[Histomorphometrical studies on the histocompatibility of dental alloys]

The local toxicity (histocompatibility) of 12 dental casting alloys was examined with the aid of quantitative histomorphometry after intramuscular implantation in rabbits. For each alloy examined and each implantation period (2, 4, 8, 12 weeks) two rabbits were used. In each animal eight grooved cylindrical implants of the same alloy were installed in the left paravertebral muscle. Histomorphometric measurements of the thickness of the connective tissue encapsulating the implant were carried out to assess the degree of foreign body reactions caused by the alloys. Histomorphometry revealed significant differences in the thickness of the soft tissue capsule in relation to the length of the implantation period. The study also demonstrated significant differences in capsule thickness for the different dental alloys at equal implantation periods. Quantitative histomorphometry of the thickness of the connective tissue capsule around intramuscularly implanted dental alloys proved to be suitable for examining the histocompatibility of those materials.