In vivo evaluation of dual acid-etched and grit-blasted/acid-etched implants with identical macrogeometry in high-density bone

Purpose: Based on the current evidence, the effect of implant macrogeometry has a significant influence on osseointegration. Thus, this study evaluated histomorphometrically and histologically the bone response to acid-etched in comparison to grit-blasted/acid-etched (GB) and machined control (C) surfaced implants possessing identical macrogeometry placed in high-density bone. Materials and Methods: Implant surface topography of the 3 different surfaced implants has previously been characterized. The macrogeometry of the implants were conical, and healing chambers were created in the cortical regions. The 3 groups were placed in the external mandibular body of adult male sheep (n = 5). After 6 weeks in vivo, all samples were retrieved for histologic observation and histomorphometry (eg, bone-to-implant contact [BIC] and bone area fraction occupancy [BAFO]). Results: No statistical difference was observed for BIC and for BAFO, although there was a tendency that the mean values for BAFO was higher for the textured surface groups. Conclusions: It is suggested that the effect of surface topography is minimal in high-density bone and osseointegration seemed to be macrogeometry dependent.