Long-term study of hydroxylapatite implants in canine alveolar bone

Routine light and fluorescence microscopic examination of hydroxylapatite root implants showed that, in general, bone formed above the original superior surface of the ceramic implant on the lingual crest. In the 40 experimental specimens recovered, 30% also showed new bone completely covering the implant, proceeding from the buccal to the lingual area. Sixty per cent of the specimens that exhibited complete osseous covering were the more posteriorly placed implants from the fourth premolar and the first molar areas. Thirty-three per cent of the specimens exhibited bone formation at or over the superior buccal margin of the implant.