length and 3.4 mm in diameter were inserted into both sides of the tibiae of 12 rabbits. Surface analysis was accomplished using a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM; Hitachi S-4800; Japan) under ×25, ×150 and ×1,000 magnification. Surface components were analyzed using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Rabbits were sacrificed after a 6-week healing period. The removal torque was measured using the MGT-12 digital torque meter (Mark-10 Co., Copiague, NY, USA).

RESULTS

In the experimental group, the surface analysis showed uniform porous structures under ×25, ×150 and ×1,000 magnification. Pore sizes in the experimental group were 20-40 mm and consisted of numerous small pores, whereas pore sizes in the control group were 0.5-2.0 mm. EDS analysis showed no significant difference between the two groups. The mean removal torque in the laser-treated and the SLA-treated implant groups were 79.4 Ncm (SD = 20.4; range 34.6-104.3 Ncm) and 52.7 Ncm (SD = 17.2; range 18.7-73.8 Ncm), respectively. The removal torque in the laser-treated surface implant group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P=.004).

CONCLUSION

In this study, removal torque values were significantly higher for laser-treated surface implants than for SLA-treated surface implants.     

Bone response to unloaded titanium implants in the fibula, iliac crest, and scapula: an animal study in the Yorkshire pig

The reconstruction of extended maxillary and mandibular defects with prefabricated free flaps is a two stage procedure, that allows immediate function with implant supported dentures. The appropriate delay between prefabrication and reconstruction depends on the interfacial strength of the bone-implant surface. The purpose of this animal study was to evaluate the removal torque of unloaded titanium implants in the fibula, the scapula and the iliac crest. Ninety implants with a sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) surface were tested after healing periods of 3, 6, and 12 weeks, respectively. Removal torque values (RTV) were collected using a computerized counterclockwise torque driver. The bicortical anchored 8mm implants in the fibula revealed values of 63.73 Ncm, 91.50 Ncm, and 101.83 Ncm at 3, 6, and 12 weeks, respectively. The monocortical anchorage in the iliac crest showed values of 71.40 Ncm, 63.14 Ncm, and 61.59 Ncm with 12 mm implants at the corresponding times. The monocortical anchorage in the scapula demonstrated mean RTV of 62.28 Ncm, 97.63 Ncm, and 99.7 Ncm with 12 mm implants at 3, 6, and 12 weeks, respectively. The study showed an increase of removal torque with increasing healing time. The interfacial strength for bicortical anchored 8mm implants in the fibula was comparable to monocortical anchored 12 mm implants in the iliac crest and the scapula at the corresponding times. The resistance to shear seemed to be determined by the type of anchorage (monocortical vs. bicortical) and the length of the implant with greater amount of bone-implant interface.     

The anchorage of Brånemark and ITI implants of different lengths. I. An experimental study in the canine mandible

Abstract: The anchorage of machined Brånemark and ITI TPS‐coated implants of various lengths was investigated in an animal model. Brånemark fixtures 7 and 10 mm long and ITI implants 6 and 10 mm long were inserted in the mandible of dogs and were reverse‐torqued after 3 months of healing. The failing mode was different for the two implant systems. For the ITI implants, loosening coincided with the peak reverse‐torque values. For the Brånemark fixtures, two reverse‐torque values were identified and recorded, a ‘start to rotate’ and a peak value. The ‘start to rotate’ values for the 7 and 10 mm Brånemark fixtures were 36.67 and 38.57 Ncm, respectively, the peak values were 61.88 and 69.13 Ncm. The increase in implant length from 7 to 10 mm did not significantly improve the anchorage. The mean reverse‐torque values for the 6‐ and 10‐mm ITI implants were 104.66 and 192.25 Ncm, respectively; the difference was statistically significant. The mean removal torque of the 6‐mm ITI implant was higher than the 7‐ and 10‐mm Brånemark implants. It is suggested that the distinct anchorage magnitude and the distinct loosening patterns registered for both implant systems might be related to the various surface states. The latter might account for the different failure tendencies mentioned in the literature for short Brånemark and ITI implants.     

