The Effect of Osteotomy Dimension on Implant Insertion Torque, Healing Mode, and Osseointegration Indicators: A Study in Dogs

Purpose: This study investigated the effect of the osteotomy diameter for implant placement torque and its effect on the osseointegration. Materials and Methods: Eight male beagle dogs received 48 implants (3.75 mm × 10 mm) in their right and left radius, 3 implants per side and allowed to heal for 3 weeks. Three experimental groups were evaluated. Group 1: implant with an undersized osteotomy of 3.0 mm; group 2: osteotomy of 3.25 mm, and group 3: osteotomy of 3.5 mm. The insertion torque was recorded for all implants. Histological sectioning and histometric analysis were performed evaluating bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and bone area fraction occupancy (BAFO). Results: Implants of group 1 presented statistically higher insertion torque than those of groups 2 and 3 (P < 0.01). No differences in BIC or BAFO were observed between the groups. From a morphologic standpoint, substantial deviations in healing mode were observed between groups. Conclusion: Based on the present methodology, the experimental alterations of surgical technic can be clinically used with no detrimental effect over the osseointegration process.