J. KRAFT*1, E. STENDER1, N. MÜLLER2, (1Institute for Dental Materials and Technology of the University of Mainz, Germany 2Policlinic for Prosthodontics of the University of Erlangen, Germany)
Osseointegration is the determining factor for the long-term success of implants. We examined those specimens in our collection of explants which showed macroscopic indications of tissue apposition by scanner electron microscopy and by the element analysis. It is in particular element analyses of the implant-tissue interface that have been rarely performed to date.
The surface morphologies of newly manufactured implants and placed implants are compared, facilitating conclusions about the implant-bone interface. Not infrequently, calculus concrements are found around the cervical part of the implant.
A number of the implants are osseointegrated in the apical region. Energy dispersion radioanalysis facilitates confirmation of the SEM findings by analyzing the elements with an atomic number > 11 (sodium). especially by Ca. P and Ti mapping. The majority of the implants exhibit circular sheathing by granulation and scar tissue.