Effect of bisphosphonates on anodized and heat-treated titanium surfaces: an animal experimental study

Background: Recent investigations reported that osseointegration of titanium implants can be significantly reinforced with a nanostructure treated with anodic oxidation and heat treatment. This experimental study investigates the effect of bisphosphonates on the nanotubular implant surface in rats. Methods: Thirty‐six titanium implants were divided into three groups: 1) machine‐turned (MT), 2) anodized and heat‐treated (AH), and 3) anodized and heat‐ and bisphosphonate‐treated (AHB) groups. The 36 implants were randomly placed in both tibias of 18 male Wistar rats. After 2 and 4 weeks, the levels of osseointegration of the implants were evaluated by a removal torque test and microcomputerized tomography (μCT). Peri‐implant bone tissue on the extracted region was examined for the expression of type I collagen and osteocalcin. Results: The AHB group showed the highest removal torque at 2 and 4 weeks (13.92 ± 1.51 Ncm and 18.10 ± 2.15 Ncm, respectively) followed, in order, by the AH group (11.63 ± 1.58 Ncm at 2 weeks and 14.80 ± 2.34 Ncm at 4 weeks) and MT group (4.30 ± 0.76 Ncm at 2 weeks and 6.20 ± 1.33 Ncm at 4 weeks) with statistically significant differences between the MT and other two groups at both time points. μCT images also revealed a denser appearance around implants in the AHB group than in the other groups. Levels of type I collagen and osteocalcin expression were similar between the MT and AH groups; however, the values were significantly higher in the AHB group compared to the other groups, which were 220.85% ± 71.09% and 363.04% ± 100.21%, respectively (P <0.05). Conclusion: Within the limits of this experiment, it was concluded that surface loading with bisphosphonates significantly improved the degree of osseointegration of titanium implants with a nanostructure.     

The influence of cyclosporin a on mechanical retention of dental implants previously integrated to the bone: a study in rabbits

BACKGROUND: Immunosuppressive agents may induce severe changes on bone metabolism and may impair the osseointegration process during the implant healing. No data are available concerning the influence of cyclosporin A on dental implants previously integrated to the bone. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of cyclosporin A administration on the mechanical retention of bone previously integrated to dental implants. METHODS: Eighteen female New Zealand rabbits were submitted to an implant surgery. Each animal received one commercial dental implant of 10 x 3.75 mm. After 12 weeks of an undisturbed healing period, six animals were randomly sacrificed and the removal torque test was performed (group A). In addition, six animals were submitted to a daily injection of cyclosporin A in a dosage of 10 mg/kg (group C), and six animals received saline solution as a control (group B). After 12 weeks of cyclosporin A administration, groups B and C were sacrificed and submitted to a removal torque test in which higher values can be interpreted as higher mechanical bone retention to the implant surface or higher osseointegration. RESULTS: The removal torque results were 30.5 (+/-9.8) Ncm for group A, 50.17 (+/-17.5) Ncm for group B, and 26 (+/-7.8) Ncm for group C. The statistical analysis showed significant differences between groups A and B (P <0.05) and groups B and C (P <0.01). CONCLUSION: Cyclosporin A administration may impair the mechanical retention of dental implants previously integrated to the bone.     

Evaluation of a New Titanium‐Zirconium Dental Implant: A Biomechanical and Histological Comparative Study in the Mini Pig

Background: Titanium zirconium alloy with 13–17% zirconium (TiZr1317) shows significantly better mechanical attributes than pure Ti with respect to elongation and fatigue strength. This material may be suitable for thin implants and implant components exposed to high mechanical constraints. Purpose: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that TiZr1317 and Ti implants show comparable osseointegration and stability. Materials and Methods: The mandibular premolars (P1, P2, P3) and the first molar (M1) in 12 adult miniature pigs were extracted 3 months prior to the study. Six specially designed implants made from Ti (commercially pure, Grade 4) or TiZr1317 (Roxolid®, Institut Straumann AG, Basel, Switzerland) with a hydrophilic sandblasted and acid‐etched (SLActive, Institut Straumann AG, Basel, Switzerland) surface were placed in each mandible; three standard implants modified for evaluation of removal torque (RT) in one side and three bone‐chamber implants for histologic observations in the contralateral side. RT tests were performed after 4 weeks when also the bone chamber implants and surrounding tissue were biopsied for histologic analyses in ground sections. Results: The RT results indicated significantly higher stability (p = 0.013) for TiZr1317 (230.9 ± 22.4 Ncm) than for Ti implants (204.7 ± 24.0 Ncm). The histology showed similar osteoconductive properties for both implant types. Histomorphometric measurements showed a statistically significant higher (p = 0.023) bone area within the chamber for the TiZr1317 implants (45.5 ± 13.2%) than did the Ti implants (40.2 ± 15.2%). No difference was observed concerning the bone to implant contact between the groups with 72.3 ± 20.5% for Ti and 70.2 ± 17.3% for TiZr1317 implants. Conclusion: It is concluded that the TiZr1317 implant with a hydrophilic sandblasted and acid‐etched surface showed similar or even stronger bone tissue responses than the Ti control implant     

