Evaluation of the Tissue Response of Organic, Metallic, Ceramic and Osteoceramic Tooth Roots

Four classes of materials, inert organic, inert metal, inert ceramic and biologically-active osteoceramic were implanted in the edentulous mandibles of dogs. Tissue response was evaluated at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months by light microscopy; microradiography; clinical evaluation for mobility, rotation, bleeding and radiography; and epi fluorescent analysis of bone growth labels. The pyrolytic carbon implants were not osseous integrated. The bone contact area of the sapphire and titanium alloy implants increased to 60 and 80%, respectively, at 12 months; but decreased to 20% and 60% at 18 months. The area for the osteoceramic was 80% at three months and remained at that level. These results indicate superior tissue response for the osteoceramic material, a ceramic composite of Ca sub(3)(PO sub(4)) sub(2) and MgAl sub(2)O sub(4).