A histological and histomorphometrical evaluation of retrieved human implants with a wettable, highly hydrophilic, hierarchically microstructured surface: a retrospective analysis of 14 implants.

Purpose: Analysis of human-retrieved implants provides a unique opportunity to evaluate osseointegration processes. There is evidence that faster bone apposition is present at textured surfaces, with a very high success percentage. Aim of the present retrospective analysis was an evaluation of 14 human retrieved from humans implants with a wettable, highly hydrophilic, microstructured surface. Materials and Methods: The archives of the Implant Retrieval Center of the Dental School, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy, were searched, and a total of 14 implants FRIADENT plus surface (Dentsply Implants Manufacturing GmbH, Mannheim, Germany) retrieved after a loading period comprised between 4 and 8 weeks were found. Results: Around all implants, newly formed bone was found in direct contact with the implant surface, with no connective fibrous tissue found at the interface. In all implants, no epithelial downgrowth was present. A very high bone-to-implant contact percentage was found. Conclusions: The efficacy of dental implants is related to biological and biomechanical stability and to the integration between the bone and the implant. This integration plays the key role in the fixation and anchoring of the implants. (Implant Dent 2013;22:138-142)