Clinical Outcome of Dental Implants Placed with High Insertion Torques (Up to 176 Ncm)

Background: Primary stability can be improved by using a tapered implant in a slightly underprepared implant site. This may lead to high compression forces and elevated insertion torques. It has been postulated that disturbance of the local microcirculation may occur, leading to necrosis of the osteocytes and bone resorption. Purpose: Report on the clinical outcome of 42 implants placed with an insertion torque equal or greater than 70 Ncm and evaluate bone levels around these implants. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 48 patients treated with 66 4.5 mm diameter Tapered Screw‐Vent implants (Zimmer Dental®, Carlsbad, CA, USA). Maximum insertion torque (MIT) was recorded with an electronic torque measuring device (Tohnichi® STC200CN, Hitachi, Tokyo, Japan). Nine implants (control group) presented MIT between 30 and 50 Ncm (mean = 37.1 Ncm) and 42 implants (experimental group) MIT greater than 70 Ncm (mean = 110.6 Ncm, range: 70.8–176 Ncm). Marginal bone levels were recorded at the time of loading and 1 year later for the two groups. Results: After 2–3 months of non‐sumerged healing, all implants were clinically stable. Mean marginal bone resorption was 1.03 mm (SD = 0.44) for the control group (low torque) and 0.72 mm (SD = 0.56) for the experimental group (high torque) at time of loading, and 1.09 (SD = 0.62) and 1.24 mm (SD = 0.75), respectively, after 1 year. There were no significant differences between the two groups for bone stability and implant success rate. Conclusions: The use of high insertion torques (up to 176 Ncm) did not prevent osseointegration. Marginal bone levels in the control and experimental groups were similar both at the time of loading and 1 year later.     

Effects of a novel calcium titanate coating on the osseointegration of blasted endosseous implants in rabbit tibiae

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a nanostructured calcium coating on the surfaces of blasted Ti implants on peri-implant bone formation in the rabbit tibiae. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Threaded implants (3.75 mm in diameter, 6 mm in length) were roughened by hydroxyapatite (HA) blasting (control; blasted implants). The implants were then hydrothermally treated in a Ca-containing solution for 24 h to prepare Ca-incorporated Ti surfaces (experimental; blasted/Ca implants). Surface characterizations were performed by scanning electron microscopy and stylus profilometry before and after Ca coating. Forty-two implants (21 control and 21 experimental) were placed in the proximal tibiae of seven New Zealand White rabbits. Each rabbit received six implants. To evaluate the effects of the nanostructured Ca coating on the peri-implant bone-healing response, removal torque tests and histomorphometric analyses were performed 6 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: The Ca coating did not significantly change the surface properties produced by blasting at the micron level. Histologically, active bone apposition was observed in the blasted/Ca implants in the marrow space. Compared with the blasted implants, the blasted/Ca implants showed significantly increased bone-to-implant contact over the total implant length (P<0.01) and greater mean removal torque values (P<0.05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The nanostructured, Ca-incorporated surface significantly enhanced the peri-implant bone-healing response of HA-blasted Ti implants. It may be concluded that the use of nanostructured, Ca-coated surfaces may have synergic effects in enhancing osseointegration of blasted Ti implants due to their micron-scaled surface properties and biologically active surface chemistry.     

