Sharpey fiber bone development in surgically implanted dog mandible. A scanning electron-microscopic study

Ticonium metal implant placed surgically in the previously edentulatized adult dog mandible induced the formation of an extensive Sharpey fiber system. Sharpey's fibers extended from the peri-implant area, deep into alveolar bone. The frequency of Sharpey's fibers and the degree of their mineralization varied from scattered location and unmineralized state to heavy clustering and full mineralization. This study suggests that the formation of Sharpey's fibers and the degree of their mineralization are determined by biophysical forces of pressure received at a given site.