Comparison of 3D-Printed Dental Implants with Threaded Implants for Osseointegration: An Experimental Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Implantology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Traditional threaded dental implants are widely used, but novel designs are being explored to improve osseointegration and stability.
• Three-dimensional (3D)-printing technology offers new possibilities for creating customized implant geometries, potentially enhancing bone healing.
• Evaluating the clinical performance of 3D-printed implants against conventional designs is crucial for advancing dental restorative techniques.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare bone healing and implant stability among three distinct dental implant designs: threaded, 3D-printed without spikes, and 3D-printed with spikes.
• To assess the long-term osseointegration and mechanical stability of novel 3D-printed implant surfaces.
• To provide comparative data on the efficacy of different implant surface topographies for dental applications.

Main Methods:

• Four beagle dogs underwent tooth extractions, followed by the insertion of three types of titanium implants into the edentulous ridges twelve weeks later.
• Implant stability was monitored bi-weekly using resonance frequency analysis, alongside radiographic assessments.
• Post-mortem histomorphometrical analysis evaluated bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and bone area fraction occupied (BAFO) at twelve weeks after surgery.

Main Results:

• Initial implant stability was significantly lower for the 3D-printed implant with spikes compared to the threaded implant (p=0.005).
• No significant differences in implant stability were observed between the groups from surgery up to twelve weeks post-operatively.
• Histomorphometrical analysis revealed no significant differences in BIC (p=0.101) or BAFO (p=0.288) among the three implant types.

Conclusions:

• 3D-printed dental implants without spikes demonstrated comparable implant stability, bone-to-implant contact, and bone area fraction occupied to traditional threaded implants.
• The study suggests that 3D-printed dental implants, particularly those without spikes, can achieve similar osseointegration outcomes as conventional designs.
• Further research may explore the clinical benefits and long-term performance of spike-enhanced 3D-printed implants in human subjects.