Removal torque of immediately loaded transitional endosseous implants in human subjects

PURPOSE: Transitional implants were designed to support provisional restorations and to allow for load-free osseointegration of conventional implants while a patient was provided with immediate esthetics and function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the removal torque values of immediately loaded transitional implants in human subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one 1.8-mm-diameter transitional implants were placed in 4 patients to support provisional restorations and were subjected to immediate loading. Removal torque values were recorded using a modified ITI torque driver, which was calibrated on an Instron test machine. Torque values were subjected to analysis of variance and post hoc comparisons of means (P < .05). RESULTS: Twenty-six implants were removed intact with torque values between 10.5 and 22.9 Ncm, while 5 fractured at the bone crest at values between 27.1 and 35.4 Ncm. Mean torque values increased with time in function. These values were significantly lower in the maxilla (16.1 +/- 4.8 Ncm) than in the mandible (24.0 +/- 7.3 Ncm). DISCUSSION: Results suggest that these transitional implants may be safely removed from the maxilla after 7 to 15 months, but there is a risk of implant fracture during removal from the mandible after 10 months. CONCLUSION: Removal torque levels for these implants indicate varying degrees of integration even though they were subjected to immediate loading.     

Peripheral quantitative computer tomographic,histomorphometric, and removal torque analyses of two different non‐coated implants in a rabbit model

Objective: The objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the bone–tissue response to zirconia and titanium implants at the implant‐to‐bone interface and at the periosteal level and (2) to quantitatively measure the mineral density of the peri‐implant bone using peripheral quantitative computer tomography (pQCT). Material and methods: Ten 3.5 mm × 6.6 mm screw‐shaped threaded implants fabricated from titanium and zirconia were inserted into the mid‐tibial diaphysis of five male New Zealand white rabbits. Calcein green was administered at 4 weeks post‐implantation. The animals were sacrificed after 6 weeks and implants were retrieved and analyzed in terms of bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC), bone area (BA), mineralized surface (MS) percentage, inter‐thread calcein labels, removal torque (RT) values, as well as pQCT measurements. Findings: No statistically significant differences were detected between the zirconia and titanium implants in terms of BIC, RT, and pQCT. However, statistically significant higher BA and MS levels were found in the titanium group, while the higher amount of calcein labels occupying the threads were found in the zirconium group. Significant differences were also found in the quantity and the composition of bone at the bone–implant interfacial area vs. the region 1.5 mm away from the bone–implant interface, irrespective of the implant type. Conclusion: Zirconia implants demonstrated a lower bone remodeling activity in the periosteal region. The bone at the bone–implant interface shows a significantly lower cortical bone density, a higher trabecular density, and trabecular mineral content. Finally, zirconia and titanium implants showed similar bone–implant responses in terms of BIC and RT. To cite this article:
Shin D, Blanchard SB, Ito M, Chu T‐MG. Peripheral quantitative computer tomographic, histomorphometric, and removal torque analyses of two different non‐coated implants in a rabbit model.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 22 , 2011; 242–250.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.01980.x     

Histomorphometric and removal torque analysis for TiO2-blasted titanium implants. An experimental study on dogs

The aim of the present study was to compare the anchorage of TiO2-blasted screw and cylindrical implants with conventionally used machine-produced screw and cylindrical implants inserted immediately in extraction sockets on dogs. 6 adult mongrel dogs had 3rd and 4th mandibular premolars extracted bilaterally and 24 commercial pure titanium implants were placed immediately in extraction sockets and covered with mucoperiosteum. Each dog had inserted 4 implants: 1 screw implant and 1 cylindrical implant blasted with titanium-dioxide-particles; 1 screw implant and 1 cylindrical implant with machine-produced (m.p.) surface (controls). After a healing period of 12 weeks, 16 implants from 4 animals were used for removal torque test, which demonstrated that significantly higher removal torque force was needed to unscrew the implants blasted with titanium-dioxide-particles, than the normal m.p. implants. The medians for the TiO2-blasted screw and cylindrical implants were > 150 Ncm and 105 Ncm, respectively, while the values for the m.p. implants were 60 Ncm and 35 Ncm, respectively. The SEM investigation demonstrated a high irregularity of the TiO2-blasted surface compared to the machined surface. The Ra and Rz values for surface roughness were higher for the TiO2-blasted implants than for the normal m.p. implants. Histomorphometrically, the arithmetic mean of the direct bone-implant contact fraction was 69%. There was no significant difference in direct bone-implant contact length fraction between TiO2-blasted implants and the control implants. The implants blasted with titanium-dioxide-particles in this study showed a better anchorage than implants with a machine-produced surface. The screw implants showed a better anchorage than the cylindrical implants.     

