A method of obtaining an epithelial attachment on an endosseous implant

An attempt was made to obtain a soft-tissue seal around the neck of an endosseous implant using a section of root from another tooth in the oral cavity. Six implants were placed bilaterally in the mandibular first molar regions of three monkeys. Four of the six implants were lost during the experimental period. In at least three of the four situations, it was apparent that the animals had removed the implants despite chair restraint. On the basis of clinical evaluation of all implants and histologic examination of the two remaining implants, it was concluded that an epithelial attachment was not present. The absence of an attachment may have been caused by chronic inflammation around the implant wafer. While an epithelial attachment could not be demonstrated in this experiment, it is felt that the rationale for this research project remains valid. Several potential improvements in methodology are suggested.