Peri-implant bone mechanobiology. Review of the literature

The mechanical load applied during bone regeneration in implant treatments influences the early formation of peri-implant bone tissue through the activation of different pathways. The aim of this review was to determine the currently available scientific evidence in this field.

Electronic search in medical databases (Medline, Pubmed and Cochrane Library) of experimental studies in animal models published from 2003 to 2009.

There is scientific evidence that the immediate application of an axial load in implantology stimulates bone formation, as measured by various histomorphometric parameters. Different physiological mechanisms (e.g., production of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2) participate in this effect, although their action has not been fully elucidated.

The precise role of mechanical loading in the osseointegration process remains unknown. Further studies are required to demonstrate the biological mechanisms involved and the load range producing the most effective response and to develop devices for obtaining predictable clinical outcomes.