Improved retention and bone-tolmplant contact with fluoride-modified titanium implants

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether a fluoride modification of the titanium surface would have an effect on bone response after implantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Titanium-oxide-blasted titanium implants with and without fluoride modification were investigated in a rabbit tibia model. Quantitative analysis of surface roughness, biomechanical interlocking, and in vivo tissue reactions in rabbit bone at 1 and 3 months after placement were compared. RESULTS: The fluoride-modified test implants had a slightly smoother surface (Sa: 0.91 +/- 0.14 microm) than the unmodified control implants (Sa: 1.12 +/- 0.24 microm). Significantly higher removal torque values (85 +/- 16 Ncm vs 54 +/- 12 Ncm) and shear strength between bone and implants (23 +/- 9 N/mm2 vs 15 +/- 5 N/mm2) were measured for the fluoride-modified implants after 3 months. The histomorphometric evaluations demonstrated higher bone-to-implant contact for test implants at 1 month (35% +/- 14% vs 26% +/- 8%) and 3 months (39% +/- 11% vs 31% +/- 6%) after placement. DISCUSSION: Implant surface modification with fluoride may result in morphologic and physiochemical phenomena that are of significance for the bone response. Another possible explanation for the findings in the present study is that a surface modification changes the surface chemical structures to be more suitable for bone bonding. CONCLUSION: Based on the biomechanical and histomorphometric data, the fluoride-modified titanium implants demonstrated a firmer bone anchorage than the unmodified titanium implants. These implants achieved greater bone integration than unmodified titanium implants after a shorter healing time.     

Critical bending moment of implant-abutment screw joint interfaces: effect of torque levels and implant diameter

PURPOSE: Critical bending moment (CBM), the moment at which the external nonaxial load applied overcomes screw joint preload and causes loss of contact between the mating surfaces of the implant screw joint components, was measured with 2 types of implants and 2 types of abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using 4 test groups of 5 implant-abutment pairs, CBM at the implant-abutment screw joint was measured at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the manufacturer's recommended torque levels. Regular Platform (RP) Nobel Biocare implants (3.75 mm diameter), Wide Platform (WP) Nobel Biocare implants (5.0 mm diameter), CeraOne abutments, and Multiunit abutments were used. Microstrain was measured as loads were applied to the abutment at various distances from the implant-abutment interface. Strain instrumentation logged the strain data dynamically to determine the point of gap opening. All torque applications and strain measurements were repeated 5 times. RESULTS: For the CeraOne-RP group, the mean CBMs were 17.09 Ncm, 35.35 Ncm, 45.63 Ncm, and 62.64 Ncm at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the recommended torque level, respectively. For the CeraOne-WP group, mean CBMs were 28.29 Ncm, 62.97 Ncm, 92.20 Ncm, and 127.41 Ncm; for the Multiunit-RP group, 16.08 Ncm, 21.55 Ncm, 34.12 Ncm, and 39.46 Ncm; and for the Multiunit-WP group, 15.90 Ncm, 32.86 Ncm, 43.29 Ncm, and 61.55 Ncm at the 4 different torque levels. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (P < .001) revealed significant effects for the test groups (F = 2738.2) and torque levels (F = 2969.0). DISCUSSION: The methodology developed in this study allows confirmation of the gap opening of the screw joint for the test groups and determination of CBM at different torque levels. CONCLUSION: CBM was found to differ among abutment systems, implant diameters, and torque levels. The torque levels recommended by the manufacturer should followed to ensure screw joint integrity.     

Influence of cyclosporin A therapy on bone healing around titanium implants: a histometric and biomechanic study in rabbits

BACKGROUND: Immunosuppressive agents may induce severe changes on bone metabolism. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the influence of the administration of cyclosporin A (CsA) on the bone tissue around titanium implants. METHODS: Eighteen New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups of 9 each. The test group (CsA) received daily subcutaneous injection of CsA (10 mg/kg body weight) and the control group (CTL) received saline solution by the same administration route. Three days after therapy began, 2 implants (7.0 mm long and 3.75 mm in diameter) were inserted bilaterally at the region of the tibial methaphysis. After 4, 8, and 12 weeks the animals were sacrificed and biomechanical tests and histometrical procedures, consisting of the determination of the percentages of bone-implant contact and bone area within the limits of the implant threads, were performed. RESULTS: Intergroup analysis showed that the removal torque and the percentage of bone contact with the implant surface for CsA group were significantly lower than those of the CTL group at 12 weeks (28.5 and 39.2 N cm, P = 0.01; 7.76% and 18.52%, P = 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSION: The data from the present study suggest that long-term administration of cyclosporin A may negatively influence bone healing around dental implants.     

