Evaluation of the peri-implant membrane induced around ceramic dental implants in dogs: a transmission electron...

A description of the supporting tissues of single-crystal sapphire implants which had functioned for twelve months is reported. The tissue was recovered at autopsy. The peri-implant membrane was formed by the action of mastication forces on the implants and consisted of three non-mineralized connective tissue layers. Layer I was composed of collagen fibers. These fibers were oriented parallel to the implant surface. Layer II lacked collagen fibers. This layer was composed of connective tissue materials. Layer III was covered by osteoclasts or osteoblasts. This layer was composed of collagen fibers which radiated to the bone surface. The collagen fiber bundles did not run from the implant fibers to the bone fibers. This peri-implant membrane formed only a hammock-like supporting mechanism. These findings suggest that the implant had been encapsulated by the peri-implant membrane, which failed to distribute masticulation stress to the peripheral tissues. One year after implantation of single-crystal implants, the tissue-implants interface was observed. Non-mineralized connective tissue layers (a "peri-implant membrane") existed at all implant interfaces. The origin of this structure and the role of a peri-implant membrane are discussed.