Regeneration of peri-implant infrabony defects using PerioGlas: a pilot study in rabbits

PerioGlas is a silicate-based synthetic bone augmentation material that has been used to fill periodontal defects with bonding and integration to both soft tissue and bone. The purpose of this research was to determine the PerioGlas interface with titanium dental implants and bone. Seven live rabbits were used; however, one rabbit was euthanized at 3 days as a result of a tibial fracture through the implant placement site. Each rabbit received four 3.3 x 8 mm Imtec titanium plasma-sprayed dental implants, two in each proximal tibia. One implant in each rabbit was placed in the standard fashion. Two implants in each rabbit had a surgically created defect adjacent to one side of the coronal aspect of the implant. The defect was subsequently filled with PerioGlas. One implant in each rabbit had a surgically created defect that was not filled with PerioGlas. The rabbits were sacrificed at 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 24 weeks. Each specimen was prepared for histologic viewing, yielding a nondecalcified specimen demonstrating the interface of bone, implant, and PerioGlas. The results demonstrate peripheral formation of osteoid, followed by bone deposition within the defect from host (surgical margin) bone, toward the implant. The new osteoid and bone form around the PerioGlas particles. Newly formed trabeculae connect these areas of osteoid and new bone around the PerioGlas, interconnecting the PerioGlas particles. The new bone eventually reaches the implant, and osseointegration occurs with incorporation of the PerioGlas particles.