An in vitro investigation of peak insertion torque values of six commercially available mini-implants

This study compared peak insertion torque values of six commercially available self-drilling mini-implants [Mini Spider? screw (1.5 × 8 mm), Infinitas? (1.5 × 9 mm), Vector TAS? (1.4 × 8 mm), Dual Top? (1.6 × 8 mm), Tomas Pin? (1.6 × 8 mm), and Ortho-Easy? (1.7 × 6, 8, and 10 mm)]. Twenty implants each were drilled into acrylic rods at a speed of 8 rpm using a motorized torque measurement stand, and the values were recorded in Newton centimetres (Ncm). A further 20 Ortho-Easy? implants with a length of 6 and 10 mm were tested at 8 rpm; 20 implants of 6 mm length were also tested at 4 rpm. Kaplan-Meier estimates of the peak torque values were compared using the log-rank test with multiple comparisons evaluated by Sidak's test. There were significant differences in the maximum torque values for different mini-implants with the same length. The Mini Spider? screw and Infinitas? showed the lowest average torque values (6.5 and 12.4 Ncm) compared with Vector TAS?, Dual ToP?, Tomas Pin?, and Ortho-Easy? (30.9, 29.4, 25.4, and 24.8 Ncm, respectively). There was no correlation between the diameter of the implants and torque values. The Tomas Pin? showed the largest standard deviation (7.7 Ncm) and the Dual Top? implant the smallest (0.6 Ncm). Different insertion speeds did not result in significant differences in peak torque values but the 6 mm mini-implants showed significantly higher torque values than the 8 and 10 mm implants. Using a 'torque limiting' screwdriver or pre-drilling cortical bone to reduce insertion, torque appears justified for some of the tested implants.     

Removal torques of conical, tapered implant abutments: the effects of anodization and reduction of surface area

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of anodization (surface coating) and reduction of internal Morse taper surface area on the reversal torque values of Straumann ITI dental implants and abutments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty ITI solid screw implants were mated with corresponding 5.5-mm solid abutments. The assemblies were divided into 4 test groups of 20 specimens. All abutments were torque tightened into the implant to 35 Ncm. Half of the abutments were anodized and half were in their as-machined state. Each of these 2 groups included half of the implants with the standard internal Morse taper configuration and half with the synOcta (Straumann USA, Waltham, MA) internal positioning interface (indexed). Torque removal testing was then performed on the assemblies. The 4 groups were compared statistically to examine the effect of the 2 variables (anodization and reduction in surface area). Scheffe's test for multiple comparisons was used to compare groups at an adjusted significance level of < or = .05. RESULTS: Torque removal of all specimens revealed that the indexed implant with the non-anodized abutment demonstrated superior removal torque. DISCUSSION: The indexed and standard implants with anodized abutments, and the standard implant with the non-anodized abutment had lower reversal torque values. CONCLUSION: The addition of the indexed internal surface to the ITI implant did not have deleterious effect on the resistance to loosening of standard solid abutments.     

Dose-dependent effect of radiation on resorbable blast material titanium implants: an experimental study in rabbits

Background: Radiotherapy is a commonly used treatment modality in head and neck cancer; however, it also negatively affects healthy structures. Direct damage to oral soft and hard tissue frequently occurs with radiotherapy. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of radiotherapy on bone surrounding titanium dental implants via biomechanical and molecular methods.

Materials and methods: Fifty-four implants were inserted in the left tibiae of 18 adult male New Zealand rabbits (3 implants in each rabbit). After 4 weeks of the implant surgery, the left tibiae of 12 rabbits were subjected to a single dose of irradiation (15?Gy or 30?Gy). Four weeks after the irradiation, rabbits were sacrificed and removal torque test was done for the biomechanical evaluation. Bone morphogenetic protein-2 (Bmp-2) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (Fgf-2) expression analyses were performed with Real-time PCR. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS.

Results: The control group showed significantly higher removal torque value than the 15 and 30?Gy irradiation groups, and the 15?Gy irradiation group had higher removal torque value than the 30?Gy irradiation group (p?p?p?p?Conclusion: Radiotherapy with 15 and 30?Gy doses can adversely affect osseointegration of implants by reducing the quality of bone and impairing the bone-to-implant contact. The mechanism of action seems to be related to alterations in Bmp-2 and Fgf-2 mRNA expressions.     

