Titanium implants in rabbit femur: a histologic evaluation

The success achieved by Scandinavian researchers in the development of long-term implants has stimulated many dentists to apply them worldwide. However, most of the implants did not have sufficient scientific support. The purpose of this study was to evaluate host tissue response to the insertion of an endosseous dental implant. Twenty adult New Zealand rabbits were used. Histological evaluation was prepared from the femurs. Results showed a hemorrhagic aspect and inflammatory infiltration which was subsequently substituted by granulation tissue, and later, formation of bone tissue. In the cortical bone, the presence of a necrotic area was observed which was later remodelled, and also an intense proliferation of endosteum and periosteum in the regions next to the implant, resulting in a thickening of the cortical bone surface close to the implant. Therefore, it was observed that titanium implants (Carbontec-Special Materials Ltda.) did not interfere with the bone healing process.