Removal torque values of titanium implants in the maxilla of miniature pigs

The purpose of this study was to compare side-by-side two different titanium screw-type implants in the maxillae of miniature pigs. The test implants had a machined and acid-etched surface (Osseotite) whereas the control implants were sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA). After 4, 8, and 12 weeks of healing, removal torque testing was performed to evaluate the shear strength of the bone-implant interface for both implant types. The results demonstrated significant differences between both implant types (P < .01). Osseotite implants revealed mean removal torque values (RTV) of 62.5 Ncm at 4 weeks, 87.6 Ncm at 8 weeks, and 95.7 Ncm at 12 weeks of healing. In contrast, the SLA implants demonstrated mean RTV of 109.6 Ncm, 196.7 Ncm, and 186.8 Ncm at corresponding healing periods. The mean RTV for SLA implants was 75% to 125% higher than for Osseotite implants up to 3 months of healing.