The effect of water pyrolysis on the removal torque of titanium implant inserted in rabbit tibias

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of oxidation with water pyrolysis (OWP) method on titanium (Ti) implants by comparing the bonding strength between bone and Ti implants that were inserted in the proximal tibia metaphysic of a rabbit for 12 weeks. The removal torque was measured to evaluate the bonding strength for different Ti implants with and without the OWP method. Material and methods: Nine sets of threaded Ti implants (ASTM grade 2) of diameter 3.75 mm and length 5 mm were prepared for the experiment. Each set was composed of four specimens; one was machine‐prepared (group D) and the other three were threaded followed by the OWP method at 300°C (group A), 600°C (group B), and 800°C (group C) for 10 min, respectively. Each set was used for each adult rabbit. To eliminate the effect of the sites or the legs, each rabbit received all four implants, two in the left and two in the right leg, inserted in the proximal tibia metaphyses of the left leg, using a fixed block randomization. After 12 weeks, removal torque tests were carried out. Results: The mean removal torque for the control group D was 16.19 N cm, while the mean removal torque values for the OWP groups A, B, and C were 26.75, 31.51, and 41.05 N cm, respectively. The removal torques obtained from the OWP groups B and C (showing the rutile oxide structure) were significantly greater than that for the control group by Bonferroni's‐corrected Wilcoxon's signed‐rank test (P<0.05). Conclusion: The strongest bonding between bone and group C (OWP method at 800°C) was confirmed by the comparison of removal torques. To cite this article:
S‐H Park, WB Song, KH Kim, DJ Soe, S‐A Cho. The effect of water pyrolysis on the removal torque of titanium implant inserted in rabbit tibias.
Clin. Oral Impl. Res. 22 , 2011; 157–164.
doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐0501.2010.01971.x     

Quantitative and qualitative investigations of surface enlarged titanium and titanium alloy implants

Screw shaped implants of commercially pure (c.p.) titanium and titanium-6aluminum-4vanadium (Ti₆AI₄V) were blasted with particles of TiO₂ of mean sizes of 25 μm (Group I) and 7.5 μm (Group II) and inserted in rabbit bone for 3 months. The surface roughness of the implants was examined and quantified with an optical scanning 3-dimensional instrument (TopScan 3D system), revealing the two alloy surfaces in each group had similar surface roughness. Biomechanical (removal torque) tests showed the c.p. titanium implants to be significantly more stable in the bone bed than those of Ti₆AI₄V. In Group I, the c.p titanium implants demonstrated a mean removal torque of 38 N cm while the Ti₆AI₄V demonstrated a mean removal torque of 27 Ncm (P=0.004). Group II implants revealed a mean removal torque of 70 Ncm for the c.p. ti and 50 Ncm for the alloy samples (P=0.003). The removal torque values were converted to shear forces/strengths by three calculation methods, based on (a) the entire length of the implant surface in the cortical region, (b) the thickness of the cortical bone measured in close vicinity to the thread peaks and *lpar;c) the bone-metal contact length measured on the non-unscrewed neighbouring implants. Group I: (a) the c.p. ti implants revealed a mean shear force of 4 vs a mean of 3 N/mm² for the alloy samples. Shear strengths based on (b); were 8 for c.p. ti vs 6 N/mm² for the alloy. The mean shear strength/force if calculated according to (c) revealed 23 for c.p. ti vs 18 N/mm² for the alloy. Corresponding numbers for Group II; (a) cp. ti 8 compared to 6 N/mm² for the alloy, (b) c.p. ti demonstrated a mean value of 17 vs 11 N/mm² for the alloy. According to method (c); c.p. ti had a mean shear strength of 26 vs 22 N/mm² for the alloy samples. Histomorphometrical comparisons were performed on 10 urn thick undecalcified ground sections in the light microscope. In both Group I and Group II, the calculations of the mean bone-to-metal contact demonstrated more bone in contact to the c-p. titanium implants than to the Ti₆AI₄V ones. Whereas comparisons of the bone volume inside the threads demonstrated slightly higher bone volumes around the alloy samples, no statistically significant difference was obtained between the two materials histomorphometrically.