Nicotine and bone density around titanium implants: a histometric study in rabbits

This study investigated the influence of nicotine on bone density around titanium implants inserted in rabbits. Thirty-two New Zealand rabbits were included. After anesthesia, the tibiae surfaces were exposed and two screw-shaped, commercially available, pure titanium implants of 7.0 mm in length and 3.75 mm in diameter were placed bilaterally. A total of 128 implants were inserted: 64 blasted with Al2O3 particles (group 1) and 64 with a machined surface finish (group 2). The animals were randomly assigned to one of four treatment subgroups, and daily subcutaneous injections of nicotine were administered. After 42 days, the animals were killed and undecalcified sections were prepared. The bone density was measured in the cortical passage of the implant. Statistical analysis (two-way analysis of variance) revealed no significant difference neither regarding the effect of nicotine nor the effect of surface design on bone density around the implants (P > 0.05). Within the limits of the present study, it can be assumed that daily nicotine administration may not statistically influence bone density around titanium implants.