Introducing a novel analysis technique for osseointegrated dental implants retrieved 29 years postsurgery

To investigate osseointegration of oral implants, which were retrieved from a patient after 29 years in situ, we use novel three-dimensional analysis methods and visualization techniques that supplement conventional two-dimensional analysis.

The sample processing involved nondecalcification and embedment in resin. Conventional two-dimensional histomorphometrical methods were conducted. Additionally, the quantification was extended to three-dimensional by using synchrotron radiation micro-computed tomography (SRµCT) technique and two relevant visualization methods for the three-dimensional data were introduced.

The three-dimensional results involved three-dimensional quantification and visualization of two implant samples with methods beyond state-of-the-art. Traditional two-dimensional histomorphometrical results revealed a mean bone-implant contact (BIC) of about 50%. In most samples, bone area (BA) was lower inside the treads compared with out-folded mirror images, which were confirmed by the three-dimensional quantification. The BIC along four selected regions showed highest percentages in the bottom/valley region and lowest in the thread-peak region. Qualitative observations revealed ongoing bone remodeling areas in all samples. The apical hole demonstrated high osseointegration.

The novel techniques including an animation and an out-folding of BIC and BA enabled a simultaneous visualization of the three-dimensional material obtained from SRµCT data. However, the two-dimensional histological sections were needed for qualitative and quantitative evaluation of osseointegration and, thus, both methods are considered equally important.