Histomorphometric analysis of the osseointegration of four different implant surfaces in the femoral epiphyses of rabbits

OBJECTIVES: The surface properties of titanium dental implants are key parameters for rapid and intimate bone-implant contact. The osseointegration of four implant surfaces was studied in the femoral epiphyses of rabbits. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Titanium implants were either grit-blasted with alumina or biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramic particles, coated with a thin octacalcium phosphate (OCP) layer, or prepared by large-grit sand blasting and acid-etched (SLA). After 2 and 8 weeks of implantation, the bone-implant contact and bone growth inside the chambers were compared. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and profilometry showed distinct microtopographies. RESULTS: The alumina-Ti, BCP-Ti and OCP-Ti groups had similar average surface roughness in the 1-2 mum range whereas the SLA surface was significantly higher with a roughness averaging 4.5 microm. Concerning the osseointegration, the study demonstrated a significantly greater bone-to-implant contact for both the SLA and OCP-Ti surfaces as compared with the grit-blasted surfaces, alumina- and BCP-Ti at both 2 and 8 weeks of healing. CONCLUSION: In this animal model, a biomimetic calcium phosphate coating gave similar osseointegration to the SLA surface. This biomimetic coating method may enhance the apposition of bone onto titanium dental implants.