The Effect of Nano Scale Topography of Titanium Implants on Bone Vessel Network, Osteocytes and Mineral Densities.

ackground. The chemical and physical properties of the implant surface have a major influence on the structure of the peri-implant bone and thus may influence the clinical performance of the implant. This study aims to evaluate the bone microstructure around implants with and without nanometer-sized calcium phosphate particles added. Methods. Fifteen implants with dual acid etched surface (controls) and fifteen implants with dual acid etched surface and calcium phosphate nano-particles (tests) were placed in the posterior maxilla of fifteen patients. Bone microstructure was evaluated for osteocyte density (OD) bone vessels volume density (BVVD) and bone mineral density (BMD). Results. The BVVD was 1.806 ± 0.05 for test implants and 1.533 ± 0.10 for control implants. The difference was significantly high (p < .001). The BMDlow was 17.4 x 10(4) μm(2) for test implants and 15.0 x 10(4) μm(2) for control implants. The difference was statistically significant (p = .025). The BMDHigh comparison, test vs control was not statistically significant (p >.05). The OD was 575.6 ± 63.7 mm(-2) for test implants and 471.2 ± 61.9 mm(-2) for control implants. The difference was statistically significant (p < .001). Conclusions. After 8 weeks of healing the bone microstructure around test implants appeared significantly more organized. Clinical implications of these results included a shortened healing time and an indication for earlier loading protocols.