Implant-supported prosthetic applications upon development of children and adolescents: a pilot study in pigs

The purpose of this study is the investigation of the application of implant-supported prosthetic restorations using 2 implants supporting a fixed prosthesis during the physical growth and the development period of growing pigs. This study was carried out on 6 male farm pigs (1 as a control). The effect of the 2 screw-type endosseous implants inserted into the premolar area on the left mandibular arches of 5 farm pigs upon the jaw was investigated during a 3.5-8-month growth period using cephalometric radiographs. The cephalographs were taken with a specially standardized cephalostat, and a significant test of differences between 2 partners was used to evaluate them. The study suggested that the implants showed alveolar elevation by bone growth but could not keep pace with the natural teeth eruptions and the bone growth in the region. Although the sagittal and transverse developments of the neighboring bone region are greater than the implant-inserted region, the difference in this growth can be tolerated by corrections or modifications of implant-supported superstructures.