Bone Particles and the Undersized Surgical Technique

Abstract

During the installation of implants, osteogenic bone particles are translocated along the surface. These particles may contribute to peri-implant bone healing. Based on this phenomenon, it is hypothesized that implants placed with undersized drilling, besides showing higher primary-implant stability, also enhance the amount and osteogenic responses of these bone particles. Biocomp^® implants were inserted into bicortical fresh-cadaver bone by a press-fit or an undersized surgical technique, and peak-insertion torque values (ITV) were measured. After explantation, the implants were incubated in culture medium up to 24 days. Histology, bone-implant contact (BIC), micro-CT, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and calcium (Ca) measurements were performed. ITV were significantly higher for implants placed with an undersized technique. Moreover, histology, BIC, micro-CT, SEM, and Ca measurements confirmed the presence of more bone-like tissue on implants inserted with an undersized technique. The undersized surgical technique not only results in higher primary-implant stability, but also induces more translocated bone particles, thus having a positive influence on the osteogenic response.